After being sick for over a week, I returned back to Udavum Karangal. I was yearning to see the smiling faces and to receive their love. Little did I know what I had in stock for me. As soon I arrived, all the staff lovingly asked where I was and if I’m better now. When I visited the model house girls… they said that as soon as they found out I was sick, they prayed everyday for me to get better. I was so shocked to hear that. How nice! Usually, our hearts immediately go to pray only for our kith and kin... but here they have included me in their close knit family as their kith and kin!
The next day, I went to see the psychiatric patients. They were so excited to see me that some ladies almost spit on my face to find out how I was. I was able to witness their unconditional love once again! They excitedly shared how they have sung bhajans the whole week I was gone. They were eager to learn more new bhajans before I leave.
Since I’ve been here for almost two months, people have developed trust and confidence in me to open up and share their stories of how they arrived at Udavum Karangal. It breaks my heart to listen to each story as they say it out of disinterest and yet with a keenness to share their sorrow with someone who can lend them an ear. However, each story ends the same way! What? The life stories of many people have the same similarities? Yes! They all end by saying… "if it weren’t for Papa Vidyaakar, we would be on the streets, or we would be in danger now, or we’d be dead by now. He is the God in human form for us as he has saved us from our troubles." It’s amazing to hear how much trust and belief each person has kept on this one man. The level of gratitude they express to Papa Vidyaakar is immeasurable. At the same time, the amount of love, care and support Papa Vidyaakar gives to each person at Udavum Karangal is also immeasurable.
I thought just these two units of people had prayed for me to recover. However, when I went to collect my dinner at this other unit called Gokulam, a home for older girls, the mother their said she was so worried and she would enquire daily as to whether I have returned. She was so happy to make me dinner after I returned back. She then tells me she’s a great nurse who nurses the sick back to health. She says she’s a Christian and it’s her duty to pray to God for the welfare of others and she prayed for my welfare.
Now, think about this… imagine the most corrupt Indian Government employee with Lakhs of Rupees… is he happy? Does he have all that he needs to live a fulfilled life? I think not! One of the most basic need for a human being is love… if you’ve ever felt deprived of love (which we all feel, once in a while…) come recharge and replenish with the abundance of love and care at Udavum Karangal. After being drained by the virus infection for a week, I was recharged by the unconditional love and prayers of the people here. Thank you God for surrounding me with people who care!
As I count the days left of my trip at Udavum Karangal, India… I feel saddened. Every where I turn, people keep telling me… you better make sure to say bye to us before you leave! It’s nice to be in such a happy place… its definitely not utopia… but in my opinion, it’s very close to it!
Readers… thank you for your support in reading my blog entries so far! I hope you too have gained some valuable information! Stay tuned for more interesting information… shortly!
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