My last days in Kolkata were just amazing! At times I felt like I was in a movie the way things were happening all around me.....
At Friday's morning mass, my favorite Italian Father said mass, "hah-vah fai-tha". At Kalighat, we served breakfast, did the dishes, laid the laundry out, and on to massages. I was given the biggest smiles! Many of the arms and legs are too thin for any grown adult. It was good to finally be able to have some face time with the ladies. Then we folded laundry, served lunch and cleaned up the dishes.
I rushed to have a quick lunch with Susie and Emilio as I wanted to see the children at Shishu Bhavan in the afternoon. It was day eight of the nine day novena at the Mother House. They were little angels once again. I was very popular with them as I had just purchased a cold 2 litre bottle of water and everyone was thirsty. Little Miss Personality kept me entertained as she was into my bag, camera, shoes, anything I had. You will see a picture of them on the bus, and sitting around Mother's Tomb.
I rushed from the children to see my first Bollywood movie - Ta Ra Rom Pum. It was crazy! Everyone talks in the theater, they are on their mobile phones, they cheer loudly, and there are vendors walking around with chips and chai tea. The movie was in Hindi with no subtitles and you can kind of understand what is going on. And then out of the blue - they speak in English. This movie was shot in New York City and at the very beginning, the racing sausages were in the movie! It was about a family where the Dad was a race car driver. The music and dancing were a hoot. It was an experience.
While walking home that evening, I noticed so many babies sleeping on mats placed on the sidewalk with no one around them. I stopped a number of times to sit on a curb and just watch what was going on. No one appeared to be watching the child from a distance. Later when discussing this with some volunteers, they shared that this is very common and that no one was watching nearbye. The parent probably had to run an errand or whatever and just leaves them alone. They believe it teaches them independence at an early age. Can you imagine?
I returned home late and ordered moo's moo's which is a vegetable steamed dumpling and is very good.
Saturday began with Mass and a very upbeat singing of "Thank you, Miss you, Love you" from the volunteers. It was also Jon Mathew and Charley's last day. I received a photo pass from Sr. Carina to take a few pictures at Kalighat which you will see on the site.
The last four days at Kalighat, I have been asked to show new volunteers around - I am feeling so experienced. Today I was introduced to Father Simone (Si-moe-nay) from Italy who was such a delight. A whole new bunch of us departed to Kalighat. While visiting with Fr. Simone, he blessed my Saint Christopher medal and me for safe travels. We distributed breakfast, did the dishes, laid out the laundry, and had time with the patients. We then were asked to clean onions, garlic and ginger for lunch time. Eva and Rob (Canada friends)were back from Darjeeling so it was fun having time with them. There were many new faces, Laura and Garrett (brother and sister) from Oregon, and Justin from Florida. It's good to know that there will be lots of assistance at Kalighat.
I only had time for a quick shower and then met Emilio, Susie, Frances, Eva and Rob for lunch at Flurys - my favorite!! When we walked in, the manager said we could not come in with slippers - which are flip flops which Frances, Eva and Rob were wearing. We quickly looked around and noticed many guests with slippers and asked him about each one. He had a story for each one so we just waited and eventually he seated us. We had a wonderful lunch with brownies for dessert - another treat!! It was great to have time with all these friends before I depart.
Frances and I walked back to the Mother House where Father Simone was serving mass with the children - day nine of Bobbi's novena. We joined in and pray for a successful eye surgery for Bobbi. I then find Sister Carina to thank her for the opportunity to serve along with her. She is a truly gifted woman. She asks me to wait a few minutes and returns with a packet of medals and pictures of Mother Teresa. What a special gift! I ask if I may have her picture and she says yes. Following mass, Frances, Cristina, Justin and I meet Candace who teaches how to make a rosary out of franciscan knots. It is so cool. We sat up on a roof top in Kolkata, listening to music, making franciscan knots. Frances gives me the rosary she just made - a beautiful gift. What a wonderful send off. It was now about 9.00pm and I had not packed yet. Lots of hugs and goodbyes! Cristina and I walk back to our hood and order fruit plates. After eating, I quickly run to the I Cafe to post some pics for Pops. While walking home, I see the three little puppies playing on the sidewalk - they are so cute - all happy and wanting to play - such a great day.
My Sunday wake up call comes late - 5.45am so I am not able to make mass. I walk to the Mother House and see many volunteers that I am able to say goodbye to and wish them well. I find Candace who wanted to give me a rosary she made the night before with a medal blessed by the Pope in Rome. She is pretty neat! I also find Frances to return a book, see Emilio, Eva, Rob and others, more hugs and well wishes. On my walk back to my hood, I hear Bon Journo! And there is Father Simone for one last goodbye. I am so happy I had this time with all these people in Kolkata. I stop at our local hangout, the Blue Sky, for some toast. There was the newspaper man who I see every day and only buy papers on Sunday so he calls me "Sunday Two." I also see Jon Mathew and wish him well. Next is a quick run to the I Cafe to send a few emails and then return for a shower. I am able to thank all the men at the Guest House for their assistance and it's off to the airport to Katmandu, Nepal for seven days of holiday.
Kolkata has been a truly amazing experience - one that will be with me forever. God bless the Sisters and Brothers with the Missionaries of Charity, the volunteers, and all the children and adults who are being assisted. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing !! I really enjoy your written post. It looks like you have great enjoy there in Kolkalta. And that days has become memorable for you.
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