Our time in Calcutta has come to an end and sadly we are about to move on. It was up at 5 am and on our way to the Mother by the usual 5.30 am. Our final Mass with the Missionaries of Charity was in some ways rather touching. It is always lovely to see all the Sister's in their ever prayerful and reverent state. This morning our group stood and sung a waiata (song) to Mary at communion time. We also sang the translation. I was very proud of the fantastic effort put in by everyone this morning and we were given compliments on the singing.
After a quick breakfast of chai and bread we were sung to by the rest of the volunteers and the Sisters in charge of supervision of volunteers. This happens for all volunteers on their last day. We were each given a wee gift from Sister as well.
We all headed off to our various Mother Teresa Houses to work as usual, but today we were given special permission to take photos.
So as you can imagine it was washing, cleaning, bed-making, feeding, toileting, massaging for some of the patients and photos, photos, photos.
Most of the students have arrived back at the hotel now and already I am hearing some sad stories about leaving. It is not difficult to get attached to the people we have been working with in the homes. It can even be a little emotional for some. It is comforting to know we have been of some small service. That is consoling.
Everyone is now doing the final stages of packing and for some of our students there appears to be an awful lot more weight to their packs, (all that shopping at the markets)
We are soon about to embark on our final part of the journey. The train trip is going to be an interesting blog I'm sure.
Well sadly we must head off. Calcutta has made a fairly big mark on us all. It is now time for a team meeting. Namaste until Goa
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I can't believe that the tme has come for you guys to leave Kolkata already. It sounds like everyone of you has done a great job. I wonder if you get to celebrate New Year on the train?? Can't wait to hear about the train trip - Happy New Year to you all and look after each other in Mumbai and enjoy Goa to the max- Beth
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Good luck for the train journey. Happy new year to all!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year from Sydney. Thankyou for all the great blogs - we feel that we can smell & taste & see India thru your letters. Travel safely to Goa (one of the world beauty spots I'm told. Go with your heads held high - I think you must have all left an indelible mark on those whom you served and they,in turn, will leave a place in all your hearts. Stay safe & enjoy your well-earned break. We are off to plain old Canberra for a week of visiting friends & galleries. God bless you all - you are splendid people love Calebs Nanna & Grandpa
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to all We light our candle and think of you all on this wonderful educational visit Keep happy healthy and safe
ReplyDeleteLove to all Noni
Bernie
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at everything you have been doing, what a wonderful life experience you will have to share with evryone up on your return.
Have a great rest of the trip.
looking forward to catching up with you on your return.
Have a safe trip back
Happy New Year
Sandie