Slumber Party IN INDIA!!!

Well, well, well, I've got a lot to talk about! Wednesday night I stayed the night with my new and close friend Shreya! Shreya's grandparents have a flat here in Kolkata, in a nice part of the city! I am so thankful I got to experience that side of India! Her grandparents were so kind and welcoming and their flat was lovely! There were two baths, two bedrooms, one T.V. room, a living room, a dining room and a kitchen! It was beautiful!

Marie, Ashley, Mom and I, met Shreya and her mom, Mitali, for lunch at a fancy South Indian style restaurant Wednesday after work at Shanti Dan. The food there was amazing and we had so much (Hopefully, Mom will blog about the food we ate!) After eating, I left with Shreya and her Mom. It was a pretty long drive but by no means an unexciting one! When we got to the flat, Shreya and I just hung out for a little bit until her grandpa asked us if we'd like to go for a walk in the park. So off we went to the park. On our way to the park we passed some pretty amazing sights: a Buddhist temple and the next president's flat! We stopped at the Temple for a little bit and one of the men at the temple invited us inside, so we went and got to experience part of a Buddhist service! It was super exciting for me! The temple was gorgeous and it was such a privilege to get to see the worship! Shreya and her family are not Buddhist, they are Hindu, so I think it was interesting for them too! Shreya's grandpa told us that that temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in India and that it was built by the Japanese.

Finally, we made it to the park! It was nice and quiet and peaceful. In the middle of the park is a giant lake/river, and we walked the path that went around it! Shreya took many pictures and her grandpa told us many interesting facts about the history of Kolkata and whats going on there now! Her grandpa studied in Britain for a while so he spoke English perfectly and properly! After our walk, we went back to the flat and ate some dinner, listened to music and watched a scary movie! After the movie we went to bed and in the morning we went to Sound City Mall. There were a bunch of western stores there mixed in with many traditional Indian stores! It was really nice and tons of fun to window shop! We left Sound City around 2:15 and I got back to the hotel around 3:15. Somewhere along the way I had gotten bitten by a bug and the bite formed into an ugly knot so my mom gave me some benadryl and at around 6 I fell asleep and was out for the rest of the night!

It was so much fun! I absolutely loved all of it! Shreya is such a great friend and I'm truly going to miss her when I leave! Other than all of that not much has happened. We can now officially count our days left here on one hand, and the end is in sight. Being here has been such a blessing and I've learned so much about myself and God. If you had asked me three weeks ago if I'd ever come back to India, I would have said "Never again" but now the idea of leaving all of this behind saddens me! I'm defiantly coming back someday!! Love and Joy to you all! I miss you and I'll see most of you in 6/ 7 days!

Hard Work is the Keyhole to Saxophone

Hey Hey! Its Callie once again! The other day I said I would try to start  blogging everyday but I already have failed on that because I didn't blog last night, BUT I do have a WONDERFUL reason for not blogging! We went to the cinema! Last night a group of 7 of us volunteers went to watch the latest and greatest Bollywood movie: Bol Bachchan! I wish I could tell you the plot line of the movie or even the characters names but all of that information is beyond my knowledge! All I know is that it must have been a very funny movie because everyone (well all the Indians) were constantly screaming and laughing! There were only two lines in the movie that I was able to understand: "This party is over" and "Hard work is the keyhole to saxophone". I wish I could explain the context of these two lines but I was so lost and confused that whole movie! Overall it was great meeting new people, a good experience and I wouldn't hesitate to rent the movie when it comes out on DVD and play it with English subtitles!

The next topic I would like to talk about is one that has become very near and dear to my heart after spending these 3 weeks in India. Fashion. Indian Fashion to be clear. While in the States and in most European countries its acceptable for women to wear shorts and fitted shirts or wear tank-tops, it is a major offense in India. Women here cover -up. The most western Indian girl I've seen so far was wearing a T-shirt and jeans but she was a rare exception. Most women wear Salwar Suits ( which consist of baggy pants and baggy shirts and a scarf called a dupatta.) or Sarees (basically a very long cloth wrapped around her body multiple times and then thrown over her shoulder.) NEVER have I seen an Indian women in shorts. To them it is scandalous and sac-religious to show that much skin, so it is beyond my understanding when women tourists choose to wear such clothing. I, of all people, understand that as a tourist the heat is a killer and I understand that it is hard to leave behind hometown customs, but by wearing shorts and tank-tops these other women tourists are practically screaming their lack of interest and respect for this country's culture. Sorry for ranting but it has been driving me crazy for awhile now!

Lastly, I have a VERY exciting day planned for tomorrow! The morning will be as usual, work at Shanti Dan, but in the afternoon we are meeting Shreya and her mom for lunch at a nice restaurant, then after lunch I will be going to stay the night with Shreya!!! I'm really thankful and excited for this opportunity to visit an Indian home and to hangout with Shreya!
Well that's all for today, because its just been pointed out to me the unlikelyhood that anyone will read something this long so love and blessings to all back home!

Blog numero dos

Hola Everyone! Its Callie again! I realized yesterday that I actually really enjoy this blogging thing so get ready for a new post, well, basically every day! So a really cool thing happened this morning: my mom and I were chosen to visit a House, Nabo Jibon, that is run by the Missionaries of Charity Brothers! Nabo Jibon is basically the male version of Shanti Dan, the residents there are all men with physical and mental disabilities. Every Sunday the brothers open Nabo Jibon's doors to the street children for a day of fun and love very similar to a day camp! But in order to make this happen, more volunteers are required than just the amount that usually are helping at Nabo Jibon. Mom, Marie, Ashley and I put our names into a drawing with a ton of other names. 18 names were chosen and to my delight Mom and I were two of the names! So instead of helping at Shanti Dan as usual, Mom and I (and 16 others) boarded a bus headed to Howrah and then changed buses at the station and continued on our way to Nabo Jibon. Finally, after an hour of traveling, we made it to the House and started working with the street children! We (the volunteers and the street children) were separated into male and female and sent to the wash rooms where we helped the children take baths. Many of them were capable of bathing on their own, we were more there to be "police women" than anything else. We were told the girls would try to take the soap or the hair brushes so we would need to watch them closely. At first I didn't believe that these sweet little girls would ever try anything like that but I quickly met reality when I went back to help. These girls were feisty and tricky and very mean to each other. Shortly after being back there, the girls broke into a small fist fight which the other volunteers and I quickly separated. After bath was play time. We took the girls to the front courtyard to meet the boys and other volunteers for games and races and dancing. It was so GREAT to watch these little kids having so much fun and the volunteers totally making fools out of themselves! Everyone was loving it! Skipping and twirling and handshakes and snuggling were on the top of the list of things to do for all the girls and Futbol and Frisbee were all the boys could focus on! Then came lunch for the children. They had a delicious lunch of rice, potatoes (aloo), and a fried egg. Lunch flew by quickly and they were on their way to their families in no time! Overall it was a terrific day! I really truly enjoyed myself playing with these little girls and boys!
On the way home I met some of the other volunteers: Mark from Canada (who is studying to be a priest) and a ton of people from Spain!
I've been very blessed to meet all these different people from all of the world! I really enjoy talking to them and learning about their lives back home! Although most volunteers are considerably older than I am, I have met one girls who is my age! We bonded quickly because we are the youngest here, her name is Shreya. She lives in China but her family is from India and she speaks fluent English. She and I have a TON in common, we are the same age and the same year of high school, we have similar interests and tastes in music, and overall when I talk to her it feels like a little piece of home is with me. In a city and workplace where things are so serious and communication is challenging, its nice to have someone to talk to about the silly little things in life like school, movie-stars, and music! She, along with Mom, Ashely and Marie, really made this trip and less terrible adjustment. Without all of them to lean on, I don't think I would have made it through the first week! I'm truly blessed to have met and to have so many new friends and such a wonderful family!
Also while in India I've learned that I can NOT do it alone, and though leaning on friends and family is nice AND necessary I've learned that I NEED to lean on God. He is the driving force behind the work the other volunteers and I do and He is the one (the only one) with the plan! And although going to Nabo Jibon and working with the kids was fun and rewarding I feel like I may have been sent on that trip to meet Mark. I know that is strange and sounds crazy but his story of how he decided to enter the seminary really intrigued me and made me realize that nothing is impossible for God and no calling is too far out there. His story has convinced me to try to open my heart to God's plan for my life where ever it may take me!
Well that's my story for the day! Love to all and God bless!! Namaste Brothers and Sisters!

My Girls

This trip has been an amazing experience in so many ways. I knew it would be good for Marie and Callie and I to have this adventure, but I didn't exactly know how. I have been thinking and observing them a lot these weeks and I want to share with you some of my thoughts. I don't know if I will be able to put them into words very well. Marie and Callie both impressed me right away. When arriving at Shanti Dan anyone would be taken off guard by the severity of the handicaps that the girls suffer from, but neither Marie or Callie showed any hesitation. They approached the girls with smiles and love. They didn't hold back when the girls wanted to touch them or hug them. They were so at ease. Marie and Callie both step right in ready to help, they needed very little instruction and were able to see things that needed to be done right away and take initiative to do it. I was so proud of them. Since the first day we have all become more comfortable in Shanti Dan. Each of my girls has her own personality, strengths and charisms and it is a blessing to see them in action. Marie is so sweet at bedtime. After the most severely handicapped girls are fed they are taken to their beds. Marie visits with each one of them, walking from bed to bed, talking to them and playing quietly with them. They love her so much and she really cherishes this quiet time alone with each of the girls. She changes each girl's diaper as needed without any problem - I could even say lovingly. She loves the group that she works with and gets so excited and happy when she reaches one of them through her class activities. One of the other volunteers commented to Marie that she is always smiling... and it is true... Callie has a magnetic personality and the girls are drawn to her right away. She is so easy with them. She lets them hug her and hold her hand. She praises every effort they make no matter how small. They love to show her all of the things they can do. She is the first to leave the volunteer room to begin her day with her class and she is often the last to leave the girls when it is time to head home. Many of the girls that she works with can feed themselves and use the restroom themselves, Although there are many potty accidents which require her to shower them off with a hand-held shower in the restroom. I am always impressed that she doesn't shrug off this responsibility, but takes it in stride. My other "daughter", Ashley has been such a blessing to us. Every night I thank her for bringing us here and for taking such good care of us. She truly loves India, the Indian people, the Sisters of Charity and the girls of Shanti Dan. Her willingness to give so unselfishly to others has set the tone of this trip. Each day we "unwind" when we get home. We share stories of the days accomplishments and failures. We have enjoyed so many afternoons laughing hysterically about the events of the day as well as discussing our insights in faith and spirituality. Thank you, God, for these girls in my life! Please take care of the boys in my life!

Yes, I (Callie) am still alive.

Hey Everyone! This is an entry just because I've yet to post anything on the blog and Mom was worried people will start to think I'm dead! Well, let your worries rest because I am more alive than ever. So far, being here in India, has been better than I could ever imagine. The first week was extremely difficult and, truthfully, I was convinced I was going to die in India and Marie, Mom and Ashley would have to throw my body into the Ganges River. It was hot, the job was hard, the streets smelled and I just didn't think I'd make it! But, by the grace of God, here I am. Now, early into our third(ish?) week here I am way more comfortable! I love working with the girls at Shanti Dan and I can walk down the streets WITHOUT gagging! Sadly though the heat still hasn't slacked off and the humidity has gotten worse, but hey ya can't get everything all the time!
Working at Shanti Dan has really been a blessing. I'm experiencing a love from these girls that I've never felt before and giving a love that I've never been able to give. Its really nothing short of a miracle. Being with these girls each and everyday is something I've really grown to love, getting to know these girls and their names and their personalities is seriously something special and I'd love to give you a run down of each of the girls' names and characteristics but that would take ages so I'm just gonna tell about the few I've grown closest to!
Maria Usha (Rani) - Rani is wheelchair bound because of her physical disabilities but she is so so smart. She loves to write simple sentences with blocks such as: I love you. I love Jesus. I am happy. I am sad. etc. She loves the rain and today I secretly "stole" her from the room and we practiced writing and spelling outside in a place where she could see the rain and could reach out and feel it anytime she wanted.
Rosa - Rosa is mentally challenged but physically able to complete tasks. She doesn't speak but her bright eyes and her sweet smile do all of the talking for her. She is very sleepy all the time and in a way she reminds me of a sloth. If you've ever seen Jeff Gorwin and the content sloth you'll understand what I mean!
Monjurie (Monju) - Think of a lanky baby gazelle and that is closest to how I am able to describe this girl! Spunky and silly with skinny lanky arms! Monju is physically able but mentally challenged. She does understand simple commands like : "Get your hands outta your mouth!" and "Feet off the table" but spelling and math are out of her ability range. She loves to say "Haaallooooo" and "Halle-LOO-yah" to which I always respond "Amen Girl!"
Sheela - Physically able but mentally challenged. So sweet and beautiful and always ready for lunch! Any new volunteer is sure to be fooled by her and give in to her sweet babbles to go for a walk... TO THE LUNCH ROOM way before lunch is scheduled! She understands things like "where are your eyes? and nose?" etc.
Rina - Just like Sheela in capabilities and looks! One would think they were sisters or cousins if you didn't know better! Rina loves to stick her tongue out at you and giggles so hard when you stick yours out back at her, she also loves for you to lay on her bed with her and pat her back as she falls asleep!
Bani - Bani is physically challenged with a lame leg but she is smart. She can add and hold conversations in Hindi and English, you just have to be patient in figuring out what she is trying to say because of her speech impediment.
There are many MANY more girls that I've grown to love but these were just the few I felt like I could do a decent job explaining!
We've got to do a TON of sight-seeing here in Kolkata, which I'm sure you've read about in Maire's blog and Mom's posts! Today we went to a Christian Cemetery in the middle of the city and it was like went traveled to the jungle! There were giant tombstones\ monuments covered in moss and trees with vines hanging, it was breathtaking!! On each of the monuments there were inscriptions of the dates and ages of the people who had passed away. Some of the inscriptions were very vague like :"Here lieth the earthly remains of Ebeneser Jones who died in his 29th year." and others had elaborate poems and memoirs. It was certainly one of the coolest places that we've been!!
And on our way back to our hotel we got to stop at McDonald's:) Yum!! I got a Grilled McChicken Burger and a butterscotch McSwirl and I do have to admit it was the best McDonald's meal I've possibly ever had!

So that was our day in a nutshell! There will be more posts to come from me later! I hope everyone is doing well and basking in the Love of our Lord! I love you all, God Bless!! :))

Happy Day!

This past week has been tough at Shanti Dan. The heat takes it's toll on everyone, even the girls who live at Shanti Dan, the home for handicapped girls that we volunteer at in Kolkata. Last week Pratiksha stopped drinking and eating.Pratiksha is 12 but appears to be 2 years old because her development is so delayed. She has no muscle strength so the Mossies have to pour her food into her. All the Mossies tried but could not get her to keep food down. They were at their wits end when she aspirated some of her food. When we left, the ambulance was coming to take her to the hospital. Two days later she was back, smiling and responding to vices and touches. Rahda is the oldest girl, she is 50 - she and I might be the oldest two women on the first floor. Rahda was in bed for 5 days with a fever. Often I would stop be her bed to talk to her. She smiles so easily even though she is not feeling well. Today when I got to the home I was happy to see that she was in her class! Little Poonam and Tiya had been in bed for a few days too but returned to class today. They are two of the sweetest souls. Poonam is very small and her muscles are so tight that it is difficult to dress her, but when the struggle is over and you stroke her hair she gives you the most beautiful smile. Tiya is in my class. She is probably the most responsive of the girls in my class. She tries to do the activities that and games that we play. Today we were washing plastic dishes with a wet wash cloth. (The main thing for the girls in my class is to try to get them to hold on to an object and move their arms in different motions.) She was happy to pick up a dish and the cloth and to try to wash it. When she gets tired she drops the toy over head, behind her chair and then laughs... just like a toddler... but the laugh is so sweet you can't get upset.  Nirmala is still in bed. I am not sure what sickness she has but she has round the clock attention from the Sisters and the Mossies. Please pray for this sweet girl.

Thank you for all of your prayers. Please know that we are praying for you too.

Morning Prayer

This is the prayer that all of the volunteers pray before heading out to their volunteer positions:
Prayer Before Leaving for the Apostolate
Dear Lord, the great healer, I kneel before you, since every perfect gift must come from you. I pray give skill to my hands, clear vision to my mind, kindness and meekness to my heart. Give me singleness of purpose and strength to lift up a part of the burden of my suffering fellow man and a true realization of the priviledge that is mine. Take from my heart all guile and worldliness that with the faith of a child I may rely on you. Amen

I love this prayer. More and more each day I can see how this prayer is working in me through my assignment at Shanti Dan. As I work with the girls I am learning their personalities and that helps me to know better when I am reaching them.