In the summer of 2000, I spent four weeks in India working with the Christian Brothers at St. Joseph Boys' Village, a home for orphaned, abandoned, and poor boys. Our task was some light construction work around the compound during early part of each day. After the boys had returned from school and done their chores, we interacted with them during their recreation time. In the evenings, we visited a number of other community development projects sponsored by the brothers in nearby villages to meet and learn about the people and what they were doing to improve the economic, health, and educational opportunities in their villages.
These women in their colorful saris invited us to dance with them. They thought we were pretty funny.
The villagers were proud of the credit union arrangements they had organized to help each other to start small businesses. Often, the women were the first to organize and show the men what could be done.
On laundry day, the young women who worked at Boys Village as secretary and housemother laid their saris out on the courtyard to dry.
If you ever have the opportunity to take part in a mission to another country or within your own country, go for it. Travel as other than tourist will change your outlook on many things. I found great hope among the people I met in India. I learned what hope was. I hope I have put this to work in my life since then.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24
26 comments:
Nice picture. Hope you always in good health.
I love saris. They always look so bright and cheerful... My dad was taught by Christian Brothers in Ireland (I got the jesuits in England instead!)Happy weekend
What a wonderful trip to be part of. Beautiful shots from India. Happy weekend.
The saris are turly colorful. I have a friend from Africa and I love it when she wears her native dress -- also colorful.
What beauty - different cultures are nearly always more colorful than our own. I admire your determination to help others!
Write From Karen
Oh yes! I just love the colorful clothes they wear over there. It's so beautiful!
I also did Photo Hunt. Come share your link! :) http://newyorktraveler.net/photo-hunters-colorful/
What a great thing to do.And it's something that's often associated with, ahem, younger people. It must have been a fantastic experience.
I like the idea of wearing a sari; did you wear one?
Wonderful post! How rewarding!
Katney, these are wonderful photos and yes, I'm sure India is a very colorful country! :)
The saris are very colourful, what a lovely opportunity you had to visit India. Very worthwhile.
You really put your heart and soul into this post. Bravo!
I totally agree with you! I love those Saris and their bright colors.
Your photos show the memories you made during your life. AND, I say, enjoy your early retirement. . . to tell you the truth, since I retired, I have never been busier but I do miss teaching.
Beautiful. I love the photo you have chosen from India for the theme. I'm glad you loved our country.
Thank you for dropping by
Photohunter Theme: Colorful
Raksha Bandhan Festival
I have answered your question in the comments.
great interpretation of the theme which stands out from many who approached it using shots of still life.
You most certainly stepped it up in this week's theme- above the rest of us!! Colorful has a new meaning because of your entry...
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your volunteer work in India. The saris are wonderful and I'm touched by your story... Way to go!
An inspiring post!
Those saris are such gorgeous, vibrant colours and I know the textures are magical!
Cool! India's a colourful place in every sense of the word. :-)
Feel free to drop your link at my photohunt pic.
Well, those are such great candid pictures, I think they really show real life. Sounds like you had a great time there!
Beautiful colours! I love saris - wish we could get away with wearing them.
Beautiful words and pictures. My sister had a year in Goa and found the same. India is somewhere I would truly love to visit as I have heard nothing but good about it's people.
Lovely photos, Katney, and color-full, as was your narrative. What a wonderful experience for you.
My granddaughter married a young man from India. After their marriage here in the U.S., they traveled to her husband's home town for a wedding reception. Her new in-laws gifted her with two gorgeous saris; the most highly decorated one must have weighed ten pounds.
We traveled to India in Feb. of this year to attend our daughter's wedding. I was on sensory overload - the rich, incredible colors, the potpourri of smells, the variety of noises from all directions, and most importantly - the extremely hospitable, welcoming people. Your photos brought back many memories of my experience. And I agree totally with your statement for all people to reach out and get involved in some capacity, either locally or globally. Take care.
It's amazing how color plays a different role in the clothing of various cultures.
Thanks for sharing this.
Baker
(and thanks for dropping by our blog and for the kind comment)
Colorful indeed. What a life-changing experience you had! I think everyone needs to live in a foreign country as something other than a tourist. Love this post.
Very colorful!!!!!!!!!
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