Orphanage 8/30/10

Ep's that have been shuffled together and listened to on repeat:

-- "All Delighted People EP" -Sufjan Stevens

--"Vespers I&II EP" --Aaron Strumpel

Today Michael and I went to the Antyodaya orphanageto meet with Father Ravinder Jane, who runs it. This guy Apparently used to work with Mother Teresa , which is really inspiring to me.

When we got there, he recognized me from 2 years ago when I used to help tutor. To be honest, my expectations of our meeting was this: "Hello Father, we would like to help out wherever you would like us. Here is the one hour time slot we are comfortable giving. I assume you want us to tutor?", in other words, something in me expecting to make the plans. So many times when you go somewhere to help, they just expect you to know what to do and don't give you much direction. To my pleasant surprise, with no reserve he was like "you would like to help however you can? Ok, you can come at 7:30 am and wash dishes, then you can clip finger nails for people who can't do it themselves. Maybe help with haircuts and dressing wounds [this is also a home for the destitute]. You can come until 12:30ish [5 hours]?"

Michael and I were ecstatic. This is exactly what my desire has been, but I feel like too often it is people asking me how I would LIKE to help as opposed to "Hey, do this. Thank you". Its been my fondest wish to help with the sick homeless begging people I see every every day. This place takes in people who are dying on the street. When you walk in the door you are greeted by a guy with one arm. As you walk thru you shake hands with boys and men with no legs, no site, mute, wounds. I have felt so unable to help these people and now finally I have the opportunity to serve in a practical way. The main thing I do here in Delhi is help with homework and teach. I understand how practical and important that is, but it really isn't my forte (though I am happy to do it). However, getting my hands dirty is something I'm good at.

Michael and I left and shared with each other how we loved how Father Ravider didn't flatter us or beat around the bush. We discussed how we think Momma T would have handled things in a similar way. I wish all of India would be this strait forward, but that is just the American in me coming out.