I'm moving in

So I found a house and after 5 and a half months of living in Kolkata I am moving in.
I am excited about this new transition, but it is a little daunting as well. I will be moving from a fun lively social flat of foreigners to a small one room place on the outskirts of a red light district.
I guess most people would be thinking, why on earth would you want to do that. Isn't it enough that you live and work in Kolkata!!!
Well yes and no.
I really want to be able to build some good relationships with the women I work with, not only during work hours but outside of work hours, and with the women from my community in general. I know that I will never be like these women. There will always exist barriers to our friendship, but I want to do my part in removing some of the barriers that do exist. It is a hard concept to explain because it is so backward to the Western mindset, but I feel that this is the path God is taking me on and so I am following. A little unsure with lots of excitement at what is in store.
I am taking a step downwards, to try and live a little more simply, to learn from my friends and neighbours and in my learning build relationships and share of love and of hope and of freedom.
I look forward to inviting friends round to mine for a cha after work. To sit and chat with my neighbours to do life in community. To have a home that my friends feel comfortable to just drop by and say hello.
It is amazing the road that God takes us on. 10 years ago I had plans and dreams and none of them involved India, red light areas or simple living. But today I am excited about my little house, I couldn't think of anything else I would rather be doing. I love the women in my community and am excited and privileged to be able to do life with them.
Until next time........