Spence Smith

On our last morning in India, we went to two places that rocked my world in a matter of a few minutes. The Kalighat Kali Hindu Temple and Mother Teresa’s Home For The Destitute and Dying. These two places are the extreme opposite in what they do and they share a common wall.

I don’t have any image of the temple yet. But the only brief way to explain it is dark, human chaos of a misguided religion in action. We walked into the temple and people were every where getting their payers heard. In one corner a tree of fertility for those having a hard time having kids. In another corner goats are being butchered up because they were just sacrificed. There was blood everywhere on the ground with whatever else kind of mess we were walking around. Of course people we staring at us because we were ten very white people in the midst of them all. Men we laying face down on this same ground saying prayers and getting up to move one body length the lay face down and do it again and again and again. It was the darkest place I have ever been. Ever. Hundreds of people everyday go here so they can pray and offer sacrifice to their Kali god.

Next door was the light at the end of the tunnel. Quite literally. Mother Teresa’s first project in Calcutta(Kolkata). The Home For The Destitute and Dying. Pictures don’t seem to do it justice so I’ve posted the video below from CNN India (IBN Live) that gives a great picture of what we saw and experienced.
This is a place for those living on the streets who are on their last dying days. A place they can go to die with dignity and in the loving arms of someone who cares.

This was an incredible experience and I will never forget it. The sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming to say the least. This is reality… and I’m still trying to figure out how to now make more of a difference in my sphere of influence now that I have seen true and humble service to the poor.

Sunday we arrived in Kolkata, India for the week to see the work of Compassion International. It’s Actually Monday morning and we are about to leave soon to see a Compassion projct and to play with kids.

Sunday was a great day and my sense were on overdrive the whole time. Once we got checked into the hotel we took off to go see where Mother Teresa lived, her tomb and the orphange they started at the Mission of Charities.

I was blown away by the simplistic nature of the love this woman had for mankind. It didn’t matter who you were and what place you had in life… all people needed love. She and the women she served with truly took care of the sick, the poor, and the orphaned and the work she started still goes on today.

We saw this tiny little room where she slept, met with people, and wrote for 40 years. This same little bed is the same she passed away in. A Famous woman with a big heart but very humble standings in life. I was truly moved.

As we walked around you could sense God’s presence and that a work was being started here is like no other. Mother Teresa and the women who served here aren’t just after God’s own heart… they have it.

After we visited her world, we went to see this beautifull memorial call Victoria Memorial. Yes… it was big, pretty, and impressed. But pailed in comparision to the hugeness of Mother Teresa.

As the day closed in and the sunset over Kolkata for our first night, I couldn’t help but think we are in for quite a week. The bloggers on this trip are all excited and at the same time really trying to get used to being in such a foreign land.

Me? I live for trips like this…make sure you check out the other blogs from today and get ready… you are going to want to dive into the life of a child after reading what all we have to tell you about.