Rita Montgomery

A Day Off

Last night as I was walking home, I came across three of the cutest little puppies you have ever seen!  They were nipping at my toes and pant legs, had these cute little "ruffs",  and just wanted to play!  I think I have to bring them home.  Julie and Hugh, Stevie and Marco would love some little playmates!

As you know, as much as I love to travel and read the guide books, I did not purchase any for this trip.  I wanted to learn from the locals and travelers I meet along the way.  Last night we were discussing the poverty in Kolkata and it was shared that many Indians have a fundamental belief in the continuity of life, in karma (fate) and in reincarnation.  They went on to say that the beggars existing everywhere are not a national scandal, it is just karma.  Success is karma, failure is karma.  If you are a beggar today, maybe the next time, perhaps in another life, you will not be a beggar.  And with the extremes between the rich and the poor, the caste systems, this just means accepting one's place, and everyone else accepting all the beggars. 

I was thinking I would do a bit of sight seeing on my last day off however when I woke up, I felt more like just exploring so off I went.  I walked down Free School Road towards Park Street.  After some time, I noticed no one had put a hand out to me, no one had slipped their hand into mine, and no one motioned to their mouth for food.  No one was sleeping on the sidewalks, the cars were all moving in the same direction, and all of a sudden, there was a green walk sign!  Wow!!  I had to stand on the corner and take this street sign in!  I am definitely out of my slum hood! 

As I walked down Park Street, I had heard about Flurrys so walked on in.  What a treat!  There was a huge dessert selection and a terrific menu.  It felt like I could be sitting in a restaurant in Chicago or Scottsdale.  I planned on taking my time there today.  I ordered one classic English triangle tea sandwich - with whole wheat toast and cucumber and tomato!  Yummy!  An ice lemon tea and a brownie.  Guess what they brought first?  The brownie!  But I am saving it.  My tea sandwich was delivered by a young man with a plastic shower cap on his head.  Oh my sandwich was so good.  I had to take a picture of it and savored every bite.  I felt really extravagant today.  And the brownie was way fudgie, warm, had nuts and was really sweet.   Mmmmm.  It is amazing how the smallest things  - whole wheat toast and a brownie - can bring such pleasure and comfort.  Maybe it's the familiarity, the memories, a renewed appreciation, whatever.... I so enjoyed!  I would have licked my plate clean if their weren't people sitting right next to me.  I think I was in a food coma!  And I didn't want to leave. 

After a very leisure lunch, writing post cards, journaling, and people watching, I needed to use the ladies room, which was marked "Female."  When I entered, there were no lights on so I asked for assistance.  After a short period of time, a gentleman showed up with four little colored birthday candles.  He proceeded to light the bottom of the candle to melt it just a bit, then placed two candles on the floor by the toilet, one candle near the sink, and one candle near the mirror.  He lit all four and left the ladies room.  Can you imagine?  It was quite charming.

I continued on stopping at the post office, at Music World, into a Sony store, browsed through used books on the street, and came across a newly opened (April '07) McDonalds.  Chad and Lauren, you could survive over here!  I had to check it out and was greeted by very polite young Indian men and women.  I ordered a vanilla soft serve ice cream cone and enjoyed it while being seated near a window, watching the people go bye. 

Indians are very curious people and often I am asked where I am from, what do I do, am I married, they just want to know how to place you.  Today a young man walked with me for quite some time, asking his questions of me, sharing his troubles with me, and eventually asking for some help.  I explained he could get food at Shishu Bhavan and then he just stopped, thanked me, and wished me well.  That happens often so I have to find out more about that.  I explored all day - it was so enjoyable and relaxing.  As I neared my hood, it was a matter of seconds before I was approached.... Auntie, Auntie, milk for the baby.  Madame, ride?  Water bottle.  Sister, please.  Auntie, Auntie......

Today has just flown by!  Everything is going so quickly as I realize my time is coming to an end in Kolkata.  I only have two more days of volunteering left as I fly out this Sunday. 

I have been on the look out to get a better pic of the elusive Chicken Man.  As I was walking to the Mother House, with camera in hand, there was the Chicken Man!  I quickly aimed, clicked, and totally missed him!  We were laughing, and then a second Chicken Man flew right by me!  Again I clicked and missed!  And I am not kidding, a third Chicken Man flew right by me again!  Three opportunities and not one shot!  I have a few more mornings to catch him!!  Following mass, which today was Saint Joan's Day, all the Sisters sang Happy Saint's Day to Sister Joan and Sister Joan of Arc.  It was very a festive morning.

We departed for Kalighat and it was advised to me again to have little contact with the patients.  I am feeling so much better although still have a cough and a runny nose.  So it was on to dish duty, laundry, sewing - more buttons and button holes, folding laundry and dish duty once again.  There are fewer volunteers this week so there is lots to be done! 

Lunch was quick (cucumber and tomato salad, and rice) as I needed a shower before heading out to Shishu Bhavan.  When I arrived, the children were all dressed and waiting to travel to the Mother House for Bobbi's Novena.  Little Ringku was not in the best of moods so Sister decided that she would stay behind.  I was asked to bring Laki (Laa-key) along - she is a small, blind girl who can not sit up by herself, and weighs no more than a feather.   We boarded the  bus and were on our way.  Once again, they were adorable little angels throughout the  mass.  It was exceptionally hot today and Laki was worn out - she slept through the majority of the mass on the cool cement floor.  Another volunteer along with Johnny, and Laki and myself, decided to walk back as the bus was just too hot!  We had a bit of a breeze and it was actually more comfortable than riding in the bus. 

I had to rush back to my room for another shower as five of us were meeting for dinner since this is my last week.  We went to a really good restaurant and had traditional Bengali food.  I was really hungry for potatoes and that's what I ordered.  I don't even know the spices to share with you, however they were really good.  It is now 9.30 pm and the day has been extremely busy!  Tomorrow is our day off so I am planning on doing some sight seeing, enjoying the brownie Cristina has been telling me about ever since I arrived, and taking some more pics of Kolkata.   

For some reason, my 5.00 am wakeup call came at 5.45 am this morning!  Unfortunately too late to make it to the Mother House for mass as the doors close at 6.00 am.  The night security man makes the wakeup calls so I am not sure what happened today!  We will have a talk tonight.

Today was the last day for Nathan and Anand so we sang our "Thank you, Miss you, Love you" song to them.  As many of the volunteers are ending their time in Kolkata, many new faces arrive every day.  This morning at Kalighat, I passed breakfast plates out and then went around serving the ladies chai tea.  It is always good to see their faces.  Then I was on to washing dishes, laying laundry out, and sewing buttons and button holes on night gowns.  There were five of us asked to sew and it was rather interesting.  I do not think I have ever sewn a button hole before!  We finished a huge pile and the Sisters were pleased.  Folding laundry and dish duty and it was time to go.  The morning just flew! 

On our way out, a number of us stopped for fresh coconut milk.  The man has a machete and with one swift chop, the top falls off and he inserts a straw.  The milk was very sweet.  He then proceeds to chop the coconut meat out for you.  As we walked to the metro, I offered the coconut meat to five people holding a hand out along the way.  None of them wanted it.  A long term volunteer made the comment that they do not want anything they can not resell or that is not money.  I am not sure about that, however the sixth one accepted and ate it. 

A number of us had lunch together and I ordered a vegetable burger which came with the first piece of lettuce I have seen over here.  It also came with a chunk of butter.  It was very good however a bit rich with all the butter.  Then it was off for a quick shower and finally, back to Shishu Bhavan today!!

There are a number of ladies from Spain who recently arrived in Kolkata and are staying at my guest house.  Carlotta, first day and from Spain, and I headed out to be with the children.  I had heard from the other volunteers that the children were in the middle of a special novena and it was quite an experience!  That was an understatement!! 

When I arrived, they were in the process of putting matching brightly colored dresses on all the little girls, and bright blue shirts with blue shorts on all the little boys.  The girls also had their hair done in pony tails and they wore bright bracelets.  They looked adorable!  Imagine getting about 60 children ready at one time!  Shoes were everywhere!  They were all smiles and very excited.  And I was too as I was given charge of little Ringku.  Once we got the leg braces on, it takes us some time as she really giggles when you blow on the bottom of her feet, we were ready to go! 

The Mother House is only about a five minute walk, however we took the Missionaries of Charity bus and were on our way.  The children were waving to everyone along our way and screaming with delight on the bus!  It was very enjoyable.  By the time we arrived, we were all soaking wet as it is ridiculously hot again today! 

We went into Mother Teresa's room and all were seated.  I learned that this novena or special prayer is for a little boy named Bobbi, specifically regarding regaining his sight.  A Japanese priest led the mass and the children were golden.  Ringku was wonderful as the leg braces she had to wear were locked and she was not able to bend her knees.  So between her walking and my lifting her, or sitting behind her to help her stay up, she did an awesome job. Following mass, we all surrounded Mother Teresa's memorial and special prayers were said for Bobbi.  Then all the children laid a hand on Mother's memorial and then on Bobbi.  They were so loving! 

After a quick water break, it was time to load everyone up and head back to their home.  As we said goodbye to Sister Carina, I picked little Ringku up and she planted the biggest, wettest, sweetest kiss on my cheek!  What a gift!  We sat in the first seat of the bus, me sitting facing straight ahead with Ringku sitting across my lap to keep her legs straight on the bus seat.  There was room on the seat next to us for a small child of which about three little girls tried to sit next to us.  My sweet little angel clocked them all!  She can just melt your heart and then she can serve a good punch!  Ouch!!

We returned to Shishu Bhavan and all the pretty dresses and little tops and shorts came off.  The children were still so excited and happy screams were heard all throughout the home.  Once I removed Ringku's leg braces, more kisses were in store for me!   What a day!   

I thought for sure I could spend time with the patients today however it was not to be.  The cough and the nose are not cooperating.  I did manage to help pass breakfast out so I was able to say Namaste, Good Morning to the ladies.  Many are looking just fine.  Then it was on to dishes, where John Mathew (Jon Mah-two) from France, and I entertained ourselves by throwing the plates frisbee style into the rinse pools until Jeda asked us not to.  Jeda runs a pretty tight kitchen and wash room.  The clothes were laid out to dry however we were concerned they would not dry as it was very humid and overcast today. 

During the week, the neighborhood children arrive to take lessons with the Sisters.  They now recognize us if we pass them on the street, and will run to us singing one of the songs we taught them.  They are so adorable.  Cristina and I get to work along with them practicing their letters, drawings and singing.  Today one of the Sisters carried this big stick with her which I had not seen before, and all she had to do was walk towards whoever was out of line, and they would immediately jump and hurry back to doing what they were supposed to be doing.  It was pretty comical.  And I couldn't help but get the giggles thinking about Mom and her wooden spoon! 

Once they departed, it was time to serve lunch and do the dishes again.  By this time, the laundry had finally dried so we all stayed on to finish folding laundry.  Sister Glenda and Sister O'Linda thanked us all.

I had lunch with Emilio today who has started a new role - he is part of a team of six that walks for four hours at the Howrah Train Station.  He is being trained to look for individuals in need of the services the MC's can offer to adults.  Frances will be joining his team at the beginning of June.  They want volunteers who will be here for a longer period of time, minimum of two months, as the people will begin to recognize their faces, know they are associated with the MC's, and will provide help to them.  He said he has a lot to learn, and shared that when they do find someone who is in need of assistance, they take them via taxi to one of the MC's homes. 

After lunch I hurried to my room for a quick shower as I was meeting Susie for my first Bollywood movie.  While showering, with a head full of lather, the water completely stopped!  This happens every once-in-awhile, however never while I have been in mid-lather.  I realized I did not have enuf bottled water to get the suds out so patiently waited.  After about 10 minutes, the water was back on!  Thank goodness!!  I  met Susie who admitted she wasn't feel well, so we decided to postpone my first Bollywood movie to another day.  I will keep you posted as I am looking forward to it.  I am off for a fresh mango juice!  Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful Memorial Day!

I am starting to feel better - this heat, humidity and pollution have gotten the best of me however I am on the mend.  And I have missed so much!  And every day is like a roller coaster of emotions!

I was not able to attend Wednesday's mass for the novices, who were taking their first vows to become a Sister, so I really wanted to attend the service on Thursday where 19 Sisters were taking their 10 year vows.  Feeling somewhat better, I headed out for the 30 minute walk to the Mother House, where we boarded a bus for about 10 minutes, and then walked another 10 minutes to a local parish church.  The church was packed with the Sister's families, friends, volunteers, and others.  It was a beautiful service with many priests in attendance including the Bishop.  He is about 5 feet tall and has a really nice full white beard, and would make a very good, tan Santa Claus.  He also has this very sharp, deep voice, sounding like a Samurai warrior.  I asked Anand if he was Japanese, and he started laughing, saying no, he was Indian.  Mother Teresa's successor, Sister Nirmala, was present on the altar and very active with the ceremony.  The Sister's choir was choice - absolutely beautiful voices!  Each Sister was called forward to repeat their vows.  Sister Mary and Sister Maria are the favorite names chosen by the Sisters.  It was a very beautiful service.   About two hours into it, I was feeling the need to get some fresh air as I was melting quickly.  I am sure I am going to disappear into a puddle with only big green Keen shoes and green glasses - that's all that will be left of me.   So Cristina and I caught a bus to return home as she was not feeling 100% either. 

Friday I really had to lay low as I woke up with a very sore throat and cough.  The neighborhood I am staying in is filled with volunteers and locals, and I am surprised how many people I know in my hood.  When I went out for some vegetable soup at The Blue Sky Cafe, I ran into five other volunteers who all had a good cold or a fever, and were trying to rest as well.  Later in the day, Karran (Car-ran) who works at the front desk of my Guest House, suggested I should order room service so I took him up on it.  A young man arrived at my door, wrote down what I wanted on his hand, and ran to the Blue Sky Cafe to pick it up for me - some things are so simple! 

I finally started to feel better so was able to return to work on Saturday.  When I arrived, I learned that I had missed a lice outbreak, so all the ladies are now sporting cleanly shaved heads, which gives a whole new look to the home.  I had dish duty, laundry and because I was not to have patient contact, I helped the Massies with cleaning garlic cloves.  Then on to folding laundry and back to dishes.  It was good to be back although I  miss my time with the ladies.

At lunch time, Frances, Emilio, Susie, Nathan and I went to the Blue Sky Cafe.  I just happened to sit next to a young man, named Charlie, who is a friend of Thad Horkan's in Reedsburg!  Do you believe it?  I believe he is retired from the military, is from somewhere outside Milwaukee, and has spent time on the Horkan farm.  What a small world! 

I had learned from Cristina, who is very active with the Spanish volunteers, that Sister Carina had taken some time to talk with them about her witness and time with Mother Teresa.  I had asked Sister Carina if she would do that in English with a small group, which she said yes she would on Saturday at 3.00 pm.  I did not want to miss this so I quickly showered to cool off and headed out for this meeting.  A small group of six showed  up for a very special time with Sister Carina.  She shared three very important envelopes that were entrusted to her care with us, and inside each envelope was a piece of each Sister's blood stained garment or her handkerchief.  These three sisters were gunned down in Yemen in 1998 as they were leaving their house one morning to perform their daily duties. She then asked Nathan to read Sister Nirmala's letter written to the Missionaries of Charity addressing this event for all of us.  We were left speechless.  The Sisters were asking forgiveness for the gunman, even that he would not be put to death as is custom in that country, but be kept in prison.  After some time, Nathan then read us Sister Nirmala's letter written to the Missionaries of Charity regarding four Sisters who were captured and killed by rebels in Sierra Leone in 1999. Again we were left speechless.  All seven Sisters have been martyred.  Many in our group were moved to tears by the details of what we learned.  I have such respect for all these Sisters.  Sister Carina then shared personal stories about time with Mother Teresa which were amazing.  What a gift to have time with her!  She then asked each of us to share our experiences which again was so moving - everyone has been humbled and moved in so many ways. 

I left the Mother House in awe from having spent the last hours learning more about the Sisters.  And on my way home, I grew increasingly tense and angry - these drivers are crazy!!  Many do not turn their lights on in the dark, and they drive wherever and however they want!  Walking with Cristina, I have now started using my hands waving all kinds of gestures.  It is like you are on high alert all the time - ever watchful for the rickshaw driver, speeding motorcycle, taxi driver, tuc tuc, bicycler, car and truck all coming at you!!  By the time I returned to my guest room, I was exhausted, relieved, and just closed the door to shut it all out!  Safe for another day!!

Sunday morning at Kalighat, I noticed right way a huge chart will listings of all the Missionaries of Charity in the different countries and cities.  What I had not noticed before was the pictures of the seven martyred Sisters.  God Bless them! 

For some reason, there were hardly any volunteers today so I guess I had some make up work to get after.  Lucianna (from Argentina), Jeda (Hee-day) and I were left to do all the dish washing and drying.  It was very quiet with only three working.  Then it was up to the roof for laundry.   And today being Sunday, we had mass at the home which was lovely.  Following mass, we were folding the laundry when all of a sudden we heard this very loud crash!  Everyone got up and ran to see what happened!  A young Japanese man stepped where he shouldn't have and his feet went through the roof top!!  He was fine, a bit shaken up, no injuries and eventually able to laugh about it. 

After cleaning up, I returned home for a cool shower and a nap.  I am looking forward to spending time with the ladies and children on Monday.   Good night!

Well I find myself with a really good head cold and sore throat.  I am thinking it might be partly due to my air conditioner as it is all or nothing so I turn it on, get cold, turn it off, wake up sweating, turn it on, and you get the picture.  Wednesday and Thursday are days of rest, hoping that I will be back to work on Friday. 

So did I tell you what happened when I left the I cafe on Tuesday night?  We take our shoes off for almost everyplace we enter and as I was putting them on and looking outside into the storm, right in front of me, a man chopped the head off a chicken!  My face must of been in shock as he said, "Come, and sit with me."  I don't think so!  Ew!!

On Wednesday morning I pulled out my laptop to organize some pics, and found one of my favorite emails about a journey on a train ride.  It always moves me to tears, and it did that morning.  I cried for the dead puppy I passed on the street; I cried for the children who work so hard to breathe, to swallow, to take a step, to survive; for the families living on the streets; and I cried for our little ladies and men who have lived their life and are now at the home to die peacefully. 

Kolkata is a very spiritual place.  Volunteers of all faiths show up to lend a helping hand and all are welcomed.  You can't believe how packed the chapel is every morning.  This chapel is about the size of a high school gymnasium and people spill out into the hallways.  There are no pews or chairs, only a few benches on one side for the elderly or handicapped.  Everyone else stands, sits and kneels on the cement floor.  As many of you know, Mother Teresa has said everything starts with prayer and is quoted "My secret is quite simple.  I pray."  There are inspirational quotes all over the Mother House and I believe in every Missionary of Charity (MC) home.  Sister Carina shared Mother's business card with us - it reads - The fruit of Prayer is Faith, the fruit of faith is Love and, the fruit of love is Service, and the fruit of service is Peace. 

Every morning before we leave the Mother House, we pray the following prayer:  Dearest Lord, the Great Healer, I kneel before You since every good and perfect gift must come from you.  I pray, give skill to my hands, clear vision to my mind, kindness and sympathy to my heart.  Give me singleness of purpose, strength to lift at least a part of the burden of my suffering fellowmen, and a true realization of the privilege that is mine.  Take from my heart all guile and worldliness that with the simple faith of a child I may rely on You.  Amen.  And then we all head out to our respective homes.  Once arriving at the home, we sing or pray together.  At Kalighat, we sing "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me." 

Following every mass, Mother Teresa used to lead all the Sisters in the following prayers, and that tradition continues with another Sister leading the prayers:

Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me a channel of Your peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; where there is discord, I may bring harmony; where there is error, I may bring truth; where there is doubt, I may bring faith; where there is despair, I may bring hope; where there are shadows, i may bring light; where there is sadness, I may bring joy.  Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort that to be comforted; to understand than to be understood; to love than to be loved; for it is by forgetting self that one finds; it is by forgiving that one is forgiven; and it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.  Amen.

Followed by the Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.  Body of Christ, save me.  Blood of Christ, inebriate me.  Water from the side of Christ, wash me.  Passion of Christ, strengthen me.  O Good Jesus, hear me.  Within Thy Wounds, hide me.  Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.  From the malicious enemy, Defend me.  At the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come unto Thee that with Thy saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever.  Amen.

Followed by Prayer of Pope Paul
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow men through out th world who live and die in poverty and hunger.  Give them through our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.

And there is one more prayer for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity that I can not find right now.  We are also invited back to the Mother House every evening to join the Sisters as they pray the rosary.  I can't help but think of Grandma Rose and Mom at every mass.

Thank you all for your many prayers and well wishes.  They mean everything!  Love you!

Oh, if you have a favorite quote, please send it to me along with the author.  And Yui, I will see what I can do with the chicken man.  He flies bye me every morning, and you will know if I get it. 

Last night, right after I posted, the storm took out all the electricity!  It was pitch black and about five us stayed and visited in the I cafe.  When I went outside, there were huge puddles everywhere!  My feet were totally covered with mud by the time I returned to the Guest House. 

In today's paper, a cover story says "Monsoon arrives fortnight early with thunderous start.  The Monsoon has arrived two weeks early, with torrential rain lashing the city on Monday afternoon."  I may be in for some crazy weather ahead!

An Irish priest led today's mass.  He was great to listen to "..give tanks.  Tank the Lord and Mother Teresa."    He actually met Mother Teresa 12 years ago and she invited him to India.  At the time, he told her he didn't have the money to make the trip.  However in time, God saw to it and he made it.  Following mass, the Sisters sang a beautiful song to him, something like ..."you are the priest to be congratulated."  When the Sisters sing, it is something special.  They have the loveliest voices.   It was also Habiere's (Hah-bee-air) last day so we sang "Thank you, Miss you, Love you" to him.  He is headed back to Spain.

On the way to the bus, the chicken man passed me.  I have seen him every day and he is always moving so I can not get a good picture of him.  Of course you want to buy your chickens while they are still alive, as you would have no idea knowing how long they might have been dead.  So the chicken man, who rides a bicycle, has a kind of grate on both sides of him and in front of him.  The chickens hang upside down with their feet through the grates and he takes them to the market.  I am going to try and get you a better picture soon.

And Pops, I walk by a Dairy every morning and think of you.  So today I took a pic with the milk man.  Milk is packaged in small plastic bags.   I also got the bread man, who rides a bike with a cart attached and he delivers fresh bread.   Will post tomorrow.

I started the day with dishes, then on to laying laundry.  You now know what I look like up there so today I forgot my scarf.  Moon, my Korean friend, game me a new hat to wear.  It looks like the kind Little Be Peep wore - a very wide brim, kind of full on your head, fabric hanging over your neck, and a big bow under your chin.  I was styling!  Then it was folding laundry and dishes again. While doing the dishes, I noticed a cross stitch wall hanging in a room behind where we do dishes.  It read "Thank you for helping me die."  I later learned that is where they move the patients when they die. 

Did you know that today is Saint Rita's Day?  I didn't either!  Cristina and the children sang Happy Saint's Day to me this morning.  There are about 10 of the most adorable children who show up at Kalighat three mornings a week.  They live in the neighborhood and their parents allow them to come be with the Sisters for a few hours.  They are such a hoot.  They love to sing, dance, write on a chalk board, and what not.  They receive a glass of milk and a type of cracker/cookie.  They will drink the milk right up although never eat the crackers.  Sister said they take them home to share with their families.  Cristina and I lead them in song every day they are present and it is such a lift!  I hope to get a picture of them before I leave. 

Susie and I had lunch today - steamed veggie shu mai - a sort of  dumpling  that is really good.  Following a much needed shower, I hooked up with Frances, Emilio and Petra.  Petra is from Austria and loved my stories about Elizabeth's wedding in Graz and the Booshen Shanks.  Petra's cousin will be making her final vows after 10 years with the Missionaries of Charity and wanted to be present for her.  She is here for one week and is a lot of fun.

Also this Wednesday at 16.00pm, 30 novices will be making their first vows with the Missionaries of Charity.  Sister O'Linda said it is such a small class.  And I said they would be thrilled in the states to have a class of that size.  When she took her first vows, there were 57 in her class.  We are all invited to join in and I will. 

Oh, Lori Jean, guess what?  I met Anand (Ah-nand) and Nathan from the Chicago area.  They are here with a group and Nathan's family is from Peoria, IL!  How bout that?  His last name is Goebel.  He didn't know about the Mabee's so I am filling him in! 

Frances took us to the New Market this afternoon which is sort of a farmer's market with everything you could ever imagine - tupperware, shawls, meat, spices, flowers, razor blades - you name it.  Petra bought spices - saffron, curry and the nutmeg nut.  Everywhere you go, people are holding their hands out for something.  "Auntie, no food.  Auntie, milk for the baby.  Auntie, I am a small, small boy."  It is exhausting!  And then they hold your arm or try to hold your hand.  We tell them to go to Shishu Bhavan to eat and they say no.  Carol, do not come and visit.  You would give every cent you ever had away.  You can not come here!

Frances took us to a coffee shop called Barista - it was heavenly - air conditioned and quiet.  And guess what I had?  A chocolate chip muffin - yummy!!  And a sort of watermelon ice slush drink - double yummy!  We sat and visited and it was so enjoyable.  Reminded me of my last Starbuck's visit with Gina, Mary Lou and MV - we will have to do that again soon!

It's Monday morning and I have a head cold!  I can't believe how that happened!  It really is 200 degrees over here!  At Mass today, we prayed for a little girl who will be adopted locally.  She was present at mass and slept on a Sister's shoulder the whole mass - so sweet.  Following mass and breakfast, I was informed that I could still go to Kalighat however should avoid any patient contact, and should avoid Shishu Bhavan as that is all contact with the children. 

I started out in the kitchen with dish washing - actually don't mind as I am able to really clean my hands.  You can't believe how dirty they get just walking to the home - black grit under the nails.  Then I was up to the rooftop to hang out the laundry - which I did post some pics of today so be sure and check them out.  When the laundry was finished, I sat with Sister O'Linda (no, she is not Irish!) and we sorted tissues and napkins.  There was a huge bag of them, guessing from a hotel or restaurant, and we separated the dirty ones from the clean ones.  This really suited me today as my nose did not stop running and I had an endless supply of tissues!  I am not sure what is done with them once we have them separated - I can hear my sister asking what did you do that for?  I will try and ask her tomorrow. 

Today at break time, the Massies made us a vegetable noodle dish that was really good.  I am not sure of the spice or sauce, however is was tasty.  And it was the last day for the group of 18 from Canada so we sang them the thank you, love you, miss you song.  They were a lot of fun to work with.

Time to fold the laundry and back to dishes once again.  We wrapped up around noon today and then a number of us had lunch.  I enjoyed a fresh mango juice, and vegetable noodle soup - just what I needed.  I am feeling like a slacker today because following lunch, I had a two hour nap.  When I awoke, it was black outside and a huge downpour was in process.  The talk while doing dishes today is that the monsoon will arrive early this year - possibly in a week or so.  That means huge downpours daily and I am told that the street many of us live on, will be flooded constantly and you will wade through water up to your knees.  I am not sure if I will be experiencing this or not - however I will keep you posted.

Sunday at Kalighat

Today we were able to sleep in so Cristina and I had breakfast at 7am at our neighborhood hangout, Fresh and Juicy.  A fresh mango juice, and toast with olive oil that Cristina brought along - very tasty.  When we arrived at Kalighat, breakfast had already been served so we headed up to the rooftop to hang out the laundry.  I snuck my camera in my apron pocket (don't tell the Sisters!) so tomorrow will post some pics of the laundry and sights from the top of Kalighat. 

Following laundry, we sat with Sister Betatina (sp?) who shared stories of Mother Teresa and the founding of Kalighat which was very special.  On Sundays, mass is held at the home at 10.00am so we headed downstairs to join in.  Blankets were laid on the floor and we sat on the blankets.  One of the Brothers was testing the mike saying hello, hello, hello.  So I answered hello, hello, hello and was recruited to read at Mass.  I do need to work on my silence a bit more!  Following mass we served lunch to the patients, cleaned up the dishes, and then the Sisters invited the volunteers to join them for lunch.  We had basmati rice, with a potato curry veggie dish, and a chicken curry dish.  It was all really good.  I have noticed that my diet is definitely weighted on the carb side - lots of white bread, rice, potatoes, and noodles - so I am eating just fine. 

When we finished, a number of us decided to explore the Eden Gardens as we heard they were a lovely display of native flowers, shrubs, greenery, etc.  We took a taxi and asked for the Gardens - he took us to the Government Building.  We all got laughing and he didn't understand gardens so we asked a man on the street who said Eden Gardens!  Then the taxi driver said Oh, Eden Gardens!  It was pretty funny as our accents usually do get us into trouble.  After finally arriving, we found a closed sign posted on the fence and soon learned that the gardens have been closed for two years!!  So much for that experience! 

A number of my Canadian friends invited me to join them for dinner tonite as it is their last evening in Kolkata.  I brought the beer and while at the liquor store, was informed that Indian ladies do not drink.  At which time three Indian customers said may we come to your party?  It was pretty funny!  There is a group of 18 young adults traveling from Canada who I have gotten to know over the last week and a half.  We had pizza, get this, delivered from Domino's!  And it was really good!!  Dinner was on the rooftop of their hotel and it was great fun.  One of the volunteers brought a surprise desert - yes, it was brownies!!  And they were delicious!!  Pizza, beer and brownies!!  It was a taste of home!!

It's Back to Work.....

On our day off, the Sisters had a volunteer meeting beginning at 3.00 pm where about 150 volunteers joined in.   Sister Carina opened the meeting by sharing the four stages that volunteers will typically work through.  The first one is shock - what I have just done?  And where am I?  The second stage is the honeymoon - everything is just terrific!  The third stage is being tired - you are beat - and maybe you turn the alarm clock off and roll over.  And the fourth stage is where you just do it - you keep on giving because you made the choice.  I think I hit stage three as when I walked into my room last night at 7.30 pm, I took a quick shower and then was out! 

Sister Carina also discussed the importance of silence and being in the moment.  While we are serving, taking the time to reflect on what we are doing, who we are doing it for, and why we are doing what we are doing. As she is sharing with us, picture yourself in the room with all the windows wide open, and the traffic immediately outside the window.  Trucks are rumbling by, horns are blaring, exhaust fumes are blowing in, motorcycles are whizzing by, people are shouting, and it is anything but quiet!!  I definitely need to work on this! 

Sister then went on to discuss that we all have a Kolkata in our own backyards, and that she hoped we would continue serving where we live.  Whether it is a shelter, an old age home, feeding the homeless, visiting an older relative, whatever, there are hundreds of opportunities in every community. 

Following Sister's session, we watched a documentary film on Mother Teresa which followed her daily activities going into Kalighat and Shishu Bhavan, and traveling the world.  It was a very inspiring and moving picture.  A mass was offered for all the volunteers where the Korean volunteers sang a number of songs which were beautiful. Dinner was served next - I think we had french fries, potato wedges fried in oil, and a vegetable noodle dish.  Both were tasty.

Friday morning at Kalighat just flew.  New volunteers arrive every day and I am usually guessed to be from Canada.  They look at my shoes, and say "Keens - Canada?"  Nope, the good ol' USA!  And I have been asked by my Italian friend, Emilio and English friend, Susie to quit saying Awh-sum!  They say it is "so American!"  Well of course I keep saying it!

I am getting to know a number of patients and really enjoy our time.  The little lady who had the big bark, and no bite, waits for me every day, "Auntie, come."  She moves over making room for my on her bed and likes only her feet to be massaged with lotion.  The funny thing is she is quite ticklish and we both get the giggles. 

I am not the new kid on the block anymore however every day I fall for something and get a light scolding from one of the Massies.  Today this sweet little lady was sitting up in her chair, and as I sat to visit with her, she very clearly used sign language to let me know she wanted to lay down.  So I picked her up and laid her in her bed and I received a kiss. Shortly after, this Massie came along, picked her back up, and sat her in the chair.  I guess she is to sit up for a little longer!  Oh well.....

And this afternoon just flew!!  When I arrived, there were lots of volunteers - a group of ladies from Kansas City, Mo were visiting.  Today I spent the majority of my time with little Rinku (Ring-Kooh), and you would all love her.  I am guessing she is nine years old, has a twinkle in her eyes, and has a very bright mind.  She uses sign language which I am trying to learn.  With the assistance of leg braces, and a little help from a volunteer, she loves to walk, so we walked.  There is a window on the third floor that looks out onto a very busy street that Rinku enjoys looking out.  As she was trying to tell me something, her arms were swinging about and she accidently grabbed my glasses.  They went flying onto the window ledge and I caught them just in the nick of time!  Whew!! All is well and I can see.  When we finished our walk, it was time for dinner.  As she was seated in her chair, she blew me a kiss.  As I am sure you can tell, I am flying high today.