July 11, 2001 : India Experience 2001

INDIA EXPERIENCE: Realization of a dream

Thursday, July 12, 2001

During our meeting with them, we felt more comfortable. Their enthusiasm in singing and participating was really great to witness. I feel like I can accept that we may be different and that shouldn't come between anybody.

The younger students were so full of life. At lunch, they giggled and joked around like many 18 and 19 year olds do. During the presentation, one girl sang a Malayalam song beautifully. After a discussion, we split into groups. Many of the students were shy.

St. Xavier's College was so beautiful. Looking out the lunch room window, we could see students walking among coconut trees and various plants, walking along a sandy path, on the most beautiful clear day. We thought about the tasty mangoes we had for breakfast and we thought about the beginning of the book Siddhartha. Young Siddhartha sat under a mango tree while his mother was washing clothes outside. The descriptions were so vivid and the imagery was so beautiful.

While at St. Xavier's, we peeked on some students preparing a dance to a film song which was to be performed at a program. The girls and the boys in the group usually remained separate. They said in their free time, they usually read or watch TV, and girls don't usually play cricket (form of Baseball).

Being in India and actually experiencing life here helps us learn so much better than just reading or attending a lecture. We learn for ourselves at our own paces. Whatever we want to know, we can ask and find out. Writing in the journal also helps us to process and remember things too. Here, we are not only learning about India and Kerala, but also about life.

"Went to St. Xavier's college and our company was well appreciated. There were warm smiles from all the students and we really felt welcomed."

"I met my host family and they were just phenomenal. They welcomed me in their home and insisted on my comfort. Their generosity was unmatched, the way they took care of me as a total stranger. As a family, there is obviously a strong bond, as after praying together they greet each other. This was a very unique experience"

Kerrian Walters

"Loyola seminary students & Staff were refreshing; beautiful environment to contemplate God."

St. Xavier's students too young; soccer team made me very homesick. My son spent most of his first 18 years playing soccer. My husband coached a state championship team. My host family is just the greatest !! "

Barbara Maxwell

"St. Xavier's College campus was beautiful. The seminary students were so eager to learn about us and they were so enthusiastic in their singing. The college students were all so full of life and sweet. We learned a lot from them just by observing their non verbal gestures as well as discussions."

Kathleen M Jelen

My host mother made me feel very at home when she told me that I was just like her daughter. I am glad that I had a chance to study with a family and see what they do in their everyday lives "

Gretchen Martin

"The students at St. Xavier's College were very intelligent. They had majors like Physics and Chemistry. You can tell that they are dedicated to getting their education. I noticed that there were more females than males studying at college."

"I stayed with my host mother Girija. My stay with her was very informative. I learned the selection process for a bride from her. She is looking for a bride for her son"

Kristin Burney

"I spent my first overnight stay with a host family today. At the residence of K. Sivaramakrishnan Nair, I was welcomed by his wife and child. They provided me my own room and bathroom. That was very generous."

Jarrod D Gray

"Coming from a society whose culture strives for wealth in order to indulge the senses, only Kerala has provided me with true contentment. The lives of which no pay check has ever provided before"

Unni Krishnan

Welcome to the Photo Session