Today was really, really hot.  I don't think I have ever sweat quite like I do here.  And thank goodness I am not the only one!  At 6.00 am in the small chapel, there are about 250 people packed together.  By 6.05am my shirt was soaked through.  But enough about me....

There are new volunteers every day and it is great fun getting to know them along with the Sisters and patients.  There are also Indian locals who are employed by the homes and are also a lot of fun to be with.  Today started out with serving breakfast as usual and then feeding one particular patient who reminded me of my cousin Mary Lou.  She took very small bites, ate everything on her plate, and then let out a really loud burp!  We both got the giggles.  Sorry Mar, you are on my mind today.  And as I have said, you are all with me in many ways. 

Then I was called upon to assist a patient with her exercises.  She can not walk by herself and needs assistance.  The Sisters asked another volunteer and myself to help her from the second level to the first (which is lifting her down about five steps), walk 30 yards, then turn and walk another 15 yards to the exercise bicycle.  Oh my!!  She was not happy to have us moving her and she wasn't too light.  I think it is a good thing I do not understand Bengali, Hindi or whatever language she was speaking because I don't think it was too nice!!  It took us about 20 minutes to get her to the bike where a doctor was waiting and shared that her bark is indeed bigger than her bite.  He then asked us to lift her so that her bum was placed appropriately on the seat.  Well you can probably hear her yelling at us!  We got her situated and then it was off to laundry.  She kind of reminded me of Mary Lou too.

I really like laundry - it is up on the roof top and it is an extraordinary view of the city.  We lay the clothes flat on the roof - frocks, pants, shirts - and they dry in less than an hour.  Then it was on to massages - I used all the lotion up today so bought some more on the way home to take with me tomorrow.  There is one little patient who loves to be held and has cried during my other visits.  One of the Massies (Mah-sees), the locals who work there, calls her baby.  Well today baby jumped up and grabbed me and had the biggest smile!  She was so excited, laughing, pulled me down to sit with her, and talked nonstop about something.  I asked a couple of the Massies what she was saying and no one knew.  Mary Lou again!

Following lunch, I was on dish clean up.  Now picture this - there are about six big wash tubs all on the floor, lined up two by two, and about four volunteers squatting down to the big tubs.  The first two are suds water, the next two are rinse water, and then two for suds water.  And following all of this, are two more huge sinks in the floor for two final rinses.  So dishes are cleared, washed, rinsed, washed, and then two final rinses.  Our dishcloth is like a plastic shower cap.  I was on rinse one and suds two - and pretty much soaked this time by the dish water.  It is quite a production and it works!

Following lunch and a quick shower, it was on to Shishu Bhavan.  I really thought that Kalighat was going to be more of a challenge for me, however Shishu Bhavan brings me to tears.  I am working with the handicapped children.  Each child has a portfolio prepared on them which is done very well.  It is quite extensive detailing their needs and how you can best assist them.  Today I spent time with Sonia and exercised her arms and legs.  She has the sweetest face and worked very hard.  Then Mou Mou and I spent time together.  She was strapped into a chair so we also worked on movement of her arms and legs.  She has the biggest smile that would melt your heart.  Then it was time for a drink of water.  Swallowing is very difficult for both of them so we took a relaxing 20 minutes to finish their water.  Next I was able to feed little Libya.  She is just a peanut who unfortunately stiffens right up - her portfolio said she has spasticity.  I crawled into her crib with her and sat her across my lap with her head propped up high.  Feeding takes some time as swallowing is also difficult for her.  I was very nervous and I am sure she sensed that as it took some time for her to relax with me.  She was very hungry, ate very slowly, and almost finished her whole bowl of food.  After cleaning her up, it was time to go. 

When walking home with a volunteer tonite, she mentioned something that I might be able to join her in on Sunday which I am very excited about.  Be sure and check back......

Comments

[Deb Chiovoloni]

Rita, can't wait to check back. Love to see your day come alive, you are a great writer. Deb

[Susan Monteen]

Sister....you are one amazing woman! I am so proud to be your sister...you are doing things I can't even imagine.....love yah. Thanks for the phone call. You sounded terrific....

[Lynn McSorley]

Rita,
You are an inspiration to us all! Sue gave me the website on Mother's Day and can't wait to read more. Mike and Sue had dinner with us today. God Bless.
Love ya,
Lynn

[Yui Chan]

I'm very proud and impressed with you my dear! Not even a week into volunteer work and you've already perfected the art of massage therapy and washing dishes. Girl, you got skillz!

Look like your work in the Shishu Bhavan will be quite heartening. I know how much you love to be around the little kiddies. You connect so well with them - same mentality (I meant that in a good way!) So do what you do best and go bring a big smile to their little faces : ) A gold star for you for your efforts! Yay!

Okay, now you got me curious. So what mischievous thing did you planned to do with this other volunteer on Sunday that got you so excited? Was it something fun? Was it something amazing? Was it something borderline illegal?! Just kidding! Do tell mon amie!

[Derek Montgomery]

The part about talking and not knowing what the person was saying reminds me a lot of Lauren.... just saying. Glad all is well for you and keep up the great work!

[arizona dui lawyer]

You truly inspired me on how to manage my time.