A Sunday in Kolkata

While leaving Shishu Bhavan on Saturday afternoon, Maiko (My-Ko), a volunteer from Japan, mentioned that on Sundays, ladies are allowed to join the men volunteering at Nobu Jibon, and wanted to know if I would like to go.  Basically men work with men, and women work with women, except on special occasions.  Of course I wanted to go!  So following Mass and breakfast, Maiko, Emilio (from Italy), Naomi (from Canada), myself and ten others decided to venture to Nobu Jibon.  This trek involved taking two buses which was an experience in itself.  We had directions however needed to ask a lot of questions along the way - finding our destination in 1 1/2 hours. 

Nobu Jibon is a boys home run by the Brothers of Missionaries of Charity for mentally and physically challenged boys.  The boys were so happy to see us!  We played catch, took some for walks in their wheel chairs, just held some of them, and played all sorts of games.  Other children received massages or medical treatment according to their schedules.  The Baird flexible frisbees were a big hit.  They fold up to about the size of the top of a soda can and slide into a sleeve.  The boys not only had fun throwing them, they also loved how they sprung or popped open.  Lots of laughs!

This home has a lovely garden with a swing set, slide and a sort of merry go round.  One young man took my hand and led me to the swings.  He preferred to drag his feet so I could never really get him swinging too high or too fast.  I eventually sat in the swing next to him.  He then very slowly and deliberately got out of his swing to get me out of my swing to continue pushing him.  It was pretty funny.

On Sundays, this home not only feeds the boys who live there, they also open the doors to the street children and feed, shower, and dress any wounds the children may have.  We also spent time in the courtyard with these boys, again playing all sorts of games. 

At lunch time, we were asked to remove all the chicken bones from a chicken stew (we used our fingers) for the boys who lived at the home.  Once they were fed, it was time to serve the street boys - and can they eat!  They were lined up very nicely in an open u in the courtyard.  Prior to being served, three of the boys stood up and sang a beautiful song - they really had great voices.  A prayer was said by all and then we passed out rice, dal (a corn or veggie, chicken stock light gravy), and chicken stew.  We started out with one serving or scoop of each for each boy and the boys all try to get more.  Once everyone was served, we could go around again with seconds which they all could have if they wanted, there was plenty to go around.  They just gobbled everything down.  Desert was fresh mangoes. 

Next was dish duty.  We washed dishes in an outdoor fountain where my job was to run the old fashioned pump.  It was pretty wild.  We thought we were finished - as we were all totally exhausted - and as we were saying our goodbye's - we were invited to join the Brothers for lunch which we did.  We had rice, dal, chicken stew, yogurt, a cucumber-tomato-red onion-beet salad, and fresh mangoes which were the best!  It was two of the Brothers last day so there was a special recognition of their work. 

The bus ride home was much easier as their was only one bus to return us near our hotels.  It was a pretty amazing day.  Again they were all so happy to have time together.  I may return on next Sunday.....

Comments

[Yui Chan]

Ah ha! So that’s where you snuck off to on Sunday. Dang, and here I was hoping for a report on some mischief you were up to (that will come soon in a matter of time - hee hee)! Figures though, always eager to go where the boys are! I know where you’ll be on Sundays : )

Although your daily work is far from a walk in the park, I sense that you’ve quickly adapted to your surroundings and have gotten into a comfortable groove. Even though it’s a lot of hard work, I also sense a deep gratification at the end of the day when your head hits the pillow. I’m very happy for you sweetie : )

[Lori Lepak]

Hey Rit,
Susie gave Lynn and I your address, so I plan to read you daily...it sounds like such gratifying work but exhausting!!!!! From what you wrote, the people seem to love having the volunteers there!! Are the children's facilities subsidized by the gov't or are they provided with everything from the Sisters and Brothers??? It almost seems impossible NOT to develop close ties with some of the kids--esp. if u see the same ones!!! I'm sure they pull your heartstrings--- keep up the great work!!!