Padayatra America Report: August 26-28, 2003

October 9, 2003

August 26-28, 2003 (from The Diary of a Padayatri)

We went 15 miles and slept at the James River. It was 105 degrees with the heat index. A lot of poison ivy. Not too much interaction, too hot for people to be outside.

On the 27th, we stopped on 522. Very busy. Another Hare Krsna festival on the side of the road. Many people stopped to inquire, bring water, take darshan. Everybody got prasadam. Families came with their kids to pet the horses. Mr. Howard came with his daughter to invite us to their farm.

It was 6 pm, and still we were not able to honor prasada. The police came, but no problem. Everything is ok. We were just on the side of a secondary highway, where a car would not be allowed to park, but the policeman didn't care. He liked hearing the message. That is the way Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar directs this program.

Mr. Howard was sincere in facilitating the yatra, going way out of his way in hospitality. He left us with these words: "If God leads you to it, He'll see you through it."

Today, the 28th, has been extremely hot. We drove six miles and stopped at a church. People where stopping. We gave out prasada, the holy name. A boy of 12 years came with his mother. He looked peaceful, well educated. He was inquisitive. He asked about the Mahamantra and tried to chant: "Hu-ree Kr......ssna." Such a fortunate soul!

We talked about the meaning of the Mahamantra and how God is a person you can love. He brought some cold drinks. "I want to help," he said. "Can you use money?"

We always appreciate donations. After giving some laxmi, he turned to his mother. "Can I stay with them?" he said. "I want to help."

Naturally, as he was the only son, his mother immediately said no. I could see she felt uncomfortable.

"Please let me stay and help them," he said.

I intervened and told him that he had already helped us just by coming, and that he could help even more if he would read the book (Chant and Be Happy) and keep in touch with us by e-mail. At this moment he has to protect his mother.

He had tears in his eyes, but he behaved properly and with maturity. He stayed silent in an act of submission. He looked at the Deities as if he were saying, "I want to be with you."

Then he looked at us. "Good Luck!" he said.

I smiled and looked at his eyes. "Please pray for us," I said.

Immediately, he put his head down and with folded hands began to pray. As they drove on, I turned toward the Deities and asked Them to bless such a great soul and bring him to Krsna Consciousness at the proper moment.

Let the beauty of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar fructify in the hearts of those who are anxious to render service in such a way that the ecstasies of sankirtana fill their life.

Hare Krsna.

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