Birds Sitting On Trees

It's been a long, long time since I've written.

I suppose that I've gotten a little caught up (sometimes weighed down) by life.
By houses and babies and cars and work and some things that are important, and some things that are not.

I've been living in gratitude, despair, self-loathing, delight, excitement, worry, fear, anticipation, deep love and a million other things.

And I never forget that...

I am blessed.
I am blessed.
I am blessed.

Lately, I've been noticing my need for self-reflection.  In a former life (or a former part of this one), there was ample opportunity to talk late into the night, or spent afternoons in cafes, drinking coffee and pondering life as it is lived.
These days, late nights come quickly and are often an opportunity to do the dishes, do some yoga, or sleep.
Afternoons present themselves as times of joy and delight and wonder and awe, but rarely reflection.

I've been spending some time thinking about developing my inner self.  Rooting myself in what is 'unseen', and learning to rely less on others to determine my confidence and strength and more on what lies within.

And then I happened upon this:

It was just what I needed to hear.  A good reminder.
A good place to start in my rekindled desire for reflection.

I Arise...

(^-New Year's Eve 2008-^)

During our long term assistant meeting in November, Jenn chose a new year reflection for our faith sharing.
It struck me that, for the Church, a new year starts at the beginning of Advent, and so we end up celebrating two new years.
This time of newness allows for some considerable reflection on the year that has passed. For me, this year (as so many other years) has been incredibly rich. It has been filled with great joys and great struggles. It has been a year of growth and love.

In reviewing 2009, I thought that I could use a slightly adapted version of Jenn's reflection as its basis:

I Arise in the New Year

I arise with amazement at the presence of the Holy One.

Certainly, the presence of the Divine in my life has been present throughout the year. I began 2009 with a week long meditation and yoga retreat in an ashram in a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. I spent much of the week reflecting on mysticism in world religions, non-attachment and seeking the Divine within.

I arise with gratitude for life.

Certainly, each year is a testament to my gratitude for life. I am thankful for so much - my time abroad, the ability to come home and share the darkness in my partner's life, the opportunities that have presented themselves at just the right time. I am thankful not only for my own life, but for the lives of so many others with whom I had the privilege to cross paths with this past year. For Keith who was there in Bangalore to listen at just the right time; for Christopher and Chikku and Theresa and Georgie who openly shared their lives with me for just brief moment; for Kathi who reminded me of the possibility of instant human connection; for Amil whose life I celebrate every day; for Chris who showed me the true compassion of an honest homecoming; for Jenn who sat with me in the depths of my despair; for my Mum and dad whose hearts have proven to be so strong in so many ways.
How could I not give thanks for this 'wild and precious life'?

I arise with hope that all shall be well.

Certainly, throughout the year, there were a number of moments when hope seemed dim. Or perhaps, when the idea that things would be 'well' was questioned.
Maggie's response for a sore belly or some other affliction is to state 'No well, no well' - certainly the hope for the year to come is that our sore bellies, and any other afflictions will be healed, and all shall be well.

I arise with courage to meet what will be difficult.

Every year seems to bring its own difficulties. The ending of 2008 into 2009 I found myself wandering in a new country, a new culture, a new community. This (I will not lie) was difficult. In fact, learning to live within a new context was incredibly uncomfortable.
Finding myself underneath a different set of stars proved to be a very difficult task (as it always is!)
Leaving that to unexpectedly return to Canada was difficult.
Finding myself homeless, and lost within the darkness of a Canadian winter and the illness of my loved one was difficult.

Making the decision to give up a summer of musical theatre in order to honour my commitments and relationships was difficult.

2009 proved that I was given the courage to deal with those difficulties, I can only search for more in the year to come.

I arise with conviction to do what is life-giving.

In June, I was called to step into a new role in our L'Arche community. Since then, I have spent a great deal of time asking myself and others - "What is it that gives you life?"
In 2009, life-giving moments for me were quite small and delicate...
...precariously crossing the street in Bangalore (risking life and limb) to visit a jewellry store with Theresa

...sharing uproarious laughter with my sister in a far-off, foreign land

...celebrating the 80th birthday of a man who deserved gala celebrations

...lying in the grass on our front lawn

...kayaking in the cardigan river

...having 5 of my truest, greatest friends stand by my side during an incredibly important moment

...being surrounded by an overwhelming contingent of friends and family for our celebration of marriage

...speaking true and honest vows to the love of my life

...duck hunting (or rather, watching) with my big brother

...and so many more...

I arise with eyes ever alert for beauty.

2009, as with so many years has been filled with so much beauty. My desire, is to continue to have eyes to see it - wherever and in whatever form it appears.

So much of the beauty in my life exists in the smiles of friends and family; the warm affection of loved ones; the open arms and remembrance of my name when I return home.

I arise with openness to greater truth.

Openness. 2009 opened me in so many ways.
It opened me to new responsibilities (in my role as Coordinator of Assistants and a member of the Leadership team), new ways of living (our move from a L'Arche house to a home of our own) and new commitments (our brand new marriage).

I have also been challenged in my commitment to many different relationships - to find a good and true way to be a contributing member of my family; to be honest in my friendships and to be creative in finding time and different ways to be together.

I arise with desire for continued transformation.

Jean Vanier often speaks of the transformation that takes place within L'Arche. Indeed, the longer I live in this community, the more I see how my heart has been transformed.
This year, through my relationships with people like Cathy, Maggie, Chris, Buddy and Coralee, I have learned that there are so many forms of home and that we belong to each other.

I arise with compassion for the hurting ones in the cosmos.

My Indian experience opened my eyes to another piece of the cosmos. I was touched by the family in Bangalore city that welcomed me at 9:30 at night into their tiny home and wouldn't rest until they had fed me masala dhosa and chai until I couldn't eat any more. I was touched by Albert - an assistant at Asha Niketan- who kept only 200 rupees of his salary and sent the rest home to his family.
2009 also introduced me to Pippa (and her great vision) Pippa's Place, and Erik Thomas - a sweet little boy in Nakuru, Kenya who is a constant reminder of our ability to affect small changes in our world.
I can only hope that the year ahead brings me more lessons, and gifts me with a greater propensity for compassion.

I arise with grief still settled in my spirit.

The grief of 2009 perhaps roots itself in the grief of 2008. Angela's death continues to walk along with me - as I reflected on the difficulty she would have traveling around India, as we celebrated her life on the 25th of May, and as I listed to "Au Claire de la Lune" sung in 3 part harmony at our wedding reception. While the 'year of magical thinking' is apparently complete, that grief remains.

I arise with a sense of kinship with all whom I love.

The celebration of our wedding on 5 September was a major landmark of 2009. The sense of kinship, the sense of love that we felt amongst our families, community and friends was unparalleled. The support of my parents, brothers and sisters who traveled from far and wide and celebrated joyously reminded me that I am truly blessed.

2009 allowed us to celebrate with others whom we love - with Savannah and Todd, Sarah and James, I give thanks for their commitments to each other and the beautiful and honest relationships that they model so well.

I arise with respect as others mentor and deepen my vision.

In November, I attended two national L'Arche events - our National Assembly, and our HR Conference. In early December, I attended our Regional Assembly. Throughout each and every one of these events I often sat in awe and considered my good fortune in throwing my lot in with so many incredible, inspiring people.
The conversations that I had only deepened my commitment to this life that I am living and made my desire for increased depth even greater.

I arise with happiness, knowing that I am invited to live life fully.

The word 'happy' entered into many conversations in 2009. Perhaps, because I didn't feel 'happy' very often. But this is perhaps only because life had so many more layers than those that would allow 'happy' to suffice in its description.
The year was full. There was discomfort, peace, worry, frustration, despair, anger, loneliness, hope, and great joy.
The contrast of this range of emotions does not indicate negativity and positivity, but rather the depth and the breadth of which I was able to live this year.
Fully.

I arise with love for the Holy One, my Intimate Companion.

As I wandered through 2009, the journey continued. The search for vocation, for understanding of myself, my relationship with the Divine and my place in the world is an ongoing one. The journey continues.

“You never really leave a place or person you love, part of them you take with you,leaving a part of yourself behind.”

The ring of temple bells.
The cock crowing across the street.
Melodies of early morning bhajans.

Then the ring of the our kitchen bell.
Din through the hallways as the day begins.
Black coffee.

The speech of breakfast time...
'Saka?', 'Sako.','Eita?', 'Eito.', 'Prayer marana'...

The heat, the smell of the streets.

This morning I was hit by a two wheeler.
It wasn't really moving fast.
And it was going in the opposite direction to the traffic.
Why would I think to look in the opposite direction on a one way street?

And yet, I'll miss the oblivion that people have to each other,
and the extreme sense of welcome.
The way making a fuss can produce faster service,
and bartering is a way of life.

I'll miss the sporadic monsoon showers
and the cows in the street.

And of course,
I'll miss the men and women
with whom I've shared the last 6 months (or so)
of my life.

Intensely.

Unexpected Bend in the Road or..."Ah, Toto, we're not in Bangalore anymore..."

Certainly, life has its twists and turns.

A few weeks ago, the man who means more to me than anyone in the world fell ill.

There was scarcely a doubt in my mind where I needed to be, so I've returned to the land of ice and snow - and now we wait.  

Amil's recovery is going to be a slow process, but we have faith, and accept this as just one more visitor in our guest house.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

(Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi 1207-1273)

Warriors of light and flowers and temples and love...

The past few weeks have been filled to the brim with things that I have only ever imagined (and so I apologize in advance for the considerable length of this post).

Celebrations in a temple (I am now assured a place in heaven):

(Dharmendra took me to the temple where we waited in line over an hour so that we could get a glimpse of the god. Apparently, the 7th of January is a very auspicious time, and if you look at the god on this day you are assured a place in heaven!)

a trip to a monastery:

(The Little Brothers of Jesus are long time friends of Asha Niketan, these are the fields near their new house)

harvest celebrations:

("Pongal oh Pongal"- that's what we yelled when we through some of the Pongal -a sweet rice dish- into the garden for the birds. In Tamil Nadu the harvest celebration is known as Pongal, however in Karnataka -where we are- it's known as Sankranthi. We were lead in a beautiful Pooja -prayer- by Sri Shiva Shankar, the director of our board.)

And of course, a week long stay in an ashram, and a trip to Chennai.

Let me tell you about my travels.

Retreat is something that has been a relatively new experience in my life.
I think because I grew up in one of the most beautiful places in the world, a place where many others go for retreat, the concept never seemed to leave much of an impression on my mind.
However, when I moved to L’Arche, we were allotted one week each year for a personal retreat. My first year, I had the opportunity to share in a New Assistant’s Formation – a week to reflect on and process all that we had lived in our first year at L’Arche. For me, the week was touching and insightful and left me with a renewed commitment to community.
My second retreat was an Emmaus retreat held in Montreal. It was my first week of (relative) silence, and included a great number of challenges throughout. However, the idea of walking the road together deeply resounded with me, and I was thankful for a week to spend in the company of others who were walking the same road.
Last year’s retreat took me to Taize in France. What can I say about Taize? It challenged me – made me consider my ideas about community and put them up against monastic and other forms of community; it broadened my scope in terms of communication with others; it showed me the beauty of simple prayer and reinforced my commitment to song as prayer.

Now this y ear. This year, but by the grace of God, I ended up on a retreat at an ashram in Tamil Nadu, India. Even just writing seems like something that I should have read in a book rather than having lived it.
The ashram was run by Father Korko (pronounce Koko) – a friend of Asha Niketan, and the spiritual director for Asha Niketan Bangalore. He is a Jesuit priest, and draws much of his spirituality from mystical experience.
The ashram was brand new, we were the very first retreat group.
And the setting was INCREDIBLE.
Set in rural Tamil Nadu, in a village called Kombai, against the backdrop of ‘small mountains’, a dam and numerous fields that grew mint, rice, grapes and beautiful flowers.
The ashram itself was simple, and the meditation room was made of thatch.
We spent the week practicing yoga (asanas every morning, karma yoga in the afternoon), learning about mystical spirituality, reading from the Bhagavad Gita, meditation (still one of my greatest struggles) and taking time for silence.
We were challenged to perform “Nam Japa”, which is the ‘act’ of reciting the Lord’s name with the belief that: ‘where our mind is, there also are we’; so to have the Lord as our sole focus brings us that much closer to the mystical experience of oneness with God.
The week was enlightening – Father Korko’s spiritual journey was inspiring and he was an excellent accompanier – offering sound insight and challenging my perception of Christ; challenging – I was once again faced with the fact that I remain an outsider. All of the women in the village called me “Velakaramma” which means “white mummy”, and when we went to have tea at a neighbour’s house, the lady of the house asked Father Korko if I would need to have my tea prepared separately.
Nevertheless, there was great kindness from the people of the village who showed us their houses, their fields, and toured us through the mountain and there was always something interesting to watch, including a man who climbed a coconut tree (I’m sorry that I didn’t have my camera!)
The week itself was truly a blessing, and I returned refreshed and renewed in my search for God.

I was home in Bangalore but a few days, when I hopped on a midnight bus to Chennai.
I’ll write it here, so that it is clearly documented:
I, Haley Batchilder, being of sound mind, will never travel on an over night bus again. EVER.

However, my arrived in Chennai was smooth, and I received the most wonderful greeting at the gate by Peter. Peter is a long time friend of the founding community leader of my community in Cape Breton, and we moved easily into conversation.
The Chennai community has two houses, Asha Jyoti (Light of Hope) and Prem Jyoti (Light of Love). Both houses were originally in a relatively rural area surrounded by fields, but the last 5 years has seen the city of Chennai grow up around it, and it is now quite urban.

Nevertheless, the main property (once you make it past the garbage at the front gate) is very lovely. There are new workshops (where they do papier mache, candles, card making), a new prayer hall (where we prayed each morning and shared bhajan on Thursday afternoon) and new bedrooms for the women. The property has coconut trees, and gardens-in-progress. I was overwhelmed by the positive energy of the place, and the warm welcome that was so graciously offered. Some people from Prem Jyoti:

On my second day, I ventured to Mamallapuram. Lonely Planet describes the place as “Tamil Nadu’s only true travellers’ enclave, a mix of sun, seafood and sand with a dash of seediness thrown in. But it’s much more than that. Famous for its ancient rock carvings, especially Shore Temple, it was once the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram”. All true.

Shore Temple...

The Indian Ocean...
The rock carvings – AMAZING. What sets them apart is that they depict everyday events – people milking cows, women ‘hanging about’ on the street,etc.etc…
And of course, as is usually the case, I was conned by a number of people selling their wares. I’m just constantly in awe of the magnificent handmade items that exist everywhere – from my new leather sandals, to the painted silk, to the tiny rock carvings – the artisan population in India is overwhelming, and so I don’t feel any terrible regret for spending my money on their art.
In the evening, I returned to Chennai, and Peter took me to the beach. Beautiful. What a perfect way to end my visit.

I caught a night train home to Bangalore (note to self – ALWAYS travel by train), met a lovely British girl who I took home and introduced to Asha Niketan, and then I continued on with the week.

Chennai Central Station (I LOVE train stations!)

Life continues to be filled with many riches and I am in a perpetual state of giving thanks. I give thanks in particular for the small joys and the many challenges. I’m not always certain in which direction I’m headed, but I’m thankful for the journey.

In closing, I should mention that during our evening prayers we often pray for all those in Israel, Gaza and Sri Lanka.
And so, some parting words from Paulo Coelho…
Peace is not the opposite of war.
We can have peace in our heart even in the midst of the fiercest battles, because we are fighting for our dreams. When our friends have lost hope, the peace of the Good Fight helps us to carry on.
A mother who can feed her child has peace in her eyes, even when her hands are trembling because diplomacy has failed, bombs are falling, and soldiers dying.
An archer drawing back his bow has peace in his mind, even though all is muscles are tense with the physical effort.
Therefore, for warriors of light, peace is not the opposite of war, because they are capable of:
a. Distinguishing between the transient and the enduring. They can fight for their dreams and for their survival, but respect bonds forged over time, through culture and religion.
b. Knowing that their adversaries are not necessarily their enemies
c. Being aware that their actions will affect five future generations, and that their children and grandchildren will benefit (or suffer) the consequences
d. Remembering what the I Ching says: ‘Perseverance is favourable.’ But they know too that perseverance is not the same things as stubbornness. Battles that go on longer than necessary end up destroying the enthusiasm for later reconstruction.

For the warrior of light, there are no abstractions. Every opportunity to transform himself is an opportunity to transform the world.
For the warrior of light, pessimism does not exist. He rows against the tide if necessary; for when he is old and tired, he will be able to say to his grandchildren that he came into this world to understand his neighbor better, not to condemn his brother.

Rhymes and Reasons...

The last few weeks have been filled to the brim with celebrations, visits and an opportunity to know life here.

We celebrated the First Communion of Milka's sons - a joyous event held on a rooftop.

We visited Anand Ashram, the original location of Asha Niketan Bangalore. It's been 8 years since the community moved to Koramangala, but the men seemed to feel so at home there - touring the gardens, and pointing out the trees that they had planted and where the workshop used to be. The ashram is now a home for the elderly and an orphanage. We shared tea and songs together.

We also visited Liza's Home - a home for women with disabilities, far outside the city. The director of the home was formerly the director at Asha Niketan. The women were brilliant, welcoming and seemed very happy to join in dancing and singing. I found particular kinship with Hazel, who greeted me from behind the keyboard as we entered their home - what a surprise when I realized that she had no hands! It truly forced me to look at the world from a different angle, as she played and sang beautifully.

Thus far, the new year has been filled with many blessings.

I've had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people, celebrate new festivals, learned to worship in new ways, and, I think, started to realize the reason (or reasons) why I'm here.

Spectacular Spectacles...

Last week I took my two day weekend and visited Mysore.
Mysore is known for its silks, sandalwood and incense.
I will remember it as the place where I was bombarded by Indian tourists who thought that I was the main attraction at the Maharaj's Palace. At this point, I looked up and realized that I was part of a photo. In fact, I was possibly the first white woman that many of the visitors at the Palace had ever seen! As soon as people realized that taking my photo was ok, I had to sit for at least 10 more before I could move along.
Luckily, some of the picture takers were also willing to have me take their picture!

My first day, I visited the Maharaj's Palace - a beautiful place that is truly the focal point of the city. I wandered around a bit, and then sat near one of the gardens so that I could enjoy the surroundings. It was at this point in time when one young woman sat unusually close to me. (I say unusually close, because physical contact in India is almost non-existent.)

Naturally, people were surprised that I was traveling on my own, and several times I had to 'mention' that my husband was back at our hotel.

The next day, I visited the Temple at Chammundi Hill, and although I had to consciously avoid all of the people who wanted to take my money ('offerings to the gods'), I did meet some nice Brits who toured with Temple with me, and a lovely family from Mumbai who drove me to the Bull Temple.
From there, I walked the remaining 700 (of 1000) steps down to the village, and went exploring the 'world famous' market.
The market was filled with colours, and smells, and sounds that made me want to sit in a corner for hours and just absorb as much as possible.
Traveling solo made the entire journey a little tiring, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to visit a new place, and to have a home to return to at the end of the day!

Love from India,
Haley.

Today...

I learned how to wrap a sari...

(With my 'gurus' Airicamary and Shamshad)

“I said to the man at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may go forth into the unknown.’”

There’s something very special about New Year’s Eve. Perhaps I feel this way because I’ve always been surrounded by good company on this, the last day of the year.
In high school one of my New Year’s Eves was spent in the company of good friends, one of whom had just had a neck halo removed after a very serious accident. I remember how incredibly thankful we were that we were able to spend that night together, reflecting on the sadness of the past years’ events, but looking forward to the new year with great anticipation.
To ring in 2005, we celebrated in New York City – complete with sparkly ‘2005’ glasses, and confetti and hugging strangers in the streets.
My first year in Cape Breton, I celebrated by sitting on a couch with someone who was to become a very close friend, sipping wine, watching the lights on the Christmas tree, and then being delighted by a surprise performance of “Under the Sea” by a young man in drag.
The last two years, I’ve spent cozied up in the Power-Donham livingroom, surrounded by a variety of faces, all of whom I have been incredibly blessed to share life with.

In addition to the good company, New Year’s Eve allows for some deliberate reflection on the past year, something that I sometimes shy away from in anticipation for ‘what is to come’.

Last year, I believe I reflected a great deal on ‘the darkness and the light’. However, this year that idea became so much clearer.
There was beautiful joy and beautiful sorrow – for which I give thanks.
Indeed, there was an incomparable richness in what was lived throughout this year, and as always, I have learned so much.
Some things that I have learned…

…there are fights that are not yours to fight.
…community is not the best place for everyone
…sometimes we must choose solitude, and experience some degree of loneliness on the journey to finding wholeness within ourselves
…true friendship crosses borders
… ‘community living’ comes in all shapes and sizes
…there is great beauty in fragility
… ‘signs’ are all around us, we must trust in our ability to read them, and then be willing to take chances and see them through
… we are each a part of the body, pieces of the puzzle, ribbons in the tapestry
…the ‘great tapestry’ cannot be understood from underneath
…life holds regrets. They must be acknowledged, honoured, but not dwelled upon
…loss and its accompanying sorrow do not go away; they linger in dark corners, sometimes dim for extended periods of time, but they remain.
…sometimes, setbacks, frustrations and tears are a part of what you were looking for

In Bangalore, we celebrated with prayer, a bonfire and a special meal (delicious paneer).
The prayer focused on:“O thou who has given us so much, grant one thing more – a grateful heart”

We honoured the ‘colours’ of the past year, and added them to puzzle pieces for our prayer centerpiece. We remembered events of the past year – gave thanks for life and love.

Throughout the evening I could hear lively voices, singing bhajans and rejoicing at the temple and at the dance school next door. And later into the night, there has been a barrage of fireworks, followed by laughter and more singing.
We’ll get to celebrate several more new years as each state has its own depending on the harvest.

And so, forward into this New Year!
With hopes of joy and peace, many days filled with side-splitting laughter, good conversations, wise revelations, new friends, old friends, true loves, wild adventures, the occasional glass of wine, tears of joy and sorrow, warm hugs, sun in which to bask, rain in which to dance, and a true passion for life.

Love from India

Haley

Where love is...

This season always seems to be filled with so much.

So much...

…food

…laughter

…singing

…outings

…dishwashing

And of course, it is filled with the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

I realize that this year is the first time in 25 that I haven’t been close to my family in the time surrounding the 25^th of December. One Christmas, on a flight home to PEI, I met a pilot who was going to be flying on the 25^th. I asked him if he was disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to spend Christmas with his family, and he explained that the 25^th was just a date on a calendar and that the spirit of Christmas, the true intention of the season could be celebrated any time. So, perhaps it’s possible to have many Christmases throughout the year.

Bangalore itself (and Asha Niketan Bangalore specifically) is diverse in its population, and therefore we have the opportunity to celebrate all of the holidays and festivals. Earlier in the month we ate Chicken Biryani for three days straight as we celebrated the Muslim festival of Bakrid, there was a Hindu festival a couple of weeks ago that lit up the temple next door, and (although not as elaborately as in North America) Christmas decorations have slowly been showing up around the city.

Our celebrations at Asha Niketan have been simple, but quite rich. In what seems like true Indian fashion, we began our preparations for our Christmas Pageant on the morning of the 24^th. Ashita, Aramuda, Akash, Chikku, Kanaka and I were responsible for costumes,

and Sonya and I rehearsed with the dance group. At 6pm that evening we welcomed family and friends for the story. There was something quite beautiful about the time together. Everyone was invited to be a part of the story, so we weren’t actually performing, but living the Christmas story together. There were some musical interludes and a couple of dance breaks that made the evening quite festive. Unfortunately, my knowledge of Kannada (that’s the state language) carols is non-existent, so we settled with English.

Everyone joined us for supper afterwards, and although it wasn’t turkey and stuffing – the paneer and rice were quite tasty!

On Christmas day our breakfast and lunch were gifted to us, and then Santa Claus and his elf (Nyem and Sciub) arrived and handed out presents. I received a lovely cd that was recorded by Aramuda’s family.

The next few days will be filled with outings to visit friends, and I imagine, a neverending stream of cake!

Christmas this year has been filled with many things – great gifts of developing friendships, sharing in new traditions, a sense of loneliness for all that is familiar, a desire for a deeper understanding of what we are living together, overwhelming feelings of gratitude to all who called or sent emails from home.

During our prayer on Christmas evening, Katharine (our community leader) invited us to look back over the past year and consider all of the times when we knew we were loved. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy as I was able to reflect and give thanks for all of the people who have offered me love in the past year.

May this Christmas season be a time of good company, good food, uproarious laughter, and abundant love.

Love from India
Haley

“"Why do we have to listen to our hearts?" "Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure." (Paul Coelho)

I've been spending some time reading Coelho's reflections and short stories (hence the quotation...)

This week has been filled with so much kindness and true hospitality.
On Saturday, we were invited to Aramuda's sister-in-law's house for Aramuda's birthday celebrations. The house was lovely, and we received such a warm welcome - complete with tea, a budgin (songs and music of praise), games, a lavish meal of dhosa (a very popular pancake-like food) and presents as we left!
I was struck by the overwhelming kindess and generousity of Aramuda's family as they welcomed our entire community into their home.

(The budgin room)

(On the roof)

(Some of Aramuda's family, members of Asha Niketan and me!)

In honest reflection of my time here thus far, it's been filled with many challenges, moments of great joy and real peace. I'm beginning to truly understand what it means to be an outsider, and, as Katharine our community leader pointed out, it's an important way to feel solidarity with those who have felt like outsiders their entire lives.

I tried to identify what some of my biggest challenges have been, and they include:

-being stared at all the time

-not understanding what it being communicated

-not being understood

-being ignored

And so, isn't the same true for most people who have been marginalized?

It's so important for me to surrender to this, and be thankful for all that I learn from it.

Love from India
Haley.

I'm responding with the only vocabulary I have to ordinary and extraordinary situations that I see around me. (Sally Mann)

It's difficult to give a proper impression of this place. It's a cacophony of noise, a blend of smells, and so many new sights that I'm exhausted by the end of the day.

It's also a little funny because I'm not living as a tourist here and so there's a sort of 'strangeness' about taking pictures, especially when I know that I'll see people the very next day.
Here are a few of my favourite pictures, complete with 2 of the people who sent me on my way from New York :)

On the last Friday of every month, we celebrate birthdays. For November, it was Sital (on the left) and Christopher (on the right)

Our house is large and spacious, with a great deal of the outside on the inside. This keeps the air cool and fresh, but it also means that creatures like bats and rats can come into the house with ease.

Chikku is not only the founding core member of Asha Niketan Bangalore, but also the first core member in India!

A popular place to spend time is at the park. However, you're not allowed to walk on the grass, just enjoy the way it looks. Chikku, Christopher, Kanna and Damodrahn squeeze onto one of th benches!

Ashita indulged me in visiting a restaurant that served authentic South Indian cuisine. Now, I know that we eat authentic India cuisine at home every day, but it's so much more exciting to have it served on a banana leaf!

The festival at the temple next door.

And just to prove that it's really me here in Incredible India:




Love from Bangalore,
Haley.