Quote: “To give pleasure to a single heart by a
single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer”. Mahatma Gandhi
Today
marked the last day of our volunteer experience in Porur. George and I joined Lisa and Taylor at
Assisi Illam with the little children.
Lisa and Taylor have spent the last two weeks at this site and for
George and myself it was a special time to appreciate the work they’ve done
here and to visit with Sister Rose. We
were fortunate to also visit St. Thomas Mount Hospital, a small and remarkable hospital conceived of and brought into existence by
Dr. Sister Rexline. We had the opportunity to view firsthand a new program,
under the direction of Sister Metilda, in which rehabilitation therapists
work with parents and children who
have behavioral problems. For George, a special education teacher from
California, the visit opened up new possibilities for a future
volunteer experience at this site.
Our team
has experienced so much over the past two weeks working at our sites, sharing
our experiences and enjoying our time together with Stephen, Sheeba and
Roshan. The thought that this is our
last day together was difficult for us
all, but our India experience once
again, blessed us and raised our spirits with yet more
celebrations! We celebrated Roshan’s fourth birthday one day early at
SEAMS and the children at the home had so much fun and excitement decorating
the hall with some of their colorings
created with us over the last two weeks
as well as the hanging of
balloons and placement of the cake. They took so much pride in making sure the hall was decorated just right.
Roshan, such a beautiful , fun and loving spirit, has captured a place in all our hearts. Stephen’s parents and his brother’s family
were able to join us, and Esther the
principle from Grace School, our other work site was also able to come. This last visit with everyone
was enjoyed and appreciated by all.
The evening
came to a close with the SEAMS children
singing and dancing for us. George,
Lisa and Taylor joined in with the dancing and it looked as if they could possibly land a part in a future Tamil
Nadu film! The children enjoy so
much when the volunteers share these
experiences with them. They presented each of us with a handmade card of
colorful designs, words of thanks and
well wishes. The only way for me to get
through such an emotional experience was to know within myself that hopefully I
will return at a later date, a sentiment we all shared. Tonight I am the first team member to leave
to return to Toronto and my thoughts are not of packing my suitcase but
rather of images of this wonderful two weeks. Lisa,
Taylor and George leave later to go their separate ways traveling to other parts of India before
returning home. It is our wish that
we meet again on a future Global
Volunteer team here in southern India.
We have the greatest respect and gratitude to our amazing team
leader, Stephen , his
wife and assistant, Sheeba, and
son Roshan who have provided for us in innumerable ways to make this
volunteer experience one we will never forget.
Kathy D.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality,
and instead of thinking how
things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson
Today I woke up with my mom along my side, feeling Not so good. We dragged our
selves out of bed and to the breakfast table at around 8:30. It was one of
those mornings where you just want to hide in your bed and not do anything.
Kathy, George, sheeba, Stephan and Roshon and my mom all ate together like
every meal. It felt like a true family, we have all bonded and shared so much.
This quaint little cottage in Porur, that was so unfamiliar to my mom and I
about a week In a half ago is another home to me now. Realizing how much I have
learned and the friends I have made no longer made that morning a drag. We
talked, ate a home cooked meal by Ronnie the gifted and beautiful house cook
and were off to Assisi
day care. Getting to know the children their has been so special to see their
glowing faces everyday crying or smiling. Concluding that we had some lunch
with the crew and were off to Grace school. That has been the most difficult
yet lovely part of the day. Today we played a bananagram game where the children
have letters and a have to make English words. To be honest i did not even end
up making my own words because I was so taken back and impressed by how many
english words Aruna , Priya, and Barath made! I was so proud of them and felt
so grateful for having the opportunity to work with them and see them day by
day improve and work hard. Aruna was telling me not to talk and save my voice
because that morning I had lost my voice and was struggling to teach. It made
me laugh, she took over and distributed all of the letters for me and
everything! I have grown so attached to this whole family my Amma, Sheeba,
Stephan, Roshan, homie George, and Kathy of course with our similar form of
thinking! I am so happy to have been able to come to India and see a world so different
from our own it is truly beautiful. Love and peace.
- Taylor
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
"be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having
more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never have
enough" - Oprah Winfrey
Taylor and I woke
at 5:30am. We
gathered our materials and thoughts in preperation for our day & were
outvthecdoor by
6:30am.
Stephans brother picked us up & took us to an amazing flower, veg/ fruit
market suggested and set up by stephen. The colors were breathtaking, & the
variety of fruits and veggies were limitless. We took lots of incredible pics
& the locals & workers were happy to have their photos taken with us.
It was a great start to our morning.
As we were leaving we noticed several homeless families.
Taylor and I decided to give some of the fruit we purchased to them not
realizing how many there were. With in minutes we were surrounded, kids were
begging, tugging & grabbing. Taylor & I were both overwhelmed. We
finally got into the car and they continued to bang on windows & beg. It
was heartbreaking. We were driven back by Stephen's brother just in time for
breakfast & had our daily morning discussion. I told Stephan & sheba about our
experience and was immediately put at ease." You can't save the
world" Stephen said u can only do what you can do & what u are doing
here matters and makes a difference. He is right.
The rest of the day I put it out of my mind and focused on
what I am here to do and the children. Taylor and I started our 1st assignment
with Sheba's assistance at Assisi daycare &
orphanage run by sister Rose. Being welcomed by the little sweet faces is
priceless yet it is a challenge to keep them all smiling and happy at once. I
am happy to be a helping hand there.
we went back to house
for lunch. Today
we had a special guest. Sister amalda. Whom made a special visit to see Cathy.
Cathy met sister on previous programs here and became very good friends, it was
nice to see the ongoing bond these two have.
After Lunch, George , Taylor and I went to grace school. We
all worked separately with a group of kindergartners 1st then a group of and
5th graders. Always a challenge to keep the little ones focused, but had a huge
success with the 5th graders today. i really enjoy being with them all and
always look forward to seeing them.
Next we were off to seams school. Sheeba, Cathy,Taylor &
I kept the little ones busy with Rohan's assistance & Stephan and George
dug with the older ones and started a vegetable garden.
When we were finished we went back to house to freshenen up.
Tonight we had the honor of meeting Stephan an
sheebas family. We went to dinner at Stephan parents house. There was enough
food to feed the entire neighborhood and it was delicious. I think I can speak
for the entire team how greatful we were for them to welcome us into their home
and all the hard work put into that meal. We met Stephan's brothers wife
rebecca and got to see his home too. Along the way we were introduced to his
cousins, aunts & friends & visited roni who cooks amazing food for us
everyday, at her home. It was an amazingly warm experience & we had a lot
of laughs. We were finished up about
10:00 and we
headed back.
It's only been lees than a week and the experiences that I
have had so far I know are going to carry out with me a life time. I look
forward to the week to come & I am so thankful to have the oppurtunity to
be apart of this journey with my daughter & be part of an amazing team.
Lisa
Friday, July
6, 2012
Quote: We
don't accomplish anything in this life alone...and whatever happens is the
result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual
threads from one to another that creates something. - Sandra Day O'Connor
Today was
another great day made even more special as we celebrated George’s birthday.
George is admired by our team for his fellowship and loved by all the children
and hosts for his generous sharing so to have four birthday cakes in one day
was not only fun but a milestone birthday celebration. At breakfast Stephen and
Sheeba placed on the table a beautiful birthday cake with a floral candle which
opened when the candle was lit. We gave George an Indian outfit ‘Nehru style’
and this he wore to his work site at Grace School where yet two more cakes were
lit brightly. A happy birthday song, speeches and handshakes from the children
were all showered upon Geroge. A wonderful opportunity to be one in the family
of humanity. After the celebrations George worked with 2nd, 4th
and 5th standard students and I with 1st 2nd and
3rd standard. Lisa and Taylor at Assisi provide many activities such as
coloring, flash cards, dancing with the little ones who are not yet old enough
to enter school. Later in the day we anxiously looked forward to our time with
the SEAMS children. The children were so excited as they had decorated the hall
for the last birthday celebration of the day only to be doubly surprised when
they were treated to a special dinner of chicken briyani which included the
treat of cake and ice cream. We all sat on the floor yoga style and shared our
meal with the children providing us the opportunity to offer in gratitude
thanks for the joy of receiving the gift of their presence - always with smiles
and hugs.
Our team
looked forward to the weekend having completed our first week of volunteering
at the various sites. A feeling of fulfillment fills our hearts as we’ve
experienced so many significant interactions with the children at our three
sites: Grace School, Assisi Illam and SEAMS Childrens
Home. Teaching English, singing rhymes, reading stories, working one on one
with some of the children, embracing those who are not feeling well, and other
activities have rounded out the curriculum this past week. Now we are heading
off to the forest for the weekend. George and myself take a rickshaw to the
train station which is reminiscent of taking a ride on a roller coaster – just
as exciting weaving in and out of traffic and surrounded by whirling vehicles
of all sizes and shapes and horns honking in our ears. Stephen, Sheeba, Roshan,
Lisa and Taylor met up with us at the train station and as we boarded the
train, we each got our bed assignment. This overnight train takes us to Mysore where we will
begin our drive to the forest. We share four year old Roshan’s excitement in riding
on a train! A wonderful way to end the day as a reminder for us all how easy it
is to stay in mind and spirit forever young when we share our lives with the
children and our team leader and his family in India.
Kathy D.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
"Success
is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what
you are doing, you'll be a success." -Albert Schweitzer
Thursday was another hot day for Porur, Tamil Nadu, with no
rain in sight. We have each settled into our routines and we continue to share
our successes and challenges when we meet at the guesthouse.
Today, after a quick trip to the Government store to buy
Indian arts and crafts, we headed to SEAMs to celebrate my birthday. Before dinner, we sat with the children in
small informal groups in the courtyard, reading, talking, drawing, and
laughing. As I looked around at the
children interacting with our team, I was struck by how far SEAMs has come over
the past five years, due to the efforts of hundreds of Global Volunteers and
the guidance and tenacity of Stephen Raja.
Instead of sleeping on the floor in the main hall, the children now each
have their own bed in six-person dormitories.
Restroom and shower facilities are adequate and clean. The kitchen is
enclosed and sanitary. The children will use the recent addition of the rooftop
library for years to come to promote their education. By far, the children themselves evidence the
greatest change of the past five years.
They seem to be healthy and happier.
They are thriving. There is still much to be done. However, taking care
of the children’s basic human needs of food and shelter now allows for future
volunteers to focus on teaching and supporting the children as they prepare for
life outside the gates of SEAMs.
As we sat with the children in the main hall, quietly
enjoying a meal of Briani and ice cream, my heart was full. This was indeed a Happy Birthday.
George
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
"
Knowledge is special because no one can take it away from you."
Today was a day where I truly felt everything fall into its own place and
organized my thoughts. I am now aware of the fact that my Amma and I are not
here to "fix" everything and help everyone. I think so highly of
these children and want to make them believe it them selves. As much as We have
tried to teach the kids, they have already taught me so much. I want to bring
every little last bit of knowledge and determination out of them, but
truthfully everyone in this community as well as the children especially have
taught me unconditional love and are the ones who keep me going throughout the
day. Teaching them today has made me so happy to see them improve and "flourish"
as Kathy said! At grace school the children are eager to learn even though some
are hyper I am learning to see right through them. I love all of the children
and they are my determination. At the day care assilim I learned that if you
try so hard than the Play and fun won't be natural.From what my mom advised and
I am going to focus on that! I believe that us global volunteers are a family
and bring our own unique personalities to the table. Thank you to my Amma for
letting ke have the opportunity to live this dream and Kathy ,George and
Sheeba, Stephan and roshen for your warm welcome and knowledge. You truly All
have a huge impact on my (Taylor Hayes) Life and hope to see you after this program!
Taylor
Monday, July
2, 2012
“I slept
and dreamt that life was joy...I awoke and saw that life was service...I acted
and behold service was joy.
Rabindranath
Tagore
Although we
refer to ourselves as a team, on this the eve of our third day, it feels very
much like a family. We share our dinner and go over the days events with
Stephen, our team leader. This is our time to express what has been our
experience and to interweave together our ideas on how to best serve the
children. Today was special because it was our first day at our work sites in
Porur. Taylor and Lisa were at Assisi Illam in the morning with the young
children at the day care centre under the guidance of Sister Rose. George and
myself were at Grace
School with students in
Standards 1-5 under the direction of Esther, the school principle. In the
afternoon, all four of us are at Grace
School and I am enjoying
my afternoon tutoring one of the new students one on one. The school is small
and although I’m in a separate room, I smile whenever I hear George singing
rhymes with the young kindergarteners . Our evenings find us at our favorite
childrens home, SEAMS. These first visits are always emotional ones as we
discover that over time some children we have known from previous volunteer
visits have left the home and new ones have arrived to settle in. Although it
appears that we are communicating with and teaching the children, it is more of
a love for them that underlies what we do and gives us great joy. Sometimes our
individual efforts seem like small stitches in time but it is our combined
effort that will create a tapestry of design in which the children will find
themselves hopefully flourishing and enjoying their time with us. At the days
end, as a team, we have explored imaginative ideas combined with tried and true
methods in planning our next days lessons and activities. We look forward to
another day with expectancy and joy in our volunteer experience here in Porur.
Kathy D.
Sunday,July 1, 2012
Day one for team 114
Message……”Each successful journey begins with one
step”>>>>>.
Day one began with a terrific breakfast of South Indian food
prepared by Rani. After a few cups of
coffee or hot tea, team 114 was ready to begin our task for the day, team
orientation. Orientation involves
familiarizing ourselves with the logistics of our two-week work program but
most importantly, it involves us coming together as individuals and emerging at
the end of the session as a cohesive team. This team consists of Kathy,
returning for her fourth time. Lisa and
her daughter Taylor from Long Island who are
here on their inaugural trip, and me, George, back for trip five. Our team will be lead and supported by
Stephen, assisted by his wife Sheeba, and entertained by their son Roshan! Rani
has promised to keep us well fed and Stephen will get us to our jobsites. Finally, Barnabas will be sure our house is
in great working order. With Stephen’s
help, we established good team characteristics and we set our goals.
This team will partner with three local organizations,
Assisi Illam, a day-care and orphanage.
Grace Primary School, a K through 5 school, and SEAMS children’s
home. Our team is optimistic, focused,
and eager to begin our work.
We spent the evening at SEAMS being welcomed by the children
with song and dance. Their smiles and
love have increased our enthusiasm. We
are ready to begin.
George
