The City of Joy

Cuddled in a bed Marlyn, Lauren, and I sit while Ben and Steph are sprawled out on another bed in our dormitory sized room. Today, rather than venturing out in a city where anything can happen we find ourselves at peace, relaxing and getting to know one another. With books at our fingertips and plenty of knowledge in our brains we sit and have conversations that range from the story plot that arised from the books we are reading, the problems that arise in Syria, stories of eating Dominoes at weird hours of the night, and watching comedian acts. 

We have been here for over a week and we have found ourselves getting to know one another, and what better way to learn from one another than having this incredible opportunity to volunteer in an unfamiliar city. A city that we have learned about and are now able to observe women wearing bright and beautiful saris at our every glance, tall and colorful buildings, and loud noises coming from the horns of the busy streets and the elegant Bengali that floats off of the tongue of the everyday person trying to sell food on the street or a mother trying to make sure her children cross the street in one peice. We have learned in this short period of time that Kolkata, truly evokes their title "The City of Joy". Although one of the poorest cities in the world, you would never know it because in the eyes of the people  there is so much optimism and kindness within. No matter the challenges we have faced -like sickness or strange smells. I can accept the joy within the people of this city, but I can't accept the idea that when we walk along the street we are walking in someones home as they feed their children, sleep, bathe, and do laundry. The idea of homelessness becomes this everlasting thought that is thrown in your face everytime you step outside. I may never be able to change how the city of Kolkata runs and the lives of the people here but I can attempt to stay positive and continue to volunteer in a cheerful and giving manner.

As we took a day off from volunteer work, we find ourselves motivated and upbeat about tomorrow being a new day and working alongside the massi's and other volunteers at the houses we have been volunteering at through Missionaries of Charity. I have had the privilege of working at Daya Dan, a home that works with both boys and girls that have cognitive impairments and physical disabilities. It is an incredible place to volunteer because it truly brings a smile to your face each and everytime you enter the building. The beautiful children, positive massi's, and kind sisters make my time at Daya Dan an incredible experience that leaves me breathless everytime I leave. 

Today was a time of reflection for all of us. We were able to embrace one another and learn from one another, not only from our experiences here but in the experiences of our past. We are excited to embrace the culture, people and places of this city for the time we have left. 

-NB