Faith

            I was greeted in India by a rainbow, a splendid old driver named Gopalan, his amazing old car, and the gift of a Norah Jones and M. Ward concert. Dr. Suneeta Krishnan, my host and role model, my introduction and opportunity in Bangalore, and quite frankly one of the most inspirational people I know (on par with my mom) had sent the lovely Golpalan, whom she described as ‘her most trusted driver’, to collect me and he stood curbside with a sign that read “MS. PIA” and from then on addressed me as ‘Madam’. That’s a big thing, many a person calling me madam when I feel like I’ve earned that title in any way. I’m more like a ‘hey you’ kind of person. But his care was awesome. It’s an old white ambassador and one the only ones in the city so you can always find him. Man and care are always dressed in white, always reliable and always friendly and oh so polite. I was later overwhelmed by his awesomeness when Suneeta told me his life story. Golpalan had been a washed up alcoholic with serious financial trouble. Then he found God, became the most trusted driver and more importantly, became a preacher who’s specific mission is reaching out to other who struggle with substance abuse. I suppose I have yet to “find God” but I have a lot of respect for people who have used their found faith to guide their lives in more positive directions.

            Come to think of it, I’m not sure I want to say I’ve never “found God”, I might instead say that I never really lost the concept of God, I just haven’t figured out the specifics. Just like every tourist ever, I’m going to tell you that India is a very spiritual place. But unlike every tourist ever, I’m not saying that because I feel the spirit or the vibe or something. I’m saying that because it is so much a part of the culture, the conflict and the beauty of India. And so even though I can’t tell you the capitalized name of what I believe in or where I go to believe or who I look to as a medium for my faith, I do have it. I believe in things bigger than me and I believe that people are changed, helped and touched by forces beyond them. I have faith, though I’m not religious. And India is a place that reaffirms at least the concept of faith, if not the practice.