Christmas and the day after

Namaste Everyone
Our time in Kolkata is fast coming to an end – we attended early morning Mass on Christmas day and unlike breakfasts at home on Christmas morning, we had our modest chai tea, banana and this time a sweet bun before heading off to our homes.
The patients in each of the homes were dressed in new clothes for the Christmas day, and as a special treat each received a small bag containing various food items of bhujia – (nuts & savoury bits), sweet cake & lollies).
In our home – Prem Dan – (a men & separate women’s section) we washed and cleaned and wiped down the mattresses as usual; only this time we made up beds with new floral linen. (What a treat! These were possibly donated) Such a small act but ever so pleasing for the patients.
The decorated day-rooms and nativity scenes in each home brought with it a sense of shared unity and happiness for the residents of these homes. Their smiling faces from such simple pleasures – and their modest and humble manner is a lesson many of us can learn from.
Working on Christmas day in the big picture of things makes it all worthwhile.
Returning to our hotel saw us all preparing for our much anticipated “Christmas Party” at the Fair Lawn Hotel just around the road in Sudder street.
There was much excitement as the girls were literally wrapped in their sari’s. we had two Indian ladies helping with this job – Amidst the metres of brilliantly coloured fabric and SAFETY PINS, a stunning group of girls in their magnificent saris was the end result.
Not to be outdone, the boys were also busy outfitting themselves in all manner of Indian attire. What a handsome group!
Our meeting on the hotel balcony to await ‘Father Christmas’ was an absolute picture – soooo breath-takingly colourful - truly a visual symphony!
It was like a Paparazzi fest – camera’s flashing no end.
Fathe r Christmas assisted by Mother Christmas gave everyone a secret Santa present – all sorts of presents were received and ripped open revealing; scarves, Indian trinkets, watches and other such pleasures.
THEN ‘THE PARTY’ – our colourful procession weaved our way from our hotel down the street and along the narrow lane then up another two streets to our destination – The Fair Lawn.
What a welcome sight – a dazzling array of coloured lights – glittering and flashing, a superb display of flowers meticulously arranged – Simply glitz and glam. What an atmosphere!
We were made to feel most welcome and were entertained with Christmas carols followed by a Magic show – After this we made our way into the dining room – What a sight! – A mass of streamers overhead and our tables littered with every kind of party toy! There were party hats, blow-out whistles, Christmas crackers, masks and noise making toys galore. If you are imagining this !!! well it’s all true – the temptation turned to fruition. We went crazy – blowing roll-out whistles, pulling crackers, rattling, shaking and full on party noise making with all the toys- Talk about ‘Noise Pollution!’ But – what fun. We sang our lungs out and enjoyed all the night had to offer – including being waited on by white-gloved waiters – a fantastic night.
We consumed the night completely and in the end made our way home happy with the night’s events.
Today we have had the day off – although some people did wake early and went on to work in some of the Mother Teresa homes. For the majority however it has been an R&R day.
Tomorrow we will resume our 5 am start and Wednesday will be our final work day in our designated homes.
A few more Haiku for you
Dinner last night
Whistles, crackers, noise
White-gloved waiters, turbaned heads
Christmas as Fair Lawn

Titagar Leprosy visit
Sardines in a can
Pushing, shoving, holding on
Train-ride to TitagarBernie

Stigma safeguards change
Skewed perception deters hope
Time and faith gives chance Mitch

Where touch is needed
Yet touch is so redundant
Touch deeply – one knows Mitch

Lepers lie twisted
And socially rejected
But so strong in faith Chris Vincent

We are all safe and well and have had you all in our thoughts during this festive season.
As usual our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bernie
You will soon be receiving another blog entry from another two students.