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.