Sweat and Spices

I have been in Chennai for a day and a half. My impression thus far? It is by far the hottest place I have every been in my life...and the most crowded. I have never been around so many people...everywhere. Last night we tried to go to a Bollywood movie, and it was impossible to manuever through the theatre/mall to try and find thee ticket counter. Someone who was Claustrophobic would probably have had a nervous breakdown...but for some reason I just loved it. When I see so many people in one place, it reminds me how many of us live on this earth. I am one of 6 billion. That is unthinkable to be. I can't even begin to picture what 6 billion looks like. Although I think that half of them were probably in that theatre.

The city of Chennai is quite vibrant and full of life, if not mildly chaotic. I think there is a general guideline that people are to drive on the left side of the road...but all the drivers, bikes, vespas and cows just seem to squeeze in wherever there is room --right, left, centre, backwards. And the funny thing is...in the few auto rickshaws that we took, I never felt like we were even near to having an accident. Everyone seems to know how to manuever around each other safely like a single fast moving organism. It is quite bizarre. And no one can seem to tell me if anyone does, in fact, own any of the cows...

I was introduced to the orphange of KKSS today. Now that is a place that is full of life. Currently there are about 15 babies and 15 toddlers. The toddlers all came about 4 days ago, with their caretaker, from an orphanage that had to be shut down. The kids are seriously such well-behaved children, and absolutely hilarious. Most of them are about 3 or 4, with two seven year olds and an 8 year old. The eight year old, Rajna Krishna is very close to adoption by an Indian/American couple, which would be incredible. It is not common for the older children to be adopted, especially when they are as dark as he is. But anyone who spent 5 minutes with that child would fall in love. A child who was likely abandoned by his parents and raised by women in an orphanage, has so much love to give to his little “sisters and brothers.” I was just in awe of this kid (who looks about 4 and not 8 at all) who picks up and soothes crying babies, who helps feed the younger girls, and who smiles, laughs and hugs all of the time. He is a beacon of joy. So I am praying for his adoption, and I hope that you all do as well. I met the prospective mother today, and she is such a kind woman. It would be wonderful to give this amazing little boy a home.

I am sitting in the volunteer apartment waiting for some of the other girls to arrive and then we are off to a wedding. Who’s wedding it is, I have no idea. But I am excited to be a part of a celebration.

Hugs and Smiles,
Jenn