A few weekends ago, my dear friend Steve came to visit on a bumpy 6-hour bus ride from his town outside of Bangalore. He brought a couple of his teacher-volunteer-friends from Shanti Bhavan, where he is currently volunteering his time and talent(s) as an 11th grade English teacher, soccer star and all-around role model. The school is a boarding school, K-12, for Dalit children, the lowest caste in a system which thrives and discriminates still--despite laws and growing awareness. I was, still am actually, grateful to have such a good friend to not only see my space, but listen to me verbally process many of the incomplete and impossible to write about thoughts inside my head. While our immediate environments are quite different (for instance, he is in a rural village on a plateau, I am in a bustling city in a pool of humidity) we are sharing many questions, lessons, struggles and laughter living in this beautiful country. It was good to share some of these things in person!
Housewarming party for my new flat/Tierney's friend Steve is in town so let's have dinner party:
We miss our Furman Friends from SC!
Detail: A Hindu Temple
Very tall entrance to this complex of mini temples, shrines and even a concession stand! We wandered around but were politely, firmly asked to leave one area that was marked "Hindus Only."
Detail: St. Thomas Basilica
According to Church Tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle brought the Gospel to South Asia. He is buried beneath this altar and his relics are stored in the chapel below this main basilica.
A Beautiful Church.
So fun to have a familiar face to share some of these unfamiliar experiences!
1 comment:
Can't believe you got to hang out with Steve!! So glad you are able to share your questions, burdens and love for this land with a wonderful friend. :) miss you TEA.
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