Sunday, July 10, 2011

Saying Good-Bye





(~written at the London airport)
Friday Night we said our good-byes to the Rising Star kids.  It was the dreaded moment we were all expecting the day we we said “Hello.”  Over the 3 weeks personalities emerged from their sweet faces that were once impossible to tell apart.  Now, on the last day, names and faces are branded into our hearts.  How could we ever forget them?
Saturday morning luggage and volunteers loaded the vans and we were once again at the airport being hustled around like a herd of animals...not like the “Holy Cow”, mind you.  Perhaps, more like sheep. :)
I sat in the Chennai airport early in the morning in a terminal filled with other Indians, and watched a devout group of Muslims kneel and pray facing West when the clock struck 5am.  I admire their dedication to God.  It reminded me that I failed to offer my own prayer last night and this morning because I haven’t slept yet.  Poor excuse, here they are in the airport on their knees, and I bet they made their travel arrangements around this sacred time as to mot miss it.
One thing I enjoyed seeing in India is a devotion to God.  It’s seen in so many ways.  Very different from where I come from but it’s so refreshing to see it in any form.  I love to see the light in Christ in all people, especially when we are so different.  I also saw a great deal of Idol worship.  (not so warm and fuzzy)
Time and time again skin color, clothing, and language separated me from the people in India, but when they would point to the Heavens and place a hand over their heart I understood them and I understood we are the same.  God knows them just like he knows me.  I witnessed that!
Today I was a minority in the Chennai airport.  My hair color stood out, my clothes weren’t right and my skin color could be seen across the room.  It’s been this way for a few weeks.  I boarded the plane excited to be returning home.
Every baby that cried in the plane was music to my ears but pricked my heart at the same time.  It hurts to think that my baby could be crying and I’m not there to love her.  I can’t wait to return to my family!  Being this close is torture.  
My 10 hour flight to London was dreamy...literally.  I fell asleep before the seatbelt sign turned off and woke up 2 hours before landing.  It couldn’t have been better.
I walked through the London terminal with huge smile on my face.  Although I'm not in America yet, I felt a had returned home.  White faces are everywhere, not a speck of trash on the ground.  All my senses are magnified.  I could SEE beauty, SMELL the air, FEEL the cleanliness, and HEAR English!!
I'm closer to home!
India is behind me today, but not forgotten.  Experiencing something like I did can't be forgotten.  Especially when I took over 3500 pictures.  My objective in India was to capture the Rising Star experience and share it with the world.
During my last night at Rising Star we said our goodbyes and I was walking away from them for the final time.  I panned across their Hostel (house where they all sleep) with my video camera, and then noticed the moon.  I carried the shot up to the moon and then my camera shut off.  "No recordable space" it beeped at me.  My camera was full!
How amazing that I captured all the footage I needed right up to the very last second of my experience!  Chills ran through my body as I stood alone outside and listened to the chatter of the kids inside getting ready for bed.
My story was complete!  
I've realized I can save the World by meaning the WORLD to just one.  That's just as good.

Friday, July 8, 2011

What I've learned...




This is my last day in India.  For the past 20 days I have been removed from all things normal and comfortable and placed in a world of differences and uncertainty.  I felt the best way to survive such a big culture change is to open your heart, swallow your pride and learn from the people.  Once I accepted the fact that I was going to make mistakes the learning started right away.
I didn’t understand many things so I slowed down and watched.  There were times when the little ones laughed at me.  There were times when I laughed at myself, too.  Sometimes I felt very awkward and knew I was doing something socially wrong according to their culture but totally acceptable to mine.  I didn’t have the knowledge to know how to fix it though.  After some time things began to come together.
I’ve heard people say India changes you.  I agree, it defiantly will.  But I had a hard time understanding why people were saying India is so beautiful.  I looked really hard to see why they would say that but only saw junk and poverty.
One day on a LONG bus ride I began to understand.
My thoughts started off in the direction of, “Why would anyone come to India?”  Unless you’re here to do Humanitarian work I can’t see any other reason.
To me, India is NOT a destination for leisure vacation.  It’s just a hodgepodge of buildings, people, and garbage.
I came to India to serve with Rising Star Outreach, which brought me into colonies, villages, and huts that I would not otherwise have access to.  I came to give- not receive, and ironically enough I’m walking away with much more than I came with.
Perhaps people come to India because of what India does to them inside.  It takes stepping over the trash,  seeing beyond the chaos and looking deep within to experience India.  
In India your clothes don’t define your wealth, and your address doesn’t rank your status.  You are who you are right now at this moment because RIGHT NOW is what life is about.
When your in India you have nothing to give that is of true worth, unless you are giving of yourself.  You can give the begging children money but it won’t fix anything and they move on to the next American they see and beg for more.  You can clean up all the garbage, only to see it pile up again when you walk away.  
But if you stop and wash the feet of someone who has been reject by the community because they have been labeled “Untouchable” then you just made all the difference in the world to that person.
If you touch a leprosy afflicted person, look them in the eye and say “Vannakam”, (hello) you very well could be saving their life.  It’s the human soul that changes people in India, and India changes the Human soul.
I can say I LOVE INDIA because I love who I am while I’m here.  This isn’t a place to come to be self centered.  It’s a place to come and be self giving.  
I find it ironic that a filthy place like India purges ugliness right out of you!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Faces of Leprosy


Today I worked with the Medical Team again.  We traveled to a small colony called Bharathapurm.  I helped document the patients.  My job was to take a photograph of their face and their open wounds.  The medical team uses these photos to mark improvement.
I also had my video camera with me so I was able to capture the personalities of these patients.  They really are amazing people.  Even though I didn’t exchange words with any of them I feel I saw their personality.  I made a video today about the Leprosy Patients.  Over the 3 weeks I have been here I brought my camera and video camera each time I visited a Colony.  It was so fun creating an image of what Rising Star Outreach does for these colonies.  Tomorrow is my last full day here in India!  I’m sad to see it end but ready to see my family again and take what I can from India and make my world better.
My objective as a Volunteer for Rising Star was to capture the “Spirit” of what goes on here.  I carried my camera everywhere I went for the past 20 days!  I have taken close to 3500 photos and hours of video footage.  I was never empty handed while I was here.  I wanted to be ready for anything and everything.  My camera is heavy, I’ll be happy to set it down when I get home.
I’m excited to use my photos and videos to help Rising Star.  Tomorrow I will show the movies I have created to all the Volunteers.  You get the Primer showing now! :)

Here are the faces of the people I photographed today. 

                          





Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Prayer




Today I went with the Medical Team to a small Leprosy Village about an hour and a half away.  Rising Star has a Medical We load all supplies needed to set up shop in any Leprosy Colony, into a Medical van.  Then we drive to a varity of locations thoughout India everyday to care for Leprosy Afflicted friends.
Sometimes the drive is only an hour away, other times its 3 or 4 hours one way.  When the Rising Star van pulls into a Colony it is a sight to behold.
Small, frail, crippled, HAPPY people come out of the wood work to see Dr. Susan and the Americans.  Each Colony gets a visit at least monthly.  This is the only chance they have to change bandages, clean wounds, or get medication they need.
I have watched a woman crawl into our makeshift hospital because she doesn’t have legs.  A man hop with one leg, and several friends with no fingers or toes.  Being in the same room with them for just a few hours washing and bandaging their wounds is such a great experience.
Most patients don’t speak English but we try to communicate anyway.  They love what Rising Star offers them, and we love what they offer us.
I marvel at the sweet smiles and love they offer in return.  They are grateful to be alive.
Today I met a man named Abraham.  I saw him when he first entered the church.  I noticed he was watching me a lot but I figured it was the nifty video camera I was carrying.  I watched him as I documented the patients and got a sense that he was feeling a bit emotional.  Not weepy but humble.  I could see that his mind was full of thoughts and I wondered what a conversation with him would reveal.  He was very aware of what was going on around him and was even quick to smile and visit with the other Indians waiting a turn.  
After his treatment he returned to the church where we I was standing- holding his 2 grandchildren motioning me to follow him.  I knew he lived across the street because I made friends with his 2 year old grandson when I walked in.  (He won my heart upon arrival)  I followed him to his door and he asked me to go inside.
I took off my shoes and entered his small 2 room cement home.  
His daughter-and mother to the kids- (about 20 years old) was sweeping the floor. I greeted her and she spoke to me in perfect English.  Her father pointed to the several framed pictures of Jesus on the wall and then placed his hands warmly over his heart.  His eyes were tender and kind.  
I think he was telling me he believed in, and loved, Jesus.
I pointed to the same pictures and put my hands over my heart and said “Me too!”
He said something to his daughter and she translated to me, “My father would like to pray for you.”
What that would entail was a mystery to me so I nodded yes, then waited to see what would happen next.
He revently raised his nubed hands to the ceiling and began praying out loud.  I bowed my head and closed my eyes and listened to every sound that he uttered.
I obviously don’t know what he said but I was moved by his emotion.  He was a man of God.
I could tell that it was important to him to have an American inside his home.  And I feel honored that he chose me to be there and to pray with him.  This man has no fingers and no toes, but he gave a lot to me.  He shared his home and his HAPPY family with me.  His family felt a lot like my family.  They had Jesus in their lives and they were Grateful!
Abraham

Made my Day!



It has been a few days since I have seen my little friend.  I hear she has been asking for me at Playtime.  Today I finally made it over there.  The first person I saw was...Mariyambee!
I didn’t get great footage of our greeting because I was watching HER not the camera!
I love how she tossed the tennis racket in the beginning.
I’m still a bit concerned about her.  She has the Mumps.  She isn’t 100% herself.  I see her coughing a lot and rubbing her neck. 
I hope it passes quickly.
See a video of her here


I met this little boy at a Leprosy Colony today.  We hit it off right away.  He is so happy!  His grandfather has Leprosy. ( I will post about him soon.)
Playing with this boy made me miss home.  The little baby reminds me of my own little Abi!  I can’t wait to have my own kids in my arms Monday!
Watch a video of him here

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The Taj Mahal





Once in my life I experienced a dream come true.  That was marrying a boy from next door that I had my eye on from age 16.
I really wanted to marry him and I waited patiently for that day to arrive.
The night he put a ring on my finger I knew I was living a dream.
My 2 day trip to Agra India is making the list of another dream come true. (making 2 in total)
I’m not sure I will be able to express with words what that experience was like.  
The difference here is I wasn’t expecting this dream but as I experienced it I couldn’t believe it was happening.
The setting: Taj Mahal in Agra, India
We loaded the bus at 5:30am to “beat the crowds” and the HEAT at the Taj Mahal.  I didn’t have any expectations for the visit.  I was just excited to be at a World Wonder with my CAMERA!!!  When I entered the gate I was swept away by it’s beauty.  She’s huge!  I got giddy, like I always do when I see a good photo opportunity, and whipped out my camera.  With an object like the Taj Mahal you can’t really go wrong with photos but inside I felt a little gipped because I knew I wasn’t going to get great photos of ME and the Taj.
Just as soon as I felt sorry for myself our Tour guide, Ramesh asked if I wanted him to take a photo of me.  I was so thankful for that!  
He took me away from the crowds and took some shots with my camera.  
As he was taking the pictures I realized he knew what he was doing with my camera, which was so refreshing!  I have attempted to have friends use my camera to take photos of me but they never turn out, so I stopped asking and came to grips with the fact that I wasn’t going to be in any photos.
Ramesh made my day!  (Not that having my picture taken makes my day, but having someone who KNOWS how to take photos, take a picture of me and the TAJ MAHAL when otherwise I wouldn’t have any...made my day!)
It’s so frustrating to be a photographer and have your photo taken.  I have my expectation of what I want and expect and I almost never get those results back.
Ramesh delivered!

After my own photo shoot, I took it upon myself to take fun pictures of everyone else and loved it!  I could have stayed there ALL day taking pictures.  I must have shown my excitement because a little skinny man (think Aladdin) appeared by my side and quietly said; “Miss..come...you take nice picture”  he walked away keeping his head to me like a dog does while playing catch.
It took me a second to understand what he was doing so he called back to me with urgency: “Come quick...you get great photo!”
I started following him wondering if I understood what he was doing.  He lead me to a particular spot and pointed with his toe exactly where I should stand to take a photo.  I obeyed and aimed at the Taj and gave an audible gasp!  This shot was amazing!

I became nervous.  What if I don’t focus right?  
“Come...quick!”  He demanded again.  He walked a few feet away and knelt down on the floor next to a pillar.  “Here...nice shot!”
Again I fell in line and another beautiful picture revealed itself.





Now I became suspicious.  Why isn’t anyone else over here taking photos?  Why is he in such a hurry?  And most importantly, Why is he showing ME these spots?
He gave me a few more seconds to get a good shot then nervously walked back toward the crowds.
I returned in a bit of a stupor.  
What just took place?  Then I was filled with gratitude.  How did this man know ME of ALL people would be interested in “nice shot?”
I decided right then that God was aware of me at that moment!  I never expressed out loud my desires for photography that day, but He knew my heart and answered my plea.
I’ll admit I got a bit emotional as I returned to the group, I couldn’t believe what just happened.  The man was gone.

About 15 min later during our guided tour my little photo genie appeared at my side.
“Here...”  He pointed a few feet away on the ground and then in the direction I should aim the camera.
I reacted quickly this time and the game continued.


Come...quick...” he repeated keeping his voice soft.
This went on as I moved further and further away from my group.
There came a time when I couldn’t see them at all.
Do I continue to follow genie or return to my group?
He was so sly at diverting me away without others hearing or following I started wondering if this skinny man had something up his sleeve.
But then I would push those thoughts aside and gamble for a few more “Nice shot!”
“Hand me Camera” he said matter of fact as he took it out of my hands.
“You kneel here”
He set himself into a position and began taking shots of me along the reflection pool in-front of the Taj.
Returning the camera he instructed “Now you go”
I replaced him and began taking my own shots.  Again, audible gasp!




“You very lucky...great sun today...come quick!”
We played leap frog all over the grounds.  




Finally I had to stop.


“Sir, Thank you so much, but I need to return to my group!”  I put my camera away and pulled out some money.What do you tip for something like this?
“2 American dollars?” he said, as if he read my thoughts.
Are you MAD?” I shouted! ( only in my thoughts)I gave him all the American money I had, which was only $3 and then a handful of Rupees.  I wish I had more.  I wanted to pay him a lot.  Again, my photo genie was gone and I returned to my group with priceless treasures in my camera!




Maybe it was that I was in my element photographing the Taj Mahal?  Maybe it was the Taj itself?  I don’t know what it was but I will treasure my experience forever.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Beautiful?



I wish you could see what I see. I’m on a 4 hour road trip on a bus to Agra. I want to sleep but  I can’t peel myself away from the window.  India is so intriguing to me.  
Our one way freeway is littered with motorcycles, bikes, diesel trucks, horses, cows, dogs, tractors, vans, carts and pedestrians.  It’s madness, to say the least.  One way doesn’t mean one way.  In fact, it doesn’t mean anything here.  Cars drive both ways with one hand on the horn beeping the whole way.  I think the horn replaced the blinker.  I’ve studied the driving patterns and I have noticed all cars have “Sound Horn”  painted on the back of the vehicle. 

 Any car trip I have made hasn’t been complete without bouncing my way along the pot hole streets to the screeching horns the entire way.  The roads to and from villages are terrible (and that’s an understatement)!  But back to the horn...it doesn’t mean; “Watch out your going to get killed!” like it does most the time in the US.  Instead it means I’m going to pass you, or “I see you walking down the street” or “I’m going to move closer to the edge” so, in other words the horn means everything and nothing!  Cars weave in and out -drive all over the road and stop where they want.  
There are no rules to driving here, except that you need to be gutsy.  

Ramesh, our tour guide said this about driving in India,” Driving is 25% pedal, 25% horn and 50% luck.”  He doesn’t drive if he can help it.  It’s too crazy, he says.

Yesterday I  20 people cram into one vehicle!  It was like something you would see in the Circus!  Come to think of it-I think I have seen something like that in the Circus with clowns!  The cars here a tiny compact cars too!  
As we drive through what appears to be “Nowhere” men, women, and children are parading down the street.  I can’t tell where they are going or where they have been.  Nothing is around us.  But the streets are buzzing.  

Randomly we hit a busy spot and suddenly we are in the middle of a sad looking farmers market.  Carts of fruit, drinks, clothes, bananas,  and a variety of undefinable things are being sold in the mud covered streets with trash strewn about like dirt.  Woman walk about adorned in beautiful Sari’s, carrying a child in their arms or a package on their head.  They look stunning and it doesn’t make sense to me that they walk through filth like it’s not there.  
Horns are bleating in every direction causing me to look here and there.  I can’t keep up with the moment.  I want to freeze time and analyze what I’m looking at.  Consider life from their perspective but in an instant it’s all gone and I’m faced with new scenes and new questions before I’ve resolved any of the old ones.
Each Market is like a Where’s Waldo page.  If you could sit and stare for more than a few seconds I’m sure I would see some amazing things.  
 One thing I could do without is the men relieving themselves in the street!  I can’t endure a car trip without seeing this at least 5 times a day! 
I feel as though I have been time warped.  Old men sit atop wagons being pulled by ox, horse or even camel.  Animals and carts travel alongside our bleating vehicles and  over loaded cars.  I’ve seen diesel trucks ,covered with tarps, with  a community of people riding on top as if its a free ride.  I can’t help but wonder if the driver is aware of the population on board.
In the fields I see stick huts here and there and then men squatting, like my kids do when watching ants in the sand.  What are they doing?.
These little villages we pass through appear unannounced.  Suddenly there are more cows, more trash and more people.  I can’t figure out where they all came from.  It’s as if they just appeared.  The few buildings that are in the area look like they were bombed and only half the structure is left.  A closer look reveals a family has set up a home inside.  No windows, doors, or front steps.  Just a big hole in a wall to enter and a roof to provide shelter or shade.
Motorcycles are the choice of transportation.  Men in their buttoned shirts (almost always long sleeved) cruise around like harry potter on his stick.(what is it called? )
 It’s not uncommon to see 3 men on one bike.  Women side saddle behind their husbands covering their heads with their beautiful silk scarf while cradling their little babies in their bosom sleeping peacefully through the chaos.
Old me sit.  That’s all I can tell they are doing.  They sit alone with a wrap on their head and do nothing.  
I like watching the cars as we go.  Each one that passes has several faces I can stare at, and they stare right back!  They love seeing American White people.  If I wave their faces light up and they nudge their neighbor to look my way too.
Kids are quick to send a wave and the women are slow to make eye contact but once they do a loving smile emerges.
Trailers being pulled behind trucks are filled with people.  It reminds me of hay rides in the Fall.
I often see men sprawled out on the ground dead asleep face down in the dirt, oblivious to the present moment of “LIFE”  around them.  At first I thought they were bums like we would see in NYC but I’ve realized it’s just an afternoon nap to escape the heat.  They will plop over anywhere when it’s time for a snooze.  Just like the need to bath, or pee.  When it’s needed they do it.  
There are no rules to life here.  Everyone goes about their day trying to survive.  To some that means they sleep all day in the shade, to others they are moving cattle or washing clothes to wear the next day.  I wish I understood more.
Mud is everywhere.  Trash is everywhere, unfinished buildings and makeshift shacks are everywhere.
The one thing that really puzzles me is how these smart clean people live in a disorganized filthy environment!
 The men always have pressed and clean shirts     The women are walking ordainments.  They are covered heard to toe in amazing bright fabric with their hair always pulled into a braid. and the children wear freshly washed uniforms to school everyday!  They look fantastic!
 It floors me to see a gorgeous woman walk out of a mud, fly infested, hut and shop in the village that looks like a tornado wrecked havoc on it.
India has beautiful people.  I don’t think India is beautiful