25 Mar 2008, Singapore

Amma’s early morning arrival didn’t stop a hundred or so devotees from gathering at Changi International Airport to welcome her to Singapore for four days of programmes.

Around 6am, about a half hour before Amma’s flight was to land, people started arriving just outside the baggage claim area.  While most were from Singapore and Malaysia, many had come from all over the globe:  India, USA, Australia, Europe…  a true international gathering.

As the expected time of arrival approached, everyone’s faces were turned to the glass wall that was separating us from the baggage claim area – hoping to be the first to catch a glimpse of Amma as she exited through customs.

Excitement grew as someone spotted one of the devotees who had been flying with Amma. It wouldn’t be too long…, then ‘Yes!’  ‘I can see Amma!’  Faces pressed to the glass, some people sobbed – maybe already unburdening some deep sorrow at Amma’s Lotus Feet, or just overwhelmed with joy.  Amma was walking towards us – her small form getting closer and closer.   She was flanked by a few devotees and of course a few small children.

One devotee told us all to form a line along the path that Amma would take to her car that was waiting outside.  Shoes were taken off, palms in Namaskaram, teary-eyed, or beaming with joy, we all lined up.  Then Amma came out.

Someone garlanded her and immediately people moved forward.  One by one, Amma reached out and quickly kissed each one of us.  As Amma made her way through the crowd of delighted devotees, even a few curious airport personnel and on-lookers got a kiss.

And before you knew it, Amma was in the car and off to the house.
Tonight, we all head to the Expo Center (where the programmes will be held) to help set up.

– Sri Pati