First Impressions

Hello All! 

Well where do I begin... First off, as you might guess I have arrived in India safe and sound having now slight but expected jet leg.  India is extremely different from anything that I have ever experienced in my life.  This is going to be a truly eye opening adventure that I will never forget. 

The following are some random things that I have learned thus far: a) In India every state speaks a different language. Our group is located in the state named Karnataka, which speaks a language called Kannada.  I am hoping to learn a few phrases so that I may better communicate with the little girls at Vishtar.  b) In India it is common for men who are friends to hold hands in public.  This does not have any taboo of being gay attached to this behavior.  c) In India dogs are everywhere. And when I say everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE! d) In Hindu cows are holy and can be seen wandering around on the busy city streets.  It is really bizarre to seee random cows meandering around on bustling streets.  e) In India trash can be found along the streets in piles, this seems to be the norm.  It is hard to find a trash dump and there is no trash pick up in this country. f) In India when having a conversation it is common to nod your head side to side to the other partner to show that you agree, a direct translation of this action would mean “yes”.

  Since arriving we have done many things such as attend a Christian church in Bangalore, have a tour of Bangalore, met the Bandavi girls (girls that have been saved from a life of prostitution whom live at Vishtar) and have begun classes.  As you can see the Vishtar staff has kept us very busy which is good. 

As of now I am experiencing a mix of different feelings as to what I have encountered in the mere three days that I have been in India, such as confusion, excitement, curiosity, frustration, guilt and more confusion! Haha!  The poverty here is robust which leaves me feeling somewhat guilty/confused and questioning the duties of authorities. I am excited to learn rhyme and reason to the culture, tradition and regulations.  I am curious of everything! I feel like I have been reborn and am learning how to survive all over again in unfamiliar yet exciting surroundings.  I feel frustrated because in the process of adjusting to the food I have become sick which has prevented me from doing all of the above.  I feel guilt because a day does not go by in India when I do not witness some form of poverty, which makes me compare my own life to these poor people.  However, David (the Director of Vishtar) framed this sort of guilty feeling by saying in class, “Do not be apologetic of your identity as of now.”  I realize that I cannot be upset that I have been blessed in many ways in which numerous people in India have not been.

Yesterday the main event was the Inaugural ceremony, which was a way in the Indian culture to welcome us to Vishtar.  The Bandhavi girls performed a ceremonial dance, we also read sacred prayers, and received painted on “bindis” which is the traditional Indian mark between the eyebrows.  It seems as though the people of India are very diverse in regard to religious beliefs, languages and culture but strive at the same time to be interconnected as a whole.  I was very touched David’s speech when he spoke of the Bandhavi girls.  He reminded us that these girls have close to nothing yet still find the hope to sing and dance in rejoicing for a new peaceful India.  “ Give us this day our daily bread”, is an expression that is used often in prayers in India and unlike in the United States is meant in its entirety! Two thirds of Indian people live on TWO U.S. dollars per day! This I do not think I will ever be able to fathom. 

Today was the Ganesha Festival, which is a celebration of the Ganesha god whom is represented as an elephant.  The festival is a celebration of life and death.  We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to celebrate this festival with the Bandhavi girls and go to a staff member’s house.  However, I was unable to attend the house visit due to feeling ill.  We celebrated with the Bandhavi girls by eating food, receiving “bindis” and accepting new life.  This was extremely interesting to witness. The girls were all very excited about this celebration. Tomorrow we are going into Bangalore to continue the celebrations of the Ganesha festival.  Well, I hope this update finds you all well!