My Big Day Out

Last week for mass, Fr. Salu had asked a very simple question, for which I had no answer.
He said Christ died for us, for our sins, so that we could live.
Have we as persons, made an impact in anyone's life till date?

I thought about this question and honestly I know of a lot of people who have made a significant difference in my life, but as far as I recollect, I have not done anything for anyone as yet.

As mass went on, there were the notices read during which time, I became aware of a demolition drive to build an airport and thus destroy a Catholic Church. Also a drive to wipe out the houses in Gorai and Manori for an entertainment park. I knew I had got my answer during this very mass. There were going to be rallies and I could stand up and raise my voice or just be a silent observer.

But, when I reached home, I came to know that there was to be a visit to the aged home on the same day as the rally. An aged home in Malad? That's strange. I never even knew there was such a home in my own area.

And so today, I reached the aged home. Its called Shanti Niwas in Kurar Village, Malad (E). Nope, I live in the West and I dont know how to go there on my own, so if you read my blog and believe that you should visit the home, the no is 022 2842 5209 and you could speak with Brother Julianne.

As of now, there are only 2 ladies and the remaining are gents, 2 small girls as well. They are looking for couples who would like to adopt the girls. The girls are aged between 8 - 11. A total of 17 of them. There is also a sick patient who is looked after in isolation, as he is suffering from TB.

The way for the men / ladies to make money and to have some thing to do as a pass time, is to put the hair clips known as boppins (hope I got the spelling right) onto the paper and then give it back to the supplier. These people get paid peanuts. 1st they were being paid 25 p, now it is 50 p for a day's work. Ridiculous, right! That's what I said. But who can they argue with?

I know I have not made a difference today, but at least I can pass the word around to you to help these people in whatever small way you can, as they live on what we give them.

Its a clean place, a little out of the way, but something you would not like to miss out on. One day, we wil be senior citizens too. Will our children send us away?