28 December 2008

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Today is the last Monday that we will have in our Global Volunteers experience. It is now down to Harshal, Joelle and me. Yesterday Enid, Miriam, Joelle, and I went to the indoor outdoor flower/fruit market with Steven. It was an incredible feast for the eyes but much too short of an experience. We had to hurry to ensure Miriam and Enid made it to the airport on time. I’m glad that they were able to experience the market as we all seemed to enjoy it. As we wandered through, many of the vendors gave us flowers…I wasn’t sure if they gave them so we would buy their flowers, or if they were being kind. I chose to think they were being kind. I ended up with many flowers in my hair. This seemed to amuse the locals. It was fun. This was my highlight of the day…except for the excessive sweating!

My challenge was the realization that the team and the visit is dwindling down to a minimum. I’m filled with sadness, happiness, confusion and many unknown emotions. I know that I will be permanently left with a place in my heart for the children, the sisters, Dr. Sister Excellence, the unknown but frequent smiling faces, the cars and all forms of traffic, cows, sounds, smells, colors, beauty and overall mysteries of India. It is definitely a bit lonely with fewer people since the team dynamic is inevitably different. I think now those of us left have become more introspective.

I look forward to today and seeing Steven and Sheeba’s new house. Though they will not live there it will provide an extra source of income to help bring their lives closer to what they wish it to be.

I end with this quote: “Truth is what is. Truth is neither good or bad, ugly nor beautiful. Truth is just what exists—it is reality. The successful are realists. They are not trapped by false appearances. They see the world as it is.”


Cynthia

27 December 2008

Saturday, December 27, 2008

It is now 2/3 of the way through the program for me, and it is a good time to reflect upon the goals of the program, what we’ve accomplished for ourselves, for the children and the community we have served.
With our team greatly diminished – Chris, Nicky – the first to leave and last night we said a fond good-bye to Molly as we stayed up late to see her off – and anticipating the loss yet of two more Team members tomorrow – Enid and Miriam – a sadness settles upon us. Thankfully the banter of Harshal and Cynthia, dueling tongues will keep us entertained and in stitches. Stephen is happy because the Team has been a good one, and a great way to end 2008 and welcome in the New Year.
For myself, the story of my being here began a year ago; this is the story I now share:
One year ago, on my first day at Assisi Illam, I spotted one twinkling-eyed boy among the multitude of day-care children. It wasn’t until after most of the day-care children left that I noticed a rather serious boy, isolated and withdrawn. I learned his name was Augustine. I also new Augustine needed to be “tamed” – certainly not in the sense one tames a wild beast, but rather as Antoine de Saint Exupery spoke about “taming” in the Little Prince:

‘Dejected he wandered on until he heard cries from a small fox saying "Tame me." The little prince asked "What is it to tame?" The fox replies, "It is to establish ties....to me, you are nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys and I have no need of you. ....But if you tame me, than we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world."

"One only understands the things that one tames...if you want a friend tame me..." Finally the little prince agrees. The fox then details a procedure in which he will come everyday to the spot in the woods and the fox comes also. There they would view each other from a distance of safety for several days. Over time they would draw closer and closer until they had built a bond of trust. Then they would have tamed one another.’

The day I knew I had tamed Augustine, sitting side by side, not saying anything at all, he reached over, tugged my earring and rolled his eyes and looked away. What a tease! From then on I knew I had him eating out of my hand, sitting on my lap, engaged with the other children – playing. We became inseparable. Often I would hear staff and children at Assisi say, “Augustine is a bad boy….” How can anyone at “3” be all that bad? Augustine was an underdog, and I root for the little guys – Obama before he became well known, and now our president to be, Andrew, the ex-con, artist with bad teeth and custodian for the Loaves and Fishes where I serve meals once a month, and the runt of the 6th grade litter who gets picked on at school.
My favorite times with Augustine came in mid-afternoon after lunch had been eaten and the children and Aunties had been “played-out”. We would lie on the bare floor facing each other. Talk gently to each other – he of course in Tamil and I in English, and yet we knew perfectly well what we were saying to one another. He then, knowing my limited Tamil vocabulary would switch into English for my benefit and say, “Shhh, sleeping, sleeping,” and as I would rub his back. He first, then I, would drift into a peaceful sleep.
The day I had to say good-bye to Augustine was among my life’s saddest. How could this one child in three weeks, who I thought I had tamed, actually in the end, tamed me? Would it hurt any more to have a limb ripped from its socket as I was being dragged to the van and as I handed-off a sobbing boy, who, in the end knew that this was a long good-bye? How long would it take for a broken heart to heal - his heart, my heart? I worried for some time about all the disappointments and sadness this little boy would have to face, and was I just another in a series of people who let him down? What could I do for this little boy living so far away?
Once home and after a month of ritualistic crying – early mornings, late evenings I checked into the possibility of adopting Augustine. It seemed on several fronts the answer would be no. No, too old. No, single. No, the boy has a mother. No way. Believing as I do things happen for a reason, I decided then, if Augustine couldn’t come to me, well….then I’d return to Augustine. Almost immediately I began to plan for my next trip to Chennai to do my second Global Volunteers, connect with all the people I grew to love in such a short time and to hold Augustine once more. But as soon as I started planning my return…..I learned the news from Stephen and Sheeba, “Augustine’s mother had come for him and had taken him home.” So then, what do I do – go or stay? I decided that I would go and pleaded with Stephen…..is there anyway you can find Augustine in the haystack of one-point-six billion people? Stephen’s answer to me, “We will try.”
Somehow I had an odd notion that Augustine would be nestled away in some small back-alley of Chennai. I thought, perhaps if I walk the alleys and call, “Augustine,” or sing “Old MacDonald” long and loud enough he would pop his head out of one of the thatched dwellings and add a “wolf, wolf here, wolf, wolf there….” and the fairy tale would have a happy ending. Not so. It was never meant to be that simple. Stephen and Sister Rose worked for three months trying to discover Augustine’s whereabouts. The good news arrived. Sr. Rose said she knew someone to call who could contact Augustine’s uncle in Pondicherry, and then his mother.
The set-up was decided. Little Stephen would drive me to Pondicherry where we would me Uncle Christopher at the Gandhi statue and he would lead us to a meeting point for the reunion. Anticipation…..like the day before summer break, like waiting for the first drops of rain following a drought, I waited for the first sighting of “My Little Heart.” And then, I saw him. This was real. He looked so different, yet he was Augustine. His hair shorter, he – taller, but the eyes, well the eyes were his. I worried that he wouldn’t remember me, but as an auntie who wanted to be remembered, plying with gifts of monkey, book, and chocolate seemed to help. When asked if he remembered me….his answer was, “Yes, I do remember.” Still, he wasn’t yet, my Augustine and I knew the “taming” process would have to begin again. With mother’s permission I had the next four hours to spend playing with Augustine at Little Stephen’s in-laws home in Pondicherry. Augustine waved to mom good-bye, blew her a kiss and was glad to go with Auntie. Then, for sure, I knew the veil had been lifted and he was mine once more. How to stretch these four hours into something that will last a lifetime – maybe his, maybe mine? Imprinting the image of a boy, now four, arms opened wide to embrace all the love overflowing from my heart, kisses planted on cheeks and forehead as one might kiss a sacred relic - this I shall not forget. As four o’clock approached, knowing we’d soon be leaving for another hand-off and another good-bye, I steeled myself. This time however, it didn’t seem so difficult because for whatever reason Augustine will be part of my life in the future. Perhaps it will mean that I will again visit him in years to come. Maybe it will mean that I will support him in his education. Perhaps, and this is a long-shot, but maybe, just maybe he will be with me in the States to learn and grow at some future time. You see, this story has no ending. Most true love stories don’t. But this much I know is true: One little boy entered my life. My heart has been “tamed”…..and I shall never be the same.

Joelle

26 December 2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

Today is the last day of my Global Volunteers adventure in India. As I pack up and begin to prepare myself for my long journey home, I have a chance to reflect on the many people and experiences that have made this such a special and unique trip. I think of my days of construction with Harshal (include today – SURPRISE!) and think about how much more quickly and efficiently the local craftsman work than us. I am grateful to have had as good natured a partner as Harshal and hope he survives next week on his own!
I think of Enid singing “Marly, marly,” Chris recounting her massage experience, Harshal in his Santa suit, Cynthia wandering through the streets taking photographs and nearly walking into every bike, van, and auto-rickshaw that passed. I think of Joelle’s incredible joy and devotion to the children of Assisi, Miriam’s tears as she said good-bye to her sweet little friends at SEAMs, Nicky’s incredible, seeming endless array of sparkling, colorful outfits. I think of Roshan’s smile, Sheeba’s kindness and Stephen’s incredible patience. I think of our amazing Christmas dinner with Stephen’s entire family, Roshan’s baptism, I think of the gathering of pastors singing at SEAMs while we worked, The many Christmas pageants we got to attend, many times as guests of honor. I think of the cows and dogs and women wrapped in their beautiful sarees and bikes and auto-rickshaws and trucks and families of five on their motorcycle and men driving mopeds with their helmet in their lap talking on their cell-phones, all sharing in the tumultuous street life of Chennai. I think about Roni’s delicious cooking and that even with the physical labor, I will be returning home a little larger than I came here. I think of Barnabas’s 1000 watt smile, Little Stephen’s incredible nerves on the crazy road and the extraordinary welcoming we have received from all of our neighbors here. But most of all, I think of the children. I will carry their guileless, genuine, heartfelt smiles in my heart for years to come. They have taught me that it is possible to be extremely generous with very little, to be sincerely happy despite sleeping on the floor and not having a mommy or daddy to hold them or sing them to sleep or comfort them after a bad dream. They have reminded me what is at the core of all of us – the possibility of enjoying life amidst all the challenges the world can throw at us. I will take this lesson with me and treasure it. I couldn’t ask for better teachers.

“We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us –
How we can take it, what we do with it – and that it really counts in the end. How to take the raw stuff of life
And make it a thing of worth and beauty that is the test of living.”
Joseph Fort Newton


Molly

25 December 2008

Thursday, December 25, 2008

“If I am not for myself,
Who will be for me?
If I am not for others,
What am I?
And if not now when?
Rabbi Hillel

The morning and early afternoon were devoted to the first part of this quote. I decided after I woke up I needed to nurture myself. I spent the morning back at the guest house as the rest of the team went off to the baptism of Stephen’s son. It was so different to sit on my bed room floor where I do my writing; the house was completely empty and quiet.
After the group returned and took a short break, some of us went to the hospital to have lunch with Dr. Sr. Rexline. The children from Assisi were ether playing in the grassy area. As usual they were happy to see us. We made a short visit to Sister Rose who has been in the hospital most of the time we’ve been here. Then the kids piled in one van and the adults into another to head to Assisi. I enjoyed seeing the kids. I feel I now know a bit, as well as my new school age friends. After playing awhile, Santa (Harshal) and his helper (Joelle) passed out gifts to all the children. We ended the day with a lovely meal at Stephen’s family house. Their smiles and generosity was enormous. I think it’s safe to say, we were touched by their amazing spirit.
My personal goal when I set one of this trip was to give back to the children of India in thanks for all my daughters have given me. I know I have given a tiny bit, but it seems so small in comparison to what the children at Assisi and SEAMs have shared with me.

Miriam

24 December 2008

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

“Tis a gift to be simple…..” Shaker Hymn

I think we all anticipated that today would be bittersweet; our last day with the children at SEAMs. We spent the evening before preparing gift bags for the children and exclaiming over the individual photos of each child and our favorite quips about these children who wasted no time in making their way into our hearts.
We were eager to arrive at SEAMs – with Harshal in a hastily-fashioned “Santa” costume. The kids went wild – dancing about and grabbing our hands. We played games, gave hugs and then took our seats for an extraordinary set of performances by the children: songs, dances, each more entertaining then the last.
And then we gave out the gift bags – enjoying the looks on the children’s faces as they saw their photos and goodies. This was followed by sharing lunch with all of us arranged around the edge of the room. The older children served the meal and everyone waited patiently and quietly. These children have a maturity beyond their years. They have a generousness that speaks to their life experiences. But most remarkable to all of us, they have a generosity and joy that all of us have learned from.
When it was time to leave, many of us had tears in our eyes, an ache in our hearts and questions in our minds as to what the future holds for these children. I have not the slightest doubt that none of us will forget the experience we had in India. The simple gifts given and received have changed our lives and, we hope, those of the children, as well.

Enid

23 December 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I started this second week at St. Joseph Catholic School where the students have been taking their midterm exams for the past few days. I am grateful to Sister Erokiya Mari for allowing me to spend time with the upper kindergarten class assisting a couple teachers administering their exams.
Having been in Catholic School throughout my educational life, the whole environment brought back some childhood memories seeing the tiniest student dressed up so formally in their school uniform is heartwarming. I was the attraction for the day where many of the older children came and introduced themselves to me – One of the students even guessed that I came from the West Indies which is exactly the location of Haiti.
Ms. Mutsy shared with me the curriculum content they’re using for the following subjects: English, Science and Math – all in one book. I was so surprised to see such an advanced curriculum for 4 & 5 year old kindergarten students….and what they must master or memorize in both Tamil and English by the end of the school year. More than have of them passed their oral exam with flying colors. I have forgotten to mention that this class has 48 students. From a professional experience I know how challenging to reach every student’s needs even in a classroom of 20 students since many have a variety of learning styles.
I have great respect for these teachers who have to work in this condition with barely any materials and must improvise at all times.
In the afternoon we went back for a spectacular holiday performance by the students of St. Joseph’s Catholic School where we were treated as V.I.P.’s.
In the evening, many of us in the group went holiday shopping for the kids at SEAMS and packed for them a gift bag to take home. I just can’t wait to see the excitement in their faces tomorrow.
It’s just been an unforgettable experience and a new found appreciation for everything I have in life.

Nicky

22 December 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

Unbelievably it’s been ten day since arriving in India and the experience has exceeded my expectations especially on an educational level. The Grace School experience, Stephen’s insights, all the wonderful people we meet, my teammates along with the sights and sounds have opened my eyes, expanded my mind, and certainly touched my heart.
Helping the Grace School 4th graders prepare for exams taught me a lot about India, here’s just a sample:
- The names of the 4th grade students – Ajin, Denish, Bale, Arun, Mohan, Proba, Kierenan, Rubin, and Keeika
- The children take their exams in English
- There are 7 territories and 30 states in India
- Parsees pray at the Fire Temple
- Mother is queen of the house and should be treated with great respect
- Jute is the kind of fibers

Sadly, just 60% of these bright students are likely to go on to the university. In public schools, only about 25% of the students go on to the university. In India, children go to school 6 days a week and take week long exams twice a year even the kindergarteners. The biggest exam comes in 10th grade. If you don’t pass you will either start working, generally in some family run business or if you’re lucky you’ll attend a trade school. If you are fortunate enough to pass you go to school through 12th grade. At that point you’ll take another exam to see if you’ll be able to attend the university.
Per the class text booklet: “This is an age of competition so only those with understanding and with intelligence will be able to avail limited opportunities.”
We’ve all learned so much from Stephen.
- Roshan’s Christian name is Emmanuel.
- Ganesh is the god of good luck and resembles an elephant
- Whenever two gods are in a competition you can guarantee there will be some form of cheating
- How to eat chapatti using only your right hand
- Native Indians (and faux natives with their shirts buttoned to the top) receive large discount entrance to tourist sites
- The reasons you don’t wear shoes inside a Hindu Temple:
*your shoes are dirty and the temple is pure
*shoes are often made of leather and cows are sacred
*the bumpy stone floor is like acupressure for the feet, relaxing
you before you enter the inner temple for worship
- is even more revered than Gandhi because he fought against the caste system
- Money (spelled Mani) is the name of a little boy, not a plea for cash
- The joy of a children’s Christmas pageant
- Restaurants cannot compare with Rani’s cooking
- The personal ads can tell you a lot about what’s valued in a culture
- How to do laundry without a machine
- Barnabus has 3 children and an amazing smile
- Little Stephen plays popular India music in the van if you ask
- Anklets are to be worn one on each foot otherwise people will tell you, you lost one
- No matter how hard you look, how many lovely ladies you see, how many textile stores you visit – you’ll never find two sarees that look alike
- A large truck carrying “only kerosene” is also labeled “highly flammable”
- A knee length skirt is entirely too short
- There’s a special thrill to an auto rickshaw ride
- White lines on the road are a mere suggestion of where to drive as one can easily fit a bicycle, 2 motor cycles, an auto-rickshaw, a bus in your typical 3 lane road. Thus enabling anyone to read the fuel gauge in the vehicle next to you
- The smart cows lay along the center of the road because the fast moving traffic keeps the flies away
- A family of five can easily fit on a motorcycle if tow of the children are relatively young
- Sista or Brother is a polite way to address anyone, not just siblings
- Hello – vanakaum
- Thank you – Nandri
- Nose – Mookoo
- Goodbye – poy tu wa
- See you tomorrow – Nalikipakalam

Finally, we learned a little bit about our teammates:

Miriam – adopted 2 Indian girls long before Angelina and nursed them back to health.
Enid – learned a modified version of “Row, row, row your boat that ends with a huge smile, arms waving overhead – Marly, Marly, Marly….Life is but a dream.”
Joelle – has such a love for India she is here for the 3rd time, 2nd time with Global Volunteers.
Nicky – an amazing woman, not only wrote a book about her native Haiti but each morning I find myself anxiously awaiting what beautiful color combination she’ll be wearing.
Molly – her lovely spirit is sure to leave an impression on the people she’s met – whether its supporting the small businesses, the photo’s she’s in, or children who can now dance the hustle.
Harshal – whenever he decides he wants to marry, the woman who answers his personal ad will be a lucky lady. While just a tiny bit gullible, he’s an intelligent and kind man with a great laugh and enough food photos to start a cookbook.
Cynthia – I can’t imagine having a better roommate. She’s shared her mosquito cream, lets me see all the amazing photos she’s taken each day, and can make up new words to familiar songs that made us all laugh.
- All wonderful people that I’m fortunate to spend Christmas with this year.

Quote for the day – Richard Bach, Hindu Metropolitan – Dec. 17th
“The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.”