A pleasnat surprise and then another one

At that time, he purchased a Srimad-Bhagavatam set from my then sankirtan partner (Yashodara) on the main street and spent a few evenings with us discussing KC, taking prasad and appreciating the treasure of Krsna Bhakti.

We had originally met a couple years prior to that when he spent a few weeks living with us in the “wwoofing” program at the Wellington Bhakti Lounge just a couple days after meeting a book distributor for the first time.

Remembering him, I was considering how his Krishna consciousness is going? and regularly hoped we would meet again. Unfortunately I had no contact number for him.

A week later, there was no sight of him and it was time to move on to the next town.

Instead of going to Gisborne, as we had originally planned, we went to Taupo where, we had heard, an International Iron Man competition was attracting a large crowd. The crowd was dense but for the most part non-receptive.

Early into the morning of distribution there I turned around and spotted who else but Olli!

We spent about an hour together catching up and discussing the progress of KC in his life. I was pleased and conjectured that possibly my concern for him prompted Krsna to arrange our meeting.

He then offered a donation for our cause to which I presented him a Caintanya Caritamrita set. He replied ” I haven’t finished SB yet BUT, I have been renting a room in an elderly ladies house and SHE may be interested!”

I asked how that is? And he told how he had been sharing KC with her while living there the past year. “She’s very keen! She’s now become vegetarian, progressed through the BG and has a lot of questions about Krsna!”

He then asked if we can come and stay at their place in the evening and speak with her.

Upon arriving, we were eagerly met by Kerrie; a sharp, 72 year old , recently retired lawyer. Her first words were ” I wanted to make some curry for you but wasn’t sure if you would take it as its not prasad.”

She pulled out her Bhagavad-gita and a notebook full of questions. We spent till midnight discussing KC. I presented her Srimad Bhagavatam & Caitanya Caritamrita and she happily purchased Caitanya Caritamrita as Olli’s SB set was already in the home. We stayed a couple more nights there, did kirtan and shared prasad with them at her tidy home.

Now, over 3 months later, she is in constant contact, has visited the Loft, began chanting and connected yet another friend who is very favorable to Krishna Consciousness. Olli is also well and hoping to attend the Eastern festival.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental book distribution!

Ys,

Vrindavan-madhurya das