First day and a half

So now that we've been here in Kolkata for over 24 hours its about time for a blog post! First and foremost, everyone made it here safe and sound. We are all enjoying our time here immensely.

After our 18+ hours of flights we made it into the Kolkata airport and just stepping off the plane we could feel the humidity filling the plane's cabin. It was a moment I think we had all been dreading. The humidity still continues although I was up a little early this morning and before 8 or so in the morning it really doesn't seem so bad. Maybe I'm adjusting already...wouldn't that be nice.

Once we got our bags from the airport we went outside to catch the taxis into the city. It's about a 45 minute drive into the city from the airport. As a passenger in what is sometimes referred to as the "death seat" in the taxi, I can say that it was quite the experience. Just riding into Kolkata we saw so much. We didn't really have enough room in the trunks of the taxis for all of our donation bags so we had some in our laps or inbetween our legs. Traffic in Kolkata is pretty much a free for all with the only rule being whoever honks first goes first. I was very excited when I saw a turn signal, even though I'm pretty sure everyone else ignored it. No lane markers, limited stop lights, and driving on the wrong side of the street all made for an interesting ride. Also, for those of you at home (you know who you are) who think I get close to cars when I drive, I've got nothin on Kolkata taxi drivers.

Once we made it onto Sudder Street where our hotel is, we lugged all the bags upstairs with the help of some of the Astoria Hotel staff and settled into our rooms including one rooftop terrace! We then made our first trip to the Blue Sky Cafe where we meet all our meals and we met (don't know about the spelling) Sam, Sunni, Ajit, and Chico. They are all very amusing and like to tickle and joke with us. Even after all these years they still put Robert's name on the tab!

We then ventured to Shishu Bhavan which is where we had our orientation for Mother Theresa's homes. Everyone is working at a different home with different people living at each one. I'll let everyone describe their site with their own blog posts once we visit each one. I am working at Khaligat along with 3 other members of the group. It's a hospice and the first home Mother Theresa started here in Kolkata.

Today we have ventured out into the city a little bit more and in about an hour we will be heading to Brother Xaviers! The group is all very excited about this because it is the orphanage that is funded by St. Mikes. It's a little outside of the city, but we should get some good time in just hanging out with them.

Other than that, we have seen some tough things on the street and much of what we had known about ahead of time. It's much harder to see it, smell it, and even touch it. I know that many more of these experiences are yet to come, but I know that I will learn from them all as I already have. I am much anticipating my chance to work in Mother Theresa's homes and spend some time with those who live there. I know there is so much more to learn here and so much more to experience. I think I speak for the group when I say I can't wait to really delve into it!

Well I think that's enough for now. I don't want to make this too long and unreadable! Hopefully we will keep it updated every day. Of course emails are welcome if you want more details!!

I miss everyone at home and hope you are all doing well.

-Eric