WE ARE HERE!

Hello friends!!!

After 10,000 miles and 32 hours of plane rides and layovers we landed safely in CALCUTTA! We were slapped in the face by an extreme culture shock and just plain shock trying to wrap our minds around where we were and how we got here as we stepped out of the airport 2 days ago. Reality is still sinking in that yes we are here in Calcutta, and yes we are going to be here for 7 weeks. BAH!


It was quite an adventure on the first day. After waving down a taxi and taking a 30 min ride of our lives through the crowded, crazy, and noisy streets of Calucutta, we finally reached our destination of Sudder street where we began our search for hotels. We found Hotel Marie which was the hotel that we were looking for.. Hotel Maria can be described in a short phrase (and I applogize to the young eyes thtat might be reading this).. a shit hole. Although we were more than excited that our room had a fan running in it (we didnt think we would have any source for air) we were quickly informed that all of the rooms in Hotel Marie had bed bugs, and our bathroom was like a heat box that was breeding mosquito. We walked the streets of Calcutta and eventually found the Mother House, where we got to go to mass and pray for the first time at the tomb of Mother Teresa. That night as we went to bed, I think the three of us thought we might die. But after making through 2 full days I think we all have better feelings and it might actually be the summer of a life time.

Things that I have learned about Calcutta:
1. All of you who think you live in a place where you think the humidity sucks... Think again. You are living in a dream where you are. The humidity here is RIDICULOUS. Along with the heat which is normally 100+ the humdity leaves you feeling sticky ALL the time. (the only way I can descirbe the feeling is by saying it feels like someone has poured soda all over you... all the time.. STICKY).
2. There is trash EVERYWHERE. I have yet to see one trash can. You might think that because of this that would mean that it smells horrible here. Well I am one to tell you that it doesn't smell half as bad as I thought it would. We have been discovering after out 2 days here the the smell is worse in the mornings.. we don't know why but it is..)
3. Public showers. Public bathrooms. And by this I do not mean a building or a room. I mean straight up on the streets, everywhere or anywhere. Whereever there is flowing water they are taking baths. And it normal to be walking and the person in front of you pulls down their pants to pee.... or well... you know.
4. Indian people are very friendly.. and very helpful. After the first day being here and thinking that eveyone was out to get us, we have eased our gaurd a little bit and are begining to enjoy our walks to the Mother House even more.
5.  Blue SKy cafe is going to save my life.

I dont have much more time... but there is so much more that I want to tell you all!!

I got my Missionary assignment the other day. I will be spending the next 7 weeks working at Shishu Bahvan which is a house for children. I am working in the handicapped room with children infant to 10 years of age. They are adorable and full of joy. Today I think I laughed more than I have in a long time. I cant wait for the great stories that I will have from the place.. Already today I got food spewed on me by one of the kiddos. Gotta love them!

Until next time!!
Love and prayers from Calcutta
p.s. sorry it was so scatter brained.. Still trying to process the past 2 days, but I wanted to give you all a little something and let you know that we made it here and are alive and living it up!!