A Feeling of Hope

Hey Everyone!!

It has been so nice to hear people are following us on this crazy adventure! Though words do not give our experience justice I hope it gives you at least a taste of Kolkata and the work we have been blessed with. The Missionaries of Charity is truly an amazing organization and provides food, shelter and clothing to those who otherwise would not survive without them. It is a national organization helping millions around the world get off the streets and live a healthy life. But often our group has discussed what is the future for the mentally and physically disabled kids at Daya Dan and Shishu Bhvan or the women and men at Prem Dan, Dum Dum and Shanti Dan. Missionaries has created an amazing first step but what comes after. This question had been burdening us until we saw hope at Brother Xavier's.

Brother Xavier's is one of the other organizations we work with here in Inida and infact we are one of their primary funders. We were able to meet Brother Xavier himself, check out the facilities and play with the children. Brother Xavier right now has 300 children, both boys and girls, that he has taken from the streets and again has given them a home, clothes, food and education. But the most amazing part is Brother Xavier aids each child through out their entire life. After he has educated them, he aids them in finding a job, getting married and finding a home for their new family. Here kids are not only taken off the street but they are kept off and are taught to support themselves. It was such an overpowering feeling of hope, and just the place we needed to see to show progress and break the cycle of poverty.

Brother Xavier himself has an incredible presence. One we thought might be similar to the one Mother Teresa had. He is a man of very few words and seems to be in a state of constant peace and meditation. He is the leader and founder of the organization and I suppose with 300 children one would have to have much patience. But even around the children he is greatly respected and looked up to. The children were extremely excited to see us and play with us. Granted they were on a holiday during our first visit, but every child seemed happy and healthy. Teh facility itself was amazing they had a basketball court, a dining area, classrooms and acess to computers. I was also blown away by their English, especially the older ones. They taught us how to play card games and cricket. Our next visit, later this afternoon, there will be an India vs. U.S. basketball game, and last we heard Spain lost to the boys! It is such an uplifting place after some of the sights we see and situations we experience and it gives me hope that progress is being made!

Anyway thank you for reading, many more stories to come!!

Namaskar,
Kristy <3