Destiny

We went to Destiny today (2 Aug).  It's a transition step from the shelters.  Woman make cloth products (bags, blankets, wallets, etc.) along with jewelry and other things.  Everything sewned is done with foot powered sewing machines!

I bought a blanket and a purse here, so I'll be happy to show you them! :D  

Taking the taxi to Destiny there was some major traffic (big surprise).  They actually turn off their cars when sitting in traffic.  The first couple of times it was a little bit freaky but by the end of the two weeks, it was like a hint to take a quick nap :P  Anyway, the taxi driver actually told us to get out and walk!  We had NO idea where we were.  Coleen had her phone so we were calling Paul and Sally and slowly walking in the direction that the taxi guy was taking us.  We ended up stopping by a gas station, a very identifiable land mark and Sally came and found us.  

Once we all got settled, we shopped and then tea :)

We then talked story, or actually listened.  We had the Destiny ladies come in and we heard from Doel, one of our translators, she is a college grad and is more western in her ways.  We also heard from Soma who is the other extreme, she is from a village, married, kids, works her butt off and cares for everyone else before even taking time for herself (that is if she even gets time for herself).  Both women were amazing in their own way.  Both are fighting for women's rights.  Soma has gotten the women of her village to donate some money every month so they could send a girl from their village to school.  Females are usually jipped when it comes to education, some families don't see the point in funding the education past a certain grade.  I can't remember which one said this but I thought it was very descriptive of where women are in India, "Women run India but the men make the rules".  Unfortunately, women are not listened to and there is no real communication between the two... the country is hindered by this lack of communication.

What struck me today listening to the women is their unity.  We in American are such individuals that we have lost sight of the power of a group, of supporting one another to prosper together.  Why do we, as individualist, have such problems with understanding the idea of when you help raise others to greatness you also raise yourself up.  Sitting there, listening to the women I was just showered in this collect group unity.  It was amazing.