Happy Diwali!
This is the biggest holiday in India. A cross between Christmas and 4th of July. All the homes are decorated with colorful lights and firecrackers are going off everywhere. I was invited to join the family celebration of Hema and Sudarshan Pandey. Hema works for Child Family Health International, (CFHI) and has been coordinating my time here in Delhi.

Hema & Sudarshan with son Aryan and daughter Ambika

It has been a very sacred day with ritual, incense, chanting, prayers, lots of family and friends. A Brahmin Priest lead the ceremony. This ceremony was honoring the Goddess Kali who is known as the Dark Mother. She is depicted with big red eyes and her huge tongue sticking out. She is a ferocious Mother Goddess who battles evil and wins! Her devotees have a very loving relationship with her.

Hema & Sudashan performing puja


Rangoli made by kids


Sudarshan explaining rituals to me


Lighting the diyas (small clay pots)

I have been in Delhi for several days as guest and volunteer for CFHI. The first day we went to a health fair and met 5 young women from a small village in the Himalayas. CFHI is helping them to become nurses. They are so excited to be with us and appreciate the opportunity they have been given. They are all 19 and 20 and this experience will change there lives and the lives of there families and village.

Students from a Spiti Valley in the Himalayas, sponsored for Nursing Education by CFHI

The next day we toured Sulabh International. The founder is revolutionizing sanitation in India. We were greeted as dignitaries as over 100 students sing morning prayers. The school helps under privledged kids learn life and career skills. Sulabh is also know for the world famous Toliet Museum!

Prayer at Sulabh International


Tour of the Toilet Museum at Sulabh

On Monday I spent the day with Ms. Snehlata and Sanjay Chakraborty - CFHI Local Coordinator at the SAHARA Women and Children's home. They provide rehabilitation services for women and a creche (day care) for young children. I am enjoying my experiences very much and learning about the wonderful services that these people are providing. It is an honor to be invited to participate in these efforts. There is so many people here in India, over 15 million and so much poverty and need. I am moved by the love I am seeing all around me.


Singing poems to the kids in the Creche at Sahara Women and Children Home

We have another celebration this evening. Lakshmi is this evenings Goddess. She is the Goddess of wealth and beauty, purity and generosity.

It has been a month since I left California. I miss my friends and family. I am touced by my new friends. Raj-our guide from Multivision Travel- his beautiful family embraced me as family. Raj has helped me through many challenging moments and has sent 2 packages of excess baggage home. Airline tickets, taxis, hotels - oh my! Thanks to his great wife and daughter and what would I do with out 12 year old Ansh.

That's all for now. Any comments? XXRR