Back to Work!

One day off and back to work!  This is what I believe my typical Kolkata day will be like...

2.00am  wide awake!  read, write, stretch, etc.

5.00am  wake up call

5.25am  meet volunteers and walk to the Mother House

5.30am  begin sweating for the day and no stopping until I am back in my AC room

6.00am morning mass with the Sisters and Volunteers

7.00am breakfast

7.30am depart to designated homes - catch a bus - about 50 people scrunched in

8.00am begin volunteer shift

10.00am tea break

12.00 noon finish morning volunteer shift

12.20pm  catch the subway

1.00pm  lunch time

2.00pm  break - relax, shower, etc.

2.30pm  meet volunteers and walk to designated homes

3.00pm  begin afternoon volunteer shift

5.30pm  finish afternoon volunteer shift

6.00pm  walk to hotel or internet cafe, unwind, relax, etc.

10.30pm  out

I moved into my third hotel or guest house to date and hope this will be the last move.  As I exited my room at Ashreen Guest House this morning, there were three young men, all hotel attendants, sleeping soundly on the entrance floor.  I am told that many workers sleep right at their place of employment.  So I very carefully walked around them as not to disturb anyone. 

While enjoying breakfast today, I met Seth from Finland who asked where Wisconsin was.  There is a huge map of the world on one wall so I said "Let me show you" and proceeded to walk up to the map and stretched to show Wisconsin's location.  At that very moment some gust of wind blew in and lifted my beautiful black skirt up and over my head - Marilyn Monroe style!!  No more showing Wisconsin!!  This skirt will now be tied between my legs - probably Lucille Ball style!!  Following breakfast, we caught our bus, which was more expensive today for some unknown reason.  Today's activities included serving breakfast, collecting breakfast dishes, drying the dishes, hanging laundry, visiting with the patients, lots of foot and hand massages, collecting and folding the laundry, assisting when called upon for extra help with a patient, serving lunch, passing out juice boxes, and assisting them with washing their hands and faces as they do not use utensils.  The morning just flies!!  One volunteer gave me a bottle of lotion and after the first foot massage, you could hear "Auntie, Auntie!" as they patiently waited their turn for a massage.  I was in high demand today!  Many ladies are badly burned or have very severe arthritis.  Many have the thinnest or tiniest limbs you could ever imagine for a grown woman.  Even though this home is for the destitute and dying, there is an amazing energy there, along with a very peaceful air to it.  The ladies are always very appreciative of our service to them. 

There is an outdoor cafe, kiosk or garage-like room near the guest house that has very good Indian food.  Today's lunch was really good and I can't remember what it was called.  They were like little vegetable burgers - with very flavorful spices with a hint of fire - really tasty!  Following a much need shower and break, I was then headed to Shishu Bhavan, or the Children's Home.  The head Sister was not available so I was directed to read the instructional booklet and return with any questions.  The children are separated as to the babies, handicapped, and the very healthy and active.  They needed help with the handicapped children so my time was spent reviewing a bio or portfolio on the children I was with and then assisted with their exercises.  Next was preparing them for snack time, snacks, clean up and then it was time for us to depart.  I believe each volunteer may be assigned a number of children however I will learn more tomorrow.  I am also told that the majority of the healthy children are adopted out which is very positive.  I hope to learn more tomorrow.  Until then.....

Comments

[Yui Chan]

Wow, what a daily schedule! Looks like your days are gonna be packed. So cool! Better schedule some more sleep time in there if you want to keep up at this pace. Okay, so does "out" at 10:30pm mean passed out asleep or does it mean out about town as in carousing?! Ha!

Love your story about the skirt! Too funny! I always thought that Missouri was the "show me" state. I guess you made sure that Wisconsin was worth a look too! Ha!

You've got a heart of gold and I love what you're doing. Thanks for sharing your experiences and observations. Keep them coming! Love you much sweetie!

[Deb Chiovoloni]

Rita you fill me with hope, you are a great inspiration to all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Bill Conlin]

Wind under the dress move, nice to see some of the old pickup moves still being used.(wasn't that also a Mary Lou move?)
Thanks for allowing us to come along on your adventure, I love reading about your days. Thanks, Love ya.

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