Kolkata

It has been said of this city, that it is either loved or hated!  No middle ground!

‘Cal’, as we old timers refer to our stomping ground, is home to me.  I love this place!  It truly is my City of Joy.  There is always so much going on!

The children and I were so excited to escort my heart- repaired mother home!  On Sunday, on our way to church, we discovered that Kolkata has implemented “Happy Streets,” an event sponsored by the Times of India.  Main streets, like Russel Street and Park Street are cordoned off  and families, and young people are encouraged to hang out!  I thought it a marvelous idea that instead of staying home and watching TV, people were out laughing, talking, interacting, roller-blading, pushing babies in their strollers – it was lovely! Hardly anyone was on their phone…except for picture taking, of course! We would have certainly joined them had we not the excitement of joining Jeevan Jyoti Fellowship for church that morning!

The small, compassionate work my parents pioneered 45 years ago has extended far beyond what was initially envisioned.  I always am inspired when I visit the various projects! Usually we spend most of our time in the children departments but this time I took Ria and Brandon to the Substance Abuse Detoxification Center and The Arunoday Midway Home, Residential Rehabilitation Center.

My father, in particular, had a tremendous burden for those struggling with addiction and alcoholism.  Ramadari and Biswajeet who now head up this particular department, remember my father’s mentoring and it is such a blessing to see them pass that on and bring healing and a new turn for these men, women and even children who are damaged by this bondage.

In the back yard the children were afflicted with a delightful malady of true puppy love!

Ramadari and Biswajeet were so patient and facilitating of Ria and Brandon, who like little journalists, took notes as they were guided through the process of detox and recovery.

Midway Home is where my sister and I  accompanied my parents and spent many happy childhood days.  The grounds are beautiful and just entering the gates brings a sense of serenity!  The children loved it!  They played with Reggie and the goats and attempted fishing in the pond and sat in on a group session with these brave men.

When we returned to Goa the children poignantly remembered their visits to the various projects and in particular wrote about their visit to the Detox.

Brandon’s essay

Ria’s essay – first page

Ria’s essay – second page

An added pleasure was (and I’m ashamed to admit it) my first time at the  Annual Kolkata Flower Show. William Carey established the Horticultural Gardens in 1820.

It was breathtaking!  Our dear friends, Ian and Anne, Shajan and Anita and Sarah also came along with my cousin Sushil.  The array of color was fantastic!  Ria loved the Bonsai display!  My mother, of course, was in her element!  Flowers do more for her than caffeine!

Two weeks flew by quickly and although we were terribly sad to say goodbye to ‘Cal’ , our close friends and my sweet mother, we were happy to come back home to Adam, the clean Goan air and our dear church family! It’s been busy since we got back and I hope to do some major blog catch-up over the next few weeks! Thanks for bearing with me!