We are all busy packing up getting ready to leave the girls home at the Asha Deep Foundation. So much has happened over the past week.
Saturday we presented to all of the teachers from the St. James Convent school and preschool. When I was creating a schedule for the team at the beginning of the trip, Johti, the director of Asha Deep, asked if we would be willing to present to the teachers on our methods and activities in the classroom. I admit I agreed to it before asking the team, but only because I knew what an awesome job they would do and how much fun we would have creating the presentation. As a team we decided that the most practical methodology we could share with the teachers was student centered learning. Johti shared with us that the curriculum for students is provided by the government and that teachers rarely deviate from the books. Her hope was that the school would begin to teach in a new way, a more creative way , one that included many activities for the children. Knowing our teams strengths and composition I knew she was barking up the right tree!!!
Krishtine took on the large responsibility of presenting to all of the preschool teachers. She modeled activities and even got the director of the preschool on the floor trying the strategies out with her. Lauren, Maya, Jennie and I presented for the next 3 hours, discussing first the theory behind student centered learning and then teaching and modeling 3 activities they could use across all subjects and grades in their classrooms. The presentation was very active and eye-opening on both sides. At the beginning we had the teachers engaged in an activity we call “carousel”. In a carousel, participants write down their thoughts,and then analyze and evaluate questions posted around the room. Some of the questions we posted were, “what is you biggest challenge as a teacher?”, “what is the role of the teacher/student ?“and “how does learning happen?” Over and over we saw similarities between our students and the challenges in NYC and those teachers face here at St. James. We felt effective knowing we had experienced similar challenges. We also learned that at the end of the day, children are children and they all want the same things.
On Monday we went to the Taj Mahal! It was sooo magnificently beautiful. On the way up the hill to the tomb, a few of us got to ride the camel pulling our cart while the driver took pictures. It was awesome! We got stuck in a monsoon rain on the way back to the van and the drive took slightly longer than we expected but in the words of Mr. Chetty, we “made fun.”
Tuesday was the Indian holiday Raksha Bandhan, that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. All of the children at the orphanage participated in a celebration and exchange of bracelets. Many children had siblings from outside of the home come to visit them especially for this day. The exchange ritual is very intricate and meaningful. It was very moving to watch the respect and love the children have for one another and the importance they place on the relationship between siblings. I think we all missed our own that day!
Wednesday was our day out shopping. The girls put on their game faces and bargained in the markets at Connaught place. I think as a team we walked away with some excellent deals. For lunch (gasp) we hit up the Indian McDonalds for the famous Maharajah Mac. After 12 days of rice and daal , 3 meals a day, the golden arches were calling our name and we we satisfied! Wednesday evening we took the Chetty family out to dinner and had some of the most delicious Indian food. Even after our gluttonous day of Mcdonalds and ice cream sundaes at Cafe Coffee Day, the Indian food at the neighborhood restaurant was so enticing and delicious.
Yesterday we visited another educational project in the rag picking area. It was by far the most extreme poverty we have seen thus far. After visiting the office and hearing about the program, social workers walked us through the slum to see how the children were being forced to work and kept from school. We were also able to peer into the homes which were essentially tiny rooms where 7-8 people slept with no running water or electricity. There was no water in the slum and the community leader informed us that the government has stopped sending trucks regularly.
The program being run is educating approximately 40 children in 2 separate sessions throughout the day. The children who are still forced to work attend the session later in the day. Parents keep their children from school in order to have them make money picking trash for the family. The social workers for the program go in to the slum every day to check on the students families and to tell more residents about the opportunity for education in their area. Because of the extreme poverty in the area and the largely Muslim population, education is neither valued for children nor made accessible. Many families are not even aware their children have rights to an education. The program is doing amazing work empowering the students they have acquired and engaging with the families.
Yesterday afternoon was our farewell with the teachers and last night we celebrated a “farewell to American Didi’s” with the children. Both celebrations were joyful filled with traditional Indian attire, dancing, tea and sweets.
We have had an incredible journey and can’t wait to share more when we return through photos and stories. I think the value of education has been seen in a whole new light on this trip and as educators we are leaving feeling inspired, hopeful, and eager to make a difference.
Love and miss you all!!!
Blessings,
Kaitlyn, Maya, Lauren, Krishtine, Jennie, Veena
Educators in the Slums
August 23, 2010
WOW! A lot has happened over the past 7 days ! The girls and I have composed a list of our favorite memories to keep you in the loop with what is going on.
Independence day was magical with the children. We watched a traditional celebration program outside the convent school and heard Father R give an inspiring speech about India’s approach of nonviolence as a way of attaining peace. After the dancing we went up on the roof of the orphanage with the girls where they taught us how to fly kites…(think Kite Runner scene). The slums were so lively and happy, children were playing and laughing everywhere.
Each day this week we have been able to work on and observe many different educational programs being run by the Asha Deep Foundation. In the evenings we spend time with all of the children form the orphanage playing games and singing together and then go back to the girls home to help tutor them on their english homework.
On monday our day trip was to the preschool and primary classes in St. James School attached to the orphanage. We broke up into groups of 1 or 2 and assisted in classes teaching children and teachers new activities and just helping out where we could. We were also able to sit in on a presentation about all of the programs Asha Deep is running in Northeast Delhi and Seemapuri. I think all of the girls were amazed at how much Asha Deep is doing and how resourceful they are with what they have. We are all incredibly inspired by the dedication and compassion each of the workers have here.
On Tuesday we visited the Gali schools which mean “street” schools in the middle of the slums. Gali schools empower women in the slums to acquire income by teaching the children on their street. They are responsible for gathering all of the young children who aren’t in school from their street and teaching them in their apartments.
Tuesday was especially meaningful for me. Last year two little girls who were sisters really touched my heart, Alka and Kalpana. Earlier this summer, their father showed up at the orphanage to take them home. I was so disappointed when I heard they wouldn’t be here for this trip. When we were visiting a Gali school I was standing in an alley way outside one of the apartments when a little hand grabbed mine. I turned around and it was Kalpana!!!! Immediately I hugged her and began to cry, she told me her sister was right around the corner and I got to see them both! What an incredible blessing! Who would have thought we would be there at the same time and place when we live half way across the world.
On wednesday we visited the Creche, a preschool for rag-picking children. The ladies were able to see the work of a ragpicker as they witnessed parents and siblings picking rags across the street from the school in the trash heaps. We were all blown away by this 3 year old, Afrin, who tore it up with her intricate footwork dancing in a circle and bossing everyone around. We brought wonderful hand made blankets for the children from some ladies in PA. We also visited the Vocational center for cloth-making mendi, computers etc. and the physically challenged center in the afternoon where we cauht up with the kids and checked up on how they were using sign language and time out:).
Johti, the woman who runs the show out here had a birthday this week as well. We taught the kids the song, “Because you loved me” and had them perform it for her as a treat. We also got to go on a little trip with the whole orphanage to a hindi movie where all 100 of us snacked on popcorn and “cool drinks.” There were about 70 girls on a bus that had 30 seats… we were a sight to see for sure!!!
Yesterday the girls visited a rural village where they saw vocational skills being taught and practiced. The women welcomed them with traditional garlands and shared a meal with them. They also styled their hair and decorated their hands with Mendi.
Veena our resident nurse has been visiting the health center and learning about health projects including a new one that just started in April serving female sex workers in NorthEast Delhi. What awesome things ADF is doing! Today she even gave some TB shots at the clinic!
I am so proud and honored to be on this trip with these ladies… my favorite moments watching them have been
Jennie- teaching a song to all of the children singing solo, (she definitely has the best voice:)
Veena- rocking it out at the health center, giving TB shots
Lauren- working on teaching Gudiya letter sound code.. day after day, A apple , aa
Maya- loving the kids at the physically challenged center and inspiring us with Gustavo Gutierrez thoughts on poverty during devotional
Krishtine- having an endless supply of preschool songs and games on hand and getting an older woman in the home who has been ill to open up
AS long as this email is, it doesn’t begin to cover all we have done and seen, we are leaving so much out! All in all everyone is well and we are enjoying our time here serving.
Tomorrow we are giving a presentation/ training to all of the teachers at the school on student based learning and teaching them 3 fun activities to use in their classrooms ! It should be awesome!
You are all loved and missed greatly! Keep the team and the people here in your prayers:)
Blessings,
Kaitlyn, Lauren, Maya, Veena, Jennie, Krishtine
Excerpts from the Journal of Jessica Staton
June 30, 2010
I have found myself to be shocked or surprised by very little of what I’ve seen here in India. I feel numb. Like all the trash and filth, children with polio, flies and rotting garbage, children begging for money or food, like all of that is just to be expected. I find myself feeling nothing when I see them. And then, when I’m not expecting it, see a child playing on the floor and when I call the child’s name to come play with me, he doesn’t get up and walk to me because his legs are shriveled and deformed by polio. And anger and sadness well up in my heart as I watch him scoot across the floor. But he has the most beaming and beautiful smile.
I’ve had so much fear since the first day we woke up and had little girls peeking into our room; full of curiosity about who we were, these visitors from America. I was afraid to get close to them, to get to know little things like their favorite color and big things like how they made it to the orphanage and the things that are in their hearts. I’m afraid that they will see me and hear me and be disappointed. I am afraid that I won’t be able to teach them anything. I’m afraid of how I will feel when I have to leave them. I know that that time will come. They have so little material wealth or possessions and they have walked through many hard things, but their joy is so great. I am inspired by THEM. I learn from THEM. I learn what it means to have true riches and true joy!
An Utterly Unique Phenomenon By Susan Seto
June 26, 2010
Love is an utterly unique phenomenon. Sometimes love is a choice that one makes—a conscious decision to commit to a person or to a cause or to a country. Other times love just happens – a mysterious element (chemistry?) occurs causing a person to be attracted to someone or something—and from there, love can be built. The latter of the two happened to me on my trip to India. I was completely taken in by India’s beauty – captivated by the people, the vivid colors, the rich history, and even the chaos. Here is a brief summary about how India captured my heart.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to go to Bangalore, India on a pioneering trip led by the Caleb Hope Foundation with a team of four incredible individuals. Although our team was small, we represented the world with our different ethnic backgrounds. This was an ambitious trip as we sought to work with different populations within Bangalore: from the wealthy and educated sector to the impoverished living in the slums. This was CHF’s first trip to South India, and we were encouraged and inspired by the individuals and organizations we encountered.
One of the highlights for me during this trip was the opportunity to spend time with some Dalit youth through our work with Baghya – an organization that was birthed a year ago by an amazing woman named Renuka Jeyakumar. Baghya, which means, “Blessed,” is composed of 72 students that Renuka has offered hope to through educational services. Our first encounter with the youth (who range in age from 16-24 years old) was on an unforgettable excursion to Nandhi Hills. Along the hike up the hills, we had to deal with aggressive monkeys and wild dogs – the experience drew us together with some terrifying and humorous moments.
Afterwards we met with the youth two more times. We gave them an assignment inspired by the Oscar-winning documentary, “Born Into Brothels,” and handed them disposable cameras to take pictures depicting aspects of their lives. A group of boys we termed the “fabulous five” took this project to heart. They were willing to expose their lives/their stories to us through these pictures. Some photos spoke of the harsh conditions of the slums, like the corruption that leads to many unfinished (and dangerous) street projects; while others were filled with hope, like ones taken of a local park where children could play.
Bangalore is home to the second largest slum in Asia. An exciting grassroots movement is building to reach out to this community. There we met a twenty-one year old man named Gracewin willing to go out on a limb to love the children of these slums. We also met a young, forward-thinking couple named Prince and Susan who seek to reach out to the disenfranchised, and partner with Gracewin and Renuka to bring hope to the children of the slums. Caleb Hope Foundation can serve as an outside organization that helps to provide the necessary resources to these groups to transform this particular region of India. It was exciting to dream about how these different individuals could partner together to bring lasting hope and renewal.
Prior to this trip, I wrote a letter to God about my hopes and expectations for this trip. One of my requests was to “open my eyes to love your people in India,” and that is exactly what happened. “Let this one week leave an indelible imprint on my life…” were words that came to fruition in the seven days I was in India. It’s hard to describe, but it seems without any effort on my part, India has left her mark on me and I will be forever changed because of her. It was a memorable and truly life-changing experience for me. I thank CFH for giving me this opportunity to serve and be served.
“A Light in the Dark” by Tate Rathje
June 03, 2010
Coming back from India and the kids of the Asha Deep Foundation there are many memories that come to mind. However, there is one that sticks out for me more clearly then most. That is the memory of seeing such genuinely happy and grateful people in the most dire of circumstances. The opportunities and the community that the Asha Deep Foundation has given the children at the orphanage is so amazing. Their smiles I will never forget. It all hit me the longer we where able to be there and see the contrast between life inside of the Asha Deep walls and the lives of those out side of it. It is truly a day and night experience, something I have come to feel very honored to have played a small part of. The ADF family has created something truly beautiful in the midst of great poverty and desperation. A hope and light in the midst of great darkness.
All of this would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the Caleb Hope Foundation. Kudos to Jeremiah Caleb for starting this great work and thank you brother for inviting us along to join you in this adventure of a life time. The things we have experienced on this trip will forever be apart of us. The poverty, the people, their smiles, songs, and dances are things that you don’t just forget. So with that said, thank you CHF for an opportunity and experience that I will never forget.
A Chance at Hope
November 29, 2009
This summer I had the opportunity to be part of a wonderful team that joined CHF on its first trip to Bangalore. What a privilege! Prior to the trip, we had team meetings and tried to learn as much as we could about the Indian organizations we would be interacting with. They all sounded pretty amazing but every time we talked about Renuka I was particularly intrigued. I couldn’t wait to meet the lady that had opened her home to offer education services to the teens of the second largest slum in Asia.
When I finally met Renuka I was filled with inspiration. The lady I had heard so much about became Auntie Renuka. A graceful woman with the most gentle and kind spirit, filled with unconditional love for slum teens. One day I got to sit next to her on the bus during a fieldtrip with the teens. During the ride she was filling me in on each student (those on the trip as well as those who couldn’t come). Their names, age, English proficiency, siblings, family life, job status, wpm, you name it! She thought she was getting me acquainted with the students but she was doing more than that. She was opening my eyes to the reality of the destitute in Bangalore. She made me see that more than offering education what she was trying to do is give them a chance at having hope…and it was not easy. I was impressed that she knew so much about each one of her students. She loves them and is investing her life in them. I have a deep admiration and respect for her and feel so honored to have been a part of that, even if it was just for a few days.
As we continued interaction with the other organizations, I noticed a similarity between them. Of course it looked different at each organization but all were aiming to offer hope. A rare commodity when you are born into poverty, and are EXPECTED to remain in it.
The organizations that we worked with have already impact lives by offering the destitute of Bangalore a chance at having hope. It was exciting to see the potential that the organizations have and how CHF could ultimately play a vital role in helping them achieve goals through the provision of different resources. I will never forget my trip to Bangalore with CHF and I can’t wait to hear about partnerships that will arise from this trip!
Jeremiah Caleb went to Northern India for the first time to visit his father’s homeland and came back with the need to make a change. He started the Caleb Hope Foundation with some friends, and in a very short time has made a HUGE impact in the lives of some of the most underprivileged children and young people in this area. I had a chance to talk with Jeremiah about his vision for his incredibly humble and extremely powerful organization.
Love and Water- Tell us how you started the Caleb Hope Foundation.
Jeremiah Caleb- I’m an actor- had no intention of doing this. I had never actually been to India in my life. I’m from Singapore and then England, but my dad was from India. He was from the slums. I was writing a novel based on the life of my dad and I was trying to document it so I went to India for 40 days wearing my father’s clothes.
L&W- Literally?
JC- Yes, literally. I wore a saffron cloth, which is called a Kadi. So I wore that into the slums, and I came in contact with poverty for the first time, to that extreme. And the question I couldn’t get away from was how can a child possibly live like this, in conditions like this? I was literally looking at a skeletal body with skin, living on top of each other. The second question that I had to ask myself was why not me? How come, these are my people, how did I get the life in America, you know, when I could have been here? And the only answer I could come up with is because I have to do something about it. I have a chance to do something about it. So during that trip I visited an orphanage in the slums that was started by my grand-uncle about 30 years ago for the Dalits (pronounced Dahleets). The Dalits are the lowest cast; more than the lowest cast. They’re the people who work in the sewers, in the garbage dumps. And my uncle started pulling these children out of the brothels and the slums and bringing them to this orphanage. So when I met the children who are there now I immediately grew attached to them, and I got to know them a bit. When I came back, you know it takes a long time to process a trip like that, so I sat down with a bunch of actor friends and we decided to go back. So we all went back to visit the kids, and from there we started fundraising and building our organization. Now we’ve come to a place where we’re almost a 501C3, we’re waiting for our last approval, we have 30 children who we’re completely responsible for. They all have sponsors, we write to them, send them updates, and I take the money over and directly interact with the kids. So people know that the money they give to sponsor their child goes directly to that child.
L&W- What is the long-term mission of the foundation?
JC- Our mission is twofold. First, it is really to empower the slum people. Not to take them away but work with them there to educate and train them so they can have the tools to rise up and create better lives for themselves. And secondly, to bring together artists from here to create work in New York and LA inspired by these kids in order to raise more money for them. We have cabarets, we do Rock India, and other shows.
L&W- Where do most of your donations come from?
JC- Ironically, most of the donations come from people in New York City who come to our artist events. We’ve teamed up with be.the.change.uganda for a Halloween party this year, and we do a lot of fundraising that way. A big percentage comes from our sponsors through sponsorship donations, and a lot comes from team members who are going to India. They fundraise individually.
L&W- Can anyone sponsor a child through you at this point?
JC- Absolutely.
L&W- What does that entail?
JC- We set them up with a child, and they can pay monthly, quarterly or yearly. They get a profile of the child, and pictures, and they keep in touch through writing letters to the child. But the beauty of it is that the child never knows that they have a sponsor. They think the sponsor is just a friend who wants to get to know them, so even if you end up coming with me on one of our trips, you get to meet the child as a friend, so there is no savior complex.
L&W- How much does it cost to sponsor one child?
JC- $30.00 a month, which is $400.00 a year, and that includes food, clothing, education, medical- everything.
L&W- What is the most moving experience you’ve had so far?
JC- I guess two things. Last year in India we went into a school for the physically handicapped, which was completely falling apart- rats and such. And our team gutted the place, painted a huge mural on the wall…
L&W- There’s a video of that on your website…
JC- Yes, and at the end of it you see physically handicapped children giving speeches about how they never thought they mattered. Because here in America we have a school for the blind, a school for the deaf, a school for every kind of handicap. But there, they just lump them all together and throw them into one room. They’re tossed aside, basically, and often disowned by their families. So here we were building something for them and they were so excited. So that was really touching for me. To see that we could really make such a difference in their lives. And the other thing that has been so moving to me is to see the older kids going off to college. They come from generations of slum people with no education. To hear them talk about their dreams- I can be a teacher, I can be a doctor- is really very moving.
L&W- Where do they go to college?
JC- We try to get them to colleges within their area. Some go to vocational studies, some go to better schools.
L&W- And they’re accepted there?
JC- Yes, because we’ve trained them so much at the school to work hard and they end up fitting in because that have acquired those skills.
L&W- You have a school too?
JC- Yes, it’s called St. James, which is part of the orphanage. And apart from the 100 children who live in th orphanage, there are 500 children who come to the school. It’s part of my grand-uncle’s work. He started it. We also plan to build an orphanage in Koraput in Orrissa, which is a very poor area with no running water. So we plan to build over there in about a year or so.
L&W- Those kids must be an inspiration.
JC- There’s this one kid who has polio, and he has no legs. And he dances just like Michael Jackson, in his upper body. His moves are incredible. And in this village they were trying to get people to give their kids the polio vaccine, and he rode his bike, with his hand-pedal, over to this pole in the middle of the town, climbed up the pole and posted this sign that said, “do you want your kids to end up like me? Wise up- get the polio vaccine.” He’s so inspirational.
L&W- What do you think about the Love and Water concept that “every drop counts?”
JC- Well, this work has changed my life. It has put a whole new perspective on my life, and as you are saying, every drop counts- every single penny counts. Because in India one U.S. dollar is 47 rupies. For one dollar I can feed a family for one whole day. A whole family. So we try to encourage that. Every little bit.
L&W- Is there anything else you want people to know about the foundation?
JC- Every single team member at this point, including myself, are all volunteers. No one gets paid, and we’re looking for other volunteers who know how to edit. We’ve made some videos that we can give to the people there that they can use to talk to the government about creating change. So if we can get them edited, they can really help us do a lot of good.
L&W- I think you’re doing an amazing thing.
JC- It’s exactly what I want to be doing. I’m getting married next year, and we’re having the ceremony here and the reception there. The kids are planning the whole reception.
L&W- Wow! That’s incredible!
JC- We just want them to know that we are here to stay. They are our family. That’s what we want them to feel and understand.
L&W- Well that’s just the most touching thing ever.
Follow them on Twitter: @calebhope
Join their Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Caleb-Hope-Foundation/97082547485
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Posted by Alexis Fedor at 7:51 AM
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3 comments:
Anonymous said…
awesome interview! the story about the boy with polio was inspirational and reminds me that my limitations are no excuse. everyone can be used! thanks jeremiah and alexis!
November 3, 2009 1:32 PM
Shannan said…
Thank you Caleb Foundation for a great Halloween event! We were really able to get the word out about our similar missions!
Wonderful!
November 3, 2009 10:45 PM
Lee said…
There’s no better product to market than hope, and Jeremiah seems to be offering it to so many people.
November 4, 2009 8:18 AM
“Coming Home” by Melissa Connors
October 14, 2009
Sounds funny right? Home? India? Really? Yes, I have never felt more at home in a foreign country of this magnitude. August 12th marked the day of my second journey to India which I felt a sort of homecoming. Since last year, I have longed to return to India and her people.
On my first day back in India, to my surprise, I was recognized by a few of the girls. They actually remembered me! They even picked up on my haircut. On my previous trip I had already witnessed the generosity of the girls at the Asha Deep Orphanage, but now it included their memories.
My first trip in February of 2008 had been one of shock, tears, but overwhelming gratefulness; a truly humbling experience. My second trip on the other hand, really instilled joy in my heart. The relationships we formed in both the girls and boys homes were astounding. Just being able to sit on the roof past midnight talking with a handful of girls, sharing in their dreams and aspirations was a huge blessing. Everyday, I gave an hour long guitar lesson to some of the older boys which usually ended with endless life questions and stories.
I can’t even begin to tell you how utterly amazing our school for special needs children is. Those kids defy the odds and surprise me everyday. Their disabilities range from polio, to deafness and mental challenges. Yet from blowing bubbles, to sidewalk chalk designs, to singing songs, there seems to be nothing these kids can’t accomplish. Every experience with all these children has been unbelievable.
A common phase at ADF is “I have 51 sisters and 48 brothers.” ADF has become my hidden family and a part of me will always be in India in the town of Shahid Nagar, at the Asha Deep Foundation.
Following my first trip last year, I got a Hindi tattoo on my left foot. It is the word “Asha” which means “hope”. Every time I look at this tattoo, I am reminded of my friends back at ADF and how they are the hope of India. They inspire me and I walk with hope everyday. I thank Jeremiah for the honor and privilege of serving with him in India once again.
CHF Goes South by Ilyse Sanford
October 05, 2009
This is my third trip to India and just talking about it that is India just makes me break into uncontrollable smiling; my eyes light up and I can’t stop talking about it. When we landed in Delhi all of my senses were immediately engaged and I began the process of getting reacquainted with India; like when you see an old friend or go to a favorite place you haven’t been to in a while. India has rich culture, colors that are so vibrant and beautiful people that are there as well as some that aren’t. The smells of a developing country go from really good to really bad quickly, but they are familiar and what makes India. There is so much beauty in some of the ceremonies and traditions. In Bangalore I was part of Jeremiah’s engagement ceremony which entails us carrying a procession of gifts that are presented to the family including a sari and jewelry that the bride to be changes into during the ceremony. It was almost as intense and exhilarating as a wedding. All of us wearing very vibrant and festive saris, meaningful toasts were said and lots of great food shared. Again all mingled with the smells and sounds of India.
The next day we road a few hours to Nandi Hills (was it really a hill if it had switch backs and when you reach the top everything below was very tiny?) with about 20 young people from the second largest slum in India. It was so beautiful up there at the top, you could see for miles all around. Monkeys! When we reached the main parking lot we got out and walked the rest of the way to the top. We had a big pot of curry and a big pot of rice, bread and water. Not to mention a trail of stray dogs and monkeys. The monkeys aren’t the cute ones we see at the zoo. They wanted the bread so they tried to intimidate us with hissing, baring their teeth and grabbing. They stole a loaf of the bread and later on our during our hike stole our three pack of disposable cameras and scrambled up a tree but once it realized it wasn’t food, promptly threw them out of the tree one by one. You can laugh but it wasn’t funny at the time. Over the next couple of days we worked with the kids on their English. We were there to help them appreciate their value and to encourage them to set goals and attain them. They in turn shared very personal parts of their life with us. We left them feeling as excited if not more so than they were.
Ilyse Sanford
CHF Board Member & Summer 2009 Witness
“Grateful” by Josh
September 23, 2009
16 August 2009
How to I begin to sum up this experience so far? I think the primary cry of my heart is gratitude. I am so thankful for being given the opportunity to come here to the Asha Deep Foundation and to see firsthand all the work that is being done in the heart of the slums. I feel so honored to be on this journey and to have a stake in the work here.
I am so inspired by the staff, the teachers, the social workers, the children at the Boys Home and Girls Home, and the members of the community at large. They are all facing obstacles that must at times seem insurmountable, but they seem to be drawing from a bottomless reservoir of hope. They have gotten a vision for who they can become, not only as individuals but as a community, and they are giving all that they have in pursuit of that dream.
I am deeply humbled by the faith and hope of the children and by their joy in the face of incredible trials. I know how easily I can fall into self-pity and hopelessness, but at ADF, they refuse to quit. They encourage one another and bear their burdens together. They rally around one another, and they live as one big family. I am deeply grateful to the Caleb Hope Foundation for the opportunity to come here and become a part of this family. I cannot wait to see what else this trip will hold, but for now, I am deeply grateful.
Josh Staton
CHF Board Member & Summer 2009 Witness
“Forever Changed” by Kimberly McIlrath
July 17, 2009
India! Who would have ever thought You would have grabbed such a hold? Apparently they all did! “You’ll be forever changed!” they all said before I boarded the plane. Its true, you changed me, but how fast did I forget? I came back into 6 of the craziest months not leaving much time to process. But, when I stop to think about it, those images come screaming back. Such poverty but not poor in spirit. So much life. I can close my eyes and see myself dancing in the dark with the girls at Asha Deep. To most of us back here power outages breed inconvenience and frustration. But not with you, they provide opportunity and captured moments. I can hear the girls singing by fire in the chapel. I can see the early morning shadows come up around the local mosque. I can see the arms raised as they sing silly songs at devotion time. I can feel the fabrics run through my fingers, begging voices “for you 100 rupee.” I can sit on this crowded subway and still feel the India air. The images fly by as if it were 167 hours not 167 days since I saw those gates close behind us. I can feel my heart break. The tears still come. Shacks, no shoes, no clothes, begging, desperate hands tugging at my shirt. I can see her eyes as they pleaded. I can see the smiles of the girls who now have a future; teacher, doctor, lawyer, advocate. They stand proudly announcing to us in hopeful tears. They once picked through trash heaps, gave themselves to strangers, now they have higher hopes. All because of a contagious love a few people had and pursued to make their lives better. I can remember the kids chasing us down wishing, wanting to have their picture taken. Wanting the foreigners to give them something to hope for. India! You aren’t so far away. I may have lost focus but I can never forget. You tattooed your soul on mine. Nothing can wash it away. You allowed me to meet some incredible, beautiful, focused people who want nothing more then to bring hope to your doors. India, you will soon capture more hearts and I look forward to seeing their transformed faces as they return, forever changed.
Introductory Video
June 22, 2009
Watch an introductory video on the work of the Caleb Hope Foundation.
The Aftermath of Culture Shock
June 18, 2009
When I first decided that I was going to fly half way across the world to serve at an orphanage in a third world country- the idea felt somewhat romantic. I’ve always enjoyed traveling and I like kids so I said what the heck- I’ll go! I had no idea what I was in for. My previous travel experiences included destinations like Italy, the Bahamas, Paris…Canada- but never India.
Before I went I knew that this was not a vacation- I was going to serve at an orphanage. Still the idea sounded romantic to me- I’d always felt called to do something like this and I felt it was the right thing for me to do at that point in my life. When we arrived, I felt nauseous as soon as I got of the plane- the smell of the pollution was quite prevalent. Soon thereafter culture shock occurred.
The drive from the airport to the orphanage was totally overwhelming- I wondered if I was even going to make it. I could not believe what my eyes were seeing- all those people amidst a sea of chaos- riding bicycles, horses- motorbikes merging in and out of lanes dodging cows and wild dogs. The streets were lined with beggars and destitute children. As we drove to the orphanage- I thought –“We are not in Kansas anymore Toto.”
The next two weeks were life changing- it was the best experience I’ve ever had. I forgot about myself for two weeks. I forgot about my life in Manhattan- The thing that was most on my mind was how amazing the kids were- so phenomenal. I was so humbled by the kids. I thought I was going to India to give something to them- when they were giving back of themselves tenfold to me. I could see so much redemption in their lives- these children were taken of the streets and given a chance to live fulfilling lives- and they were so grateful despite what little they had. The joy they had in their lives was truly amazing. I remember being surrounded by them on my birthday- I stood there in the middle of a circle of orphans- they all sang Happy Birthday to me. That was truly the happiest of birthdays- and they made me the best cards- although none of them really knew how to spell my name. I never knew that Sam could be spelled so many different ways…Psalm, Shem, Sham…I felt so loved. I thought this was a great idea….then that’s when it happened…
I became very, very, very ill. I spent the next night vomiting and was rushed to the emergency room the next morning. I spent the next 4 days in intensive care in what was thought to be the best hospital in Delhi. I was on my back, I could not stand up- I couldn’t move my eyes- I was on my deathbed in a third world county with an unidentified virus that had made it’s way to my brain. While I laid there waiting and praying for my health to return I felt a peace. I was able to embrace the experience. My entire team was supporting me- I knew the children at the orphanage were thinking of me and praying for me. I was able to bear the unbearable only because of the love I was receiving. I had flown half way across the world only to receive that which I was there to give-love- and there was no way I could return that in the state I was in. The truth is- I’d been in self preservation mode after living in Manhattan for so long- the entire experience was a relief for me. When I arrived at the orphanage from the hospital I was greeted by a sea of smiles and cards prepared by the kids. What I had experienced there in India was so much more than “romantic”- at that moment all I could do was receive love- and embrace my weakness. As I left the orphanage soon thereafter to head to the airport- I remember thinking I’ll never forget the lessons I learned there- and I never will.
Samuel
CHF Team Witness 2009
“What the Orphans Taught Me” by Lisa
I have been wondering what to write about since our trip to India now that life has settled down. And I find myself keep coming back to the same thing. God CARES! I cannot get over the fact of just how much. I knew for a very long time that i wanted to make a difference in someone’s life so when I heard about this trip I did not hesitate but said “Yes I’m ready and willing and everything else will come together”… and so it did. I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to come across the most amazing people in our team who were not only talented but compassionate as well. There are so many things I want to write but one point i want to stress is God cares!
When we were on the roof tops of a building we overlooked the streets of Delhi and I saw garbage, poverty, homelessness, and I thought to myself is God here and does He care? I was overwhelmed by all these emotions and we went back to the girls house and that image was still in my head.
Looking at the boys and girls in Asha Deep Foundation reminded me of God’s love. These children have so much love and support from the staff and to top it off they have love from 8 other people who came just to be with them! I believe there is a purpose for each one of us (even if we do not know what that is yet), it could be that you are there to sing and sooth the soul of someone who is hurting, or to be a healer for someone who is sick, or even be there just to be a friend!
I thought I was going to be there to change the lives of these people who “needed” my help but in fact they changed me and how I look at the world. They gave me a clear picture of what I want to do with my life. There are two pieces of advice I want to give to the future compassion teams- Be there for the children and spend much time as you can with them because they truly love and appreciate your presence and they will give you all their best to you when that’s all that they have got. Secondly, be there for your team members because at the end of the day you’ll need their support.
Lisa Kamalaksian
CHF Team Witness 2009
Food for Thought by Dahlia
Being a Registered Dietitian, I am usually thinking about food so I figured I would write about the same. I had an amazing opportunity to travel to the slums of Ghaziabad, India back in January on a goodwill mission with seven wonderful New Yorkers. This trip was truly life changing. Having been to various parts of India during the past five years I had no qualms about going. My anxiety mostly resided in the fear of contracting a food-borne illness from the consumption of raw items or tap water (which never happened!).
Once in India, mealtimes quickly became my favorite part of the day because it brought the HFI team and ADF staff together around one big table. I enjoyed listening to everyone’s experiences and witnessing the team’s response to the food which mostly consisted of rice, lentil curry (daal), vegetables, indian bread (poori & chappati) and occasionally, chicken. The meals were delicious and homemade!
While in India I was able to make two observations from a nutritional standpoint. I did not see the kids eating any fruits during the two weeks the team was in India nor was plain milk given (they were served tea with milk instead). After returning to the U.S. I emailed one of the ADF staff to inquire about this and her response broke my heart. She replied that they tried to provide a serving of fruit once a week but this is often not possible because it was too expensive to purchase in addition to the daily staples (rice, lentils and vegetables). As far as milk goes, it was only given to the weaker children and those identified by the community doctor. When I compared the situation in India with the situation in the U.S. (5 a Day and Got Milk? campaigns) I was reminded of how blessed I am in New York City.
For most, food is available almost 24/7 to the point of excess. One of the most touching experiences I had was on the last night of our trip. It was Friday evening and the team was enjoying the farewell celebration that ADF organized in the team’s honor. At the end of the festivities there was a special meal arranged for all 95 children. They were all served and eating while the team was going to eat later. I was walking around greeting all the girls while they ate. When one of the girls realized I hadn’t eaten, she began taking rice and curry in her hand from her own plate ready to feed me. This is a traditional way how mothers feed their children, with their hands. I was touched by the kind gesture and assured her that I was eating at a later time with the rest of the team. Months later, I am still moved when I think about that night. These children did not get special meals often and for them to offer to feed me, a rich American, blew my mind. What love and compassion!
It’s impossible to express everything I felt and experienced in India during those two weeks but going there was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I went to India to feed and help the poor but instead I was the one who was fed and helped. My spirit is now full of hope and excitement about the future of ADF and the children who touched my heart.
