an ode to india...

(this was written on the plane ride home... hope you enjoy!)

Had you ask me 8 weeks ago
what I thought about this place
I would have looked at you and cried
and with a helpless look upon my face

"what the heck were we thinking?"
is all I could say
"Eight weeks is forever!
 and it is just the beginning of May.."

At first we were hesitant
not quite sure what to do
to the Mother House we went
cause it was the only place we knew.

Overwhelmed by the poop, the trash and the smells
we managed to navigate the crazy busy streets
while avoiding the people who were staring at us
until we reached the place that would bring great peace.

The days moved on quickly
as our routine promptly kicked in
chia tea, bread, and bananas
and unforgettable new missionary friends.

My thoughts surly changed
once we started our work
those adorable, cute faces
were really quite the perk

As time carried on
this place became like home
making memories that would last a life time.
wishing i would never have to leave for Rome.

but the day quickly came
when we had to say "goodbye"
as we hugged and reminisced
with tear filled eyes

I thank you Calcutta
for the time we have gotten to share
my heart has truly grown
while it was under your care.

I cant believe I have been here
it's really quite surreal.
your people are beautiful
your culture so real

I will never forget
what you have taught me
about the beauty of life
and how to just be.

I hope some day soon
our paths will cross again
but until that time comes
take care my good friend.

Home sweet home.

As hard as it is to believe, WE ARE HOME!

I cannot believe that 8 weeks went by that fast. We got home about a week ago and I know that I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that yes, I did just spend two months in India. And yes I did just complete something that has been a dream of mine for years. It seems nearly impossible that it has come and gone as fast as it has, but what is done is done. Now it is time to spend the next year or two (or more) decompressing the unique experiences that I was able to have this summer.

I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your support and for giving me the opportunity to experience Jesus in the poorest of the poor. Your prayers mean/meant the world to me and I would  not have made it through the summer if it were not for them .

I have plenty of stories and hundreds of pictures that I would love to share with you if you want to see them, just let me know! There will be one more post coming shorty.. I just have to finish putting into words the thoughts that are floating around in my brain.

Thank you again for everything. It truly has been a life changing summer.

(also.. if you havent already you should check out our group blog... especially Allie's most recent post... Moved me to tears.  missionkolkata.blogspot.com)