January 12, 2008 – Roma Wilson
Our first working week is now blending into our weekend off. A change of time to 7 a.m. for breakfast, in order to initiate an early departure time, was greeted by the sleepy 10.
Rick’s farewell letter created a tender moment as it was passed around and we wish him a safe journey to his interesting destinations.
7:53 a.m., and we were meeting Madu, our driver, in his AC bus, ready for departure to Pondicherry, now Puducherry, 175 km distance. From the observation post on the left side of the bus, we viewed the never ending construction, seldom appearing footpaths/sidewalks, ravens balancing on the overhead electric wires, and billboards in Tamil and English. In particular, one sign touched the funny bone. It read: “Drench Your Life With Fun,” suggesting a monsoon mood enlightenment. Ginny would probably appreciate that. National Highway #45 was an excellent road.
A large lake, Chembrabakkam, from which water is pumped to Chennai, was dry 3 years ago, causing a severe problem. A short stop was made to gate view a memorial to Rajiv Ghandi, at the site of his assassination (1991).
By 9:10 a.m., we changed directions to Kancheepuram. After a stop, waiting for a stationary train to move along, we arrived at #1 site of Dravidian architecture, Kamakshi Amman Temple. Shoes off, socks permitted, but no entry into the inner sanctorium for non-Hindu visitors. Stephen explained the many facets of the granite sculptures to this temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It was all very mysterious and an opening into this aspect of Indian culture and religion.
For a change of pace we viewed the three brave souls, Jan, Joann and George, who clambered up the huge elephant’s trunk to gain a rajah’s view of the temple complex, before departing for the next three Hindu temples.
10:30 – 10:55 a.m. at Ekambrarnatha Tempe, the mango tree – Shiva complex.
Onto Kailashnatha, the sandstone Shiva complex which was closed as someone had died here. By 11:35 am, we were viewing #4 complex.
Varadarajasamy Temple dedicated to Vishnu. This was an amazing 100 pillar hall with figures sculptured from a single solid block of granite. Some antics of naughty Vishnu captured Ginny’s sharp eyes – no further description.
By 12:15 p.m., we were at the Hotel Regency for lunch, departing 1:40 p.m. for the Sri Ganapathi Silk House. The shoppers were in 7th Heaven in a room stacked with gorgeous colours and designs of silk scarves, table centres and cloths, saris and other wares. Selection was difficult and time consuming. So it was 3:05 p.m. before our patient manager, Stephen, could extract us intact.
En route from Porur, we were amazed to view the excessive number of engineering colleges. They have approximately 300 students in each college and the full range of engineering divisions with no specialization in any one subject. Most of them were located some distance from the main road.
A comfort stop at a motel, with a large play ground, had us wondering how much the SEAM children would enjoy these facilities for play exercise. 5:40 p.m., we waited patiently for Madu, to obtain a permit required to enter the union state of Puducherry. A complete change of venue, orderly and clean streets, policemen in white uniform with gloves and red pillbox style cap. There was a slow down of traffic and from a side entrance, a ministerial entourage was given precedence. A funeral has to be conducted before sunset and this was the reason for the procession. However, we were not quite sure why we followed immediately behind it but we certainly arrived sooner than expected.
6:30 p.m. we arrived at the Lotus Hotel with passports at the ready and a longing for a hot shower. some made for the dining room and others enjoyed an early night . Deo gratias!
Thought for the Day:
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others, remains, and is immortal.”
Friday, January 18, 2008
Global Volunteers India Team Journal - IND0801a1
January 11, 2008 – Ruth
It is hard to realize this is the end of week one, a great week, with one sad thing. Rick has left us. He was a wonderful and valuable member and will be sorely missed. I am sure his farewell drink went well, which thanks to you “Dear Journal,” I missed.
As always, my time with the nuns was a pleasure. I hope I am giving them something useful in psychology. However, it is surely helping their English as the material is challenging. After a 5-minute break they can relax for the conversational English time.
Grade 5th at Grace School surprised me with their ability to sort random letters into words. They got the words “copy cats” from the jumbled letters with no clues. During the Grade 2nd period, there was a parents’ meeting to which George and I were bidden. The director spoke and when George was gone for a minute, asked me to talk to them. I felt inadequate, but on George’s return, he carried the honour for Global Volunteers. His address was excellent. I always felt he’d done a public speaking course.
And now, Dear Journal, “That’s All.”
“Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you a valuable lesson.”
It is hard to realize this is the end of week one, a great week, with one sad thing. Rick has left us. He was a wonderful and valuable member and will be sorely missed. I am sure his farewell drink went well, which thanks to you “Dear Journal,” I missed.
As always, my time with the nuns was a pleasure. I hope I am giving them something useful in psychology. However, it is surely helping their English as the material is challenging. After a 5-minute break they can relax for the conversational English time.
Grade 5th at Grace School surprised me with their ability to sort random letters into words. They got the words “copy cats” from the jumbled letters with no clues. During the Grade 2nd period, there was a parents’ meeting to which George and I were bidden. The director spoke and when George was gone for a minute, asked me to talk to them. I felt inadequate, but on George’s return, he carried the honour for Global Volunteers. His address was excellent. I always felt he’d done a public speaking course.
And now, Dear Journal, “That’s All.”
“Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you a valuable lesson.”
Friday, January 11, 2008
Global Volunteers India - IND0801a1
Day 5 January 10, 2008 by Jan Webster
The six of us on the first floor of the Guest House begin our morning “dance” between 6:30 and 7:30. Things run smoothly and efficiently. No one seems to linger in the washroom facilities. Cool, some say cold, water makes for a quick in-and-out.
After a great breakfast, Ruth, Ginny and I headed for St. Joseph’s School. It was our first morning walking alone but Stephen had coached us well. We dodged the ubiquitous motorcycles, bikes and cars, nodded to the neighborhood cows, shook hands with passing students and still made it to school with time to spare. Forty three smiling four year olds greet me each day with a chorus of “Good morning, Miss” as soon as I cross the threshold of the Lower Kindergarten classroom. Their teacher is young, well-trained and dedicated to providing the very best education possible to these youngsters. Teaching materials are more easily made than bought in this part of the world. My trusty teammates worked assembly-line fashion to help finish some supplies today.
Evening brought the highlight of our day. Stephen’s parents had invited us to their home for dinner. As we arrived in the car, we were greeted warmly by each member of the family. We gathered around the family table looking at wedding pictures of Stephen and Sheeba, as well as Stephen’s brother (the REAL Stephen) and his wife. Laughter, stories, oohs and ahhhs filled the room. There is a warmth, pride and closeness that permeates this family. They genuinely care for one another and welcomed us to share this bond.
Dinner was as beautiful as it was bountiful and delicious. The mixtures of flavors, textures and color treated our eyes as well as our palettes. Sheeba graciously offered to hold a cooking class next week so we can learn to make some of our favorite dishes. After dinner, Stephen’s sister-in-law drew a gorgeous kollum on the back porch. With just a bit of encouragement, Anne, George, Elyse, Joann and Lucy provided some beautiful additions. When Stephen brings the stone powder, a kollum will decorate the Guest house path, for sure. As we left Stephen’s home it became clear that, in the wonder that is India, we have, in this short time, moved from acquaintances to friends to family.
Thought for the day: If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito.
The six of us on the first floor of the Guest House begin our morning “dance” between 6:30 and 7:30. Things run smoothly and efficiently. No one seems to linger in the washroom facilities. Cool, some say cold, water makes for a quick in-and-out.
After a great breakfast, Ruth, Ginny and I headed for St. Joseph’s School. It was our first morning walking alone but Stephen had coached us well. We dodged the ubiquitous motorcycles, bikes and cars, nodded to the neighborhood cows, shook hands with passing students and still made it to school with time to spare. Forty three smiling four year olds greet me each day with a chorus of “Good morning, Miss” as soon as I cross the threshold of the Lower Kindergarten classroom. Their teacher is young, well-trained and dedicated to providing the very best education possible to these youngsters. Teaching materials are more easily made than bought in this part of the world. My trusty teammates worked assembly-line fashion to help finish some supplies today.
Evening brought the highlight of our day. Stephen’s parents had invited us to their home for dinner. As we arrived in the car, we were greeted warmly by each member of the family. We gathered around the family table looking at wedding pictures of Stephen and Sheeba, as well as Stephen’s brother (the REAL Stephen) and his wife. Laughter, stories, oohs and ahhhs filled the room. There is a warmth, pride and closeness that permeates this family. They genuinely care for one another and welcomed us to share this bond.
Dinner was as beautiful as it was bountiful and delicious. The mixtures of flavors, textures and color treated our eyes as well as our palettes. Sheeba graciously offered to hold a cooking class next week so we can learn to make some of our favorite dishes. After dinner, Stephen’s sister-in-law drew a gorgeous kollum on the back porch. With just a bit of encouragement, Anne, George, Elyse, Joann and Lucy provided some beautiful additions. When Stephen brings the stone powder, a kollum will decorate the Guest house path, for sure. As we left Stephen’s home it became clear that, in the wonder that is India, we have, in this short time, moved from acquaintances to friends to family.
Thought for the day: If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Global Volunteers India - IND0801a1
Day 4 January 9th, 2008 by Christine Hodson
Started the day with a delicious breakfast of ricecakes and peanut sauce, hard-boiled eggs, toast and various fruits. Rick’s journal entry and thought for the day was well done. Elyse is feeling better. Ruth is so so but she is a trooper and is continuing with her assignment. She is very dedicated.
Our morning routine is well established by now and going off to our assignments is smooth.
I am at St. Thomas Hospital where I am able to share my experience in psychiatric nursing with their nursing students. They are also encouraged to practice English and medical technology. We meet for approximately 1 – 11/2 hours daily after which I seek out my own experiences in the hospital.
The supplies for the hospital donated by the volunteers were much appreciated by Sister Rexelin when I brought them to her today. She is a wonderful and terrific person who started the hospital and still runs it. Despite being very busy, she makes time for everybody and everything.
My time with the students today went well. They participated and had many questions which is a good sign – or so I think. Then I spent time with a patient who I met the day before in the intensive care unit. He was so pleased to talk to me that he wanted to invite me for lunch today. It was a good visit with him and his family – sharing of one’s culture. While I was waiting for my pick-up a father with his small daughter approached me to let me know she has a fever and needed a “shot”. He also introduced his wife to me. They all call me “sister” although I do not wear a uniform. Do I look that nun-like?
Our daily visit at SEAM was very lively but also rewarding to interact with the children.
For our dinner Sheeba and Stephen took us to Kumarakom – a restaurant that specializes in Kerala style food which was delicious. A very pleasant evening.
Thought for the day: Remember even the small things we do can make a difference in somebody’s life.
Started the day with a delicious breakfast of ricecakes and peanut sauce, hard-boiled eggs, toast and various fruits. Rick’s journal entry and thought for the day was well done. Elyse is feeling better. Ruth is so so but she is a trooper and is continuing with her assignment. She is very dedicated.
Our morning routine is well established by now and going off to our assignments is smooth.
I am at St. Thomas Hospital where I am able to share my experience in psychiatric nursing with their nursing students. They are also encouraged to practice English and medical technology. We meet for approximately 1 – 11/2 hours daily after which I seek out my own experiences in the hospital.
The supplies for the hospital donated by the volunteers were much appreciated by Sister Rexelin when I brought them to her today. She is a wonderful and terrific person who started the hospital and still runs it. Despite being very busy, she makes time for everybody and everything.
My time with the students today went well. They participated and had many questions which is a good sign – or so I think. Then I spent time with a patient who I met the day before in the intensive care unit. He was so pleased to talk to me that he wanted to invite me for lunch today. It was a good visit with him and his family – sharing of one’s culture. While I was waiting for my pick-up a father with his small daughter approached me to let me know she has a fever and needed a “shot”. He also introduced his wife to me. They all call me “sister” although I do not wear a uniform. Do I look that nun-like?
Our daily visit at SEAM was very lively but also rewarding to interact with the children.
For our dinner Sheeba and Stephen took us to Kumarakom – a restaurant that specializes in Kerala style food which was delicious. A very pleasant evening.
Thought for the day: Remember even the small things we do can make a difference in somebody’s life.
Global Volunteers India - IND0801a1
Day 3 January 8th, 2008 by Richard Burgio
Second day on the job painting at St. Joseph’s starts out on s high note. Joann and I are greeted like rock stars by the children when we pop in to visit before heading to work. As we enter the room, a loud roar builds to a deafening pitch as the kids shout greetings and rush to shake hands with us. Not wanting to wear out our welcome or incur the wrath of the sister in the corner waving the ruler we head up to the dining room to continue our painting. After completing a section of the room, I ask Ravi, one of our local painters if my work is okay. After inspecting it, he gives us the Indian head wag, which could mean “Good Job” or “I will repaint it after you leave”. On our lunch break Joann and I walk around the area and meet a worker digging a water tank who gestures to us to take his photo. After posing for shots with each of us, he pulls out pictures that had been taken on the site previously and with a series of hand gestures between all three of us, it is communicated that he would like to be sent prints for his collection. We promise to do our best.
Our evening visit to SEAM starts out a bit rocky when the unfamiliar concept of 3 legged races results in some scraped knees and crying children. Stephen quickly gets things back on track by suggesting games the children know such as hop scotch Indian style, and dodge ball. George had everyone in a game of “Simon Says”, which might still be going this morning if we did not call it, as there were some very sharp players in the group. Stephen has a treat of ice cream for us at dinner. Ginny asks personal questions of Stephen and Sheeba.
Excuse me I have to answer the doorbell. Joann’s lost bag has finally arrived. Please compliment her on her new attire.
“I get by with a little help from my friends.”
Second day on the job painting at St. Joseph’s starts out on s high note. Joann and I are greeted like rock stars by the children when we pop in to visit before heading to work. As we enter the room, a loud roar builds to a deafening pitch as the kids shout greetings and rush to shake hands with us. Not wanting to wear out our welcome or incur the wrath of the sister in the corner waving the ruler we head up to the dining room to continue our painting. After completing a section of the room, I ask Ravi, one of our local painters if my work is okay. After inspecting it, he gives us the Indian head wag, which could mean “Good Job” or “I will repaint it after you leave”. On our lunch break Joann and I walk around the area and meet a worker digging a water tank who gestures to us to take his photo. After posing for shots with each of us, he pulls out pictures that had been taken on the site previously and with a series of hand gestures between all three of us, it is communicated that he would like to be sent prints for his collection. We promise to do our best.
Our evening visit to SEAM starts out a bit rocky when the unfamiliar concept of 3 legged races results in some scraped knees and crying children. Stephen quickly gets things back on track by suggesting games the children know such as hop scotch Indian style, and dodge ball. George had everyone in a game of “Simon Says”, which might still be going this morning if we did not call it, as there were some very sharp players in the group. Stephen has a treat of ice cream for us at dinner. Ginny asks personal questions of Stephen and Sheeba.
Excuse me I have to answer the doorbell. Joann’s lost bag has finally arrived. Please compliment her on her new attire.
“I get by with a little help from my friends.”
Global Volunteers India - IND0801a1
January 7th, 2008 by Anne Littrell
Our day starts with an excellent breakfast including fresh small bananas, tangerines, hard boiled eggs and “spaghetti” (delicious noodles mildly spiced). It is our first day to “work” – interact with the children. We approach the day with various degrees of excitement, apprehension and fear. George and Ruth are going to Grace School where they will assist teaching 1st to 5th grades. Grace School serves the children of the local community. Additionally Ruth will work with the Bethlamite Sisters helping them with conversational English and psychology. Jan and Ginny are going to St. Joseph’s School. Jan will teach Kindergarten and Ginny 1st thru 9th grade. Those kids are in for a treat! Roma, Lucy, Elyse and Anne are going to Assisi Illam, an orphanage and day care center. They will help care for the one to five year olds. Rick and Joanne are our work crew this week as they head off to St. Joseph’s Social Service Center to paint – the 23 year old building is in need of a facelift. Christine has a most interesting assignment for as a nurse she will work with the staff at the St. Thomas Hospital.
By 3:30pm we return to the guest house. Rick and Joann had a productive day. With many gestures and few words they were shown the painting procedure. They commented on the amount of work that has been accomplished by Global Volunteers at St. Joseph’s. They were entertained by the children of the center with a rendition of the Hoky Pokey.
Roma, Lucy, Elyse and Anne played with, sang to, and helped feed the children of Assisi Illam. There was laughter, many hugs and a few tears. The children are friendly and eager for attention.
George had a great day. He says this is the perfect assignment for him. He did sound a little unsure of what to do with those tiny first graders. They will instruct him as the week goes on.
Ruth met with the nuns at Bethlamite and feels their time together will be productive. Unfortunately she wasn’t feeling well and came back to the Guest House to rest.
Jan and Ginny were pleased with their school and the students. We all feel we need to prepare for each day’s activity.
At 5:15 we wnet to SEAM. Such friendly and energetic children! They were happy to see us. They sang a song for us and we sang for them.
It was a good day. As Stephen had told us would happen, the blindfolds are now off. We have a better understanding of what we need to do and what the procedures are.
Thought for the day: “One Day At A Time!”
Our day starts with an excellent breakfast including fresh small bananas, tangerines, hard boiled eggs and “spaghetti” (delicious noodles mildly spiced). It is our first day to “work” – interact with the children. We approach the day with various degrees of excitement, apprehension and fear. George and Ruth are going to Grace School where they will assist teaching 1st to 5th grades. Grace School serves the children of the local community. Additionally Ruth will work with the Bethlamite Sisters helping them with conversational English and psychology. Jan and Ginny are going to St. Joseph’s School. Jan will teach Kindergarten and Ginny 1st thru 9th grade. Those kids are in for a treat! Roma, Lucy, Elyse and Anne are going to Assisi Illam, an orphanage and day care center. They will help care for the one to five year olds. Rick and Joanne are our work crew this week as they head off to St. Joseph’s Social Service Center to paint – the 23 year old building is in need of a facelift. Christine has a most interesting assignment for as a nurse she will work with the staff at the St. Thomas Hospital.
By 3:30pm we return to the guest house. Rick and Joann had a productive day. With many gestures and few words they were shown the painting procedure. They commented on the amount of work that has been accomplished by Global Volunteers at St. Joseph’s. They were entertained by the children of the center with a rendition of the Hoky Pokey.
Roma, Lucy, Elyse and Anne played with, sang to, and helped feed the children of Assisi Illam. There was laughter, many hugs and a few tears. The children are friendly and eager for attention.
George had a great day. He says this is the perfect assignment for him. He did sound a little unsure of what to do with those tiny first graders. They will instruct him as the week goes on.
Ruth met with the nuns at Bethlamite and feels their time together will be productive. Unfortunately she wasn’t feeling well and came back to the Guest House to rest.
Jan and Ginny were pleased with their school and the students. We all feel we need to prepare for each day’s activity.
At 5:15 we wnet to SEAM. Such friendly and energetic children! They were happy to see us. They sang a song for us and we sang for them.
It was a good day. As Stephen had told us would happen, the blindfolds are now off. We have a better understanding of what we need to do and what the procedures are.
Thought for the day: “One Day At A Time!”
Global Volunteers India - IND0801a1
Sunday morning was spent with orientation coming up with team goals and characteristics of a good team. Our team consists of 11 volunteers, most of them from the USA but also Ruth, a Canadian and Roma from Australia. I could tell it is a great group of volunteers after the initial orientation. We started the day with a great Indian breakfast of rice dumplings covered with a spicy sauce, Lunch was extremely delicious consisting of rice, chicken, eggplant, a vegetable mix, all nicely spiced.
Before and after lunch, Stephen (AKA Raja) conducted orientation which was speedy and precise, All volunteers are very friendly and appear to be a very cohesive group ranging in age from 20 to 80. Roma, the oldest volunteer is delightful. This is her ninth GV. I think everyone in this group thinks she is a marvel.
Assignments were give, goals and characteristics of a team were determined. A walk around the neighborhood stopping at a supermarket to pick up a few things and a stop at the Internet café,
Dinner at the Grand Residence Hotel was marvelous. Mancrow soup, a silent, spicy ysoup was excellent. A wonderful way to end the day.
Thought of the day: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Everything is small stuff.”
Before and after lunch, Stephen (AKA Raja) conducted orientation which was speedy and precise, All volunteers are very friendly and appear to be a very cohesive group ranging in age from 20 to 80. Roma, the oldest volunteer is delightful. This is her ninth GV. I think everyone in this group thinks she is a marvel.
Assignments were give, goals and characteristics of a team were determined. A walk around the neighborhood stopping at a supermarket to pick up a few things and a stop at the Internet café,
Dinner at the Grand Residence Hotel was marvelous. Mancrow soup, a silent, spicy ysoup was excellent. A wonderful way to end the day.
Thought of the day: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Everything is small stuff.”
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