On Monday everyone from the office took a trip to Vrindavan to see Project Jeevan. Project Jeevan is an AMAZING program run by Maitri that takes care of widows that have been ostracized from their homes and families. Before visiting the ashram in which these women live our hosts took us to a temple where Radha's (Krishna's girlfriend) birthday was being celebrated. Every possible surface of the temple was covered in beautiful flowers, floral chandeliers as well as the people!! It was more beautiful than any dream I have ever had, but the only way to describe it properly is to compare it to a dream. The above picture is a group shot of us entering the temple, Me, Liz, Sarah, Anita and Shikha from the office. Can you believe, this is only the entrance!
The celebration in the temple pulsed, even more impressive were the people. The joy and fun around me was so delirious that I couldn't help but join in the dancing and singing, "Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna Hare Hare Krishna!"
After leaving the temple we were taken to visit with the widows and help serve their mid-day meal. I can honestly say that meeting with these women humbled me more than any experience in Amerca. The women were so loving and open to our visit, how anyone could see them as 'bad luck' or anything but spiritual and full of love baffles me. The first woman I met shook my hand and before I knew it we were hugging and crying. There was something about her that made me feel... I don't know...it's like our spirits clicked. She was talking in Hindi and I in English but we somehow understood each other.
I can't wait to go back! Really, I just want to stay there and feel their love and serve forever!
Before the afternoon meal we got to spend a few minutes with, Winnie ma'am and General Singh, the founders and CEO's of Maitri. I am in awe of their work and the many programs they run in order to serve those in need, especially those considered 'untouchable'.
As we left the Ashram to go to another temple I started to not feel well. I had had a stomache ache most of the day but as we started to head up a small path to the other temple it really started to hurt. The market and alleys were packed with marching bands, people bringing offerings to Krishna and those making the pilgramage to the temple. The best part is that we went where no other tourist has even been, you had to be in the "know" to get there. Amazing. As we walked back down to the car I just had to stop and buy the most beautiful peacock fans and feathers (earlier in the day while driving I saw a peacock fly across the road, land on a wall and spread its feathers!)
Beautiful images, my Katie. You absolutely shine.
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