One has to be flexible, patient, and hydrated in India

After waiting a bit at one shelter for a driver (who we never saw due to traffick), witnessing a women get hit by a car (she walked away, no worries), and downing half my water in the over 100 degree heat (gotta love humidity), we got some directions and headed out to Nijoloy, the other shelter that we are volunteering at. Looking out at the passing city I felt as though Kolkata is a city in transformation and probably has been and will be for years. We past numerous unfunished buildings, some were be lived in or worked in.

Its different to see dogs and cows walking the streets like they are humans going about their daily business. No one bats an eye, so neither do I. Riding in a car here is like being on a roller coaster, "please keep arms and hands in the car at all time until we come to a complete stop". But after playing chicken with numerous cars, again...you got to go with it, embrace the experience and hold on!

After surviving yet another cab ride we were welcomed to the shelter with flowers, smiles, and a dab of sandalwood paste on our 3rd eye. Some of the girls were block stamping a sari and our interest prompted a showing of saris, accompanied with tea and biscuits. We were ooohing and aaaahing over the awesome meticulous work. We each had our, "I'm taking that one" or " I LOVE that one". Next thing we knew it we were playing dress up, and what girl doesn't like that!?

It's amazing that these women expertly drape one piece of material in such a beautiful elegant way. I had, at one time, three women helping me out! Many pictures were taken, it was just a beautiful moment.After a Bengali lunch we were blessed with some dance. I love the elegant hand movements and that their dances told a story. It was a blessing to watch them dance. When they wanted us to dance, we all sort of struggled with what to do. We ended up with the chicken dance, the hokey pokey, and the makarana. We may have looked silly but it was fun!

When we started our tour of the facility it was as if the barriers came down. The girls went from shy looks and hidden stares to hand holding, arm pulling, and loving animated attempts at communication. We were in one room looking at a mural that was painted by other volunteers when a girl came up and pulled me into another room. With pride she showed me her bed, and pointed out the kitchen before taking me back to the others. We were inundated with "what is my name?" as they point at you wanted to know YOUR name:). Being pulled from room to room while they showed their basic living quarters with such pride, I could not help be filled with their happiness and joy. It is truly amazing. They are so open, loving, and full of life that one cannot be in that and not feel unconditional love in it's purest form.

We were told not to think of these women and children as victims but survivors. How can anyone not see them as anything but survivors for they are so positive and seem to be looking forward with such hope and promise! They are not crippled by their past, their situations, or possible challenges they may be facing. Being in this environment has stoked the fire even more for me to bring more awareness, and to be as active as I can to stop slavery.