Thursday, as we sat around a big table crowded with more food than we could possible fit into our stomaches, we clinked glass to chosen family. It was a small group of people that had lived in the city for years and I felt so blessed to have a seat at this table of world changers. This group has celebrated many holidays away from family and friends so they are intentional about celebrating well with pumpkin pies and they even had a turkey this year. We even got hand print turkeys from one of the kids which was the perfect addition to make it feel like home. We watched Elf as the feast was prepared. It was still hard to be away from home and family but it felt really good to be welcomed into a chosen family.
I love the idea of chosen family especially when living halfway around the world. There is a growing group of expats in Kolkata, but there is a small group that was invited to take part in Thanksgiving. It is a group that has walked through the hard goodbyes and rejoiced in the good things together. They know how to be thankful for the little everyday gifts in this city of everyday chaos. We ate together until we could not possibly fit any more stuffing or mashed potatoes into our bellies. There were so many pies so once our stomachs had slightly recovered, they were filled again with pumpkin, pecan and apple pies. My belly was full and my heart was overflowing.
I am about six weeks into my time here and I am loving working with the women at Sari Bari. I have been working on marketing plans and helping with shipping which make the days go quickly. I begin teaching English with a group of managers this week so it will add some variety to my current routine. We live near the red light area so the mooring walk to work is usually less than fun but I have started listening to podcasts on the way so I have some control over what I hear and it drowns out the constant honking and yelling. I am so grateful for technology which has allowed me to keep in touch with family and friends. As the holiday season is in full swing back home, I am missing being home to bake cookies and going to Christmas parties.
I would love to receive notes or Christmas cards through this season so if you feel so inclined send some my way. My address is listed here.
If you want to check out Sari Bari and how you can get involved or buy product check out their website. They have some really great deals for Cyber Monday and they have a ton of bags and blankets which make great Christmas presents. Each purchase helps fan the flame of freedom within the red light areas.
I love the idea of chosen family especially when living halfway around the world. There is a growing group of expats in Kolkata, but there is a small group that was invited to take part in Thanksgiving. It is a group that has walked through the hard goodbyes and rejoiced in the good things together. They know how to be thankful for the little everyday gifts in this city of everyday chaos. We ate together until we could not possibly fit any more stuffing or mashed potatoes into our bellies. There were so many pies so once our stomachs had slightly recovered, they were filled again with pumpkin, pecan and apple pies. My belly was full and my heart was overflowing.
I am about six weeks into my time here and I am loving working with the women at Sari Bari. I have been working on marketing plans and helping with shipping which make the days go quickly. I begin teaching English with a group of managers this week so it will add some variety to my current routine. We live near the red light area so the mooring walk to work is usually less than fun but I have started listening to podcasts on the way so I have some control over what I hear and it drowns out the constant honking and yelling. I am so grateful for technology which has allowed me to keep in touch with family and friends. As the holiday season is in full swing back home, I am missing being home to bake cookies and going to Christmas parties.
I would love to receive notes or Christmas cards through this season so if you feel so inclined send some my way. My address is listed here.
If you want to check out Sari Bari and how you can get involved or buy product check out their website. They have some really great deals for Cyber Monday and they have a ton of bags and blankets which make great Christmas presents. Each purchase helps fan the flame of freedom within the red light areas.
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