Mother Teresa

This weekend I started my time volunteering at the Missionaries of Charity; which is the charity that Mother Teresa founded in Calcutta. This charity started as one site and is now comprised of several located throughout Calcutta and I hear, even throughout India.

The day was fascinating and eye opening for me on several different levels.

First off, I woke up early, really early, let me remind you I am NOT a morning person. Regardless, it's a small sacrifice. I experienced a Catholic mass for the first time ever. Very interesting in some ways, very boring in lots of others. Lots of tradition and "ceremony" in mass. I like the fact that when I go to church, God has the freedom to move as he sees fit. But to each his own, and only God can judge the relationship and the heart.

For the next two weeks I'll be working in a relatively new center specifically for physically and mentally impaired women and girls. I will be brutally honest... when I got there and saw what was involved, I did not think I was cut out for it. I don't know how to interact with mentally impaired people. But what it all really boils down to, is there really isn't any right or wrong way. I just need to show them the same love and attention that I would show a normal person. I may be the only person that day who interacts with them in a way that's more than just tending to their immediate physical needs. That makes it sound like they're in a room all alone, which isn't the case. There are novices and sisters there taking care of them, but help is spread thin. Either way, by the end of my day there, I was feeling more comfortable, understanding more of what my purpose was there and I think I'll be ok.

By the way, I'll be going to the leper colony on the 21st. Need to do a little research on that disease!

It all puts everything into perspective. India in general does that! When I stop and look at the life the people here have to live, it suddenly makes my heartbreak and circumstances seem trivial and makes it easier for me to keep moving forward!