Rita Montgomery

Animals along the way.....

Today I wanted to experiment with posting some pictures to this site.  And a big thank you to my dear nephew, Derek, who has been most helpful this morning. 

The photos are from my morning walk to the Mother House.  I think it is safe taking pics of the animals.  You will notice that some of the cows are in a big dump that is right on the side of the road - you can imagine the smells from here as the sun beats down on it all day long.  Many times when I pass this area there are people searching through the rubbish for food.  Not at this time. 

I walk through a Muslim neighborhood and they eat meat, while the Hindu's do not.  I will try and take a pic of the butcher shop - it's pretty wild.  The meat hangs outside all day and evening.  I have not had a taste for beef while on this trip - not sure that I will either. 

You will notice how thin the animals are - they are fed some type of feed and graze throughout the day as they are moved frequently. 

I will definitely post more pics.  Thanks!

Time for a Day Off

Tomorrow is our day off and I am ready for a break!  All is going well however I think my lack of sleep is catching up with me.  The offensive smells and blaring horns and crazy drivers are all a bit much today.  And I think some other people need the day off too.....

This morning at Kalighat, one of the Sisters and a volunteer were in a rather loud dispute.  Not sure what it was about however you could hear them throughout the home.  And then one of the Doctors very loudly proclaimed "I have been the resident Doctor for 21 years and we do it my way!"   The heat is getting to all of us.

Today was about 200 degrees - seriously - hot and humid - and the sweat didn't stop all day.  We cleaned all 50 beds on the Men's side - which meant carrying the beds outside for a major wash down, and then carrying the mattresses and pillows out for a wash.  That part of the home was scrubbed nicely and then we proceeded to put all 50 beds back together again.  The men walked, were carried, wheeled or assisted back to their beds.  I am told this is done about every two weeks.  Thank God for all the volunteers to help get this work done.

After feeding two ladies, one just wanted me to sit and hold her hand.  It was so nice to have the time to be present with her and not feel like I had to rush on to something else.  There is one little patient who always sneaks back into the kitchen and helps us with drying dishes which I think is great.  When the Massies see her, she gets scolded and sent back to bed.  It is only a matter of minutes before she reappears and picks up a towel to help out again.  You got to love her spirit.

Cristina, my friend from Spain, who still has not taken me for the brownie she has told me about, and I decided to walk back to our guest house instead of taking the subway.  It took us a little more than an hour and it felt good to have the exercise.  You can't always walk on the sidewalks as many people live on the sidewalks.  They may have a tarp set up or they may just have a few things laying on the walkways.  They might be cooking food on an open fire on the curb, or they may be washing themselves with a bucket of water.  You see many little naked children - all with big smiles - Hi Auntie or Hi Sister.  You often see people laying on the walkway, probably sleeping or resting.  So you step out into the street as not to disturb them, and immediately you are bombarded with honk, honk, honk, honk and the taxis almost brush up against you they are so close.  Or a bicycle rider, and then the ring, ring, ring of a rickshaw driver.  Or the low rumble of a tuck-tuck (like a three wheeled golf cart).  The exhaust is nasty and sometimes all consuming.  It's almost like they play chicken with you - they come right at you.  It is ridiculous.

As you walk, you smell all sorts of things.  It has been said that the whole world is a urinal to a man - well that is indeed true here.  Anywhere one pleases - in the curb, against a wall, near a gate - they just relieve themselves - no big deal!  So there is that smell. 

We walked through many open markets - kind of like the farmer's market on the square in Madison.  The vegetables and fruit are wonderful.  Today we had watermelon that was very sweet.  One of the volunteers brought fresh papaya at break today and it was delicious.  The mangoes are in season and quite nice. 

I was starving by the time we returned so stopped at the Blue Sky Cafe - a volunteer hang out and guess what I ordered?  Pizza!!  And it was so good!!  I ran into Emilio, my friend from Italy, who was absent today.  Come to find out, he was overserved last night and woke up at 11am!  He was feeling guilty however I found it quite funny.  So far anyone that I knew who has been missing was because they were a bit under the weather or too tired and needed a break.  Not our Emilio!

I needed to do some laundry today so I filled up a bucket and let a number of items soak as they are really dirty.  Just like me - I return to the guest house dirty, exhausted and quite happy.  It is an amazing experience and I am so thankful to be here.  I am looking forward to exploring on my day off and will try to take some pics. 

Namaste - Nah-mas-tay - which means hello and good bye.

Monday morning mass was with a visiting Italian priest who had this way of speaking where every word was dripping off his lips...."Hav-vah fay-tha!"  "Tay-kah har-tah!"  I hope he comes back again!  Also during mass, a volunteer in front of us was cupping his hands and sliding them on the floor.  I was thinking what is he up to?  All of a sudden a cockroach emerged and those in the immediate area quickly moved!  I do work hard to pay attention - was a bit tough today...

It was Maiko's last day today, after serving for four months, so we all sang and clapped the following song:  We'll miss you, miss you, miss you (3x), we'll miss you from our hearts; we thank you, thank you, thank you (3x), we thank you from our hearts; we love you, love you, love you (3x), we love you from our hearts!  I will miss her.

After breakfast, it was on to Khalighat.  Breakfast was served - bread and jelly, banana and a sweet.  I fed one patient who likes small bites of bread, no crusts, dipped in her tea, and then into her mouth.  Following that was big bites of banana, and then the sweet.  She wanted me to try it and I said no thank you, she said yes, I said no, she said yes, I tried it.  And it wasn't too bad! 

Next was washing dishes and then on to laundry.  I like hanging out the clothes because it is up on the rooftop and it is fresh air (as fresh as it can be here) and a bit of a breather.  While hanging out the sheets, there were two new men who I had not met as of yet.  One from Japan, He-dah, who asked if it was my first day which I said no.  He proceeded to tell me how to hang sheets.  I said it is ok.  Then the other man, named Moon, was from Korea, and said "it's not very nice".  What?  He wanted the ends of the sheets folded over the edges.  Both of these gentlemen have been here for over a year!  It really is amazing to meet the volunteers and find out where they are from, and how long they are staying.  I have met people serving for one day up to three years, and many with return trips.  I am definitely the slacker here with only one month. 

Then it was on to massages.  I bought a bottle of Vaseline Aloe Lotion which the ladies love.  Forget the hands and feet, we are talking arms, shoulders, backs, legs, faces and today, one lady wanted it in her hand and rubbed it all over her head!  I thought, why not, if it makes her feel better, that's what it is all about. 

At break time, the Massies made a potato hash which was really good.  They always make us a treat and it has always been very tasty.  Next was folding the laundry, putting it away, serving lunch and doing the dishes.  I was between the final two rinses, which means you take your shoes off, and stand between two baby pools of rinse water.  It is very slippery and you squat in the middle and stretch to get dishes out of one pool, put them into the next pool, and stretch again to take them out for the dish dryers.  I can't tell you how many times I almost fell into the pools!  I don't think I will do this role again.

A number of us had lunch together - a fresh lemon soda, veggie rice and roti or flatbread.  Bottled water is plentiful and a 2 Litre bottle is 15 rupees or about a quarter.

Shishu Bhavan was really hopping when I arrived.  Music was playing, children were dancing and singing, everyone was having a good time.  I started out by feeding Sonjya some juice - we spent about 30 minutes and I would be thankful if I could tell you she got half the juice down.  I don't think she did.  Then it was on to exercising with Lata.  I carefully removed her from her chair and sat her between my legs.  We rocked forward and side to side, always holding on to her tightly; then laid her on her tummy onto a bolster on the floor to work with strengthening her head and neck muscles.  Next was onto an exercise ball which she really enjoyed.  After exercise was time for a drink, another 30 minutes and I have no idea what actually went down as so much comes back up.  Then it was dinner time.  I proceeded to feed Bobbi and as I approached her mouth, her arms went flying and so did the bowl of food.  One of the Massies said thank you to me and replaced me with another Massie.  I don't quite have this feeding thing down just yet - maybe tomorrow.....

I had heard about Kathleen's, an ice cream parlor, so on the way home, Maiko and I stopped for an ice cream cone.  What a treat!  It was about $1.50 for two double scoops cones.  I will definitely be back here. 

If any of you are interested, I recommend you watch the movie City of Joy.  Patrick Swayze plays a Doctor and it was actually shot in Kolkata.  It will give you an idea what my world looks like - and honestly, it is almost identical.  I have not met the God Father, however everything else is pretty much the way it is here.  Thank you.

A Sunday in Kolkata

While leaving Shishu Bhavan on Saturday afternoon, Maiko (My-Ko), a volunteer from Japan, mentioned that on Sundays, ladies are allowed to join the men volunteering at Nobu Jibon, and wanted to know if I would like to go.  Basically men work with men, and women work with women, except on special occasions.  Of course I wanted to go!  So following Mass and breakfast, Maiko, Emilio (from Italy), Naomi (from Canada), myself and ten others decided to venture to Nobu Jibon.  This trek involved taking two buses which was an experience in itself.  We had directions however needed to ask a lot of questions along the way - finding our destination in 1 1/2 hours. 

Nobu Jibon is a boys home run by the Brothers of Missionaries of Charity for mentally and physically challenged boys.  The boys were so happy to see us!  We played catch, took some for walks in their wheel chairs, just held some of them, and played all sorts of games.  Other children received massages or medical treatment according to their schedules.  The Baird flexible frisbees were a big hit.  They fold up to about the size of the top of a soda can and slide into a sleeve.  The boys not only had fun throwing them, they also loved how they sprung or popped open.  Lots of laughs!

This home has a lovely garden with a swing set, slide and a sort of merry go round.  One young man took my hand and led me to the swings.  He preferred to drag his feet so I could never really get him swinging too high or too fast.  I eventually sat in the swing next to him.  He then very slowly and deliberately got out of his swing to get me out of my swing to continue pushing him.  It was pretty funny.

On Sundays, this home not only feeds the boys who live there, they also open the doors to the street children and feed, shower, and dress any wounds the children may have.  We also spent time in the courtyard with these boys, again playing all sorts of games. 

At lunch time, we were asked to remove all the chicken bones from a chicken stew (we used our fingers) for the boys who lived at the home.  Once they were fed, it was time to serve the street boys - and can they eat!  They were lined up very nicely in an open u in the courtyard.  Prior to being served, three of the boys stood up and sang a beautiful song - they really had great voices.  A prayer was said by all and then we passed out rice, dal (a corn or veggie, chicken stock light gravy), and chicken stew.  We started out with one serving or scoop of each for each boy and the boys all try to get more.  Once everyone was served, we could go around again with seconds which they all could have if they wanted, there was plenty to go around.  They just gobbled everything down.  Desert was fresh mangoes. 

Next was dish duty.  We washed dishes in an outdoor fountain where my job was to run the old fashioned pump.  It was pretty wild.  We thought we were finished - as we were all totally exhausted - and as we were saying our goodbye's - we were invited to join the Brothers for lunch which we did.  We had rice, dal, chicken stew, yogurt, a cucumber-tomato-red onion-beet salad, and fresh mangoes which were the best!  It was two of the Brothers last day so there was a special recognition of their work. 

The bus ride home was much easier as their was only one bus to return us near our hotels.  It was a pretty amazing day.  Again they were all so happy to have time together.  I may return on next Sunday.....

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......

Back to Work!

One day off and back to work!  This is what I believe my typical Kolkata day will be like...

2.00am  wide awake!  read, write, stretch, etc.

5.00am  wake up call

5.25am  meet volunteers and walk to the Mother House

5.30am  begin sweating for the day and no stopping until I am back in my AC room

6.00am morning mass with the Sisters and Volunteers

7.00am breakfast

7.30am depart to designated homes - catch a bus - about 50 people scrunched in

8.00am begin volunteer shift

10.00am tea break

12.00 noon finish morning volunteer shift

12.20pm  catch the subway

1.00pm  lunch time

2.00pm  break - relax, shower, etc.

2.30pm  meet volunteers and walk to designated homes

3.00pm  begin afternoon volunteer shift

5.30pm  finish afternoon volunteer shift

6.00pm  walk to hotel or internet cafe, unwind, relax, etc.

10.30pm  out

I moved into my third hotel or guest house to date and hope this will be the last move.  As I exited my room at Ashreen Guest House this morning, there were three young men, all hotel attendants, sleeping soundly on the entrance floor.  I am told that many workers sleep right at their place of employment.  So I very carefully walked around them as not to disturb anyone. 

While enjoying breakfast today, I met Seth from Finland who asked where Wisconsin was.  There is a huge map of the world on one wall so I said "Let me show you" and proceeded to walk up to the map and stretched to show Wisconsin's location.  At that very moment some gust of wind blew in and lifted my beautiful black skirt up and over my head - Marilyn Monroe style!!  No more showing Wisconsin!!  This skirt will now be tied between my legs - probably Lucille Ball style!!  Following breakfast, we caught our bus, which was more expensive today for some unknown reason.  Today's activities included serving breakfast, collecting breakfast dishes, drying the dishes, hanging laundry, visiting with the patients, lots of foot and hand massages, collecting and folding the laundry, assisting when called upon for extra help with a patient, serving lunch, passing out juice boxes, and assisting them with washing their hands and faces as they do not use utensils.  The morning just flies!!  One volunteer gave me a bottle of lotion and after the first foot massage, you could hear "Auntie, Auntie!" as they patiently waited their turn for a massage.  I was in high demand today!  Many ladies are badly burned or have very severe arthritis.  Many have the thinnest or tiniest limbs you could ever imagine for a grown woman.  Even though this home is for the destitute and dying, there is an amazing energy there, along with a very peaceful air to it.  The ladies are always very appreciative of our service to them. 

There is an outdoor cafe, kiosk or garage-like room near the guest house that has very good Indian food.  Today's lunch was really good and I can't remember what it was called.  They were like little vegetable burgers - with very flavorful spices with a hint of fire - really tasty!  Following a much need shower and break, I was then headed to Shishu Bhavan, or the Children's Home.  The head Sister was not available so I was directed to read the instructional booklet and return with any questions.  The children are separated as to the babies, handicapped, and the very healthy and active.  They needed help with the handicapped children so my time was spent reviewing a bio or portfolio on the children I was with and then assisted with their exercises.  Next was preparing them for snack time, snacks, clean up and then it was time for us to depart.  I believe each volunteer may be assigned a number of children however I will learn more tomorrow.  I am also told that the majority of the healthy children are adopted out which is very positive.  I hope to learn more tomorrow.  Until then.....

The Day Before....

Hi Again!  I was so excited to tell you about my first day with the Sisters that I needed to back up one day and share more.  On Tuesday morning I needed to find an ATM machine as I only had Sri Lanka money and funny thing, no one wanted any of it!  Not the cab drivers, not the restaurant, no one!  I was given directions to the ATM from the front desk clerk and he said easy, 10 minute walk, and it went something like this... you walk down a way, cross over, no two cross over, then go to end, then a left.  He wrote the street name on a paper for me along with the bank name.   I can do this - it is about 7.00 am and it is sunny and hot and I am glowing.  I walked down the street and was in total amazement - stores were just opening, horns were blaring (always blaring), rickshaw drivers were offering me a ride, food was being prepared in open fires on the sidewalk, a herd of goats passed my by, fruits and produce were being placed out for sale, school children dressed in neatly pressed uniforms were being escored to school, there is an earthy scent, people were still sleeping on the pavement, some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen dressed in brightly colored sari's were walking by, people were bathing in the gutters - they wear sari's and suds up and rinse off, bicycles were flying by, groups of men were playing cards, people were searching through a monster pile of garbage, a little baby was laying on a feedbag tied to metal poles being rocked by an older sibling, people were holding out their arms for something, and business men on their way to work - it was unbelievable - almost like I was walking on some movie set.  I don't know how I made it, but I found my way to the ATM and back to the hotel within 45 minutes.  You have to be very careful when you are out for a walk - you must look down so you don't step in something, you should look to the sides so you don't get knocked over by a door or someone hauling a load of something, and you need to always be watchful of the traffic which just moves everywhere and horns are always honking!  The most frightening thing has been to cross the street.  And nobody hustles except me!  I am moving my best to get out of their way! 

After returning to the hotel, I catch a cab to the Mother House.  As soon as I leave the cab, this soft little hand slips into mine.... Auntie, Mother House?  Yes.  And I am escorted by the sweetest little face you have ever seen.  He leads me right up to the door.  After registering I was told to return on Wednesday at 7.00 am.  Upon exiting the Mother House, my little guide met me and took me to Shishi Bhavan, the Children's Home.  He showed me the neighborhood, a hotel I was looking for, and then wanted money.  The Sisters ask that you not promote begging and told us these sweet little faces know the game and will work newcomers over pretty hard.  He has since greeted me every time I am at the Mother House and it is very hard not to give him money, although he is fed at the home.  More later - God Bless!

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.

Change of Directions....

Due to some unexpected happenings in Sri Lanka, mainly the airline not being able to fly into Colombo, I have altered the itinerary and will begin in Kolkata, India.   I can't wait to share my experiences with you!