I was not raised in a devotee family. I am not Hindu or even Indian. I am an ordinary American, born in the USA and raised by American parents.
I became a devotee in 1970, at the age of 13, after being introduced to Krishna consciousness. I took it very seriously right away, and felt strongly that it was truly the purpose of life.
I took initiation from my spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhativedanta Swami Prabhupad, at the age of 15, and second initiation (or Brahmin initiation) at the age of 17. I was very fortunate because both of these initiations were done in person by Srila Prabhupad, not that other types are not just as meaningful, I'm only saying that to me, it was a special blessing of association with my spiritual master that I will always be grateful for.
I have done all types of devotional service within Iskcon, throughout the years, I cannot actually think of any type that I have not done.
I have done cleaning, cooking, sewing for the Deities, I have been a Pujari and done Deity worship. I have done sankirtan, book distribution and Hari Nam. I have done various preaching programs. I even opened a temple, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, (not alone, but with my husband). I started and ran a Prasadam restaurant in San Diego, CA. I have cared for Tulasi Devi. I have made garlands, and ghee wicks, and cleaned brass, and polished silver. I have two children who are now grown, and I raised them as devotees, they spent time in Gurukula. I even helped to start the first Gurukula in Dallas, Texas. Not that I did any important thing, but I was sent there to assist and I served and helped raise the children, even though I was only 15 myself. I am most likely leaving quite a few things out, but so many people have been asking me lately to tell them more about me, so I have written all this in my profile.
My personal view about all this is one thing: after nearly four decades of endeavoring to become Krishna conscious, one thing is apparent to me, and that is that Krishna consciousness is a life-long process, you have to start, and keep going, no matter what life throws at you. It won't happen overnight, rarely does someone become totally and completely Krishna conscious that fast.
So, my view is that we need to persevere. Krishna rewards determination, and a little advancement on this path is never lost.
I appreciate this website community and I believe that it is a wonderful way for people of all kinds to learn about Krishna Consciousness, regardless of where they may live, or what particular stage of spiritual advancement they are in or what type of material situation they are dealing with. I am very encouraged and excited about this website and am happy to have the opportunity to be part of it!
