Risks

In life, don't we all take risks?  Growing up don't we take our first baby steps?  Don't we take our first tooth out?  Don't we take a risk in taking flu shots?  Don't we take risks by going to college in another state?  Life is all about changes and with out change, there is no growth.

For me, the risk that was worth taking is talking to Fr. George Cerniglia from Chaminade University of Honolulu to help me come to India and work with the brothers and boys here in Deepahalli.  Well, I spoke about it and brought it up and look where I am?  I am in Bangalore, India, in a village called Deepahalli.  How crazy is that?  Very crazy and people look at me like I am weird, being a woman traveling to India by herself.  I admit, it has been a very anxious plane ride with lots of tips to give and looking out for myself, but hey I made it here in one piece!  God, Master Equilibrium, and my Guardian angels have been with me and literally looked out for me and help me get through the danger of traveling to India on my own.  I'm not gonna lie, when I got to Mumbai, people looked at me with this weird look.  I don't know if its because I am a woman, but a police officer actually snobbed me, but hey I said good morning and smiled as he continued to stab me with his mean look.  Also did I mention that there were only 5 women on an Air India flight to Bangalore! Omgosh that was crazy.  I counted the women and there were a few.

When I got to Bangalore and left the airport, I was very scared because I'm in a new country.  Then Bro. Raj Mohan and Bro. Anthony recognized me from all the people that came out of the airport.  That was a relief.  I just wanna thank them for picking me up and even until now, I still thank them.  They didn't get any rest and they drove 3 hours to Bangalore airport just to pick me up.  They are the sweetest and most humbling men, along with the rest of the brothers that I met here in Deepahalli.

When I got to Deepahalli, I felt like the nastiest person ever with sweat sticking on my body and no shower for 2 days.  I finally got my room and my own shower so after I unpacked, I decided to take a shower because I just felt so dirty.  I walked outside and called my parents to let them know that I am safe because I didn't get a hold of them until I got to Deepahalli and they were very worried.  After, I introduced myself to the boys and they were so humbling and sweet 14 year olds that looks like they are only 10!

Then, I had lunch with the other Marianist Brothers and spoke to a Fr. who was on retreat (I know his name, but not at the top of my head sorry:( ).  We talked about democracy in India, poverty, women power, culture, and tradition.  It was a very interesting story that I heard from him and I swear my lunch was about 1 hour because there were so many interesting things that he spoke to me about.  Then I went to my room, set my alarm clock at around 6:00 to wake up for supper and mass and guess what?  I didn't wake up until 3 am!!! Omgosh the room was so dark and I was freaking out.  From 3 am to 6 pm, I read my Leadership book, showered, and went outside to greet the boys a good morning.  We played cricket this morning and they taught me to just be simple and stop worrying about everything.

So far, I believe that this has been the greatest risk that I took.  Like Robert Frost's book "The Road Less Taken" I feel that as a woman or as a person, this is the road less taken.  India is not a very safe place for anyone, especially a woman, but here I am feeling so safe and secure in the protection of God, the Marianist Community, Master Equilibrium, and my Guardian Angels.  I know that they are with me at all distances.

Until next time:) Will keep you updated:)

XOXO
Kristeme