vaisnavas

Brad and Dena are old friends of mine. I met them back in 2002 in Tucson AZ. At that time I was living in Tucson ISKCON temple. That center is most wonderful and the restaurant is first class. Sri Sri Gaura Nitai are always bestowing Their blessings upon many young people. Each year Tucson is flooded with thousands of travelers for the Gem show. All types of New Agers, rock collectors, hippies, musicians, devotees, and precious gem buyers visit Tucson and in turn visit the temple. It is the busiest time of the year and restaurant would open extra hours and make much money to support the slow summer months. Its a great time for commerce. Book distribution is great and the kirtans at the sunday feast are rocking with great musicians like Shimshai and Arjuna and the Gaurdians. Kirtan is the favorite of all.

It was during this time that I met Brad and Dena. They were wearing long dread locks and turbans. They were very gentle in character and seeking to serve the Absolute truth. We became friends very quickly. They also befriended Bhakta William, Prabhupada das and Laxsmi Priya devi. We all went on walks with them, did kirtan, talked long hours and even invited them to stay one night at the temple. They stayed in tucson for a month or so doing work and raising money to continue their travels wherever God may take them. At the end of their trip i gave them Light of the Bhagavata and Journey of self discovery. A few moths later they emailed me and said they had ended up in Alachua and it was Gaura Purnima day! Now they were chanting sixteen rounds and practicing pure KC! They had moved to Portland and were taking association with many wonderful devotees there at the preaching center. We have been friends ever since and speak to each other regularly. For about four years now they have been chanting and dancing to the Hare Krishna mantra and practicing pure KC. Soon they will accept initiation. They live their life in the most simple of ways. Brad is an electrician and Dena is a midwife. Each morning they worship their dieties, chant their rounds, offer their food, read, listen to lectures and on weekends head two hours north to Portland to associate with the local Vaisnavas. Anyone who comes in contact with them falls in love and becomes attached to their friendship. Those of us who live at distance always long for the time we can meet them. For me to see them again was most satisfying and joyful. I will do anything for them and look forward to their upcoming visit to New Vrindaban.