Off to Pondicherry!

Hello Everyone! I only have about 20 minates to write this posting, but I thought I should let you all know that I'm flying to Pondicherry in about 5 hours! My last day at Missions of Charity was yesterday which went really well. It began at breakfast at the Mother House where I had to stand in front of all the other volunteers while they sang me a goodbye song. Luckily, I had a friend from the Netherlands that I met here whose last day was the same day...so I wasn't alone! Then, it was my final busride to Shanti Dan where I spent my time with all the women I've come to know. It was difficult to explain to them that I was leaving considering that I speak English and most of them speak Bengali, but through a series of handmotions and face expressions, I think I conveyed the message. There were a lot of hugs, smiles, songs, and laughter. All in all, it was a wonderful day and I know that I'll miss these women immensely. They truly have captured a piece of my heart.
Over the past week, I've been trying to do all the things in Kolkata that I've wanted to do. I played frisbee in this massive park with horses and a great view of the Victoria Memorial. It was organized by this guy from Canada who we met at the Mother House and by the end we had quite a gathering of people from all over the world, local Indian people, and even a group of children who postponed their soccer game for frisbee! It was really fun and it felt good to get some excercise! I also went to see the Botanical Gardens which are situated along the Hoogley River that runs through Kolkata. They are immense gardens that contain this 250 year old Banyan tree that has the second largest canopy in the world! It was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in India thus far. You really felt like you were in the middle of Jurassic Park...without the scary raptors of course! :) The gardens were also a really nice break from the chaotic noise of the city. Actually, we almost didn't get to go because there was this giant gathering of about 1 million people for some sort of political rally. All I know, is that Grace and I walked down to Park street which is where we usually can catch a taxi and there were people for as far as you could see in both directions and many bright red communist flags flapping in the wind. Politics are conducted a little bit differently here!
I also got the opportunity in the past week to visit a leperosy colony that is run by Missions of Charity. It was truly an inspiring experience that I feel fortunate to have had. Our trip began with an educational talk about the disease itself, the rehabilitative work that the center does, and the differing social stigmas that exist in India towards those who have the disease. We then got to tour the facilities and meet the patients. Once the patients have undergone treatment, the center offers them employment in tailoring, gardening, carpentry, etc. We got to see their work on the looms which was really impressive. Apparently, the make most of the sheets and clothing that are used at the various centers that Missions of Charity has throughout the city. They also make all of the saris that the sisters wear! The center also provides free education for the patient's children who are often denied access because they are "a daughter or son of a leper". The social stigmas in India often eliminate these people's chances for self-sufficiency and often strip them of their sense of dignity. Mother Teresa's goal when creating this center was to return this sense of dignity and provide viable opportunities for them and their children to do so. Really amazing work!
Now, I'm headed off to Pondicherry which I'm really excited about. I'm not sure what my internet access will look like at this point, but I'll try to keep you posted on how that experience is going. I love and miss you all. Until later.... :)