Cannot describe...

Words cannot describe this place; they don't show the vivid colors of the women's saris. Pictures are not enough, they don't capture the noise of the chaotic streets. Videos are not complete, they don't hold the feeling of walking past crippled children begging for food.

I don't know how to share where I am with you! It's so foreign. I've adjusted pretty well- lots of ups and downs through out the first week. I am taking one day at a time and just embracing the roller coaster! Out of self-preservation I've had to desensitized myself to what I see and walk past even when what I know is to help. I try and do as much little things as I can- having some treats/nuts/coins in my pocket to hand out.

You never know what you're going to get here... while walking down the one sidewalk they have in the city to get to the doctors, 3 donkey's come parading toward us and we have to leave this little peice of safety and chose either to step to our left into a garbage filled foul smelling sewer or to our right into fast crazy unorganized cars, bicycles, rickshaws, and vikrams. Today, we were riding in the rickshaw when a whole parade- music, people dressed up, cars, horse- comes through and we have to turn around (into on coming traffic) and take a 'back' road aka pretty much a motorcross track to get home! Waking up in the morning to the fruit man announcing his presence throughout the neighborhood (if you listened closely.. you might have been able to hear him back at home). And then, while riding home I look out to colorfully dressed children guy laughing in a small group, men being incredibly resourceful with all kinds of material welding, widdling, creating items, a family run restaurant making food on the street.

One thing is for sure, this experience is UNforgettable. The lessons I am learning on a daily basis will be with me for the rest of my life!