INDIA…THE ARRIVAL

Series of Blogs on the First Week

Linda Mary Liotino

I arrived in Mumbai, India from Newark, NJ a half hour earlier then scheduled.  The first thing that struck me was the almost dead activity at the airport for such a large city of Mumbai and the next observation was at every station of clearance everyone had surgical masks on due to the swine flu.  Anyone with a cold had to submit to a blood test before gaining entry into India.
I was assisted by a sky cap with the luggage as I finally entered the place where family and friends wait for arrival of love ones.  The minute I came to the common area to my left in the front corner I saw Franco who was smiling from ear to ear.  As he came over to me in his hand was a beautiful flower arrangement of purple baby lilies and baby white gladiolas.   The ease of the first face to face meeting was just a part of the formality that culminated nine months of communication.
The cab ride to the hotel was an experience.  There are driving laws in India I am told but with that being said it is a chaotic at best.  The first rule of thumb is to drive with at least one thumb on the horn and believe me that horn is used constantly.  The traffic moves slowly with a constant weaving in and out of cars, scooters, motor bikes and bicycles.  Often times there are no lane indicators, which lends to five or six make shift lanes created by the drivers.  Surprising the Indian drivers take this all in stride, there is no cursing, yelling or obscene hand jester.  I did comment to Franco that this type of driving in the USA would cause a road rage reaction that could become volatile.
We arrived at the hotel I was hungry and tired.  It was here I had my first taste of Indian food the spices are geared to the tourist and dotted with some European cuisine such as a continental breakfast.  The services was exceptional and I was assisted every where I went through out the hotel.  A girl would be happy to have one man open the car door and assisted in and out I was surrounded by at least four.  I was to learn later that the hotel owner is an old friend of Franco’s  therefore, even in India it is not what you know but who you know!
The following morning it being the birthday of the Mother of God we went to Mount Mary for the mass.   The day is celebrated with a festival honoring the Mother of God.  Unfortunately due to our time constants we were not able to participate in them but before we left the flowers Franco gave me I left them at the church where they were put at the foot of the alter my birthday gift to Mama.
We left Mumbai at 2p.m. for the train ride home to Chennai.  The train trip gave a photo snap shot of India in all here beauty and poverty.  There was a place we passed that was a hovel of poverty and yet the disturbing bleakness of this was brighten by the beautiful colors of dress of the Indian woman.  The contrast was starling.  The train passed though farms, mountainous areas,  the jungle where I could see the different villages.  Each village has its own church depending on the domination of the village.  Some villages are in remote areas where one needs to walk into the village or hire a donkey and cart for transportation.  I will elaborate in future Blogs on village life when Franco takes me to visit them.
During the train ride, which stop at every station between Mumbai and Chennai there is a flow of vendors selling everything from coffee, tea, homemade foods, reading materials, and yes even snacks including ice cream.  These vendors some are independent of one another and the train company.  The ones associated with the train company have badges.
The rocking of the train made for lulling one off to sleep although the mattress was hard and the space very confining.
We arrived in Chennai on Wednesday September 9th around 6 p.m.
May the Heart of Jesus and Mary Bless You!

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

9/13/09

I AM IN INDIA
Linda Mary Liotino

I arrived in India on time and the plane trip was almost flawless.  I hardly got any sleep the excitement of it all prevented that from happening.  I found the missing glove that I sough to fit my hand in this life.  India is the perfect fit and where I should be I am home.  Even the littlest concerns have not even come into play…I am adjusting very well to everything as it comes along…The blessings and graces of God how AWESOME!
Franco and I first meeting face to face was done with ease!  It is a remarkable transition liken to that we have known each other all our lives.  The train trip capsulized the many facets of India and at a future date I will begin to write about them all.
I Love My India…The people in my limited contact are beautiful, caring, and extend a hand of assistance with ease/grace without hesitation.  The children beautiful, smiling with eyes that reflect love and joy and at times clouded in pain/suffering/need.
I know this hardly touches the journey of the last five days, please forgive me I am still trying to catch the sleep I lost.
I love you all…For the prayer intentions sent to me I continue to pray for them and will do so until all are answered.  Comments are on hold until I get my computer, which will be hopefully within a week or so.  Thank you for the comments already received they bring me such joy.
OK my eyes are tired already and it is only morning here.  You all are 12 hours behind me.  It is already Thursday here.  God Bless!      

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

9/8/09

INDIA…THE JOURNEY BEGINS BUT NOT WITHOUT YOU!

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

  It is 12 more days until my departure to India on the 6^th of September but this Blog is not about that it is about you my beloved friends.  I have the very best and supported friends here on MySpace and you know who you are for we share love, prayers, sadness and joy.  You have shared your life with me your happiness, sorrows and stories. Your testimonies strengthen me in convictions, give me courage and let me hear the whispers of God’s voice.    Each one of your hearts showers my heart with love.

You have supported me from the beginning of this decision to heed God’s calling on my life to ….India. The many emails to just give me a word to keep me focused and on track.  The beautiful prayers prayed for me and the personal notes at the end of your comments of appreciation and love.  How blessed am I to have such love from your heart to mine.  

You show such love for the plight of the children and Unborn.  You send me beautiful babies and children at play, smiling beautifully and radiating love.  Some of you shared personal pictures of your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews these bring me much joy.  

We are family of brothers, sisters and I could not ask for a better family then you all to have in my heart and life.  I know we will remain close in love and prayer.  Many of you have exchanged private email addresses with me so that we are always in contact.  We have bonded…WOW!

I plan to keep a personal weekly journal with pictures of India, the children, and my journey.  As my love affair with India begins so will your love affair with India begin.  I say this you are all invited to come to India and visit and meet the children.   I will need time to learn the language, embrace the culture and get use to the climate therefore, start saving your pennies for the journey.  If you haven’t got a passport this would be something you can start to apply for from now.

In my heart is each and every one of you and on my lips are whispers of prayers to the heart of Our Lord.  Please pray for me your prayers I need your love I know I have…I love you all!

May the hearts of Jesus and Mary bless you as you have blessed me!

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

INDIA THE JOURNEY PART IV

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

It is now 46 more days until my departure for India and it is a time of great anticipation and a time of good byes.  My heart is in a tug and pull state.  I have in place to those near and dear to my heart especially a network for phone calls and daily emails.

Ever since I made this decision to go to India I knew who was calling me there my Lord.  My life in all that it is and all I have gone through has prepared me for the life altering journey.  Our Lord calling me to the plight of the Unborn in devoting completely all that I have at Easter 2008 started me on this journey to not only the Unborn but he has broaden my vision to all suffering children.  He then narrow the vision to India and then to Chennai.  I am assured of this calling for he continues to strengthen me physically and preparing me spiritually and mentally.   The valued gift and lesson He teaches me is to trust Him completely, rely on Him for all things, and entrust everything to Him.  It is in this I move and breath and I am.

I move to India as a novice to everything or anything about India.  Everything I do will be a first down to Indian cuisine.   I do not leave here in a fantasy world of excitement for there is allot for me to learn about India.  There will be many adjustments I will be making and living life in a culture very foreign to me.   However, with that being said I am not daunted or concerned for I truly believe because God has called me to India that He will provide all the needed graces and blessings so that His mission in me will be realized.

My thoughts and prayers centers around the calling and the children whatever God’s plan is in its totality He is assured of my YES.  I am given snippets in visions of what is to be in a broad sense.  I know in my heart the children I will devote my life to are already waiting for me…God has picked them out already.  My vision at one one time was seeing only one home I now find myself praying for home [s] for the children not by my decision but God’s way of letting me see His vision.

The month of August will be devoted to good byes, packing and last minute instructions.  My last doctor appointment is on the 29th of this month and my grandson’s adoption will be finalized on September 3rd three days before I leave.   My final decision on what I am taking besides clothing is fixed and it looks like I will be in the weight limit allotted me.

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You!

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

MY JOURNEY TO INDIA PART III

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

It is 75 more days until my departure date to India on September 6th.  I am way beyond excited and getting impatient with the seemingly at least to me of the crawling of the passing days.  Understanding at this time of my life I should relish the creeping days I do not.  My progress of getting things done is going well.

I remain faithful to my exercise regiment and my walking time has doubled.  I went from 10 minutes a day to now walking 20 minutes a day.  I still do some low impact exercises.  I have to really think about what I am doing for I have compensated for so long it is like reteaching the body and bringing it back to normality.  We have been having an abundance of rain playing havoc on the joints and on walking time.  I find two days of not walking is like beginning all over on the third day.   I am out walking at 6 a.m. and then I sit outside and pray my rosary after the walk.  I see a few ladies walking who are struggling because of weight and although they smile with a greeting I know the pain they must be experiencing.  After I greet them I cheer them on with a two thumbs up. 

I am allowed 150 lbs in my luggage and I am trying to pick that, which I want with me beyond clothing and shoes.  It is hard to take a lifetime of things and pick several must take with me.  I have this box by my desk which I put stuff in to pack outside of the clothing and just the other day I made the first cut.  I am sure before I finish packing there will undoubtedly be a final cut.  I had thought about shipping some things to India but the prices out of this girl’s ball park nick that idea therefore, I am in the process of giving the children their inheritance before I leave to go home to Papa God.  There will be no fighting or misunderstandings upon my departure from this earth [smile].

I am saying some goodbyes from now to out of state friends shoring up addresses and email addresses.  The family will gather at some point before I leave for one big goodbye ta do.  My son will host a barbecue for my friends to say good by.

I have secured most of my important legal documents save two.  I have in place all other legal documents that will be given to those they belong to.  My grandson’s adoption is in progress although it will not be finalized before I leave his father Kevin will have temporary custody until it is.  This should be completed by December.

Preparations are being made in India for me and I will write about them once they are in place.

I am very happy and in joy.  I cannot wait to start my journey in India with Franco and all we hope to do for the children.  I have allot to learn.  I am prepared/committed to embrace the Indian Culture.  I know God will give me the Graces needed to pick up the language quickly and all else I need to know and do.  I am told I will experience a cultural shock but between Franco and my Spiritual Director Father Boby who is from India I am fully aware of many things and this will keep I am sure the “SHOCK” down to a dull roar [smile].

Please keep Franco and I in your prayers as you are in our prayers.

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You!

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary liotino

MY TRIP TO INDIA PART II

Entrusting my words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

Well everyone it is 104 days before I depart for India.  I still have so much to get done but on the other hand I have made progress at chipping away at my list. 

First I want to update you on my ongoing miracle of health.  If you read my last Blog My Trip to India Part I you know God is granting me an ongoing miracle of my health.  I am coming along very nicely first I have taken off some weight.  I have gone down FOUR dress sizes and have found my lap…lol I have so much more energy. I have started to walk for the last three weeks or so. At first I was walking late afternoon with my friend Joan using the cane.  It was very difficult for the pain in my back would cause it to seize and my knees although they hurt the pain was bearable.  After a week my girlfriend stop walking so I walk by myself.  On May 18 I decided to start walking early in the morning after my grandson goes to school.  On the 23^rd I walk the circle in front of my apartment without the cane.  Ayezeyah walk with me with the dog and carried the cane just in case I got into trouble I did not.  I am walking on my own now.  I still need the cane when going up and down steps but like everything else I will conquer the steps independent of the cane. 

IT IS WELL TO NOTE HERE I DOWNLOADED IN MY PICTURES MY APARTMENT, THE CIRCLE, STEPS AND CANE…Go over and take a look for a better understanding.

The India Visa is approved and on its way to me it arrives on May 27^th.  It is a ten year Visa allowing me exit and reenter India every 6 months for ten years.  The procedure in my exiting India and reentering is a matter of a stamp on my passport to say I left it is done in one day.  I go to the border get the passport stamp and turn around and reenter India. 

I have bought some clothes I cannot remember when I updated my wardrobe last and I am in the process of picking the dress I will be wearing when I get to India.    I have to pick something that will not look like I was in it for the last 17 hours therefore; I am going with crinkly gauze. 

I have an ongoing list for packing and a plastic box under my desk that houses non clothing items I am taking with me.  All my legal documents are in place save two. I am taking very few books a couple of cherished light weight statues and some picture.  I am allowed 150 lbs all total in two suitcases and a carry on. 

I am giving away most of my things to family and friends.  I have never been a person who gets attach to things therefore; I can do this without any qualms.  I already have in place to get together with some cherished friends before I leave.  This is my journey to date. 

I messed up my Blog My Journey to India Part I so I have had to repost it if anyone wants to read it to be bought up to date thus far. 

I would like to note here many seem to be under the impression once I get to India that is the last I will be heard from but that is not true I will maintain my page on My Space.  If anyone wants to exchange private email address send me an email through My Space.  It may take a week or so before I am on My Space in a regular fashion once I get to India but I will pop in to let everyone know I am safe and sound in Chennai with Franco. 

 May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless you!

 Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

MY JOURNEY TO INDIA

Part I

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

In 2005 I made a decision I wanted to go to India and work with Mother Teresa but my life being what it was made this an impossible goal to attain.  I was in poor health, raising my young grandson Ayezeyah, and in an abusive marriage.   I finally came to a resolve that this a dream and like so many of my dreams I had learned to accept they were not going to pass and filed them away in my heart.  As my life moved forward so did many changes.  My husband and I separated, and a friend became a mentor to my grandson Ayezeyah, which grew into a father /son relationship.  However, my health remained the same and I accepted my fate to live a cloistered life until our Lord called me home.  In February of this year my husband died tragically in a fire and my friend ask to adopt Ayezeyah and plans are being made for Ayezeyah and his soon to be dad to find a home in Maine to live within the next year.  I remained in a state of accepting my cloistered life, made plans mentally to move closer to my son and live on my own but God had another plan. 

On December 30, 2008 I invited Franco Joseph to be my friend on MySpace and he accepted.  He sent beautiful meditations and prayers to my comments, which I found reassuring, which fed my heart and soul.  I would ask for him to pray for my intentions and with his prayers my prayers were being answered.  When my husband died although we had been separated for four years was very upsetting to me.  It was then I ask for Franco’s prayers and to assist me in a personal decision, which fostered a friendship.  It is in this friendship we learned allot about our hopes, dreams and desires for our lives.  We found that what we are called to do in this life from God are the same the injustices against children from the womb to their lives after birth.  We shared our advocacies in combating these injustices and found we were both on the same journey.  We exchanged many emails on this subject and about our spiritual life it is here we also had common ground.  The friendship continued to grow and blossom. 

It was in February of 2009 that I told Franco I could reverse my health status and his words to me, “Linda, please for your friend’s sake do it.  He would add, “How long will you continue to punish Linda for her past mistakes?”   It was upon hearing those words that I understood that was what I was doing imposing a sentence on my life, which was not God ordained.  The March 2009 Blog   GOD SMILES ON ME tells what happen.

Towards the end of March, Franco invited me to India and it was something I had been thinking about privately but kept it to myself.  I accepted the invitation because I began to have a heart for the children of India by what Franco told me and reading a diary of events he wrote about that happen in India, which he knew of first hand. It told of the horror against Christian families stemming from the actions of Extremists.  He told me of the young children all females in a convent he visits and helps whose families were killed by Hindu Extremists who raped and or tortured these young girls and my heart just could not but to go to them in love and sorrow.

Franco and I began discussing what we could do and I suggested opening a home and filling it with children left to themselves because their families were killed and giving them a better life.  I envision a home where the children could live a life as children should and be surrounded by love.  My vision was the same as Franco’s.  We realized between the two of us we had enough marketable talents to finance this project. 

The journey is now set and my ticket purchased and passport awaiting approval.  A Visa will be obtained in August and I am scheduled on the 29^th of this month at the Center of Disease Control to receive what is needed for the trip.   I will be leaving for India on September 6, 2009 @ 8 p.m. and will arrive in Bombay on the 7^th at 9 p.m. where I will be met by Franco.  We will then take a train trip from Bombay to our finale destination Chennai, which will take 24 hours.  I am told by Franco on this train trip I will get to know India. 

I end this segment of my journey to India leaving you with these thoughts I am a blessed woman in many areas of my life but mainly because God calls me to do His will.  He has a place for me to serve Him and to be His heart for the suffering child of India and a voice for the Unborn.  He has moved me from being a voice in America to a voice for the murdering of the Unborn throughout the world it is reflected in my comments/bulletins of late.  He has united two hearts and souls with the same heart for children a half a world apart together to achieve His plan.  The impossible is possible for Franco and I for we know who our power is Jesus Christ. 

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

Copyright 2008 Linda Mary Liotino

MISSING
You didn’t take your breath and this is what MISSING!
Your…SOFTNESS
Your…SMILE
Your…COO
Your…BATH
Your…LOVE
Your…FIRST WORD
Your…SQUEALING
Your…MOVEMENT
Your…TRUST
Your…INNOCENCE
You cannot be CLOSE to a heart or HELD tenderly. You will NEVER know brothers or sisters. You will never know sounds and the beauty of LIFE. Your family will ELUDE you. You will carry the cross of SUFFERING and DEATH without taking your first breath. Who are you…THE ABORTED UNBORN!
PAPA St. Joseph…ENTRUSTING every UNBORN to your prayers.
PAPA St. Joseph…ENTRUSTING our hearts not be hardened towards the UNBORN to your prayers.
LORD…Make our hearts be like unto thine for the UNBORN…Amen

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino

GOD SMILES ON ME

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

Lent is my favorite time of the year I need this time to take a good look at myself and see how God and I are doing.  Since Lent falls just after Christmas with a gap of several weeks it is in that gap I am off kilter I am never sure why but it happens every year. Therefore, Lent is my God sent. Prior to Ash Wednesday at least a week or so I begin to look at what I will be doing extra for Lent and I am usually at least since my conversion follow through with the disciplines I set out to do.
This Lent started out that way but I found my focus on the discipline waned early and I was not even praying as I do throughout the year.  It was like I was on a prayer vacation and with God’s blessings.  I did not feel guilty that I was not doing what I promised.  Our Lord had other plans…

I found that although I speak to Our Lord daily since my conversation, the time together began to broaden through no effort of my own it was just happening.  I was pouring my heart out to Him and I knew I had His attention.  There was an air of love felt and understanding that is beyond anything that in our relationship thus far was felt by me although I am sure it was there.  I stop trying to get back on track with Him in my prayers I guess you can say I went with the flow whether I understood that or not my heart and soul certainly did. 

I am disable and have lived a cloistered life for the last ten years because I exiled my life from the world.  My decisions have not served me well and the best way to guard myself from myself is restrict myself.  I could not forgive myself for the shambles of my life and while forgiving everyone else I forgot to forgive myself.  It dawned on me I needed to forgive myself
and it came after these words from a friend when I told him my disability is reversible “Linda, how long are you going to punish yourself.”  It was in hearing these words that I realized
what I was doing imposing a sentence on myself because I felt I needed to punish myself and had not forgiven myself.
I talk to Our Lord and forgave Linda however, Our Lord was not done with me…

I dependent on a walker for ten years, living homebound, sleeping at a 45 degree angle on my back in a
hospital bed, moving from chair to chair without any exercise, weaken my back and coddled the knees to a stiffness that made mobility practically impossible.  I saw myself wheelchair
bound sooner rather than later.  I had long ceased ever seeing more than that possibility before me, however, Our Lord was going to grant me possibilities.  I
began to have a yearning to do more with my life and it tugged at my heart with fierceness.  It was On ..March 16, 2009.. I made a decision to do something about my situation
and started to do stretches and swing my legs to end the stiffness in my knees, rotate my arms and neck and yes even sit ups all are very low pack versions of
the real thing.  My knees snap and cracked, and my back screamed quit but I could not stop because I was seeing
results in a short time.  I stop using the walker and went to my cane and now while in my apartment not depending on the cane either.  I walk at first in a stiff shuffle and then in a matter of days wow I am walking bending my legs and
in just 13 days I am making amazing progress.  The last two days I have begun sleeping flat and today managed to sleep
on my right side for a short time.  WOW I AM IN A MIRACLE ME LINDA MARY LIOTINO…GOD IS SMILING ON ME!

The scope of my possibilities is endless and my life is coming back to me.  I have many things I want to do…Dreams yet fulfilled and injustices yet to be fought.  Doors are opening and I am going through them.  Our Lord has charge over my life a surrendering I make every morning before my feet hit the floor therefore, I move forth knowing that Our Lord can stop
anything that is not in His will for me.  I was told this morning that is how Mother Teresa saw her journey and all she did.  WOW…Me and the Blessed Mother Teresa thinking the same way…what possibilities can that open up to me…

May The Hearts of Jesus and
Mary bless…you!!!!

Dedicated to…Jesus Christ who granted me a blessed miracle and smiles on me…your the best!

PS…Thank you my Blessed Friend for all your prayers…      

Copyright 2009 Linda MaryLiotino