Tuesday we went to Purulia and visited two parishes--St. Bartholomew's and The Church of the Resurrection. The priest there has so much enthusiasm. He has built up both these parishes even though almost everyone around is Hindu.

This morning I went to St. Michael's School which is next door to the Diocese's compound and is a school connected to the Diocese. There are about 1,800 students. They were all at attention when I got there. The Lead Girl said a Christian prayer and everyone listened to the thought for the day. I talked about making a difference where you are. Although the classrooms are not furnished as the ones in the States, the students sat with full attention and dedication.

 

It made me think about the common hopes of parents around the world. There is a yearning for your child's life to be better--not just in comfort but in meaning. There's a yearning for them to flourish and find their way. The principal told me of the sacrifices parents make to send their children and I understood that as a parent.  Travel just gives us a perspective that we can't get any other way.

 

The group from New Zealand left today so Lisa Clark and I are the only pilgrims here. This afternoon I am off to another school sponsored by the diocese (there are five) and then tomorrow I'll think about how to pack all the gifts I have been given (especially a cope and miter given by the Daughters of the KIng).

+Porter