We arrived in Kolkata one week ago today. I was surprised to see that the city did not live up to the terrifying descriptions that Indians in Varanasi had supplied: “Don’t drink the water or eat ANY of the food outside of the most pristine restaurants. That stuff will make even us sick.” More told stories that made my fears grow wilder. In reality the city is very modern and comparably nice and has some of the best street food in all of India (don’t come here and pass up an Egg Roll, Bengali style). The wide streets and colonial architecture give the cityscape a European feel which is enhanced by the Western shops like McDonalds, Adidas, Levis and KFC. Of course poverty is still prevalent. Walk two blocks away from the ritzy shops and you’ll be side-steppin’ feces and hopping over homeless nappers. Nevertheless, the Oreo McFlurry and paneer burger were a nice reminder of the comforts we left at home.
The major aspect of our time here in Kolkata was volunteering at the Mother Teresa Homes. The homes are spread out across the city and cater to different needs. I volunteered at the home near Kalighat that serves the destitute and the dying. We were able to choose where we went. Some students went to help disabled children, others disabled adults, but we all performed roughly the same tasks: laundry, general cleaning, serving food/feeding the inmates, washing dishes and caring for their needs. Caring for their needs could be anything to a shave and a haircut to simply sitting by them and holding their hand. During our time at the homes we met some truly amazing people including all of the awesome volunteers! People from all nationalities and backgrounds came to the MTC to give their time and love. One moment I particularly liked was when Max played his new harmonium for everybody after lunch one afternoon. As Robbie put it, “everyone who could turn their heads or shift their weight to face the music did.” Those moments were the few when it was totally quiet in the home.
It would be easy to place our work on a pedestal and act like the last week really changed the world. It didn’t. The tragedy is that these homes and this charity is in place because their is excessive need for them. These people are still in bad shape and they are still going to die. I like to believe that every conversation, laugh and smile that was spread to these folks made their situation more bearable. For me, that’s enough to feel good about. The lesson is that service is never one-way, it makes the world better for everyone involved. The time we spent here meant something, even if it just meant something to us.
Your homework after reading this is to do a random act of kindness and feel good about it.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day,
Kyle