Savera-dise morning

Hotel Savera is a slice of paradise. Wonderful foods for breakfast, renovated rooms (and their UN-renovated states two years ago were more than fine), and friendly, engaging staff. Sitting now off a busy fare, hearing horns from auto-rickshaws, vendors chatting across the street I'm inside also hearing busy scissors trimming Francis' hair. We visit with one parish and two universities today. Last night's dinner with Sisters Flora, Sayhayamary, and Jeno at the home of Roque and Showrilu (Francis' parents) was enlightening indeed. We learned of their social action group work with widows movements, Dalits (i.e. Untouchables), and with nomadic Roma communities in Southern India. Their dedication and passion is inspiring. While many live here on less than a dollar a day, the spirit of solidarity and care for the poor teaches us about how the notion of "public good" permeates thinking and living here in India.