The children had a ball as they enjoyed the cool temperatures of the hills instead of the intense humidity of Kolkata. Our accommodation was close to the main square in Darjeeling enabling us to visit the local attractions: the Buddhist temples, the zoo, local shops and cafes. A large screen in the main square provided great entertainment showing the Euro soccer matches and of course our Bekind Boys were cheering for Ireland – much to the amusement of the locals!

Later locals came to us and shook our hands saying how pleased they were that we had brought the children to their town and welcomed us warmly. This was in sharp contrast to our first evening’s experience in Darjeeling when Martina and I were originally booked into a guesthouse close to where the boys were staying. We had met this rather loud man when we went to our room who announced that he “hadn’t heard voices around here in some time”. He was strange as we introduced ourselves and we both agreed we would give this guy a wide birth, he was the only other guest staying in that place. The area just outside our room was like a large living room with couches and chairs and I thought it an ideal place to bring the children for a movie. I have a small projector which the kids love. Asking permission that evening from the landlady the children were welcome on the condition that they removed their shoes downstairs as it was raining quite heavily. Good as gold, they took their seats and just as the movie started our “loud” guy appeared from a room down the corridor which I had noticed was ajar. Well over six feet tall, grey hair tied up in a ponytail, he roared “What is the meaning of this?” When I suggested that he close the door to his room he went ballistic and became seriously aggressive using foul language in his American accent and gesticulating with his index fingers right in front of the boys and their shocked carers!

With modern communications we were never far from breaking news like the Brexit vote which left many with a sense of incredulity. Even locals in Darjeeling could not believe the outcome. That morning as we drove from the train station and I read the jaw-dropping news on my phone. Our youngest little Bekind Boy, Bapi, slept soundly on my lap without a care in the world.

Pony rides and picnics, night time movies and games made our five day holiday with them fly and soon “Team Bekind“ – all 28 of us, returned to Kolkata where their normal routine would start again with school and studies.

Martina and I spent a week as volunteers in Kalighat, home for the dying and destitute set up by Kolkata’s now newest saint, Mother Teresa back in 1952 when Mother was in her early forties. Much has been written about this home over the last half century, documentaries have been screened. It has received praise and criticism and controversial comments but it is a very special place and has eased the pain of death for countless numbers of unfortunates who would have died a horrible death if left on the streets unwanted and unloved. I have witnessed, many times over the years, those who recover and have been given another chance in life and those who die with dignity.