After waking, driving, and riding through the hectic streets of Pune, I have begun to recognize aspects of life that I could not even imagine in my small home town. One of the most striking parts of this trip has been the sights we have seen on our drives and walks across the city. Just by admiring the scenery of this city, you can easily recognize the wealth disparity that exists not only in this country, but also within our entire world. The tallest building in Pune, Trump Towers, stands tall and looks directly down on the slums that sit across the road. Just seeing this sight put into perspective how the impoverished people of our world are so easily overlooked and ignored by those who have the potential to share their not only their wealth, but their love and compassion. But the most influential part of this trip so far has been the wide variety of people we have met. One of the most amazing of these people was Sister Aruna who has created a home to welcome families, children, and elderly people in need of a place to stay. We had the pleasure of getting to chat with her and in the little time I heard her speak I was amazed on how much faith she had in God and how committed she was to leading a life of service. When she was asked about how she funds her home, she simply responded that she knows that God is gracious and will support them along their journey as He has for the last several decades. Her unwavering faithfulness and the compassion she showed for all those who entered her home was inspiring and made me really think about the kind of life that I really want to be living,  where all my value is not put in money, but in serving the people in my community and doing something that brings me pleasure and inner peace. Finally, I can never stop loving how friendly everyone we meet is here. All the people we have encountered in JDV are nothing but kind and welcoming to us and include us in all their activities and daily routines like masses, meals, and pickup basketball games. The other day we were introduced to a youth group of young college students from a local parish. They instantly welcomed us into their space and got us all very involed in their activities and routines, as if we were part of their group. We ended the night with them giving us rides on their mopeds to one of their favourte spots to eat where they ordered us Pav Bajji and sugar cane juice as we shared conversation and laughed. It felt great to be so welcomed and involed with the people we meet and I hope to show that kind of love for all those I meet as well. There is so much more I could say about my experiences thusfar, but there is much too much to say to put into words. Overall, this trip has opened up my eyes and has truly inspired me to evaluate the way I live my life and how I treat others and look at the world. I look forward to the experiences and knowledge I will gain in the days to come.
-Samraj Kalkat

Mr. Cussen is posting on behalf of Chris Bittel.

​Today I witnessed the most the most vivid account of poverty and inequality I have ever seen. We went to chapel before the sun came up and visited an order of nuns called the medical mission sisters, who embrace the curative benefits of alternative medicine. After a brief break, my group walked to a slum about twenty minutes away. The walk alone was terrifying enough because there are few sidewalks and even fewer streetlights in India, and the drivers don't yield to pedestrians, but we got to our destination without an incident. The slums were nothing more than a collection of houses built with discarded scrap metal, pieces of wood, and old banners. The kids were dirty and barefoot, many of them wearing worn clothing. They smiled at us and one held my hand. A priest living with them and some of the adults showed us around. The homes were hot and cramped and did not have many of the basic utilities that we enjoy today. Water came every few days, air conditioning was nonexistent. Most of the kids were not in school, although they did receive some instruction from the priest. I felt sorry for the people living there, they were trapped in a little shack that many had lived in for decades. Right across the street were luxury apartments and distinctive hotels, here we people struggling to stay alive. Despite all this the people were friendly and kind. End though the was a language barrier,  the kids played with us and the adults talked to us, four of the girls even did a dance. They were trying their best to retain their dignity despite the circumstances. Looking back on this I will remember how lucky I am to have and education and a comfortable life, and I hope this experience reminds me that we are all called to help fight poverty.

-Chris Bittel

Day 1- Activities

The bland and uneventful flight towards India was without a doubt excruciatingly long, and therefore those among us who managed to stay awake found little to no comfort in the television screens that sat before us, despite the vast content that the airline had to offer. It was upon the landing, of the second plane that is, that at last the joyous content of our travels was evident in the faces of my peers and I. There was hardly any trouble in the admittance of all us once on Indian soil, despite the slight discontent of Joe Cussen. I assume he was irritated by the slow process when getting our visas stamped. We then, the whole lot of us, were directed onto a van, quite comfortable and surprisingly spacey, which drove us through the traffic of Mumbai and to the eventual streets of Pune. Upon the arrival at J.D.V., the place in which we will be residing, there was a warm welcome into the enchanting old palace. The care that the director took in making us feel honored guests reflects that of a consierge managing an esteemed establishment. There was an immediate sense of wonder among my peers and I, and it was not long before we wandered about the premises of the complex. After our fist meal, which was to put simply, such delicious food as to make the mind crave it in addictive fashion, we had a resting period, which allowed us to fully integrate into the aroma of our new residence. The climax of the day, for me at least, was after the second meal, by which we all [expect the teachers] were engaged in a speedy game of basketball, and of which had such magnitude as to leave us grasping for air at every step. Later, the teachers did join, along with some folks that I can only assume had taken up residence in the same place we did. Fun is not enough to demonstrate the beautiful moment that had occurred. It is without a second glance a day in which I would look back on in future dates. 

Signed

Carlos Martinez

Hello everyone and welcome to the home for Bellarmine College Prep's annual India immersion trip. This year, our students will travel to Mumbai and Pune to learn about poverty, social injustice, and Indian culture. The guiding questions for this year's trip will be these:

1.) How do the people I encounter affect me? 
2.) How do my choices affect the people I encounter?
3.) How is my experience here part of the mission of Bellarmine, the Society of Jesus, and the Catholic Church?

Over the course of the next few weeks, 10 Bells will use this online space to share their experiences, as best they can. For now, though, I encourage you to explore the website of the Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, the Jesuit seminary where we will be staying for most of our time in India.

Thank you,
Joe Cussen