INDIA…TWO MONTHS

Linda Mary Liotino

It is my two month anniversary in India on the 7^th of November.  The heart who boarded the plane in Newark, New Jersey with visions and I can do got her ears got pinned back.  You CANNOT enter a foreign country whose culture is so different than we are use too, roll up your sleeves and say I have arrived bring me to the children and poor I am ready to get started.  These two months has afforded me a REALITY CHECK. 

First, I have yet to get use to some foods and spices your response would be not to eat what I do not like however, I cannot do that.  When you work with the poor and they invite you into their home one cannot say I do not like something.  Secondly, I must get use to eating true authentic Indian food and not that which we get in the USA which is geared to the American palate. 

The Indian diet is rice based and very high in carbohydrates it is eaten with the right hand.  A spoon is used for soups and the like and on occasional a fork is used.  Actually, so far there is only one dish served when I use the fork.  Why the right hand because the left hand is used for washing all body parts therefore, one does not use the left hand to eat with.  The left hand rest on the lap and is used for pouring and or to pass something.  Every meat side dish is cut from the butcher in bite size pieces for cooking and eating.  The food is served in albumin size single layer cake pan…My best description.   The food is cooked on a gas portable two range cook top that sits on the counter and is fueled by a propane tank.   Any roasting to be done is done in a microwave and the rice is cooked in a pressure cooker.  The plates are fixed by the cook and served individually.  The generous serving of rice is served with any one of the different curries and a side usually chicken served in various mouthwatering ways.  Unless a Hindu or Vegetarian one can enjoy a beef side.  The food is very spicy and hot chilies are used in all the dishes.

The state I live in is Tamilnad and Tamil is the regional language. I have to be able to speak the language reasonable well in order to communicate with the people who live in the villages.  The people of the poor villages often seek from the educated a voice to advocate on their behalf.  Once the villagers get to know you in trust they seek constant help and the lines of need grows daily. 

Working with children is also a fine line to walk not every child on the streets are street children but one who may have gotten separated from their family and is now lost.  They are given safe havens until the parents and child is united.  The children on the streets are controlled by “mafia” who use the children to make money for them.  The child receives hardly any part of the money that is bought in.  Rescuing these children is an act of futility since they are so dependent on these groups of criminals they know no other way of life and often times run back to it.  You cannot on your own start something to protect the children without knowing the laws of India in this area.  Working with other established organizations and religious groups can afford one to volunteer, learn the ropes and or support a child by developing a trust for their education and care.

Lastly, for the purpose of this Blog one has to see the surroundings and conditions that one must be ready to live and work in.  One has to put aside life as one lives it, get down to the bare basics and be prepared to live another cultures bare basics something you know nothing about.  I will elaborate more on this in another Blog.

In spite of the difficulties, the cultural shock and anything else…I sill care for the oppressed and enslaved children this has not diminished for me one iota.  I want God to use me where I am needed in what capacity is His will.  Am I sent by Him yes I believe this with all my heart because of how this all fell into place for me to get here.  I am at times called a saint by some of you I AM NOT I am weak, with my frailties, insecurities and temptations however, I NEED your prayers and continual words of encouragement but mostly your love and support.  Some of you I can run to for a prayer when I am in need and I am assured the prayer warrior in you is storming the gates of heaven for me.

I end this Blog with this some of you expressed a desire to come to India to help during a vacation period.  I would suggest before spending the money to come allow time for me to be steady foot in India and have all in place so that you can be of service, a place for you to stay, looking to your basic needs.  In the mean time save your money and learn all you can about India.  

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless YOU! 

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino