Day 1 - Kolkata

Today was day one volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity.  As many of you know, I have wanted to do this for years so was very excited.  So at 2.00 am I was wide awake - maybe a bit of jet lag and nerves.  7.00 am was arrival time where I was greeted by a Sister at the Mother House and guided to the volunteer room.  A breakfast of bread, bananas and chai tea was served to all of us.  There were over 100 people from all over the world - London, Spain, Korea, Japan, Canada, and me!  I was amazed however later learned that May being one of the hottest months in India, and I believe it, the number of volunteers actually falls so this is considered low.  They may have well over 400 volunteers depending on the time of year.   

After gaining a better understanding of what to expect for the day, I was directed to speak with Sr. Carina to receive a day pass.  In discussions of where others had volunteered, I thought I would begin in the Childrens Home.  However after meeting Sr. Carina, she suggested I go to Kalighat, The Home for the Destitute and Dying.  I was already emotional  and now truly nervous about beginning at this home.  Following breakfast and assignments, volunteers joined in a prayer and headed to their homes. 

Frances was asked to guide me and she was terrific.  She is from Toronto and will be here for four months.  20 of us headed out and caught a bus for 5 Rupees which was about a 25 minute ride.  Did you know that women and men have designated seats on the bus?  I didn't either, however learned rather quickly.  They are also separated on the subway. 

Upon arrival at the home, we were given an apron, washed our hands, put on gloves and masks if we chose, and began working with the ladies.  Again ladies with the ladies, and men with the men.  We served breakfast, and if anyone was not able to eat themselves, we would feed them.  I was asked to feed one woman who spoke great English and was so thankful to have assistance.  Following breakfast, all dishes were collected, washed, dried, and put away.  I was the dryer. 

At the same time, laundry was beginning which was done all by hand and foot - kind of like Lucy stomping grapes with Ethyl if you can picture the episode.  I was directed to the roof top where all the clothes were spread out to dry under the sun.  I met a lovely volunteer names Cristina from Spain who knows the places to go to get a chocolate brownie - I am sure we will be good friends.  It felt like it was 200 degrees up there and I was soaking wet! 

Next we had time to be with the ladies - my time was spent assisting with exercising or moving legs and arms for those who have limited movement, providing foot and hand massages, situating some to be more comfortable in their beds, holding hands, being present and listening.  Some speak English quite well and the majority are able to communicate what they want or need.  One lady grabbed onto me and just started sobbing and saying she was hungry.  I of course was madly looking for some food for her - and later learned that she knew I was new and tries to get as much food as she can.  I will learn. 

Then it was about lunch time where rice and vegetables were served.  We passed out food and water, and fed those who needed it.  One lady kept screaming at me - I still am not sure what she was saying.  Another told me that my belly moved when I laughed - which she was very good at making me laugh.  And then it was time to do dishes again - quite a production. 

As we were saying goodbye, I was so thankful to be at their home.  In the midst of their pain and suffering, they were so appreciative and happy to have you with them.  It is hard to describe however very moving.

We are not permitted to take photos at the home until our last day so they will be a bit.

Thursday is the day off for volunteers so I return to the home on Friday.  Tonite I will sleep well as my whole body aches yet is content.  All is well here, hope this finds you well also.

Comments

[Ann Marie]

So glad to hear from you Rita, look forward to your postings :)

[Lauren Monteen]

Its hot here too! not as hot as there, but 80 today! we miss you. i am truly amazed by you and you will forever be my role model. i love you and know that you will change so many lives while you are there. i love you!

[Susan Monteen]

Dearest sister...so happy to hear you are doing dishes:) I am sure all the little ladies love you, and the one yelling thinks you are the prettiest....thinking of you, and sending love and prayers your way....