July 13

Wow-July 13th I can't believe that I have not written anything in 4 days. Pictures take too much time to post, so I will have to share that when I get home. Anyway, thanks again for all the posts. It really is comforting and sorry I do not have time to respond individually to you. We arrived in Kolkata(Calcutta) a few days ago via an overnight train ride from Varanasi. Pretty interesting very beautiful countryside in the morning. The train was two and a half hours late and we slept in cars that had three teired bunks six bunks to a small unit. We have visited the Victoria Memorial and learned a bit about the British occupation here. Still visiting many different types of schools and finding a wide range of equity as in the US. Tonight I had a most amazing experience. My friend and I went across town to visit the convent of Mother Teresa.My heart melted when we walked inside and I was moved to tears. We arrived there exactly at the time that they were starting mass. Pretty amazing considering the day and timing of other activities today. Her tomb is inside the small modest chapel and her room has been preserved. I am still making sense of this experience, but definitely feeling the power of charity and giving that this woman devoted her life to. Tomorrow will be more school visits and then we will leave for a new city on Sunday. I continue to learn and be mesmerized by the differences in our cultures. Each time I go out on the street I am amazed.The driving here is crazy and I don't understand why people do not have more car accidents. The streets are like one big camping trip-people do everytbing cook, live etc. It is an amazing place.
Love for now,
M

July 9

Hi,
Today we have some extra time becuase one of the schools that we went to visit this morning was closed. An NGO(non-government school) philanthrapic school. There are many different levels of schooling here-public which means private here-government schools and then the non-profits. I will try to post some pictures soon. I wish that I could describe the utter chaos of roads and driving here.We are still in Varanasi-Erin this is the town where the movie "Water" takes place. Our driver told us today that it is the town of learning and burning. For many years(like thousands) it has been known for academics. It is said that if you die in this town that your life/death cycle is complete.You will not have to expereince rebirth anymore.The day yesterday was very good. After I rested a bit we went to the location where Buddha gave his first sermon to 5 disciples. Lots of pilgrims visiting and ruins to see. We have been getting around town in bicycle rickshaws and this made me feel kinda bad. Having someone haul me around on a bicycle, but one of my friends pointed out how much better it was for the environment and it is keeping someone employed.We are getting ready to head out and hear a lecture on the environmental water condition of the Ganges.
Love for now,
M.