Carol

final reflections

Well it's the last morning here in Kolkata. I've packed the case and sat on it, hopefully it wont be overweight!
The monsoon rain has lowered the temperature slightly but it always manages to creep back up in between downpours. We are all subdued today after our visit to the girls home and j.k.p.s sponsor a child program. It was good that we did it as our full last day as I think it would have cast a shadow over the rest of the trip. It was something we needed to see, although very upsetting, and we all had weepy moments and needed lots of hugs yesterday evening.
The image I shall take away with me of Kolkata are the crowded, chaotic, noisy streets with the poorest of the poor living their lives on the pavement surrounded by western posters advertising sportswear and car showrooms displaying the latest top of the range motors. Most of all, however, is the dedication of the men and women we have met over the last 16 days, who work tirelessly on projects to better peoples lives. They are living the Christian life to the full, praying and relying on God for all they need and miraculously getting it. They are not only fighting poverty, but prejudices and a lot of red tape and sometimes putting themselves in danger. It has been a very humbling experience, one I shall never forget and one that has changed my perspective on life for ever.


Kolkata in three words, crowded, chaotic and thought-provoking
Mumma Carol x