Millinium Development Goals Achieved by this team from March 29 - April 2;
110 Hours of class room instruction in conversational English and computer skills by 6 volunteers and 110 Hours of preparation time.
50 Hours of childcare by 2 volunteer
20 Hours of health care provided to the poor at the hospital by 2 volunteers
2 Schools, 2 Children's Home, an hospital and over 400 students impacted
So goes my second crack at journal writing.
Our time in Chennai is drawing to a close with the coming end of this week. Our dear friends Nikki, Nita and Laura left us on Friday and Saturday and have all reached home safely. Jana, Sue Ellen, Katie and Stephen jetted off to Mysore for a weekend trip while Claudia, Joelle and myself stayed behind to hold down the fort. Monday was an easy day at Assisi for Joelle and myself and Claudia at Grace school following the lazy sunday. We chose to give Rani the afternoon off and decided to go out for dinner following showing a movie at seams in the evening.
More importantly, when deciding how long I was going to stay in this program, it was widely regarded as the three week experience being the most gratifying as the best part of the relationships develop in that third week; I think im beginning to see the light. Being the youngest one in my family, I never really needed to socialize with anyone younger than me. I guess what im trying to say i've always been really bad with kids, and my first week here showed it. However, im beginning to be able to relate to the kids at Assisi and seams more and more with every day, and am growing more comfortable with them and playing with them everyday. I look forward to spending more time with the kids this week and helping them to develop their own skills while im doing the same for myself.
Reflecting back on my time in Chennai, I can solidly say I'm a different person after my time here. The lessons learned through the simple sight of a childs appreciation for your presence when it seems like they have nothing else in their life. Learning how the lack of basic health care and nutrition knowledge have plagued an entire portion of the population and the simple steps that can be taken to begin to solve these problems. Learning the dedication and enthusiasm that nursing students must show to their education in order to pass their studies, and the dedication that regular students must show to their studies in order to pass their examinations. I've not only seen the resolve that people show in order to better their lives, but also the resolve that some put into bettering the lives of others. The efforts of Dr. Sr. Rexline through the St. Thomas Hospital and its associated projects (community clinics, Assisi Illam, Old Age homes) have demonstrated just how much one person can do when their efforts are true to their desires. This woman is a model for not just women over the world, but humanity itself as just how much one person can do.
Being the youngest member of this team (and the only male for that fact), I expected to receive my fair share of teasing during the course of the program, and so I have. However, the relationships ive formed and the knowledge I've gained through this experience make it one of the defining moments of my life to this date. Experiences are what you make of them, and the incredible environment of India was only amplified by the wonderful company that we all have kept during this experience. We bonded together to achieve our stated goals and have accomplished them with the authority and enthusiasm that only a well organized and eager team can. Through trips taken for leisure and those taken as a part of work done here, we have acted incredibly as a unit in accomplishing our goals. As a closing, cheers to Global Volunteers and Stephen for enabling us to partake in this incredible journey with their assistance.
I've found a favorite song of mine that appropriately sums up my thoughts of this trip for more than a few reasons:
"Every mile a memory"
Cheers Chennai, thanks for helping make me into who I want to be.
- Aneesh
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
As the climate of South India heats up for the peak of summer (April, May, June), the temperatures rise about one degree daily. It feels much like my greenhouse in Alaska when the door has been closed on an unusually hot day. With schools closing soon, uniformed children hurry home to study for fimal exams. Just as in the U.S., they are excited and restless.
Our team is dwindling. Four have departed, six remain. The weekend was quiet at the guest house, as three travelled to Mysore to visit a Palace, see the forest, wild animals, and sleep in a large treehouse. The 12 hour train ride was well worth it. As volunteers alternately depart, the farewells have brought a celebratory air of treats, another dance party, and even a movie night at the poorest of the orphanages, SEAM's, (Southeast Asian Ministries). The kids were as excited to receive two oranges (!) as they were to see the animated “Shark Tale”. They sat on the floor to watch the computer screen on the table. It was a more intimate evening, the kids more calm, laughing together at times, yawning at others. It felt like a long hug. For me, the teaching at Grace school has taken on more of a rhythm. It helps to know the names of each student and their levels of learning. I am more organized.
The kids like the familiarity of our routine. For example, in 5th grade, we go over
the spelling/vocabulary words from the previous day. Then we do worksheets:
questions about a story, or an exercise to learn about articles, plurals, or
collective nouns. All grades write a sentence in their journals about what they
learned, and are rewarded by a sticker for their journals, and a word puzzle as
they leave the classroom.When the driver picks us up after meeting with the
teachers, Esther has been known to wave him away and say “three more minutes”. I have to admit we used that for arm wrestling Monday.
The children at SEAM's are easier for me to manage as they come to know me better. By changing my expectations I have become more effective. The 'hood around the guesthouse has become familiar, even bordering on charming. Today I took pictures of my haunts: the post office, the copy shop with Mahalalakshmi standing in the door, Fancy Star store, and the supermarket. What originally felt like a death march to the orphanage now is a familiar stroll. Right, left, right, left, straight to the gate by the wagon of coconuts. I wrack my brain to think of useful gifts I could send from my home in Alaska. But the children don't need and have no use for small gifts. The greatest need is for money to Global Volunteers, which is then directed to the sites that Stephen, our leader, chooses. Believe me, you can trust that he will carefully prioritize to meet the needs of the neediest. The children at SEAM's once slept in one large room on a concrete floor. Now they are on bunks, four to a room. There are only bunks in these rooms. Soon the older boys will have a new dormitory, thanks to Global Volunteers. The latest project that I know of will be a garden on that rooftop.
This is a dream realized for me. It can be that for you, too.
Claudia
"The soul is healed by being with children" – Fyodor Dostoevsky
A Love Story Chapter Three
Every true love story has a good beginning, a good middle and a good end. A good love story has it cast of characters. And although the end has yet to be written I can tell you of the beginning and early chapters of a big love, a grand love – unexpected and the kind to heal my soul.
First let me start by thanking a good team – every story needs good supporting characters. There were the "youngn's" of the team: Laura who provided amusement to all "only to Laura could this happen!" We weren't laughing at you – we were laughing near you!
Aneesh: the consumate woman's man! Willing to be a shirpa for the gals, holding purses and packages....maybe the only male – but a good one at that!
And then there is Katie – able to share this experience with someone I love was for me the golden nugget of the trip!....You brought much laughter and energy to the team. I love that "my kids" are now "our kids!".
And then there are the nurses: Jana, and SueEllen, I was glad for your watchful eye, suggestions that the SEAMS children received "health inventories" and that you had an opportunity to be in the presence of Dr. Sr. Rexline....my guess is some of her golden magic dust has drifted and now fallen on you too. SueEllen, thanks for your push to continue the important building project at SEAMS. Since I was not one to sift sand, lift windows or carry bricks – my graditude extends to all those who did. Jana – Remember how the Tin Man from Oz asked for a heart? My dear – Sometimes we don't always see what we have – and I assure you – you do have heart. You are lovely people and of good cheer.
To Joan and Claudia, for your excellent planning and teaching at Grace school – Claudia, one of my favorite memories of this trip was the morning I spent at the flower market with you – talking about parents and politics and our lives back home. I am convinced had we lived in the same city we surely would have found each other by now.
To Niki, I have got to hand it to you – India is not an easy place to try out your travel wings and passport – therefore I stand before you in utter amazement. Then, to endure as you did – sickness when giving a million dollars to feel better being impossible, you endured with grace and fortitude that I so rarely see in others these days. I hope you take a lesson in this, because I do believe we learn the most about ourself when the situation seems the worse. Your kindness and gentle spirit is what I will remember most....and I do so hope that your wings are not clipped and that one day, and not in the distant future you will use that passport again.
And to Nita, my partner at Assisi.....I was so glad to have shared the "taming of the little beasts" with you. That you enjoyed the rhythm of the day as much as I only made it more special for me.
Watch out, George is coming your way with those half-crooked, half-puckered lips! Another favorite memory is "girl talk" with Sr. Rose, Sheeba, you and I. One of those truly unguarded moments with Sr. Rose. Many thanks partner....
And finally, I, "Camp Mom" round out the team, as the old-timer, hopefully helping others to learn the ropes with her "bag of tricks!" Just remember the most important ingredient to pack in your bag is your heart!
And now, the main characters of this story:
There of course is the Handsome king – Raja......Better known as Stephen.....and unlike the king in so many other stories – power-driven, one to beat down the weary and demand more and more – our good king Raja is benevolent, kind and patient "Oh yeah!" and a good servant – "We'll check it out!" He is a protector of his people and a shepherd to the poor....he is the best kind of king -
Of course the good king needs a beautiful wife and Sheeba fits the role perfectly. She is so sweet and generous, thoughtful and light-spirited, and yet her best quality is being known to everyone as friend.
Then, there is the "spoiled" prince – Roshan......but he is as cute as can be, so his faults are easily overlooked. It takes a smart and clever boy to overthrow the throne. I'm sure the King and
Queen will have control restored in short order.
There are the villagers of SEAMS – with their governor – the wise and good Pastor Arul....who has served many in his care for years and years. The villagers who truly have so little, still are willing to share what seems to never run short – their smiles, their laughter, and plentiful hugs and kisses.
And then there is the Town of Assisi Illam, blessed and protected by St. Frances, Sr. Rose and Sr. Virgin. The 20 villagers are placed in their loving care as they've turned paupers into princes and princesses. The day care short citizens add to their number (50) during the morning and early afternoon and receive excellent instruction from the fair and powerful, stick weilding Jesse.....whose stick is just enough of a threat to keep all children safe and engaged.
Now that you are on the edge of your seat waiting to hear the depth and breadth of this love story, I will tell you the truth – no one but the two who live it can ever really know the extent of their love – but here are the facts that can be shared: A palm-reader foretold Aunty's trip to India. She then landed in the far-off place called Chennai. On the first day of her first year at the castle Assisi she met a glum and isolated soul whose name she learned to be Augustine. As the three weeks flew by, the two became inseparable as Augustine crawled all over Aunty's heart. The memory of leaving that first year – both with tear-stained faces haunted her for a whole year until she knew that she could only live if only to fulfill the promise of holding her "Little Heart" just one more time.
As plans were made for Joelle Aunty's second visit to Chennai, she learned the news....Augustine was no longer at the castle.....he had returned to his homeland – far, far away. As the message was sent throughout the Kingdom.....of Aunty's impending return......a major search for one little boy in a billion haystack pursued. Found him they did! A drive to Pondicherry and a meeting with the Mother and uncle took place. The good mother allowed me a private audience with her son and it was indeed a most happy event, and one to remembered until memory is no longer useful. But what to do? The desire was so great to see Augustine succeed in life – she turned to the King and begged mercy for this child to put him in a good school near the castle.....and so it came to be.
On this my third trip to Chennai – I have found the healing of my soul – the healing of a year of loss because of one, small mischiveous "Monkey Boy".....who again became mine and I his. He is even smarter and funnier than I remembered, but I am mostly struck by how happy he is – darkness and sadness vanished , replaced by brightness and light. Holding him is my great joy. Even so – I think how can anyone love him more than I? But the story of the "true mother" and King Solomon reminds me that this woman was willing to give her child to another rather than seeing the child cut in two. If I were Augustine's true mother could I give over the care of this sweet boy to another? I doubt that I could, even if I knew it would be better for his life. Therefore, the real love story here is of a mother's love of sacrafice so as to provide her child with opportunities to live and grow and learn. This is big love!
This love story shall continue because there are still other stories in lives yet to be written. I know there will always be a tug between the hearts of the fab five (Sylvia, Sophia, Jasmine, George and John) (plus one....Augustine - my little heart) and my own.
The end of my story has yet to be written....I do think true love stories last beyond this world and into the next. Yet here I sit with my heart pierced not knowing when the next chapters will be written. The words of Garnet Rogers ring so true for me:
The days go slow, the years they flee -
The future's not for us to see,
So for today, I'll let you be...
What I'd give to have you here with me,
What I'd give to have you here with me...
I will dream of you being with me – India, a land and people and especially one little boy who heals my soul.
Joelle
All great achievements require time.
Maya Angelou
Today marked the last day for team members Joelle and Katie. The day started by Aneesh, Katie, and I attending our last morning yoga session. At the end of the session, Katie asked our yoga teacher if he would perform his favorite yoga pose for a picture. We were amazed as he stood on his head, then crossed his legs. Perhaps one day we can achieve this, also – or not as the case may be.
After our morning cold shower and breakfast of ramen noodles and hard boiled eggs, team members migrated to their work assignments. Joelle, Aneesh, and Jana went to Assissi Illam, Katie and Claudia went to Grace Nursery and Primary School, and I stayed behind to work on the growth charts for the kids at SEAM. Work assignments are haphazard this week as this is the week before Easter and schools are going on holiday.
Claudia had ordered a cake (from our local copy shop of all places) for a lunch
time treat for the students at Grace School. Aneesh and Jana left Assisi early,
picked up the cake, and took it to the school, where the teachers were anxious to meet Aneesh as they thought he looked like Obama in the brief glances they had of him. However, once Aneesh arrived, the teachers became shy and needed encouragement to talk with him. Katie arrived back at the guest house after the party with the palm of her hand decorated with henna by one of the teachers. Henna is carefully painted on the palms of the hands; after an hour or two, the henna paste is washed off and the resulting skin under the paste remains dyed and lasts for a week or two. Unmarried women can only have the palm of their hands decorated. Married women can also have the tops of their hands painted.
This afternoon, Katie and Joelle went to Assisi to say their last farewells to the
children. Katie was especially honored to be chosen to be the godmother of little
Jasmine and we all felt fortunate to be able to attend Jasmine's baptism yesterday. I'm sure Katie savored her last visit with Jasmine today before traveling back to Minnesota this evening. While Katie and Joelle went to Assisi, Aneesh, Jana and I went to SEAM. (Claudia stayed behind to rest after the party at Grace School as she is still recovering from an upper respiratory infection.) At SEAM, while Aneesh and Jana attended to the students' myriad cuts and scrapes, I had an impromptu conversational English class with four of the students. Using postcards, I told them about Alaska. I could tell they couldn't totally comprehend a land of ice and snow (northern lights were beyond any comprehension) but they were fascinated with the pictures anyway. When we finished discussing Alaska, they brought out a picture book about India and we discussed pictures with which they were familiar. The last part of our visit was playing “Indian games”, which I always lost because they conveniently didn't tell me all the rules. It was hilarious.
Back at the guest house, we quickly showered and went out to the restaurant we
visited our first week in India. This was the final farewell dinner. We had an excellent Indian dinner which included tandoori chicken, garlic naan bread, spicy
fried cauliflower, vegetable curry, and rice. Indian cuisine consists of so many dishes, I could not learn them all this trip. Hopefully, I'll be inspired to cook up a spicy Indian dish every once in a while in my northern abode and think of the warm hospitality I experienced while in Chennai.
Upon our arrival back at the guest house, Katie and Claudia found two students from Grace waiting for them to give them a thank-you letter. Obviously, Katie and Claudia's presence at Grace School touched these students enough to make them to want to make the extra effort to write a letter and wait at the guest house for them to return from dinner in order to deliver it.
Too soon, it was time for Katie and Joelle to leave for the airport. At the
beginning of this trip, there were 10 volunteers, now we are down to four. As my time draw near to leave, I wonder what it was that I contributed. Would the sand have been sifted at the construction site without me? Probably, eventually. Would the students at Grace have learned English without me? Yes. The hospital would have survived just fine without my days of observation. And the children at SEAM would have spread themselves out between nine volunteers instead of ten. So what can I tell others who are contemplating a trip with Global Volunteers what is the purpose of volunteering?
First, no one person is indispensable, nor should be as a program cannot survive if it is dependent on only one person. However, a steady stream of dedicated groups of people can truly make a difference in community selected projects. Secondly, while a program may not be dependent on one person, that one person can truly make a good or bad impressiion on the community. If by smiling politely at the grocery, or patiently waiting in line at the copy shop I can make a favorable impression and my country is viewed in a better light by even one person, I think that is worth the trip. Finally, I believe that the first step in making the world a better place is by first making a change within our own selves. Volunteering provides a great opportunity of personal growth, and by making ourselves better people we are better able to effect change in those around us.
Suellen
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