The Mother House/Prim Dan

"Someone once told me that not even for a million dollars would they touch a leper. I responded, 'Neither would I. If it were a case of money, I would not even do it for two million. On the other hand, I do it gladly for the love of God.' " Mother Teresa

We spent the day serving at one of Mother Teresa's centers called Prim Dan. I wish I could say it was easy...it was not. I wish I could say I enjoyed it...I did not. I wish I could say I want to go back again...I do not. As I was doing my work of handwashing blankets, sheets and clothes, the word humility kept coming to my mind. I don't even wash clothes in a washing machine at home and here I was in India handwashing disgusting garments in disgusting water and then carrying them up two flights of stairs to hang them out to dry on the rooftop. I was humbled by the fact that my life is so sheltered from the harsh realities around the world. I was humbled that I was here for one day- not ten days as the 20 people from France were, not eight months as Havilah from Wisconsin was, and not a lifetime as the sisters who were faithfully serving. I was humbled by the commitment of Prim Dan to make this place as clean as possible by cleaning all the sheets, blankets and clothes every day. I was humbled by their commitment to give dignity to the dying and to continue to give excellent care to the poorest of poor each and every day.
The day's highlight was when we were able to rub lotion on the ladies' arms and legs. These women are shriveled-up skin and bones and the lotion and touch helps to ease their pain. One woman whom I was massaging, could not move, could not see and was suffering from leprosy. As I rubbed the lotion on her, her whole demeanor changed. Here again, I was humbled by the impact a simple touch can have on a life.
As we left Prim Dan, we looked back from the bridge to view the complex. To people passing by, they saw a building. To us, we saw the hand of God moving human hearts to serve the destitute and the dying.
And we were humbled...
Loreen
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Today Loreen, Glenda and I went to Mother Teresa's to volunteer. We were honored to go to Prim Dan, a facility that serves the handicapped and sick. No way to say "wow, this was a fabulous time." It was simply disgusting and physically difficult. I didn't expect anything less. Mother Teresa's commitment to human dignity is so evident in how these women are cared for. Their bedding and clothing are washed and sanitized daily. We had the honor of doing this. The facility did not smell badly- it was very clean - amazing given where it is. If you could smell the streets and see the filth here, you would really appreciate the contrast. Yet these women are cared for with much love and commitment. A very humbling experience.
I was given the opportunity to feed lunch to an older woman who is blind and crippled. Lunch consisted of rice, corn and fish. Due to the fact that she had no teeth, I had to pick the bones out carefully and make sure only the softest part of the fish made it into her mouth. She kept speaking to me but I had no clue what she was saying. I kept trying to get help to understand her. Then the woman sitting next to her gave her half of her fish. Such a gift of kindness and generosity. While I was feeding her slowly, the woman on the other side of her lost control of her bowels. Mind you, I am sitting on the floor. The woman who lost control of her bowels slides herself onto the floor and removes her dress and begins to clean the mess with her dress. She then leaves her dress on the floor and scoots her naked body to the next room in order to be cleaned up. I thought "what to do?"...well, I chose to continue my assignment of feeding. The mess did manage to get cleaned up but thankfully not by me. So you might ask "would you like to do this again?" Well no, but I would.
I am so moved by the volunteers from around the world and the nuns- so much kindness and love- what an honor to participate.
Blessings,
Catherine