Last night after adoration I came back to the hotel and went straight to bed... I didn't have the opportunity to do my rosary at adoration yesterday because there was some type of prayer service at adoration but it was amazing... all the sisters and novist were there! It was beautiful! Anyways, i tried praying the rosary laying in bed (bad idea)... I fell asleep during my fourth mystery and remember waking up numerous times during the night to finish my 5th mystery actually I woke up twice this morning (sometime before 5 am) also attempting to finish my rosary… I finally finished sometime this morning. So the lesson of the day is; pray before I get tired. This morning surly was a pain in the ass to get out of bed. I was so tired for some reason. And I went to bed at 8pm, I tried to get up at 5:15 more mass at 6… but an hour later I finally got up and showered. Today I met two new volunteers that I helped show around to get to Daya Dan and help explain what was going on, because I knew it was so confusing for me the first day. Craig was a high school teacher in the States (teachs physics) and Erica. At Daya Dan today… I did the usual. Clean the crib, bathe, clothed and than physical therapy. Today, I worked with Angeli again… convinced that she’ll be standing on her own within 3 months or so. But today she put up a greater fight. As soon as I took her off her stroller she began to cry. She wouldn’t stop for a good half an hour. Everything I did would make her cry. But it wasn’t even crying; no tears, no real facial expression… she was just putting on her lazy act and sad to say, it was working. I was getting use to seeing her smile and laugh at me. I was also getting use to thinking that I was good at helping the kids but God surely humbled me today. She finally stop crying and I was able to help her stand but she would just collaspe over to one side and all limbs would become like jello. I couldn’t do anything to make her stand and she was extremely good at getting her way today. But… whatever, today was just not a leg exercise day for her. So I helped with trying to keep her attention. Snapping my fingers from side to side and trying to keep her looking. Sister Capita was in the room with me today and asked about my vocation… as many sisters here do. “Are you going to become MC Father or what?” haha. “… if God calls.” We sat talking about life, my relationship, God, religious/holy orders, and about MC Father/Brothers. She said she could arrange a night of Come and See with the MC Father where I can stay with them for a night. Staying with the MC Father… haha, sweet. I don’t know if it’ll follow through but whatever.
Today they asked me to come downstair and help out with music. Of course… someone found out I played the guitar and ratted me in. I help set up the mic since the Father that usually helped with music wasn’t here today. I taught the children “Yes Lord”… it was easy enough; the whole chorus consist of only two words. I also sang “this Little Light of Mine” and “The Hokipokie”. It was like the kids show and tell. Any of them can come up and lead and it was so beautiful to see them. I didn’t want to lead anything at all because watching these kids brighten up as soon as they got on the mic made me smile. The kids would sing a lot of kids songs but those that had mental challenge also came up and sang the tune of the songs they knew to the word “da”… and it was such a beautiful sight to see because they would get so happy to lead a group. Well the day ended at Daya Dan after another hard fedding session, I was feeding Sonu again and he was sick today, but somehow, once again I managed to be the last one to leave Daya Dan and had to get back to Sudder myself.
After yesteday's expereince I learned alot about Kolkata. From Mother House to Daya.. I must say to the Bus "Ma-nic-cula" then take a Rickshaw to Daya Dan, from Daya Dan to Mother House I say to the Rickshaw "Man-i-ca-la" than hop on Bus 202 towards Mother House, from Daya Dan to Sudder I must take a Rickshaw to "Girish Park" and get on the Metro to Park Street. If you can't tell, I'm pretty proud of figuring this all out now. Well, the first Rickshaw that came for me to head home told me 15 rupees to get to Girish Park/Metro… and I knew that was crap. So I waved him on and he was arguing something of gibberish. The next rickshaw came and told me 4 ruppees… and that’s what I always remembered paying so I hop on hoping I was headed towards the right direction this time. Yesterady when I said Girish park… I got off at the right spot but I was suppose to take a right on the street to get to the metro but ended up walking straight towards Bose Rd. Anyways I took a right today and… this and that; I got to the metro and made it back safe. I had lunch at a Sikh resturant that was really cheap, It costed me a little more than 1 US dollar for fried chicken cury, rice, a coke, and mango shake. I went out with a close friend Kiki that’s leaving in two weeks. And we got to talk about faith. It was really nice for me to finally just talk (deep) and no surface talk (“hi… my name is.. your name is… where you from… where are you working… how long are you staying… etc”). Of course knowing me, we first talked about Theology of the Body. God’s plan for human sexuality. Than we talked about the Eucharist, Foundation of the Church/Peter, Transubstansiation, Apostolic Sucession and all that good stuff. We came back to our hotel and talked a little more. I told her… go talk to Sister Corina because I obviously don’t do any justice to any sort of catheises.Well, the evening is starting and I want to make my ways over to catch adoration. Tomorrow is thursdsay and the volunteers don’t work on Thursdays, so I’ll probably make a couple phone calls to the States. Tuan
PS: Some reasons I haven’t been getting any comments on my blog and then suddenly today it showed comments on all my recent entries and it looked as if these comments have been written not long after I wrote my blog. So sorry if I didn’t get back to the comments. But just to let you know that it REALLY made my day and made me smile to see the comments and emails from everyone. It makes me feel connected to Home somehow. So thankyou for your thoughts and prayers. And just keeping in touch with me. And I’m sorry for having such a crapy blog. I’m not much for a journalist… or a writer. I pull the “English is my second language” card. Haha. God bless all. My all our work reveal God’s love!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Lost in Kolkata
Last night was an eventful night. A huge group of volunteer went out for monday night salsa dancing at Park's Hotel. As I was walking sudder street/park street. I had my video camera running so i can bring back to show all. It was quite the sight to see. I had absolutely no clue where i was headed but was invited to come along- being a lonesome traveler... what the heck; I love dancing and partying so why not! The contrast being the rich and the poor was so prominent as I walked towards park street. It was absolutely ridiculous. It was late at night so many people were either out partying or getting ready for bed. And when I say bed, I really mean... sleeping on some newspaper along the sidewalk. People were sleeping on the street everywhere! Within 20 feet distances you would walk by at least 5 people sleeping. Wether it's on tables, benches, sidewalk, underneathe tables... you name it. I passed by a group of 4 individual; 3 of which were children under the age of 4. One of the child was a baby no more than 6 months old. Sleeping naked on the sidewalk on newspaper. In the States, this sight is a rare occasion and thousands would jump to help at the sight of such but here; eyes are turned away and it's accepted not only those around things such as this but also by the parents. Many of the parents send their children to beg and make a living in that way, and directed towards tourist especially (especially those that come to volunteer and "trying to serve") At orientation yesterday, the MC sisters addressed this issue; telling us that by giving we're actually promoting their lifestyle of begging and relying on tourist. It's not bettering off the economy and deffinately not the lives of those that we're "trying to help". You will always hear "my mother is sick, she needs money of medicine" or "baby needs milk". It is so hard for me sometimes but for all those that are traveling to India if you do decide to give... make sure you give bought items and not just money. And whether buying milk or food for those who beg... open the packet because i've seen them recieve the MOST expensive milk they asked for and go straight back into the store and sell it back to the store owner. Anyways, I got really side tracked; back to Salsa dancing and the contrast of this crazy city Kolkata. I arrived at Park's Hotel dressed in dirty volunteer clothes and was escorted in (because i was a tourist). This whole place was made of marble, there was air conditioning and servers everywhere, a bar and private bar... all that jazz. Well to keep things short... I felt out of place and didn't end up dancing that night. The volunteers go every monday for salsa dancing so i'm sure i'll go one of these days but I don't of many opportunities to also say happy birthday to Sara (yesterday, June 25th) and wanted to get back to Sudder Street before the international phone booth closed at 11pm. Sara... I miss you like crazy (wish you were able to experience this craziness with me... I love it here!)
Anyways, today was another interesting day (I swear, everyday has something crazy instored). At orientation yesterday I was assigned to help at Daya Dan for the remaining of my stay. I asked for Kalighat also... but sister said it might be too hard for 2 shifts in one day and I can do one month at Daya Dan and one at Kalighat. I may come back to her in a week or so and just tell her I'm taking on two shifts or visiting from time to time. I went to Kalighat last sunday and it was amazing (yes, Sean... I did get to attend mass- actually did the prayer of the faithful for mass this last sunday at Kalighat) and stayed for chicken cury at kalighat for lunch. So anyways, back to Daya Dan (sorry, i feel really disoriented today and I'm jumping from one sentances to another... maybe i'll rewrite this blog entry later); I got there and did the daily schedule... clean crib, bathe, clothed, and physical therapy. Today I worked for a long period of time in the physical therapy room; with one girl specifically. Her name was Angeli.
Angeli is three years old. Gorgious gal and has really skinny/weak legs and arms, she also have trouble paying attention/keeping focus. I started out putting the leg brace on her so she can build muscles practicing standing; i've seen them do this for her several times since i've been here. After awhile I thought, what the heck let's try something new. So I took off her leg brace, and did some leg and calves exerices. After doing so, I held vertically up, standing against the wall. Her legs were locking and then giving in colasping, but it did this over and over a couple of times and she seemed able to stand longer and longer. So I had Angeli stand straight up with her back against my leg as I was sitting and ... wasn't a problem. So i tried having her stand on her own with my hand as support on her bottom, pushing her foward everytime she tried to sit. And suprisingly she stayed standing. The volunteers in the room looked over and we all shared this moment of joy. I felt so proud of her and I'm convinced that within 2-3 months she will be able to stand on her own or against the wall on her own. Not only did I feel overwhelmed with joy but... i notice Angeli did too. Never have I seen her smile but as she stood there in the middle of the room with my hand proping her forward; she turned over looking towards me, grabbed my hair towards her, smiled and than the absolutely God moment for me, she laughed. She laughed 4 times intervals of 2 seconds. And everyone in the room was taken back. To hear Angeli laugh really made my day, to see her looking at me for several seconds as I talked to her made me smile, and to see her stand gave me much hope. Life is too short for me to miss the beauty that God shows each day before our eyes; in smiles, winks, tears, and laughter, you can find Jesus in disguise. God is among us always we just need to keep our eyes open to the message of love.
Once physical therapy was done I helped with feeding and it wasn't an easy task, but what's new. After lunch time for the kids the volunter's first session is done but I ended up staying back helping the children be put to sleep. I must have missed seeing all the volunteers leave. I was trying to get Angeli to stop crying and then singing the rest of the children in that room to sleep (which consisted of singing Ave Maria, and a long... Divine Mercy Chaplet). The Masis left that room and poked their heads in every now and then and smiled. I would hear them say something about me singing (can-ta-re) or something down that line is the word for singing in bangali and I would over hear them saying something and then seconds later someone would pop their head in and smile then leave. It made me feel really happy... once again, it's God's pat for me. When I left Daya i was the only volunteer there so I was headed back alone. I took a rickashaw to get to the metro but ... i guess i took the wrong one. You have to remember, i've only worked at daya dan twice. Both of which i just followed other volunteers. Once i came back with the group through walking from the rickashaw to the metro and the other time I had to take a rickashaw and a bus to get to hotel circular. Well..... I got lost. haha. Simple as that. I took a rickashaw for several blocks going straight. towards Bose Rd and sadly to say there diffinately isn't a metro station on Bose Rd. Instead I ended up walking for a hour and fourty minutes back towards Mother House than backtracking towards Sudder Street. I felt like an idoit but it was fun. I went under the huge bridge by the train station and it was a HUGE street market place under there. It was quite the sight. I remember seeing on one of the sidewalk, a magician and with a huge crowd around him. I saw goats, cows, horses, chicken, ducks and all sorts of random animals through wandering kolkata detour. Anyways, I got back safe on sudder, drenched in my sweat and incredibly hungry. I went over to Blue Sky resturant on sudder and treated myself to a huge lunch. FRENCH FRIES, CHEESE SANDWHICH , 2 coca-cola, jerra rice and some type or cury.... and it costed med about 2.20 US dollars. Another day in Kolkata. Gotta love it.
Tuan
Lord God, in a world of chaos help me find light and peace within your love through those you put in my life. Blessed Mother, teach me to love the way you love your Beloved Son.
Anyways, today was another interesting day (I swear, everyday has something crazy instored). At orientation yesterday I was assigned to help at Daya Dan for the remaining of my stay. I asked for Kalighat also... but sister said it might be too hard for 2 shifts in one day and I can do one month at Daya Dan and one at Kalighat. I may come back to her in a week or so and just tell her I'm taking on two shifts or visiting from time to time. I went to Kalighat last sunday and it was amazing (yes, Sean... I did get to attend mass- actually did the prayer of the faithful for mass this last sunday at Kalighat) and stayed for chicken cury at kalighat for lunch. So anyways, back to Daya Dan (sorry, i feel really disoriented today and I'm jumping from one sentances to another... maybe i'll rewrite this blog entry later); I got there and did the daily schedule... clean crib, bathe, clothed, and physical therapy. Today I worked for a long period of time in the physical therapy room; with one girl specifically. Her name was Angeli.
Angeli is three years old. Gorgious gal and has really skinny/weak legs and arms, she also have trouble paying attention/keeping focus. I started out putting the leg brace on her so she can build muscles practicing standing; i've seen them do this for her several times since i've been here. After awhile I thought, what the heck let's try something new. So I took off her leg brace, and did some leg and calves exerices. After doing so, I held vertically up, standing against the wall. Her legs were locking and then giving in colasping, but it did this over and over a couple of times and she seemed able to stand longer and longer. So I had Angeli stand straight up with her back against my leg as I was sitting and ... wasn't a problem. So i tried having her stand on her own with my hand as support on her bottom, pushing her foward everytime she tried to sit. And suprisingly she stayed standing. The volunteers in the room looked over and we all shared this moment of joy. I felt so proud of her and I'm convinced that within 2-3 months she will be able to stand on her own or against the wall on her own. Not only did I feel overwhelmed with joy but... i notice Angeli did too. Never have I seen her smile but as she stood there in the middle of the room with my hand proping her forward; she turned over looking towards me, grabbed my hair towards her, smiled and than the absolutely God moment for me, she laughed. She laughed 4 times intervals of 2 seconds. And everyone in the room was taken back. To hear Angeli laugh really made my day, to see her looking at me for several seconds as I talked to her made me smile, and to see her stand gave me much hope. Life is too short for me to miss the beauty that God shows each day before our eyes; in smiles, winks, tears, and laughter, you can find Jesus in disguise. God is among us always we just need to keep our eyes open to the message of love.
Once physical therapy was done I helped with feeding and it wasn't an easy task, but what's new. After lunch time for the kids the volunter's first session is done but I ended up staying back helping the children be put to sleep. I must have missed seeing all the volunteers leave. I was trying to get Angeli to stop crying and then singing the rest of the children in that room to sleep (which consisted of singing Ave Maria, and a long... Divine Mercy Chaplet). The Masis left that room and poked their heads in every now and then and smiled. I would hear them say something about me singing (can-ta-re) or something down that line is the word for singing in bangali and I would over hear them saying something and then seconds later someone would pop their head in and smile then leave. It made me feel really happy... once again, it's God's pat for me. When I left Daya i was the only volunteer there so I was headed back alone. I took a rickashaw to get to the metro but ... i guess i took the wrong one. You have to remember, i've only worked at daya dan twice. Both of which i just followed other volunteers. Once i came back with the group through walking from the rickashaw to the metro and the other time I had to take a rickashaw and a bus to get to hotel circular. Well..... I got lost. haha. Simple as that. I took a rickashaw for several blocks going straight. towards Bose Rd and sadly to say there diffinately isn't a metro station on Bose Rd. Instead I ended up walking for a hour and fourty minutes back towards Mother House than backtracking towards Sudder Street. I felt like an idoit but it was fun. I went under the huge bridge by the train station and it was a HUGE street market place under there. It was quite the sight. I remember seeing on one of the sidewalk, a magician and with a huge crowd around him. I saw goats, cows, horses, chicken, ducks and all sorts of random animals through wandering kolkata detour. Anyways, I got back safe on sudder, drenched in my sweat and incredibly hungry. I went over to Blue Sky resturant on sudder and treated myself to a huge lunch. FRENCH FRIES, CHEESE SANDWHICH , 2 coca-cola, jerra rice and some type or cury.... and it costed med about 2.20 US dollars. Another day in Kolkata. Gotta love it.
Tuan
Lord God, in a world of chaos help me find light and peace within your love through those you put in my life. Blessed Mother, teach me to love the way you love your Beloved Son.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Getting the hang of things
Everything is finally coming together. I'm absolutely loving it here in Kolkata. Last night my friend Erica from Mexico City had a party because it was her last night. We were chilling out in the courtyard of my Hotel room. She made us a Mexican themed dinner and we did a lot of dancing and chatting.
It was hard for me to get up this morning because I was up late (11pm is late for me here) and didn't roll out of bed till 5:20am. Rushing through my shower I tried to have enough time to get to the Mother house for Morning mass but surely enough, I missed mass by 7 minutes. In Kolkata, at the Mother House, they lock the door once mass starts so the MC sisters don't have to wait at the door and everyone can attend. But unfortunately for people that runs late like myself... that means waiting outside the door for almost an hour.
Today, I worked at Daya Dan, a house for the orphans. I worked up stair once again... although the children up stair have mental difficulties they have such innocent expression of love. I'm so drawn to them and absolute adore working with them. When I got there I went straight to the children but on of the Masis (local pernament volunteer) needed my help with the laundry. I spent almost the whole morning till tea time doing laundry. It was hard work, not gonna lie. There were three other Masis and myself doing all 100+: bed, sheets, pillow case, clothes, dippers, and towels. And of course, we did it the old fashion way. Two deep sinks, made of concrete. One with soap water and the other for rinse. I stepped into the sinks and started stomping away to scrub out the dirt, urine, caca, and all that good stuff. Rinsing and than ringing out the water and hanging up the washed items. As I was ringing out the water... the color of the water being rung out was yellowish brown and most deffinitely had a strong smell of urine. I realize that the smell of Kolkata... it for surely is a mixture of urine odor and Caca. Being here you just got to realize while doing some task you got to breathe through your mouth, not your nose.
I got the opportunity to help feed again today. Sona, a 13 years old boy, that could not sit up on his own or keep his head up on his own. Nor can he move much besides his arms. Sona often sleeps and can't ever keep attention. When you feed him you must keep his attention and make sure he sallows because without help he can't sallow the food on his own either. Sona often throws epylipse fits while feeding and will cry at any discomfort. And yes... it was my task to make sure he ate today. When I first started feeding Sona, it was a challegne. He wouldn't lift his head off the table, his whole body was "drappy". As I was feeding him; food and food would pile up in his mouth and he wouldn't sallow and it was becoming quite the mess. Sona would start crying and the mess only got messier and the attention was drawn over towards my disablity to feed a child. I than had made up a song... "called Sona Sona". Pretty much... it just repeated his name over and over so he can stay awake. And the best trick of it all... was that with the spoon I pressed down on his tounge a little ... kind of like a gagging effect, as gross as that my sound. But it would open up his throat and he would sallow. Well after a good 30 minutes or so, Sona finally finished his dish and a sense of satisfaction came over me.
I've been only working morning shifts since i've been here. I don't know if I have the energy enough to work both mornign and evening shifts. Today I'll be going to the orientation and later in the evening alot of the volunteer and I are heading out to go Salsa dancing at a local club nearby Sudder St.
It's been great here, extermely humid but I can only imagine how it'll feel after the light rain throughout the day will stop... It'll be like a sauna! Well keep me in your prayers and please email or comment the blog. I love hearing from the States. It brings me some comfort of being connected to Home. May we be all united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. God bless.
Tuan
PS.- I deffinately used the swatty-potty today ... and yup, there was no TP. It was quite the Kolkata/India experience. haha, but in reality- it's not as bad as it sounds.
It was hard for me to get up this morning because I was up late (11pm is late for me here) and didn't roll out of bed till 5:20am. Rushing through my shower I tried to have enough time to get to the Mother house for Morning mass but surely enough, I missed mass by 7 minutes. In Kolkata, at the Mother House, they lock the door once mass starts so the MC sisters don't have to wait at the door and everyone can attend. But unfortunately for people that runs late like myself... that means waiting outside the door for almost an hour.
Today, I worked at Daya Dan, a house for the orphans. I worked up stair once again... although the children up stair have mental difficulties they have such innocent expression of love. I'm so drawn to them and absolute adore working with them. When I got there I went straight to the children but on of the Masis (local pernament volunteer) needed my help with the laundry. I spent almost the whole morning till tea time doing laundry. It was hard work, not gonna lie. There were three other Masis and myself doing all 100+: bed, sheets, pillow case, clothes, dippers, and towels. And of course, we did it the old fashion way. Two deep sinks, made of concrete. One with soap water and the other for rinse. I stepped into the sinks and started stomping away to scrub out the dirt, urine, caca, and all that good stuff. Rinsing and than ringing out the water and hanging up the washed items. As I was ringing out the water... the color of the water being rung out was yellowish brown and most deffinitely had a strong smell of urine. I realize that the smell of Kolkata... it for surely is a mixture of urine odor and Caca. Being here you just got to realize while doing some task you got to breathe through your mouth, not your nose.
I got the opportunity to help feed again today. Sona, a 13 years old boy, that could not sit up on his own or keep his head up on his own. Nor can he move much besides his arms. Sona often sleeps and can't ever keep attention. When you feed him you must keep his attention and make sure he sallows because without help he can't sallow the food on his own either. Sona often throws epylipse fits while feeding and will cry at any discomfort. And yes... it was my task to make sure he ate today. When I first started feeding Sona, it was a challegne. He wouldn't lift his head off the table, his whole body was "drappy". As I was feeding him; food and food would pile up in his mouth and he wouldn't sallow and it was becoming quite the mess. Sona would start crying and the mess only got messier and the attention was drawn over towards my disablity to feed a child. I than had made up a song... "called Sona Sona". Pretty much... it just repeated his name over and over so he can stay awake. And the best trick of it all... was that with the spoon I pressed down on his tounge a little ... kind of like a gagging effect, as gross as that my sound. But it would open up his throat and he would sallow. Well after a good 30 minutes or so, Sona finally finished his dish and a sense of satisfaction came over me.
I've been only working morning shifts since i've been here. I don't know if I have the energy enough to work both mornign and evening shifts. Today I'll be going to the orientation and later in the evening alot of the volunteer and I are heading out to go Salsa dancing at a local club nearby Sudder St.
It's been great here, extermely humid but I can only imagine how it'll feel after the light rain throughout the day will stop... It'll be like a sauna! Well keep me in your prayers and please email or comment the blog. I love hearing from the States. It brings me some comfort of being connected to Home. May we be all united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. God bless.
Tuan
PS.- I deffinately used the swatty-potty today ... and yup, there was no TP. It was quite the Kolkata/India experience. haha, but in reality- it's not as bad as it sounds.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Kalighat: Mother's First Love
Today I shed my first tears; tears of joy, comfort, love, and worries. Before having breakfast at the Mother House I visited Mother’s Tomb. It was so peaceful and consoling as I prayed before Mother; bowing and pressing my forehead to her tomb. Before me was the great soul of God’s love revealed through an individual that was nothing but love. I was touched and moved by the fruits of her love and asked to only be an imitation of God’s love as she was to the world. Thinking of my beloved ones in the States, God’s mission before me, and the fruits of Mother’s work I was moved to tears. I’m sure it looked rather ridiculous to the novest, and MC sisters that were in the room but… what the heck, I couldn’t help but cry. Here before me was my inspiration and example of how to Love as God loved. Today, I worked at Kalighat, also known as Mother’s First Love and I soon understood why. When I arrived I made went straight to work. All but 2 of the volunteers went and helped with laundry but I wanted to be with the men. So I walked around, until I felt a pull to stop and give some attention. As I began to walk down the row of 50 men sick and dying the very first man stopped me and smiled, he than rubbed his face and so I asked if he needed a shaving. Surly enough he did. Here I was before this man, absolutely terrified with this razor and soap/brush (you have to remember, I’m the lazy one in the States that uses a electronic razor). I was shaving him slowly and not pressing hard to make sure I didn’t cut him. And we both knew I was terrified in doing so… and had a chuckle. But then I got more comfortable after a couple of laughs and gave him a clean shaved.
I than walked over to a man and sat beside him, he smiled and held my hands. We started talking, I didn’t understand a single word he said but I believed we spoke of the world around us. I spoke to him about love in English and he spoke to me about his life experience in Bangali. He pointed at himself while talking and then here and there and shook his head then looked at me and smiled and then did a gesture to reveal that he was blessed now. I sat for several minutes and just listened. I than began to sing and his face brighten up immediately. He than sang a song in Bangali and I was so soothed by his voice. He taught me the lyrics as I mimicked it (I totally forgot it now) but at the time it made him laugh and smile while he was teaching me this song in Bangali.
I was called over by a young man (25 years), there was nothing but skin and bones. I honestly have never met someone in my life as skinny as he was. I was sure he was going to die at any moment. He could barely lift his arm but enough to reach towards me and hold on to mine… “Massage” he said. And I smiled as I began to rub and massage his arms and head. His body I felt no muscle… I was massage his skin on bones and couldn’t think about anything besides God is watching over him for him to be still alive and smiling back at me. Truly is he God’s beloved one. His back was nothing more then skin on bones, I could feel every part of his spine and shoulder blades. There was a wonderful man with his bed over in the corner (number 47) his name is Bishnu. Never have I met someone with such a great character. We just laughed and goofed around. It started with him handing me a bottle of his urine to be emptied and coming back he just wanted me to sit with him. We talked about Jesus. He told me Jesus loves me because “You are a good man, very good man” (were his words exactly). Over and over he said to me as he held my hands “you are a very good man”. And then he pointed to the crucifix hanging on the was and said “Jesus, very good man”. Bishnu rubbed my head and face and with his hand behind my neck pulled me close to him (forehead to forehead) as he built tears in his eyes. He took one of my hands with two hands and held it to his forehead and than kissed it. Numerous times did he do this throughout our conversation. I returned his love by letting him know that God loves him immensely and so do I. I held him close and as we hugged, he patted my back and held me closer. We than shared some very fun moments. Counting to 100 in English, than doing it again and racing each other. Then we said the ABCs and said some anatomy parts, and I taught him some new anatomy parts (shoulders, back, and arms). Lunch came around and there were many men that were too weak to sit up or feed themselves. I sat with a man that was unable to talk or sit up by him self and help feed him. After lunch I had to change him. Which was a rather difficult task for me. First day… and oh was I in for a treat. He had peed on his mattress and needed changing. He needed to be wiped and it was rather difficult because he was actually going again while I was wiping him. After all this I had change and clean him. Honestly… I cannot say that it was my will to do this. By the grace of God did I find the strength to get over myself and let God’s love be worked through me. Still now I can’t believe or can imagine myself doing such deeds but it truly brought satisfaction when I was able to become a vessel for God to work through me. Anyways, I have orientation tomorrow (for I still haven’t gone) but today was quiet the experience. I really want to work at Kalighat for the remaining period of my stay here in Kolkata, along with Daya Dan. I walked around town today and saw numerous things that amazed me. There was a huge field by Park St full of goats, cows, and farm animals gazing (in the middle of the city). Cows on the streets and monkeys in the trees were quiet the site. I also saw a fatty cockroach this morning and a gecko along the wall of my hotel (it was pretty cool). I walked around New Market and ended buying a light Indian Tshirt. I honestly brought too many shirts and pants and … none of which I really want to wear here. So I’m donating a lot to the MC. Along with my bed sheets and many meds and supplies. Well, I must be on my way, adoration at the mother house is in a couple of minutes. Can’t miss.
I than walked over to a man and sat beside him, he smiled and held my hands. We started talking, I didn’t understand a single word he said but I believed we spoke of the world around us. I spoke to him about love in English and he spoke to me about his life experience in Bangali. He pointed at himself while talking and then here and there and shook his head then looked at me and smiled and then did a gesture to reveal that he was blessed now. I sat for several minutes and just listened. I than began to sing and his face brighten up immediately. He than sang a song in Bangali and I was so soothed by his voice. He taught me the lyrics as I mimicked it (I totally forgot it now) but at the time it made him laugh and smile while he was teaching me this song in Bangali.
I was called over by a young man (25 years), there was nothing but skin and bones. I honestly have never met someone in my life as skinny as he was. I was sure he was going to die at any moment. He could barely lift his arm but enough to reach towards me and hold on to mine… “Massage” he said. And I smiled as I began to rub and massage his arms and head. His body I felt no muscle… I was massage his skin on bones and couldn’t think about anything besides God is watching over him for him to be still alive and smiling back at me. Truly is he God’s beloved one. His back was nothing more then skin on bones, I could feel every part of his spine and shoulder blades. There was a wonderful man with his bed over in the corner (number 47) his name is Bishnu. Never have I met someone with such a great character. We just laughed and goofed around. It started with him handing me a bottle of his urine to be emptied and coming back he just wanted me to sit with him. We talked about Jesus. He told me Jesus loves me because “You are a good man, very good man” (were his words exactly). Over and over he said to me as he held my hands “you are a very good man”. And then he pointed to the crucifix hanging on the was and said “Jesus, very good man”. Bishnu rubbed my head and face and with his hand behind my neck pulled me close to him (forehead to forehead) as he built tears in his eyes. He took one of my hands with two hands and held it to his forehead and than kissed it. Numerous times did he do this throughout our conversation. I returned his love by letting him know that God loves him immensely and so do I. I held him close and as we hugged, he patted my back and held me closer. We than shared some very fun moments. Counting to 100 in English, than doing it again and racing each other. Then we said the ABCs and said some anatomy parts, and I taught him some new anatomy parts (shoulders, back, and arms). Lunch came around and there were many men that were too weak to sit up or feed themselves. I sat with a man that was unable to talk or sit up by him self and help feed him. After lunch I had to change him. Which was a rather difficult task for me. First day… and oh was I in for a treat. He had peed on his mattress and needed changing. He needed to be wiped and it was rather difficult because he was actually going again while I was wiping him. After all this I had change and clean him. Honestly… I cannot say that it was my will to do this. By the grace of God did I find the strength to get over myself and let God’s love be worked through me. Still now I can’t believe or can imagine myself doing such deeds but it truly brought satisfaction when I was able to become a vessel for God to work through me. Anyways, I have orientation tomorrow (for I still haven’t gone) but today was quiet the experience. I really want to work at Kalighat for the remaining period of my stay here in Kolkata, along with Daya Dan. I walked around town today and saw numerous things that amazed me. There was a huge field by Park St full of goats, cows, and farm animals gazing (in the middle of the city). Cows on the streets and monkeys in the trees were quiet the site. I also saw a fatty cockroach this morning and a gecko along the wall of my hotel (it was pretty cool). I walked around New Market and ended buying a light Indian Tshirt. I honestly brought too many shirts and pants and … none of which I really want to wear here. So I’m donating a lot to the MC. Along with my bed sheets and many meds and supplies. Well, I must be on my way, adoration at the mother house is in a couple of minutes. Can’t miss.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
First day in Kolkata, India... oh what a day
20+ hours on the plane, and finally it landed around midnight last night/early this morning. As soon as the plane touched the ground, I could see the condensation building on the windows, due to the humidity. Stepping out of the plane felt as if I was stepping in front of a hot wind jet. Within seconds I flet sweat building between my toes and sandals, although it was fairly cool outside. and still the weather isn't as bad (just a little humid : but it's been raining here and there). I got a prepaid taxi to take me to Hotel Circular last nightand was extremely disapointed on how ripped off I got. The driver told me some crap about an additional 400 Rps ontop of my prepaid 210 Rps. I aruged throughout the ride with him about this. When I arrived at my destination the cab driver continued to yell at me as if I haven't paid and I continued arguing but needless to say, as a foreinger traveling alone I surrendered and was scammed horribly and knowingly (many others confirmed that i did also). Hotel Circular was locked (it was 12:30am) but i knocked and they let me in. My room was real nice but extremely expensive for my budgeting for a summer's trip in India. I only slept for less than 2 hours. I woke up early at 1: 50 and couldn't get back to bed so finally rolled out at 3; repacked, showered, and left at 5am to find my way to the Mother House which was somewhere close down the street.
When I arrived at the alley or the large white building there was no doubt in my mind I was at the right place; Mother House. I could hear the sisters singing for morning prayers and I came up to join them and stayed for mass at 6 am. Celebrating mass was so comforting. In the midst of my kolkata chaos and feeling alone, was the familiarity of a Catholic Mass celebration which made me feel at home. I felt as if God was speaking to me directly throught the readings today, “for the sake fo Christ, when I am weak, then I am strong.” These words played through my head. Calling me to humble myself so Christ can be strong through me. I wanted so much to be in control and worried about the unnessesary things but God was tellnig me again that He’s with me and will guide my trip. “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” So I let go and let God worked through me today. After mass I had bananan and bread for breakfast with the volunteers and was assigned to help at Daya Dan an orphanage.
When I arrived, I choose to work on the top floor with beautiful orphans that were challenged mentally. And I’m not gonna lie, I felt absolutely lost in what I was suppose to do for a good 20 minutes. The local that volunteered were pointing here and there but nothing made sense but something came over me and within a minute change, I felt that I knew what I needed to be doing. The other volunters were cleaning the cribs and the local volunters were bathing the children. So I helped carry each child and prepared them to be brushed, bathed, and clothed. Afterwards I carried them to a room for physical therapy. The orphans I was with were from ages six to lower teen years. They all were fairly thin, very few could walk, and some had popbellies. I got to help exercise their legs and build leg muscles. Along with just rubbing their bellies and singing to these beautiful children to sooth their cry. There was a gorgious young girl, that seemed not only to have been mentally challenged but also a burnt victim, she was standing on my toes and we were dancing across the floor. God always seem to lighten my heart through children, always always. I helped the MC sisters with other duties such as carry woodwoven mats from one end of the building to the other and prepare the meal for the children, mushing the food with our hands. I never felt so selfless but at the same time feeling so fulfilled. God has been so good to me and has shown me immense love through these beloved children. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to grow in love. Thank you everyone who made this possible for me. Today I moved my stay from Hotel Circular to Sudder Street at Hotel Paragon. Rather than paying 1200 Rps per night I now pay 80 Rps ($2 US dollars). I’m dorming with 4 others for a week and may change over when Caitlin and Briana arrives in Kolkata. I had my first meal (lunch) today at Fresh and Juicy. It was spectacular! I’m still in total disbelief that I’m in Kolkata, India. The poverty here is immense. People lying almost completely naked all over the streets. People bathe and go to the bathroom on the sidewalk, stray dogs and cattles of goats roam the streets, and people dumping their trash out after the market. I’m honestly being challegned in all my senses and I got to say… I LOVE IT! I only wish that I could share this experience with someone. Pray for me, as I for you.
Prayer: Creator and most loving father, I long to be something beautiful for you but I am weak in my selfishness and fear of uncertainty. May you help transform this fear of uncertainty into a will-full surrender of love, so I may satiate your thrist for souls that are selflessly lovign, giving and joyful. Blessed Mother Mary, in the midst of all the chaos, may you help keep my eyes fixed on the greater glory of your dearly beloved Son, who suffered for the attonment of our sins.
When I arrived at the alley or the large white building there was no doubt in my mind I was at the right place; Mother House. I could hear the sisters singing for morning prayers and I came up to join them and stayed for mass at 6 am. Celebrating mass was so comforting. In the midst of my kolkata chaos and feeling alone, was the familiarity of a Catholic Mass celebration which made me feel at home. I felt as if God was speaking to me directly throught the readings today, “for the sake fo Christ, when I am weak, then I am strong.” These words played through my head. Calling me to humble myself so Christ can be strong through me. I wanted so much to be in control and worried about the unnessesary things but God was tellnig me again that He’s with me and will guide my trip. “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” So I let go and let God worked through me today. After mass I had bananan and bread for breakfast with the volunteers and was assigned to help at Daya Dan an orphanage.
When I arrived, I choose to work on the top floor with beautiful orphans that were challenged mentally. And I’m not gonna lie, I felt absolutely lost in what I was suppose to do for a good 20 minutes. The local that volunteered were pointing here and there but nothing made sense but something came over me and within a minute change, I felt that I knew what I needed to be doing. The other volunters were cleaning the cribs and the local volunters were bathing the children. So I helped carry each child and prepared them to be brushed, bathed, and clothed. Afterwards I carried them to a room for physical therapy. The orphans I was with were from ages six to lower teen years. They all were fairly thin, very few could walk, and some had popbellies. I got to help exercise their legs and build leg muscles. Along with just rubbing their bellies and singing to these beautiful children to sooth their cry. There was a gorgious young girl, that seemed not only to have been mentally challenged but also a burnt victim, she was standing on my toes and we were dancing across the floor. God always seem to lighten my heart through children, always always. I helped the MC sisters with other duties such as carry woodwoven mats from one end of the building to the other and prepare the meal for the children, mushing the food with our hands. I never felt so selfless but at the same time feeling so fulfilled. God has been so good to me and has shown me immense love through these beloved children. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to grow in love. Thank you everyone who made this possible for me. Today I moved my stay from Hotel Circular to Sudder Street at Hotel Paragon. Rather than paying 1200 Rps per night I now pay 80 Rps ($2 US dollars). I’m dorming with 4 others for a week and may change over when Caitlin and Briana arrives in Kolkata. I had my first meal (lunch) today at Fresh and Juicy. It was spectacular! I’m still in total disbelief that I’m in Kolkata, India. The poverty here is immense. People lying almost completely naked all over the streets. People bathe and go to the bathroom on the sidewalk, stray dogs and cattles of goats roam the streets, and people dumping their trash out after the market. I’m honestly being challegned in all my senses and I got to say… I LOVE IT! I only wish that I could share this experience with someone. Pray for me, as I for you.
Prayer: Creator and most loving father, I long to be something beautiful for you but I am weak in my selfishness and fear of uncertainty. May you help transform this fear of uncertainty into a will-full surrender of love, so I may satiate your thrist for souls that are selflessly lovign, giving and joyful. Blessed Mother Mary, in the midst of all the chaos, may you help keep my eyes fixed on the greater glory of your dearly beloved Son, who suffered for the attonment of our sins.
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