BEFORE LEAVING TIPP

Since Jan 2010 a ton of preparation work was done by the 7 for their immersion work in India. The Abbey group consisted of Liam O Dea (Pallasgreen), Cathal Devlin (Ballinalard), Peter Hayes (Kingswell), Brenton Dewick (Rossmore Village), Alan Ryan (Kingswell), Damien Bourke (Bansha) and Turlough Heffernan (Clonmel) accompanied by Michael Leahy, David Quirke and Richard Walsh.

Travelling with them was JJ O Dwyer (Bray but a native of Dundrum) who does Third World work alongside us. (cf www.jjsindiaproject.weebly.com )

Much energy was expended by the 7 and their parents in the fundraising campaign from February till September principally a Silver Circle in the Abbey; a Mizen Head all the way up to Malin Head cycle ( cf www.irelandheadtohead.weebly.com) and a Greyhound Buster Race in Thurles. In early October they addressed Mass congregations in their local churches and a Prayer Service was held in the Abbey immediately before departure.

Let’s hear their reactions in their own words:

“The last few days were ones of eager anticipation and nervous agitation. Agitation because of the worry that we hadn’t done enough preparation ourselves; the gnawing feeling that we wouldn’t be good enough and that we might fail the kids in Providence.”

“I knew in my head that I had a challenge in front of me. But the support from the lads in the Abbey and from the people I know was immense…. nothing but words of encouragement. It was at the Prayer Service the day before we left that it really struck me ……‘ I’m going to India’.”

“The last few days in the Abbey were mad…people wishing us well, preparing work for the kids, trying to prepare ourselves etc. I was very nervous before leaving Tipp worrying about settling back into study when I returned; would the kids in Providence be nice; would I be able for the teaching etc At the same time I was extremely excited.”

“Eventually, I came to realise that I was as prepared as I could be. I then stopped worrying about it and decided that I’d just go over and do my best.”

“I was so nervous. My last day in the Abbey (Wed) was just a blur; final arrangements being sorted out, everyone wishing us luck and the Prayer Service. It really hit me then what a challenge I had taken on.”

“I was running on adrenaline. I just couldn’t wait to go to India.”

“I took courage from speaking at Mass in my local church. It helped to send me off in the right mindset.”

“Upon arrival it was daunting – the bustle of the crowds, the cloying heat and the fear of the unknown lurking around each corner. Traversing the streets was an experience, to say the least.”

“Every turn brought some new image of this culture that was worlds apart from that at home.”

“The heaviness of the air was immense. Getting taxi drivers was like herding up cows. The infrastructure of the buildings was eye-opening. Everything was in a mad rush.

Walking the streets of Calcutta has given me images that will stick in my head till the day I die. To see what the people have to go through in everyday life is just jaw-dropping.”

“Seeing the poorest of the poor surviving on the streets, the sheer heat of the place, the different culture gave me an unbelievable shock. Once we reached St Mary’s (where we resided) I didn’t want to go out again. However when we went out on the streets again to visit various places and walking among the people, I began to gain more confidence.”

“Some of the things that we saw along the way were horrific – all the trades on the side of the street and the terrible conditions.”

“After a few days in Calcutta there isn’t much that would shock me.”

“When we first arrived, it was the heat and the smell that struck me. The humidity made it hard to breathe. Seeing Calcutta was unbelievable. You can’t understand their living conditions until you’ve been there.”

“Luckily we got to go to Mass in Motherhouse with the Missionaries of Charity. To be able to kiss Mother Teresa’s tomb was magnificent. To see her room and an exhibition on her life was truly a great experience.”

“ It was an honour to be in the surroundings of such a brilliant woman.”

“To actually touch the tomb of Mother Teresa was a brilliant experience. To be where this saint worked and lived and prayed warmed my heart.”

“Mass in Motherhouse was moving. The devotion that people showed was amazing. I think everyone felt a connection there.”

“ Motherhouse was special and spiritual.”

“The room and tomb of Mother Teresa couldn’t have been simpler but they sent a more powerful message than any extravagantly decorated tomb and room could ever do.”

“The Mass was very special. The peace, concentration and devotion in the room was quite uplifting. I felt lucky to have experienced it.”

“Brothers Simon, Martin and Paul in Calcutta couldn’t have been more hospitable. From the rooms to the food, they had everything arranged to a tee.”

“The Brothers in Calcutta were a privilege to meet. Martin, Simon and Paul were some of the nicest people you will ever meet and they treated us with tremendous respect and kindness. At the final dinner in Calcutta, I had the honour of sitting beside a 92 year old Brother Tom (who was visiting). His stories were inspiring and I could have listened to him for the night.”

“The Brothers in Calcutta were not as I expected. I could chat away to them no problem”.

“The Brothers are truly great men. They really made us welcome in their home and not once were we made feel a burden on them. They are obviously very devoted to their religion and their kind friendly ways reflect their relationship with God.”

“The Brothers in Calcutta were some of the most heart-warming people I have ever met. Their sheer friendliness and generosity was unbelievable. The conversations I had with them will live long in my memory.”

“The Home for the Dying was tough. It gave me an insight into how different it is for some. Just to hold a person’s hand there and talk to them had a profound effect on me.”

“The Home for the Dying is one of those places that can never be erased from one’s memory.”

“Seeing the compassion that was shown to these people in their darkest moments by Sean and Jim Maginnis was extraordinary.”

“The conditions of the people there were heartrending. When we posed for a group photo with Sean at the gate none of us smiled. However Jim told us “Leave your unhappiness outside the gate. These people here have seen enough of that”.

“ Sean was an inspiration (as was Jim) the way he left Ireland to help here. His presence summed up the ethos of the place.”

“It brought tears to my eyes seeing the work that Jim Maginnis and Sean do. All that the people in Khalighat wanted was something that was missing in their lives – hope and dignity.”

“Sean from Drogheda, who was a volunteer there spoke of how you can’t really physically help them. All you can do is wash, fold sheets and talk to them but that really makes a difference. The patients only love it when others visit and have a chat.”

“Khalighat is a safe haven for people who have no one. The shock that I got there was unbelievable. To think that these people could have been left to die really upset me. But I was also happy to think that these people were being given a chance to die with dignity”.

“Two men stand out in my mind; Jim Maginnis and Sean from Drogheda. These men have given up their lives to give these people a little dignity.”

“Jim is a very special man. He is such a humble man. He wants no praise for what he does which must be one of the hardest jobs on earth.”

“Khalighat was a tough place to visit. There, we met a young Irishman called Sean. For him to give up his life in Ireland and to come over to India to volunteer, he truly deserves a pat on the back.”

“To speak to the patients there was lovely and to see the sparkle in their eyes when they saw us was nice. The work that goes on there is unbelievable but to realise that these people are dying is a sad feeling.”

“Proceeding to the exit (of the airport) we found ourselves encircled by about a dozen beaming kids from Providence. They placed Hawaiian-style garlands over our necks and insisted on taking our trolleys.”

“ The welcome came as a huge shock to me. They gave us flower necklaces and started calling us ‘Sir’. It was incredible.”

“I was handed a floral necklace and the children wanted to carry my bags. We were being treated like royalty and I felt not worthy of it.”

“The bus journey from Gauhatti up to Shillong was one of the most joyous moments in my life. Conversing with the kids and getting to know them was brilliant. Then when everyone on the bus started singing and dancing, it was indescribable.”

“People (other passengers) must have thought that we were famous considering the reception we received. I have never seen such joy in children’s faces in all my life. It was extremely difficult to believe that it was us that caused their happiness.”

“On the bus journey I was lucky enough to sit beside one of the most amazing children I will ever see or talk to…always smiling.”

“ Smiles all round. They opened their hearts to us from the very start.”

“The reception we got was unbelievable. The smiling faces of the Class 5 students of Providence touched my heart in a way I have never experienced. I never knew that I could feel so happy.”

“The bus journey up to Providence flew because of the 13-year-old boy from Shillong that I was sitting beside. He was genuinely the nicest child I have ever met. He broke through the language barrier and made the journey very enjoyable.”

“The greeting that we got from the teachers and children of Providence (at the airport) was something special.”

“Playing with the kids, talking to them and finding out bits of information about them was incredible. I loved the interaction with them.”

“There’s no denying the uncertainty we faced at the prospect of teaching for two weeks. We had to put our faith in ourselves and in our preparatory work.”

“The Sunday night before teaching started was one of the most nerve-racking experiences I will ever face. To be honest, Br Steve didn’t make it any better when we had a chat with him. He told it to us straight but it did nothing to ease my nerves. On Monday morning I was even worse. Doing the trades I was a mess just waiting for my first class to teach. All I can remember was watching the clock tick to class-time.”

“Br Steve rocked us by telling us how we would find the teaching. I was fierce nervous that night and again in the morning. Had we enough prepared? Would I be able to control my group? Would I be able to help the students to learn something solid during the two weeks.”

“After meeting the kids (at Gauhatti) I was confident that I would love teaching them. However, I didn’t know what to teach them I was nervous that the class periods would be too long and that I would run out of material. I felt so unprepared and out of my league.”

“Br Steve was wonderfully welcoming initially, but he did re-ignite our fears of the teaching aspect of our project. However, within a short while we came to see why everyone who goes to Shillong sings the praises of Br Steve.”

“I really hoped that the kids would like me. I was worried also about what homework I would give them. I didn’t want to be too easy or too hard on them.”

“We had a good chat with Br Steve about the teaching and it didn’t ease my nerves. I was quite nervous going to bed that night.”

“On Sunday evening I was very nervous … annoyed ….. frustrated. Then I went through some preparation for the classes and it boosted my confidence a lot.”

*“The first day actually went well but afterwards I found myself stressing that I wouldn’t be able to maintain it. Thankfully, it only got easier as the days progressed.* *“Their thirst for knowledge and their dedication (asking for homework) was inspiring. It made our side of the work immeasurably easier.”* *“All my nerves vanished as soon as my first class walked through the door with smiles on their faces. I knew there was nothing to worry about.”* “I can say with all my heart that no matter what I do in the future, teaching those children is one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was an honour and a joy to teach them.” *“Spending half an hour slogging through some section of English and then seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they finally understood was so pleasing.”* *“No behaviour problems to speak of. Their thirst for knowledge struck me most. A real pleasure and joy to connect with the nicest children in the world.”* “As soon as I finished my first class, I knew that the teaching would be fine. The kids were so keen to learn and they were always up for a challenge. More and more I felt that the time was too short – I could have kept teaching them for the whole day.” *“The KGs (Kindergarten) were tough as they had very little English and we had to keep sentences short, simple and clear so they could understand.”* *“As days went on, I began to plan my classes a few ahead of time. Then, the plans I had prepared at home fell into place.”* *“ One of my students found learning tough. Trying to teach him through speech wasn’t working. By chance, I discovered the medium of drawing pictures. His respons*e was brilliant and he made good progress. I was proud to see that he benefited in some way from me teaching him.” “The teaching was class. The kids are so friendly and eager to learn, it is just amazing. “The satisfaction for the teacher when the kids learn something is big. But, the satisfaction for the kids when they learn something new is ten times bigger. “The nerves went out the door as soon as I started teaching.”

TRADES

Every morning during the year from 8.30 till 10.30 all the kids in Providence follow a vocational programme. During our two weeks, each Abbey student was assigned to a particular trade – plumbing, confectionery, rexine, papermaking, screen-printing, candle making or commercial cooking. They were expected to master the skills under the instruction of one of the Providence kids (they proved expert in this regard) and to produce at least one completed item by the end of the project. It was also an invaluable opportunity to bond with the older children in Class 6 and 7.

The trades in their own words:

“The trade aspect was completely new for me. However, once again it was the kids who came to the rescue. Their willingness to learn was mirrored only by their ability to teach. The chance to bond with them every morning was invaluable.”

“I had a Class 6 assistant who was very helpful. It is lovely to see how the kids really show enthusiasm when making candles as many of them know this is going to be their future career.”

“I have learned also that the people of Providence waste nothing. This can be clearly seen in candle-making where

no piece of wax goes to waste –every piece is either used or put away to be used in the future.”

“ I thought working in the trades was great …. Could see the children in a different light outside the classroom.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed working in my trade – learning something different and bonding with the children was wonderful. Their expertise in the trade was astounding. How efficiently and accurately they could do it was beyond me. I couldn’t quite manage to attain their quality standard. I really enjoyed it and got the hang of it by the end of the second week.”

“For the young kids to be able to do all these trades is just unbelievable. Half the stuff that they do, an Irish adult wouldn’t be able to do.”

“The people that I am doing the trade with are truly amazing. I’ve really bonded with them over the last week and really look forward to it each morning.”

VISITING THE HOMES

At the end of class (3.30 pm) the lads walked home with the kids. Frequently this took up to an hour over steep, difficult and heavy-traffic terrain. Plenty of fun and chat along the way. Each home was absolutely basic but welcoming. This visiting gave us a greater understanding of the daily lives and difficulties of the children.

In their own words:

“The walk they had to and from school was amazing, but even more amazing was how little it fazed them. You might ask one of them how far for them to reach home and be answered with ‘ Not long. Between half an hour and forty minutes’.”

“One of the things that struck me most was the first house we visited. It had photos above the table of Abbey students who had taught in Providence before.”

“ The distance these kids walk (most of them in flip-flops) twice daily for over an hour in some cases, up and down hills is absolutely unbelievable. They think nothing of it.”

“ Their houses were very basic; often just one-roomed. But each child was so proud of its home and they loved having us there. It was important to them that we see their house.”

“I really enjoyed my trips to the kids houses. I had great fun walking with them – full of fun and energy. Amazing to think that these kids walk these distances each school day. I felt so tired after my walk – and some of these kids are half my age.”

“We got a great reception at the homes from the parents of the children – they always welcomed us and many asked us to come in. This shows how nice these people truly are. The kids are so proud of their houses and the kids whose homes we didn’t get to visit were very upset.”

“They were so proud to have us in their houses. The pride in their faces and their family’s faces was amazing to see.”

“It really hit home what the children have to deal with – walking extremely long distances to and from school and living in hard conditions like those. It all put many things in perspective for me.”

“The walk to the houses was tough and I gained huge respect for the kids – how such a small child did this journey twice a day to go to school and were happy doing it.”

“I found the welcome to the houses extraordinary. These people had such pride and wanted us to come in, sit down and just talk with us.”

“Visiting the children’s homes gives you the utmost respect for these children. The distances they have to walk is something else and the conditions they walk in are unreal too.”

THE WEEKEND

After week 1 with the huge energy input, there was a need for a change of activity. On Saturday some of the Brothers in the Scholasticate and the teachers organised a trip into the countryside in order to gain an insight into rural Meghalaya. The day involved a special permit to visit the workings of the Shillong Water Scheme (dam, pumping station and filter station), a trek through the Sacred Grove of Mawphlang, a picnic and a spot of cricket. Sunday consisted of Mass in the Cathedral, a taste of Shillong Gospel Sunday School in fine singing form and a soccer match against the Indian Brothers.

This is how the lads described the break:

“The trip on Saturday was probably my favourite part. ….. to see all the villages and the Shillong Water Scheme and to play my first game of cricket.”

“The weekend we spent in the countryside around Shillong made me fall in love with this country. We went for a picnic and a trip through the Sacred Forest with some of the Brothers and teachers. I really enjoyed myself and the views of the countryside were amazing.”

“ I thought that we made good use of Saturday. We saw a lot of the countryside and the Great Shillong Water Scheme. Some very picturesque sights. I felt recharged physically and mentally.”

“Sunday Mass was very enjoyable. I loved how all of the congregation got involved in the celebration.”

“Although the weekend was a break mentally, we were still always on the go, tired and in bed early each night.”

“Picnic on Saturday…great fun and some incredible scenery.”

“It was a time to recharge the batteries after a tough week and the picnic certainly did that. It was great to bond with the Brothers and the teachers.”

“It was a nice break but naturally that stopped on Monday as we renewed our focus on the work.”

FINAL FRIDAY

The last official contact with the kids in Providence was on Friday Nov 5. It was an unusual day – during the morning the 7 lads met their class groups for the last time with presents given to each of the kids. After lunch, the school had put on a 2-hour final programme starting with a concert of top quality song and dance. Then the farewell part was so emotional for all. Not a dry eye in the house. Both groups were genuinely choking with tears at the prospect of saying the final goodbye.

That experience in their own words:

“The final Friday will always be the most wonderful yet heartbreaking days I will ever experience.”

“ The teaching in the morning was lovely. I was just able to hold back the tears as so many of the children came over to say thanks and to give me cards.”

“ Friday afternoon is just too hard to describe. Without any of us knowing, they had prepared a show. We walked in to a standing ovation from the kids and by the end there were tears all round from both sides.”

“ The concert was such a special surprise. Afterwards emotions opened up. Saying goodbye was difficult. I know that I will never forget it.”

“ It was hard when you look at the small ones crying. It showed how much we meant to them. The fact that we were crying also showed how much they meant to us.”

“ The final Friday was pretty intense. I didn’t expect to discover how emotionally attached I had become to the kids there. I felt fine until I read the copy of Br Steve’s letter. At once I began to feel tears brimming.”

“ The moment we sat at the top of the room and looked down on the numerous faces, I just let (the tears) loose.”

“Emotional is too small a word to describe this day. Now, you realise what the project is all about – the kids.”

“ This is the day you realise that all of your hard work and your planning has paid off.”

“ A lot of these kids I will never see again. The only consolation is that while I was there I tried my best to be nice and kind and happy towards everyone.”

“ It will never be possible to re-live that day. Nothing will ever come close to it. You laugh and cry at the same time and don’t feel in any way out of place because everyone is feeling the same way.”

“ The kids presented us with their own individual cards which now rank among my most treasured possessions.”

“ In the afternoon we were stunned to discover that the school had been covertly been preparing a farewell show for us. They sang and danced brilliantly. When you’re watching those children in their element with radiant smiles on their faces, it is truly difficult to remember the challenges they face daily, the conditions they live in. I felt so fortunate to be there at that moment.”

“ Just recalling that day gives me the chills such was the emotional investment I had in that school. I will forever be grateful to everyone who made that possible.”

“ What can I say about that final Friday? The enjoyment, the tears, the thought that I might never see those kids again …… I went through all of these things that Friday.”

“The tears just poured out of my eyes that day. The sheer sadness of leaving was a tough thought.”

“ The love they have for the kids is unreal. They always put the kids’ best interests first.”

“ They show equal kindness and respect to each student. They have a genuine love for Providence and have dedicated their lives to those underprivileged kids.”

“ I found them very helpful whether it was in my trade or a problem with teaching or any problem in general. The teachers would always do their best to help us.”

“ On the first Monday after classes we met the teachers to discuss what we were going to do in the various classes. They were very helpful and we picked lots of tips from them.”

“I envy the teachers in Providence teaching the best kids in the world.”

“ Some of the best people in the world. We interrupted their system but they were so accommodating.”

“ I have huge respect for all the teachers. They choose not to take higher wages from other schools just to stay and support the kids in Providence.”

“ However much an inconvenience we were in the running of the school, the teachers treated us with great respect. They gave us their time and their energy. I will always respect and thank them for what they do in the school.”

“ Originally, I suppose I was slightly intimidated by him. Yet as the two weeks went on, I began to feel more comfortable around him. I found it easier to talk to him. He really is a man to be respected for the devotion he gives to Providence.”

“ Br Steve is straight-talking and his advice is always helpful.”

“ Everything he does in the school is for the benefit of the children. He has the children’s best interests at heart and he truly loves them. I will always remember and respect him.”

“ You get the feeling that deep down in Br Steve’s heart the one thing he cares about is Providence.”

“ Br Steve and Providence go hand in hand. Br Steve is Providence and Providence is influenced hugely by Br Steve.”

“ Br Steve is an interesting man. He seems to know what you’re thinking – even if you’re not sure yourself what you’re thinking.”

“ He has one goal in life – to help the kids in Providence reach their full potential.”

“ He is like a machine … he never stops. Great to see how much respect and love the kids have for him.”

“We had great chats with the Brothers (in the Scholasticate) about sport and other topics. They welcomed us into their home with open arms and immediately let us in to their circle of friendship.”

“ In Providence, the kids arrive early for school, are so eager to learn and ask for more homework. Unimaginable at home.”

“Providence is an amazing place. Once you pass into the grounds of the school, something changes in you. Your heart grows bigger and the smiles make you feel that you are doing something truly good.”

“ I suppose Providence gives the children structure. It’s nice for them to have a routine. It’s like a second home for them.”

“The whole year-long experience has been well worthwhile, one that I will never forget.”

“ I found it immensely fulfilling just being part of this Project. I went through every emotion imaginable and a few more besides.”

“ I met some incredible kids and people in Shillong, but also I met myself. I understand my character better now and know that I am capable of so much more than I first thought. I believe that when I look back on my life it will be those moments I spent helping others that will truly remain prominent.”

“ My outlook on life is completely different after it. I have a much better appreciation of what I have at home. I feel the Abbey India Project is truly worthwhile and is something you really have to experience to understand.”

“ I’m going to really miss a lot of the people in India, from Jim and the Brothers in Calcutta to Br Steve and all the teachers in Providence. But most of all I will miss the smiles on the faces of the children there.”

“ The impact the Abbey India Project has had on me is almost impossible to describe. Anything I write down will be such an understatement. The experience has been eye-opening. It really shows you what is important in life.”

“ Everyday the children are in my head and heart. The impact those brilliant inspirational children have had on me cannot be put into words. I left part of my heart with them in Providence.”

“ I’m glad to say I feel that I gave everything to have a little impact on those children’s lives and I think I succeeded. But, the impact they had on me is ever much much deeper.”

“ I could go on and on about the impact of the project on myself. But the Project isn’t about me. It’s about the kids. If we made a difference in their lives, I’m happy.”

“ The Abbey India Project is without doubt an immersion project which involves all of your time and energy for two weeks. But in my view you get so much more than you give. The love these kids show will touch you in ways you cannot know until you experience it first hand. The places we saw and visited and the people we met and talked to will stay in my mind forever.”

They look for no praise or adoration. They will pass through this world being known only by those whom they have touched by the healing of their spiritual hands.”

“ It wasn’t till I got home that I realised how much Providence meant to me. Being back in the school environment as a student is a totally different world – one that I have to get used to. Life will never be the same thanks to Shillong, Providence and the Abbey India Project.”

“What an experience! Honestly, the most enjoyable and rewarding two weeks of my life. It has made me question things in life, my own life. What is true happiness? Is it just material possessions? After this project – definitely not.”

BR STEVE'S LETTER

At the end of the Project, Br Steve penned a letter to the group summing up their input as he saw it. It is one of appreciation on behalf of all in Providence.

Portion of the letter:

As you walk away tonight from the now known Providence to a new unknown, you can write a new script, in fresh ink and on a different leaf in your heart….

Now you know

the smell of poverty

the sight of undiluted joy

the sound of fun at play

the taste of ‘everything is possible’

the touch of human warmth

the feeling of being loved by strangers….

You have honoured us by coming here,

you have touched us by your goodness,

you have moved us with your kindness,

you have disturbed us with your generosity and

you have saddened us with your leaving….