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!