Sunday, July 22, 2012


Friday, July 13, 2012

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




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