So I made it to Kolkata at last!
Turns out the internet situation will be a little bit different than I had originally thought, so I'm not sure how often or to what extent I'll be able to update this blog. Currently I'm at an internet cafe so it's a lil slow.
So, I arrived in Kolkata close to midnight on Friday and was (thankfully) able to spend most of Saturday sleeping, reading up on some papers and articles the organization gave me, and trying (sadly) to memorize a pocket book of Bengali words and phrases. It was super neat getting to meet the some of the staff at the apartment I staid at; also, I think it really helped put me at ease to be able to talk with them a little about their experiences here and what it's meant to them.
I'm currently staying with my wonderful host family (they are ridiculously wonderful) on the south side of Kolkata. And, man, it's a lot hotter here than I'd expected. For example, the Belvita crackers I had packed for my trip have turned soggy due to the heat and humidity. This means it's crazy hot! My host family is really engaging and, once again, I'm humbled by the hospitality I've been shown here already.
Interesting fact: My Bengali name is now Asha. My host family's 6yr old son kept asking me what my name was, so we thought it would be a good idea to give him a more familiar Bengali name to remember. I'm not really sure why he chose Asha.... I don't know if it fits my personality or not... you decide :P
Right now it's looking like I will switch back and forth working at two different sites - one in the north end and one in the south. I've already visited the first one which employs a smaller number of women and today I was able to visit the northern one which is larger. I've gotten to meet 4 short-term interns who have been really great to talk to (considering my limited vocabulary in Bengali as of right now ha). It looks like I may be doing some grant writing/research perhaps and will be doing some projects with excel as well as getting to work alongside the women cutting and tearing fabrics. We're still trying to figure out my schedule a bit, but things have been going super well so far and I'm sincerely looking forward to the rest of my time here!
As an intern, I have a lot more freedom than I'd expected to have. I'll be traveling to and from the sites as well as running errands usually by myself it looks like - which is exciting! I was pretty intimidated this morning when I had to find my way to and take the metro by myself (I can't believe how many people fit in the metro...). But at the same time, when I'm able to do something outside my comfort zone and succeed (I survived the metro!), it's a really satisfying feeling :)
BTW: just for future reference, I may not have many pictures from this trip. I want to be really careful about respecting the dignity and privacy of the women, staff, and people I meet, sooo I also won't be sharing their pictures or personal information. Thank you for understanding this :)
Please pray for me to continue allowing God to define my identity and my purpose (this is vague, I know.)
Also, please pray for the fruits of God's Spirit to be felt by the people I meet and interact with.
Pray that I would know the ways to best humble myself and truly love other people.
Pray for the people who miss me and the people I already miss.
Annnd Please pray of course for my health and that I am able to be safe.
With much love,
- Jenni
Turns out the internet situation will be a little bit different than I had originally thought, so I'm not sure how often or to what extent I'll be able to update this blog. Currently I'm at an internet cafe so it's a lil slow.
So, I arrived in Kolkata close to midnight on Friday and was (thankfully) able to spend most of Saturday sleeping, reading up on some papers and articles the organization gave me, and trying (sadly) to memorize a pocket book of Bengali words and phrases. It was super neat getting to meet the some of the staff at the apartment I staid at; also, I think it really helped put me at ease to be able to talk with them a little about their experiences here and what it's meant to them.
I'm currently staying with my wonderful host family (they are ridiculously wonderful) on the south side of Kolkata. And, man, it's a lot hotter here than I'd expected. For example, the Belvita crackers I had packed for my trip have turned soggy due to the heat and humidity. This means it's crazy hot! My host family is really engaging and, once again, I'm humbled by the hospitality I've been shown here already.
Interesting fact: My Bengali name is now Asha. My host family's 6yr old son kept asking me what my name was, so we thought it would be a good idea to give him a more familiar Bengali name to remember. I'm not really sure why he chose Asha.... I don't know if it fits my personality or not... you decide :P
Right now it's looking like I will switch back and forth working at two different sites - one in the north end and one in the south. I've already visited the first one which employs a smaller number of women and today I was able to visit the northern one which is larger. I've gotten to meet 4 short-term interns who have been really great to talk to (considering my limited vocabulary in Bengali as of right now ha). It looks like I may be doing some grant writing/research perhaps and will be doing some projects with excel as well as getting to work alongside the women cutting and tearing fabrics. We're still trying to figure out my schedule a bit, but things have been going super well so far and I'm sincerely looking forward to the rest of my time here!
As an intern, I have a lot more freedom than I'd expected to have. I'll be traveling to and from the sites as well as running errands usually by myself it looks like - which is exciting! I was pretty intimidated this morning when I had to find my way to and take the metro by myself (I can't believe how many people fit in the metro...). But at the same time, when I'm able to do something outside my comfort zone and succeed (I survived the metro!), it's a really satisfying feeling :)
BTW: just for future reference, I may not have many pictures from this trip. I want to be really careful about respecting the dignity and privacy of the women, staff, and people I meet, sooo I also won't be sharing their pictures or personal information. Thank you for understanding this :)
Please pray for me to continue allowing God to define my identity and my purpose (this is vague, I know.)
Also, please pray for the fruits of God's Spirit to be felt by the people I meet and interact with.
Pray that I would know the ways to best humble myself and truly love other people.
Pray for the people who miss me and the people I already miss.
Annnd Please pray of course for my health and that I am able to be safe.
With much love,
- Jenni
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