The Calm without the storm

Is it a dream? If it is, I never want to awake from it's slumber. Even though we have only been here for 2 days I can tell you that I am a changed person. Since arriving in India an unexplainable calm, peace and serenity has blanketed me like the fog that hovers over kolkata seemingly endless. I truly feel that the English language just doesn't have the words to truly express what we are experiencing. I have seen things that I will never forget in my entire life and some that I hope I forget by tomorrow but I know will continue to haunt me for the rest of my days. India is everything I thought it would be but on a more heightened level.

I've always known the conditions that exist here but to see them with my own eyes sears them into my memory forever. I know you are all anxious to hear about them, and you will, but now I am still processing. It will take some time to get it out. I really cant explain it in words. You have to experience it for yourself.

The Team: The group of people were with are really some of the most amazing I have ever met. We have Sue and Maya. A mother and daughter that I have fallen in love with. They are so interesting and have this amazing bohemian quality about them. Maya is an archaeologist so we've had plenty to talk about and her mom Sue is a midwife and a 3rd grade teacher. They have such a great spirit and energy that you cant help but adore them. We also have Selma and Shayma, 2 amazing women from the Maryland/DC area (YEAH!), that I really admire. They have a very kind energy that flows freely from them. Love it. We also have Kate and Linda. Two AMAZING women that have been living in India for the last several months. Kate was actually someone I met back in February at the trafficking conference at the world bank and she's a human rights lawyer that can kick some serious ass. She is so young and tiny but yet she came to India 7 months ago on a Fulbright scholarship and has travelled the entire continent by herself doing her work and helping TEN. I am floored by her! Linda is truly a class act head and shoulders above the rest. She's been here for the last 2 months with TEN and then before that was in Nepal doing some work for about 6 months. I have such a connection with her and we all get along so well. The team dynamic is exactly what it should be in this situation and I couldn't be happier. I will speak to more about the team as time goes by but as a whole we are family already!

The kids are just incredible and to be able to help to bring them some joy sets my heart a fluttering. We took them today to a beach area north of the city. It was a LONG and VERY challenging bus ride and one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. However one we got there it was picturesque India! We took a small boat through the Bay of Bengal to a park and just spent the afternoon playing with the kids. The boat ride was one of the most calming and relaxing experiences I have ever had. I've never felt more at peace and will never forget it. Keep in mind that when I say boat i'm not talking about a boat you know. It's a handmade wooden boat that very easily couldve been here around 700 years ago and just might have been. You'll see the pics and videos when we are able to post them.

I could go on forever and it's only been 2 days. We will be processing this trip for years to come. We will also look back at it and see how this was the point where everything changed for us....forever.

- Paul

P.S. We will be able to post pics and videos but not sure when. Connection isnt the fastest as I'm sure you can imagine. If not we will certainly get them out as soon as we are back. Thanks for the love guys...it's very good to hear. SO at peace....cant believe it.
NAMASTE!