Yes, No, Maybe So?
January 7th, 2008
Writers hate to be cliche. But as I try to describe the feeling of first walking into Assissi Illam this morning, the quiet hush of the children inside, broken by their laughter and chorus of Hi’s and hand waves and shouts of “Auntie, Auntie!” when we walked in, I can’t think of anything but a cliche to explain it. Your heart just absolutely swells.
I didn’t want to leave, but it was a brief stop with the volunteers who are working there this week (I’ll be there next week).
So it was off to the St. Joseph Social Services Center for a day of door scrubbing and painting. The center, run by Franciscan nuns, hasn’t been painted in its 23 years of existence - and the wear and tear shows. The last set of volunteers did a fantastic job sprucing it up, and our job is to continue making it a more vibrant place for the children and the Sisters.
The center was opened by a Sister (whose name I can’t begin to try to spell, so I won’t — though I’ll get it tomorrow) whose mission is to serve “the poorest of the poor.” It’s part day care center, part orphanage. Her aim has been to take in the poor’s children so both parents can go out and work to make a better living.
The two of us painters (a volunteer named Rick and I) met Sister today. She has a beautiful presence and a warm, welcoming smile. She’s quiet, though, and doens’t speak much English, but we’re finding a way to communicate. For health reasons I’m not exactly sure of, she can’t walk very much. And so she runs the entire center from the small room she spends most of her day in.
GV works under a philosophy of matched labor. Meaning, volunteers don’t just swoop in to do the work. There’s an equal, matched labor from members of the local community. So Rick and I worked today with Ravi and Gree (if I’m spelling that correctly). The former speaks much less English than the latter, but we managed to understand him pretty well as he gave us instruction to begin scrubbing and painting the five doors and one window of the dining room we’ll be working on this week.
But here’s a funny thing about working with them today. Whereas Westerners nod their heads “yes” and “no” to communicate those two messages, the people here have a head nod all their own. It’s more of a subtle wave of the head, as if you’re slightly bringing one ear to shoulder, then the other. And it’s used to convey, “yes”, “no” “maybe” and “okay.” So umm.. yeah. It makes communication interesting. Good luck trying to figure out the answer to your question if it’s returned with that head nod!
And so today, Ravi kept checking in on my paint job, inspecting it closely. I got worried, asking and motioning “Good? O.K?” And he’d return with that head nod that looks sort of like, “Yeah, I guess. Nice try.”
But the work went quickly, and the Sisters are all so welcoming, spoiling us with coffee and biscuits and an amazing lunch. I’m really looking forward to returning tomorrow. We’re also going to try to spend some of our break time with the children there. (They serenaded us with a spirited rendition of the “Hokey Pokey.”)
Ok. Off to a bucket shower before heading for an evening session at another local orphanage.
Your writing reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert’s! So good.
Have fun! I know what it’s like to lose luggage. I think I’ve lost 5 or 6 times. I spent four days in France in the same pair of shorts, a t-shirt and running sneakers. My friend lent me some undies. But it stunk!
Sounds like this is going to be amazing, Joann. I’m very impressed with all that you’ve done.
posted by Katie (01/07/08 10:29 am)Thanks, Katie! I’m glad you’re enjoying reading. It’s fun to post and it helps me process the day, too.
Still no luggage, but I’ve got a few items to cover me from other volunteers, so I’m managing. Can’t wait to see you and tell you all the stories in person!
posted by Joann (01/08/08 5:55 am)