The Pearl and Polio Plus

The Taj Mahal, a pearl set in the midst of poverty... yet this country seems to become more wealthy the longer I am here. Perspective.... experience......
the Taj like the women of India, are jewels amongst the dirt, dust and pollution. Every day is a special occasion... a time to dress up.... a time to be feminine. Long flowing saris like jewels: emeralds, jade, amethyst, amber, coral, topaz, diamonds, turquoise,rubies,sapphires, glitter in the sun. Softly they stroll, gracefully they sit amongst the aggressiveness of their lifestyle. The pride of a street beggar, sweeping the garbage from her domain, to place it in the pile a few steps from her. The duty of a village woman, kneading cow dung and patting it into symmetric discs to dry in the sun. Stately they sit on the back of a scooter, royally they sit in the rickshaw. They are beautiful.... beautiful like the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal... a monument made for a woman. White like the mother pearl, glistening with precious gems. Her figure, completely symmetric is laced with flowers from the relief cut marble. Draped with inlaid coral and malekite. From her flows the milk of hope, of inspiration, of love, of beauty. Peace is her aura. She breathes, she moves, she flows. Her heart beats. Her face changes with the light, always serene, always peaceful, always smiling.

Polio, that is what has brought me here.... today I gave the two drops that could save a child from this horrible disease. I went from tent camp to tent camp, yelling doorgam!!!!!! come...run quickly! little children would come running with half naked, filthy little bodies.....stop and open their mouths for the vaccine. They understand the importance... little babies cheeks were pinched to open their mouths, black marker on the little finger determined who had the drops or not....whistles were passed out.... and as I walked away.... little whistles rang the most beautiful thank you I have ever received. Goodness, love, charity, humanity. That is what keeps me coming back to these places.