Things haven't gone as planned and I now find myself in Tamil Nadu in the beachside community of Mahabalipuram, since renamed Mamallapuram. I learned how to say this during my 30 hour train ride over 1200 + miles.
A wonderful Indian family took pity on me as they could clearly see that I was a human being in need, according to Chandran. It was 1 am when out train pulled into Chennai and I did not have a hotel reserved. Both husband and wife (Chandran and Ani) are teachers at government run schools and they have a 4 year old son, Neehaar. He and I became pals on the train and I went home with them and stayed for 3 days. Their generosity and kindness did not stop there as they introduced me to many of their teacher friends who introduced me to some of their friends as they are trying to help me find another NGO to work with.
I slept in their bed, ate their food, used their facilities and felt like a member of the family. When I left, I tried to give them $100 towards their future US trip but they refused. They just reiterated that I was a human in need. The irony is that I came to help not be helped but these people and their friends and neighbors have shown me another side of India that I could not have experienced otherwise. The seeds are planted for a life-long friendship. They were most impressed with my camera so that is a future gift.
The cross country scenery changes from desert and dust to lush green is breathtaking. The pace in this area is more relaxed and I like it here so much that I'm staying another week in the guest house. I have connected with several small NGOs and believe things will come together soon.
I am still struggling to post photos so if anyone has suggestions, please advise.
Tracy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
It is so beautiful to read about your connections with people seemingly so different from us! Thank you for going to India. You're there for a great many of us.
Post a Comment