One story from her life that has always hit a chord with me is one of a woman writing and asking how she could help Mother Teresa's efforts, her response was: "Find your own Calcutta"...
I've always had a gut reaction to hearing this phrase... "Find your own Calcutta"...I believe the reaction was because I so wanted to find My Own Calcutta, a place where I felt I could make a difference, and felt it in my heart and soul.
In May my Calcutta was found....
...It was found in Kenya.
It had also been a childhood dream to travel to Africa, and the journey turned out to be much more rewarding than imagined. I found a place where my heart and soul had yearned to be, and they smiled. I may or may not have made a difference in a few lives, but it definitely changed mine.
I had a difficult time adjusting at first, there was so much need and only so much we could do. I found myself frustrated and angry. Then the patients would walk into the clinic and smile with gratitude with whatever we gave them; vitamins, brufen, cream....but most important Love and a listening ear. Humanity at its purest..all Humans need Love and a listening ear.
My time in Kenya rejuvenated my soul, while just beginning to slake my hearts desire of bringing help desired in "My Calcutta". While I am counting the days to return to my heart's home away from home I do hope to have brought back many lessons from the African people, but first and foremost the importance of a loving ear, and a kind mouth.
