8/13/08: Honking Along in India
Hey all, Brian here. We left quickly last night in an effort to purchase minutes for an emergency use phone, but to our disappointment it ended in failure due to a hindrance in comprehending Hindi. Needless to say, we’ll be heading back to the marketplace tomorrow evening with our friend, Arushi, who will assist in breaching the language barrier.
Upon arriving in Delhi after an escapade of missed connections and delayed flights, we arrived safely and met Akhilesh Sharma, Children’s Hope India’s project manager. Bernard and Melissa’s luggage were waiting patiently, but the airplane deities were not smiling upon me that night and it ultimately took three days to reclaim the lost luggage. For you hygienic readers out there, you’d be amazed at the wondrous smells one’s body produces when doused in nothing but deodorant, Deet Bug Spray, and an ample amount of 70 SPF Sunscreen for a few days on end without showering! Wednesday’s mission was to visit Prayas Juvenile Aid Center, a remarkable non-profit organization affecting thousands of youth and women throughout India. We were able to sit down and learn much from Amod Kanth, Prayas’ General Secretary and one of its earliest founders. H.N. Sahay, Prayas’ Director for the Institute of Economic Empowerment was able to convey a great deal of information about microfinance and women’s self help groups, two amazing programs with a possibility of transforming the economic landscape of India’s poverty-stricken communities.
Delhi is truly unlike anything I’ve yet to encounter. At the times the constant honking of horns is an entirely different language in and of itself as dozens of miniature cars compete for a six foot space in the middle of the road, coming mere inches from crashing into one another. As four-hundred pound cattle casually walk across a three lane highway we have to smile at such surprising sight. This could never happen in America – but here it’s just another part of life. Nonetheless, the future possibilities for sustainable aid are tremendous and our appetite for knowledge only grows each day. This is an endeavor far greater than any of us could have imagined at the forefront almost seven months ago. I’m excited to wholeheartedly put our minds and bodies to work: after combining a wee bit of humor, an immense amount of Americana zeal, and a fascination for the unknown, this will be one remarkable adventure.
Till next time,
Brian
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