Indian Hospitality

Today, I was invited along with two of my friends (Missionaries of Charity Volunteers, Heide and Elaina) to go with the priest who runs Seva Kendra to a church parish 3 hours from Calcutta. Father Franklin was giving a talk at the church and we were invited to go along to see the church and other projects that Seva Kendra funds in that area. I am always overwhelmed by the hospitality that is offered here in India. We came down stairs and had tea waiting for us before we left (cup of tea #1) from Seva Kendra. We drove for about an hour and a half and stopped for breakfast half way to the church (cup of coffee #2). We arrived at Sacred Heart and meet the parish priests and sisters and had snacks and tea. (cup of tea #3). We then went to be introduce to the church community before the speaking engagement in English/Hindi, more snacks and tea (cup of tea #4). After the talk we had lunch with the parish community. Then off to the second Seva Kendra site similar to where I am staying, we tried the guavas growing on the grounds. We then stopped by the neighboring convent and met the sisters and had tea and bananas (cup of tea #5). Father then wanted us to see the private hospital that Seva Kendra just opened in January of this year. The priest that was running the Calcutta facility is now there running the hospital. We were given the full tour including the operating room and all the way to the kitchen (cup of coffee #6). Lastly, we went by a school for Indian children that are from very poor families. These children are given basic schooling that allows then to enter mainstream schooling that Seva Kendra will fund for them. I enjoyed seeing their smiling faces, excited about being able to go to school! We then drove back the 3 hours back to Calcutta.

It was a full 14 hour day by the time we made it back to Calcutta. We are worn out, but pleased to see another organization that is making an impact for this community. We were grateful to share so many cups of coffee and tea!