Ta Ta!

This morning I woke up not knowing what to expect from today, my last in Calcutta, my last in India. We armed ourselves with bags of medical supplies, food for the kids and a few tissues for our eyes if needed. It was a normal day like I knew it would be. The only thing was the kids smiles seemed to be bigger, eyes brighter and hugs more touching. I will miss this place.

We found our usual crew of people and after taking care of them we were approached by the mother who was passed our cold a few weeks ago with the little baby. Her child was burning up and looked very sick. We all had to take a deep breath and do our best to help her battle the 'system' to get her child medicine. We cleaned her, dressed her wounds and promised to buy her medication if she brought us a prescription. We found a new man with elephantitis and took care of a young girl with cuts up and down her arm...probably self-inflicted. When the time came to leave, Ann and I stood behind and told the others we would take the next train. This place has changed me so much I didn't know what to do other than stand for a minute and watch. My favorite (even though I shouldn't have one..I do:) girl came up to me and gave me a big smooch right on the lips and then did the same for Ann. I gave her one back, smiled and walked away. I know that her days will be the same trials and tribulations of survival once I leave and I hope others will come take good care of her and teach her family to do the same. I had to walk away and not look back or I probably wouldn't have ever been able to stop hugging her. I know in my heart that I will return again soon.

We stopped at the other station on the way home and gave a family a laminated photo that Ann took a week earlier. The father and mother looked at it with pride. I am sure this is their only family photo. It felt good to provide that for them.

Today we will pack and say good bye to India. The plan for the evening is dinner and good company. At 0500 tomorrow a cab will take us away, back to our reality....more to come next year. Signing off from India...Katie