Geeta

I saw her again today. Little Geeta. The girl from the slum area where I volunteer. Geeta, who lost her mother and brother in a traffic accident. Just before I was about to leave Mumbai a couple of weeks back, we had the terrible news, and went to visit her at her home, where she lives with her grandmother and 5 other relatives in one small room. One of the most heartbreaking memories I will ever have. And then I boarded the plane for Europe.

Now I am back in Mumbai, and I met Geeta again. Quietly she sat there on the floor in class, listening, looking at the others, biting her pencil. After class, she gave me a drawing with a sun, blue sky and flowers in it. She pointed at a large yellow flower in her painting - Sunflower, she said. - I like them. My mother like them also. And then she sent me a shy smile, and waved goodbye as she left.

And like so many times before, going home in the car, my feelings overwhelms me. Thinking of Geeta, and all the thousands of Geetas who live in this city. The poverty. The harshness of their lives. And suddenly a moment of joy for a sunflower and a happy memory of a loving mother. I can not control my tears. I feel numb as I sit and stare out the car window. So many destinies. So many people who could do with a helping hand, only just a bit of extra support so they can make a better life for themselves.

We try to adjust - wherever we go, don't we? And I know I have been writing quite a lot about the road side in this city. Every trip brings something new, but right now I see only the sad part: the people living on the street, the small children knocking on the car window, begging for money...

But that is the strange thing here. Tomorrow, or even just in an hour, I might feel differently again. I might see something funny along the road and start to laugh and shake my head and think: - Oh, I love this crazy country India... Like seeing this guy, next to my car:

So, as a special treat for people outside India, who do not know what I look at when I drive around in Mumbai- here is an example:

Today, I must admit, I am trying to fight the feeling of hopelessness that has overwhelmed me. I am sitting there, sweaty and dirty, with running mascara on my cheeks and my hearth hurts. Because no matter how many people you can help, there are always so many more out there.

Well, I sigh. I dry my tears, close my eyes and I think of Geeta's sunflower. For hope for the future and a happy memory of the past. And in the end....

... right? And what can be better than reading again one of my favorite stories:

I hope you have a good week dear reader.

Count your blessings and enjoy your moments.

Ta ta from Mumbai. 

Happy Independence Day 2014!

- Do you do anything else than celebrating? - my friend from back home asks me on Skype... - Because judged by your blog - you do not..

Hmm. Do I sense a bit of envy in her voice? She obviously thinks that I do nothing else than moving gloriously from one colorful festival to the other - cheering and laughing as a part of a dancing/drumming/laughing river of happy smiling people dressed in bright shiny bling bling clothes...

Well. To tell you the truth: this time of the year is quite busy - festival - like here in Mumbai. And today we celebrate Independence Day, and I am about to cheat a bit now, because looking back I quite enjoyed my own words from last year's Independence Day. Hope you will too:

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- India is a great country with many temples and famous things to see. India is beautiful. All Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country deeply.

The kids in my class have been asked to give a presentation on their home country. They talk with pride and passion. About India. About the temples, about the mangoes, about the music and about the village where their grandparents live. And about their city, Mumbai.

15 of August we celebrate Independence Day here in India and what a country we are celebrating, dear reader! One country which is home for around 1,3 billion people! A country with 28 states, 7 union territories and where over 1000 different languages are spoken! The birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism and of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. And around the world: who hasn't been to an Indian restaurant to taste yummy Indian food? History and culture...

And as I sit there, listening to the kids, I feel it. They care for India. We care for India. And they show it - for example- yes, when we go to the movies, we do stand up for the national anthem before the film starts. That's the way it is. India.

India got its freedom from the British rule on 15. August 1947, relatively peaceful, at least the events leading up to the Independence. So, how does the Indians celebrate? Well, the Indian flag has been for sale everywhere for the last few days, there will be some parades and flag-ceremonies and otherwise people gather around a good meal.

Wikipedia says it like this: Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends!

I wish all my Indian friends, known and unknown, a Happy Independence Day!

Happy Women's Day 2014!

 - Look, I got it! A bright pink saree draped Geeta can't stop smiling as she proudly hands me the papers. - Look! She is laughing. I jump to my feet and grab them: - That is amazing! Congratulations dear Geeta! I can feel tears filling my eyes, and I look into hers. The same. Tears of joy and pride. She did it.

That was some months back, but Women's Day is about women like Geeta. Women who against all odds manage to improve their life, who are chasing a dream and taking a chance and an opportunity. Women who overcome obstacles and fight hard, but still take their destiny in their own two hands. With a little help sometimes, but in the end, they are the ones making it happen. 

Because life has been hard on Geeta. She was beat up by her husband, who in the end abandoned her and their 4 children. I know that they all live with her parents in a one-room hut. Still, besides working her 2 jobs, taking care of her 3 daughters and 1 son, she started to study to be a social worker. She completed her study and has now found a good job which has improved the everyday life for her family and herself.   

Women like Geeta doesn't make it to the newspaper headlines or to the history books. But to me, her success story, as small as it may be, is still a grande victory. Women's day is about securing the rights of women and making it possible for all to choose the life they want for themselves, regardless of gender.

Nothing to do with Geeta, but just some fun moments at the NGO's summer party:-) 

Some days ago I wrote about the brave Cecilie Thoresen who fought her way into University (which was only open for boys back then). She refused to take "no" for an answer, and became the first Norwegian female university student. Her struggle can be applicable still today, in various forms, but most of all it is inspirational. It is possible. It can be done. Changes can come, even though it seems un-doable at times...

On last years's Women's Day I wrote about Gratitude, in A Tale Of Gratitude. Because even though we must continue to support work for women's rights, we may also allow ourselves to celebrate a bit on a day like this. Celebrate the victories of the past, the changes that our mothers and grandmothers fought for. Changes that has led up to many rights we enjoy today, and maybe take for granted some times. Here's to them!

Happy Women's Day to all lovely people in my life, and that includes YOU, dear reader. All the best!

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I have been participating in a fun festival of words this week, and today is the last day. So, this post is written for The Write Tribe Festival Of Words, which goes on from 2-8.March 

Today, Day 7, the topic is: Women and - an inspiring change. You can read more about the festival, and enjoy some of the other entries on the website. I am sure there will be a lot of great-reads today. Enjoy! Day 7, 8. March: International Women's Day 

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I’m celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by blogging for the #WomenInspire Campaign sponsored by USC’s masters degree in social work program. Join the blog carnival to honor a woman who has inspired you!

 

The smiles of Mumbai

A wonderful week is coming to an end. Our visitors are leaving, and we will miss them deeply. And what can be better than letting them tell you themselves how their first visit to India and Mumbai has been? Today's post is therefore a guest post. My fabulous sister: the floor is yours: 

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We`re driving through the streets of Mumbai. Houses that look more like huts or not even that, maybe only some sheds. People live there, I think to myself. Small kids without shoes, close to the gutter. Lives lived on the pavement. So many harsh impressions, visions that will stay on my mind forever.

Suddenly I hear my son saying, pointing out the window; Look mum, that`s terrible!
I am convinced he`s thinking the same as me. About the unfair world we live in.When I put on my most serious "comforting face" to talk to him, he responds with the special look he get`s when there`s something mum "clearly" doesn`t understand.
"No mum, not that. But look, that boy is wearing a Manchester United shirt!"

I just have to smile. My son is what you would describe as a serious soccerfan. He`s probably quite an average 7-year old Norwegian boy. Loves to play soccer and watch soccer (favourite team being Liverpool), loves everything about the game.

As many norwegians do, he has also travelled a lot, but mostly on typically child-friendly charter tours. Before we left Norway for India I therefore got the advice to try to prepare him for the poverty we would see. I tried to have a serious "preparation-chat", but he started being scared of what poor people look like, behave and what they will do to him, so I ended up dropping the subject.

Our little drive this particular day ended at the school where my sister is a volunteer for Children's Future India, and it turned out to be the best experience on the whole trip. It was joy, it was singing "head, shoulder, knees and toes" and reading a story about David (7) together with some children of Mumbai. It was a meeting filled with learning for all of us, and memories for ever.
"This was the best day, Mom", my son told me later that evening. Although he still cant get over that none of them had ever heard about Liverpool or soccer. Only cricket.

Normally in the winter holiday would go skiing. This year, we went to India.

Now, over a week has passed and we have had days filled with the most extreme impressions - all at the same time. The streets are full of contrasts. It`s fantastic, I`ve loved being here. My son has loved being here. Seeing my sister's life, being around to the places she has been talking about, meeting lots of wonderful people. Taking it all in.

But what really took with me by surprise is all the happiness. The friendly curiosity towards us visitors.
"Why are they looking at me, mom?"
"They`re probably curious. Maybe they haven`t seen people like us before?"
"But mom, aunt Eli has lived here for over a year!"
And we can`t really grasp how many people actually lives here - there are people everywhere!

We`re getting used to it. Today my son smiled back to the guys in the rickshaw that stared and waved to him. An attitude to take back to Norway. Along with heaps of memories..and some tailor-made clothes..:)

Yes, we`re in the picture, along with some enthusiastic kids we met during our visit to Mumbai.

A hungry little lunch guest

I saw her as soon as I made my turn at the corner, and walked up the dusty narrow alleyway. She was lying next to a pile of garbage, stretching out in the only sunny spot around. She looked up as I passed by, and I could tell she had seen me too. She was so tiny, and her big eyes was blinking reassuringly to me, like she was saying - Hello there foreign lady, I am your friend, you know.. 

A bit later she was outside the door. She was looking at me like - Hey, I know you. Don't you remember? We just met down the street? So tiny. Obviously hungry, but still curious and playful. She was just hanging out there, with her little sister, even tinier than her.

Around lunchtime we gathered as usual. We spread our goodies out and sat down to eat. And there she was. Like a shadow she had sneaked into the room. First she was lying under a chair a bit away from us, trying to look relaxed and uninterested, like she was saying - Oh, don't mind me. I am just here doing my thing. But that stuff sure smells gooood! But then she was crawling a bit closer. And closer. Still blinking to us, like only cats can, you know - Hey, I am your friend. I am just hanging out here with you guys. But sure if you want to share some of those goodies - fine by me:-)

Hi there guys, I am over here..

Who can blame anyone for wanting a piece of this?

So, we were all a bit fascinated by our little lunch guest, and the way she was using all of her skills and charm to win us over. Aaa - those elegant cats, they have their way..

Have a great day dear reader! Take care:-)

PS! The new airport terminal in Mumbai opened yesterday, just as scheduled. And the airline companies are arguing which one was the first to land on it! Read more in this article on Times of India 

- What about your 2014 resolutions?

- What is the status? My neighbor looks at me. - Huh? - Resolutions, she adds, - how is it going with your New Year's resolutions? - Eh, I didn't have any this year. - Why? You should have. It is good for you. You can exercise more, lose some weight. It is good! I do!

So, yes, I ran in to my neighbor, on my way home from meditation. Which is, by the way, a habit now. Meditation. I feel calm and relaxed when I wander off in my post-meditation bubble... remember? We do yoga, talk and meditate. Today we touched on happiness. What do we need to be happy? Many of us started out with a pretty long list... but it kind of diminished as we went along. Because in the end of the day - not much! I like the idea of happiness as something you have inside you, and nobody can take that away - unless you let them. So: own you own happiness, guard it, nurture it - I was telling myself, and whops - there she was, my neighbor, with her Resolutions.

So, perfect timing for a status quo, I figured! What have I done the last year? What have I done that I want to do more of, and that makes me happy? Better late than never... here are some reflections from my side for 2014:

1. Do good for others. 
I will continue to volunteer at the NGO. I am grateful for being there, and hope that some of the kids and families will make a better future. It can happen. I was sitting in on a presentation, listening to some proud women talking about their accomplishments. With a little support, they have changed their lives for the better.

2. A body in balance
In 2013 I discovered the joy of meditation. I will continue to do yoga and meditation, to exercise and to discover more of the Indian kitchen. I say continue because India has taught me well, but I am still a humble amateur learner:-)

3. Be curious, explore and learn new things
This year I would like to improve my photography skills and maybe give Hindi a second chance? (That is a Maybe) I am also planning some travels with my family and friends, to places I have never been before. I want to strive to always keep my mind curious, open and positive.

4. Nurture my cultural side
Reading, writing, taking pictures.... art, music, theater..... I have learnt a lot about India from cultural events, and no reason to stop now, right? And since I am on a quest to nurture my cultural side - perfect timing that these two events are coming up shortly:

• Kala Ghoda Art festival 1-9. February
• Mumbai International Film festival 3-9. February

5. Be in the moment
I have to conclude with my mantra! Live here and now, dear reader and enjoy the little things. Whether it is reading a letter from a dear childhood friend, making pancakes to my teens on a Tuesday, see the flowers on my balcony blossom, smile, feel the breeze in my hair...

So, did you make any New Year's resolutions this year, dear reader? How is it going?

I hope you have had a great start of the week! I am off to show my neighbor this impressive 5-points list. He he:-) Let's see what she will say:-)

Wish you a wonderful evening from Mumbai!

A book for Meena

- Miss. Miss. This is the last one!
I look up from my papers. She is standing 1 cm from me, repeating:
- This is the last one. 
I see pride in her eyes, and also..sadness? And I have no idea what she is talking about: - What do you mean, the last one, Meena?
- This is the last book only, Miss.
And then I see the book in her hands: Cairo Jim, On the trail to Chacha Muchos. 
And I get it.

The last one. You see, Meena has now read every single book in our library. She is proud of it but I can also feel her anxiety. Now, what is she going to do? What is she going to read? Because she is a reader, you know. Whenever I see her, she has a book with her. In class, she has a storybook hidden under her notebook, supposedly a secret..:-) And now, she is the only one of the kids who has read every single book in our library, and even though our library is not the biggest- we are still talking lots of books!

So, I can not wait. I have to let her know the good news today. Because we have more books! They are ready, waiting to come along for next time we all meet - in just a couple of days. Donations and gifts has made it possible. And even some brand new books will come! I break the good news, and I can see how this big smile is spreading on her face. Yey! It does not end after Cairo Jim finishes his Chacha Muchos adventures! There will be more books! More stories! The reading continues!

I head home, and I can feel this silly smile spreading around my face too. Ahh, those book-lovers are all the same around the world, aren't they?! But can you imagine - not having a book to read, when that is the only thing you really really want to?!

A good moment today dear reader! It feels great to see so much joy! The readings will go on, and so will my Mumbai tales. I hope you have had a good day! Thanks for ... well,...  thanks for reading:-)  

2 awards and some mela - moments

So, my red chili on the balcony can again enjoy the company of shiny stars and blinking bulbs! I sip my tea, enjoy the warming sun, and admire the result of last year's hunt for Christmas decorations in Mumbai - which has now been put up around the house again. My favorite place is the balcony: palms, bushes and flowers dressed up in tiny light bulbs. Happy December dear reader! Am I in Christmas spirit? Nah.. 

I am sitting here feeling grateful though. You see, 2 fellow blogger friends have nominated me for 2 awards - to show that they appreciate my blog. Yey! Someone enjoy what I write:-) It feels good:-) It seems to be "pay-it-forward" awards - so I will in return show appreciation to some of the bloggers I like! Looking forward to that: - to give a nice encouraging pat on the shoulder, in a way:-) Stay tuned on that one.

So, plenty of X-mas decor from last year - no need for new stuff - but you might remember that I have loads of gorgeous wrapping paper, boxes and gift-bags laying around? So, following the urge to find something to put inside all that - led me to a mela, organised by the American Women's Club.

Mela is a word from sanskrit, meaning a fair, a get-together. It is used in India for all kinds of gatherings f.ex cultural or commercial. It can include activities, shopping and dining options and entertainment. This mela included lots of stalls from Mumbai NGO's - selling their products - so a good opportunity to get great handmade gifts and supporting a good cause at the same time! Here are some of my mela-moments:

Akanksha is an NGO working to empower children from low- income communities, with a special focus on art classes. The kids' art is the inspiration behind the products: bags, watches, bangles, cards, calendars etc.

Great mousepads with quotes and colorful motives. 

Save The Children India is an NGO which runs a number of projects and focuses on improving education, health and living conditions for underprivileged children. They also have projects for women.

Beautiful bags for sale - at the Save The Children India stall. 

The Mann Center is an NGO which focuses on education and growth of children and adults with special needs. They provide training and adjusted programs to enable them to live as independently as possible.

Very lovely people at the Mann Center stall - and gorgeous stuff for sale too:-) 

Please check out the AWC homepage for a list of all the NGO's that were present at the mela, and for more info about the event as well. You can also order items through many of the NGO's webpages, or choose to support their work in other ways. They are doing a lot of good things. Many of them, like "my" NGO, are working for improvement in education and living conditions for children. What can be more important?

And talking about kids - my friend fell so head over heels in love at that mela! She ended up walking happily away - carefully carrying with her 4 handmade elephants and 2 camels! Lucky kids - who will get a soft elephant from auntie for Christmas:-) Although I do suspect she will keep at least one elephant for herself:-) 

Cute elephants from fourtyredbangles:-) 

Hope you have a good Sunday, dear reader! Bye bye from the red-chili-and-star-decorated balcony:-)

Fever & heroes - chess, cricket or football?

Lately, I have observed a dramatic increase in the number of chess-interested Norwegians! Facebook is full of enthusiastic outbursts, chess-tweets are blooming and the newspapers are competing on digging up the most they can about Norway's new super athlete: Magnus Carlsen. Who is now in Chennai, challenging the World Champion Viswanathan Anand for his title! Hey! When I grew up, chess was a bit.. nerd-y..Not IN! But, now the chess fever is on! So on! Today, I read that the Norwegians rank Carlsen as the 3rd greatest Norwegian athlete ever. Needless to say perhaps, that number 1 and 2 are both skiers? But - still some Anand-Carlsen rounds to go...

According to vg.no: the 3 greatest Norwegian athletes .. ever! 

In my domestic sphere, the chess fever is rather absent, but the football (soccer!) fever is raging! The Greek can hardly sleep these days: Greece is fighting to qualify for FIFA World Cup! Last Friday they beat Romania 3-1, and they are playing again.. right now! Judging from previous similar events - we are in for tons of loud articulate outbursts by the feverish football loving Greek clan in Mumbai! Go Greece!

The Greek national team (FIFA 2013) 

As for cricket-fever, I have the feeling that it is usually on here in India. It may have intensified just now when the beloved cricketer Sachin Tendulkar retired by playing his 200th and last match here in Mumbai, his home city. A very emotional moment for him and for all his fans both in India and all over the world. I really enjoyed reading a beautiful tribute to him on one of my favorite fellow blogger's site My Yatra Diary.

Picture from Hindustantimes.com

So, fever or no fever, we may all have our heroes whether it is in chess, football, cricket - or elsewhere? Talking about heroes, I can not help thinking about the children at the NGO school. You see, we have been working on presentations and descriptions lately, and one boy wrote this:

" My father is the first to wake up in the morning. He takes care of all the other members of the family. He works hard to take care of our needs. I will always love and respect my father. He is loving and caring." 

Thanks for following, dear reader, and enjoy your moments!

Happy Children's Day!

So, there we were: the local politician, the doctor and the (expat) volunteer: 3 honored and humbled guests at an amazing event! According to the program, we were there "to grace the Annual Felicitation Function":-) We were welcomed with flowers and coconuts and got a shawl hanged around our necks - and together we lit the four sided candle for hope, prosperity, enlightenment, and for the best of the event! And then the party was on!

But it was really all about the kids! Because today is Children's Day here in India, and "my" NGO threw a big celebration! It was about encouragement and acknowledgement, dreams and hopes -  aaaand about having fun! And it really seems like they did - and so did we- by the way!

The doctor, the politician, myself and another guest from the NGO Mumbai Smiles - we had the great honor of giving out prizes to the kids. They were celebrated for good results in school, for winning dance and music competitions and for extra skills - like writing poetry and drawing. A lot of prizes and a lot of happy faces! The children performed dances, they recited poems and held speeches, and we grown-ups held speeches too. I must admit that by the time it was my turn, I was already quite moved by the atmosphere. It is something about celebration & children: you know: standing there and see The Future sitting there in front of you - wonderful individuals with hopes, dreams and plans. I so want the best for each and one of them.

Here are some pictures from my day:

Light the candle - and the celebrations begin:-)

And the performances start - here a modern dance:-) 

An active and supportive audience - the bright future of India:-) 

Another dance performance - a more traditional Indian dance.  

A prize - ready to be given out! Of course served in style:-) 

A celebration is coming to an end! 

In India, Children's day is always celebrated on the 14 of November, which is also Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday (the first prime minister of the country). Today, in schools, offices, institutions and organisations there have been cultural performances, competitions and games.

For me it has been a memorable day - with the kids, guests, and last but not least: with great colleagues - who did a wonderful job organizing the whole event! They are the ones who are doing such an important job every single day - for so many of the children and their families in this area (despite some challenges now and then.... ) Trying to make it a children's day every day, all year round... Oh, I am so grateful to be a volunteer there!

Best regards to you dear reader, and Happy Children's day, wherever you are:-)