Kolkata - The City of Joy

I picked up a book on St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta 2 years ago before leading a mission trip to NYC and I was blown away at the way she radically loved in her life. Since then, I have been asking myself some of the same questions that she asked of herself: what is holding me back from seeing Christ in others, seeing Him in the common man? Often it's our own pride that prevents us from seeing others in the light that we were created-- in His image. I desire to serve in Kolkata not just out of curiosity, but out of love. What does it mean to see Christ in the distressing disguise of the poor? After graduation, I will serve with the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order that St. Mother Teresa founded. I'll have a month serving the poorest of the poor in the most raw ways possible. I plan to spend that time helping and learning from the sisters, other missionaries, and especially from those whom I will be able to serve in Kolkata. I pray that you will be able to join me in this daunting journey through prayers and donations!
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"[Being led by mercy and] bringing the goodness and tenderness of God implies that our attitude is not 'from above, downward,' as it were when we think ourselves superior to those we serve, but rather that we recognize ourselves for who we are: one of the poor, identified with them in some way, being in some way in the same condition. And this must come from the heart, since understanding involves our very selves." - A Call to Mercy,  Mother Teresa