We're still here.... alive and kickin'!

 
For this post, we've split it up into two sections so that we both can talk a little bit about our work at Shanti Dan. We work in separate areas with different girls, so it makes sense :)

(P.S. The pics don't actually go with the text. We just wanted to share them.)

Elaina's Thoughts:
I have good news! After working at Shanti Dan for a few weeks, I FINALLY feel like I'm helping instead of being a burden!  :)  It took some time for me to get adjusted, but now I am 100% at ease. I love waking up every morning, knowing that I get to spend time with  my little "flowers." (As well as the girls who are not in my group!) Laundry has become a particular annoyance of mine since it prevents me from seeing my girls as soon as we get to Shanti Dan. I suppose the volunteering can't be ALL fun and games :)

Hanging out in a monsoon - this is how we do laundry.

Apart from laundry duties, it has been such an experience to learn more about each girl with every passing day. Buni can handle almost any little math problem that I throw at her. Her face lights up when I hand her a piece of paper with a few addition problems on it. Her writing is sloppy because of physical disabilities but she doesn't seem to mind and neither do I. After all, practice makes perfect! The trick is getting her to work on the alphabet when all she wants to do is math! Isha has beautiful penmanship and can copy down anything that I write. Now I am working on trying to make sure she KNOWS what she is writing, instead of simply copying down symbols. I like to draw pictures above the word and quiz her on them later! Maria Usha cannot speak and she is confined to a wheelchair, but I no longer let that fool me! She is incredibly intelligent. She understands my English and can easily sort pictures into categories. She also has a great sense of humor and we always end up laughing when we should be working! At first glance these girls might not look like they can do much, but their skills have greatly surpassed my expectations. I feel so horrible that I underestimated them! Now that I know each girl's skills, I can challenge them appropriately. I only wish I could have more one on one time with each girl. I can't sit down with one girl for more than a minute before I hear "Auntie! Auntie! Come!" There are about 18 flowers and only a few other people to help. (One other volunteer and one or two women who work there.) We do what we can to make sure each girl gets the attention they deserve.

Spending time at Seva Kendra with girls from the slums.

As can be expected, there are still parts of the day that take a toll on me emotionally - particularly nap time. It isn't the poopy diapers or the bed wetting that bothers me anymore (I am quite used to it by now!) but instead my heart just aches for these girls. I can see the physical scars on their bodies as well as the emotional scars in their tears. I don't know their life stories but I can only imagine what some of them have been through. In the beginning I was afraid I wouldn't be able to see God in these girls, but that is no longer an issue. I see him in each and every one of them and he is teaching me how to love them. The tasks that I have to complete aren't glamorous but for some reason I find myself laughing a lot and I always have a smile on my face. I guess I am slowly learning what it really means to love my fellow human being- whether it is by teaching these girls the alphabet or changing soiled bed sheets.

Heide's Thoughts:
There's so much for me to say about Shanti Dan, it's hard to begin.

After working at Shanti Dan for almost three weeks, I'm getting very attached to the place. I don't think we mentioned this before, but Shanti Dan is not the first choice of many volunteers. First of all, only female volunteers can work there. Second of all, it's comparatively difficult work, at least, that's what other volunteers tell us. I've only worked at Shanti Dan, so I don't have anything to compare it to. I'm sure the other apostolates have to deal with just as much work as we do, yet when new volunteers come in, they don't typically choose Shanti Dan as their placement.

We fly. (Watch our video to know a little about Bindis aka the designs on our faces)

Despite this, I'm so thankful that God guided us to work there. Longer term volunteers are just what Shanti Dan needs, because many of the girls need consistent one-on-one time. My work has slightly changed from what I started out doing - I now spend my whole morning doing physical therapy and massage with the girls, assisting with the Angels and Stars (girls who are mentally handicapped and blind) lunchtime routines. It usually gets messy, but it can also be a lot of fun.

One girl in particular just kills me. Her name is Shakina and she's incredibly funny. She has the happiest disposition, clapping and laughing at just about anything. She also has a naughty streak, and she'll regularly poke the Mashis just to get reprimanded. She'll also bug the other girls by sticking her fingers in their ears or pulling at their clothing. It's hilarious, because she's like a small child, though I believe her actual age is around 18 or 19. She loves anything slapstick and even does a little herself at times. For example, at lunchtime, if she sees an open plate of food (that someone else is eating from), like lightening she'll grab the food and stuff it in her mouth, then chuckle about it.

In saris on the steps of a Hindu temple. Watch our video for more!

Shakina is one of several girls who have made a place in my heart. I simply love being at Shanti Dan. There's so much joy and learning and sacrifice and love that it's hard to imagine myself at any other placement. Of course, there are lots of challenges, but honestly it's amazing how easy it is to do the dirty work when it's done from love. I don't know if I've ever been able to love like this before, but I'm humbled that God's grace has surpassed my selfishness in the moments I need it most. All I want is the best for these girls, and if I can help make that happen by learning what they need, I will. It takes time, I know, and while India is a tough place to live, I'm so grateful that we have several more weeks here explicitly for that purpose. 

A.M.D.G.