Second visit...with 'Nanas'

This second visiting made me feel so long tidal. At the first time, we decided to visit 'Home for old aged/handicapped' once in a month(on the last saturday of a month). Before goind there, I was really looking forward to meeting them, talking with them. I was missing them...

When we reached there, firstly, I and my colleagues had to divide two groups. One group is for shelter of men, the other one is for  women. In fact, women(grandmothers) are more comfortable for me. Of course, on the base, there is the think we have same gender. Moreover, I have some experiences with many grandmothers. When I had lived in Korea, I used to visit an old people's home or handicapped people's with my family. My mother is very interested in welfare of the aged. So, she was studying that field and various volunteer activities in that field. I think the works with my family were effect on my thinking and value. I always thank for having that background and doing that kind of work from childhood. This time, however, I wanted to make another experience. Futhermore, we didn't come there to do comfortable volunteers. I decided to go to the shelter of men(grandfathers' home). While going that side, I tried to focus on positive factors. I thought I could do well with women because we would have similar experiences, share our hobbies/common things easily. But, when I was in Korea, I used to talk with my grandfather. I knew which topic he would like and what I have to do for him. Especially, he could be a my great teacher, leader, and supporter. He is experienced person. As an elder, he could give me so many things for my life as well as his.

While entering there, I and my friends(Chinmay and Kaustabh) was discussing 'what could we ask?'. Before reaching there, I was thinking about it. But, I couldn't remember it at that time and get confidence I could ask this kind of question or not. I don't know Hindi and Marithi. So, I could only be helped by my friends or sir. I couldn't but face a difficulty of language in communication. I tried to talk with them by asking and practicing short sectences in Hindi. In the meantime, we found one man who could speak English. He speaks English very well. He told me English is his first language. I could communicate with him. At first, I felt tension a little and worrying-I could ask this kind of question or not. When I was hesitating, he told me. "You can speak and ask anything for me. If you don't speak, your tongue will be hard." He is an elder as well as teacher for me! I could be more confident and tried to ask and talk with him. I let him hear about my motherland, Korea. "There are four seasons-Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter....." After sometime, when I was saying about me, he started telling me about his story. He has one son in Nagpur. His son has one daughter. When he lived with his family i.e. before dying of his wife, he used to teach his grand-daughter and play with her. Nowadays, he told he drops in his son from time to time. He doesn't go frequently, but, because he is familiar with staying here and as for the others who are with him. During having a talk, he wiped his eyes continuously. He told his eyes water. Also, he gave me so many eoncourages. I don't know how they feel as talking with me. But, I could be sure. As talking with them and hearing them, I could open my mind and have confidence before that time. We left some stories for next time by saying 'See you next month...'

I heard one thing from TV programme-'There are no people who have unbroken mind. But, for living, because we have to live. Therefore, we could smile, therefore, we could thank, therefore, we look like feeling happy...' The attitude knowing how to take care of the little one or thanking for given circumstances gives me a brave, surmountable mind in any hard circumstances, situations though I feel it is difficult. When I went there at the first time, I heard their story from sister. They are so poor, suffered from poverty, thrown by their own parents...already marginalized people out of society. They all are the global issues which we have to face it but most of the people wouldn't want to consider it. Almost people but not all usually overlook that facts as if they are not irrelevant at all. But, that is a big mistake of mistakes. As mentioned earlier, we are the people who are living in the world. We should face many global issues and think about them earnestly.

Next time, I would take instrument to play some songs for them. Deepshri ma'am suggested us to think game or small activities which all could be involved in. And, I promised to show some pictures of Korea. I'm sure they will be pleased with them. I could felt their happiness could be mine while talking with them.

*Nana(in Hindi) = Grandfather