CALCUTTA MISSION - INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS

FAQs
Volunteer Orientation Information given in Calcutta

You just need to arrive and attend an Orientation, M, W, and F 300pm currently at Shishu Bahvan, which is down the street from Mother House. I will be going too, so we can all go together.

How do you recommend I carry money?
ATMs abound. Visa and MasterCard are preferred, and others can be found but may be a bit difficult. Another option is to bring Travelers Cheques (that is what I do). I carry at least 100$ starting cash (in rupees) and an ATM card as well.

Where do I exchange money?
At Foreign Exchanges (ForEx) offices. They are in various places on Sudder Street (where all the volunteers hang out). Try to get small denominations in the Indian rupees exchanged for US dollars. People on the street (taxi, food stalls, etc.) will not have change for large bills (500 & 1000 denominations)

How do I get the best exchange rate?
I get the best exchange rate through my ATM card, but that's because my bank doesn't charge anything (look into if your bank charges fees for this service, they can add up). Don't be afraid to go from Foreign Exchange to Foreign Exchange, to look for the best rates, just like you were shopping in the US. This of course will not work with Foreign Exchanges run by banks.

No one will take my torn bill, what do I do?
Give them no choice. Don't waver, if they want you're money they'll eventually take it, and if they don't then go somewhere else if you can.

Do I tip?
In most restaurants, NO. In fancier restaurants with good service a tip is always appreciated. I generally do the American rule of 10-20%. Cabs get a tip from me only if they aren't ripping me off and then only between 20-50 INR.

Where do I find medicines?
At Chemists. Pretty much anything is available over the counter. And they also act as surrogate doctors. If you've got a problem, tell them and they'll try to help you out. But remember they're not doctors, and they're just listening to your problems (not investigating them) AND they want to sell stuff.

Do I have to take Malaria medicine while I am there?
Yes. I recommend everyone taking their medicines while here. There is too much a chance of catching it.

How seriously is the danger of getting TB and Malaria?
TB is low, Malaria, Dengue and Typhoid fever can be a concern depending on where you're staying. Speak to your Doctor before you make the journey, he knows your medical situation and can discuss with you your options

Can you recommend a place to stay at? Where did you stay? Do the Missionaries help with accommodation?
MCs do not help with accommodations. I recommend you stay at the BMS Guesthouse. That is where I stay and will be happy to make a reservation there for you. Once you are there, it is your responsibility to pay the bill with the manager (Anu Kahn).

Some of the nearest and cheapest places of accommodation are:
Hotel Circular, 177, A.J.C. Bose Road
Monica House, St. James’s Church, A.J.C. Bose Road
Hotel Maria, Center Point, Modern Lodge, (all on Sudder Street)
Baptist Mission, near Baptist Church A. J. C. Bose Road (This is the place where I like to stay)

How do I purchase Plane tickets?
I have a travel agent who I will recommend to you. Each person will purchase their own plane ticket. Feel free to use my travel agent or use an agent of your own if you feel more comfortable.

Omega Travel
Agent Shyla George
sales@travelomega.com
973-992-0143

Calcutta, India
Month Temperature (°F) Temperature (°C) Average Precipitation (in) Wet Days (+0.01 in)
Average Record Average Record
Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max
Jan 55 80.6 45 89.6 13 27 7 32 .39 0.8
Feb 59 84.2 46 98.6 15 29 8 37 1.22 2
March 70 93.2 50 104 21 34 10 40 1.42 2
April 75 96.8 61 108 24 36 16 42 1.69 3
May 77 96.8 64 108 25 36 18 42 5.51 7
June 79 91.4 70 111 26 33 21 44 11.69 13
July 79 89.6 73 98.6 26 32 23 37 12.80 18
Aug 79 89.6 73 96.8 26 32 23 36 12.91 18
Sept 79 89.6 72 96.8 26 32 22 36 9.92 13
Oct 75 89.6 63 96.8 24 32 17 36 4.49 6
Nov 64 84.2 52 91.4 18 29 11 33 0.79 1
Dec 55 78.8 45 87.8 13 26 7 31 0.20 0.3
Data converted and culled from the BBC table below

Suggested items to bring:

Supplies
• I. Minimum Needs:
o A. Photocopies of legal documents (visa, passport, any others) in your luggage, separately from your actual documents. (Also, suggested to leave copies with someone in the US that you trust, and will be able to contact in the case of an emergency).
o B. Travel towel
o C. 3-4 sets of clothes & one warm sweat-shirt (dress modestly)
o D. alarm clock
o E. flash light
o F. "money belt" (for money)
o G. Medication
o H. Journal
o I. ATM card / Travels Cheques (Visa preferred, MC okay... other... extremely risky)
o J. Starter cash (~$100 or less in rupees)
o K. travel backpack
o L. Passport and Indian Visa
o M. Basic Toiletries
o N. a pair of walking shoes
• II. Suggested
o A. Camera that uses AA batteries
o B. Extra camera memory
o C. Good sandals
o D. Cough Drops
o E. Bandana
o F. day bag (shoulder)
o G. Vitamin C supplements
• III. Things available locally that you will need:
o A. soap
o B. shampoo
o C. batteries
o D. toilet paper
o E. books
o F. brush
o G. pens
o H. first aid kit
o I. Band aids ("plasters")
• IV. Luxuries (do you really need it / want to risk losing/damaging it??)
o A. mp3 player
o B. cell phone
o C. laptop

Daily Schedule - all work and prayer time is done on a voluntarily basis, nothing or no one will hold you to a hard and fast schedule. You come and go as you please
(Thursdays no work)

6am Mass (doors close until breakfast)
7am Breakfast - Provided by the MC sisters free
7:30am Leave for houses to serve the poor
8-noon Morning work shift
12-3 Lunch Break
3-5:30pm Afternoon shift
6:30 pm Adoration/Evening prayer (6pm on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Mother House Address

Missionaries of Charity,
54/A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra (AJC) Bose Road,
Calcutta 700 016, W.B., India.
Kind Attn: Sr. Mary Mercy (sister in charge of the volunteers)

Centers:

Shisu Bavan
For Girls only
Children + Handicapped
Teach them 3-6 yrs old

Nabo Jibon
BOYS ONLY
Older Children Handicapped
Brother MCs run it
~Eat lunch with the brothers
SUNDAY PROGRAM

Daya Dan
Handicapped Children 6-15
2 levels Up/Down (More/less handicapped)

Ghandi center
School for Street Children

Shanti Dan
children (NOT ORPHANS)
only For girls
Women - Mental Disabilities

Prem Dan
A lOT of work available
Long term care
Sit with patients

Nirmal Hriday
(Kalighat)
Caring for the Dying and the destitute

Titigarh
Leper Colony on Thursdays (once every month)


Legal / Medical Info:
Vaccines recommended, none are "Required".
• Routine
• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Rabies*
• Japanese encephalitis*
• Polio
(*may not be needed as we will not likely be in rural areas – speak to your doctor, he knows best)

Drugs:
• Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs) atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing). Chloroquine is NOT effective in India
• The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on

Legal Items:
• Passport
• Visa (keep photocopies of each in a separate place in your luggage)
• Recommended: Get some rupees ahead of time in the US. Check the current Exchange rate on-line.

DO NOT DRINK THE LOCAL WATER – INCLUDING BRUSHING YOUR TEETH WITH IT OUT OF ANY FAUCET ANYWHERE IN THE CITY
(Kinnley or Aqua-fina water can be purchased on the streets – do not drink local brands).


Related links for additional info and insight:

University of Seattle runs a student trip to Kolkata every year. They published a detailed guide for volunteers. It will give you a good idea as to what you can expect.

1) http://students.seattleu.edu/clubs/calcutta/

2) http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/world/asia/26iht-26calcutta.8073173.html

3) http://www.motherteresa.org/07_family/Volunteering/v_cal.html


Good books to read before the trip:

1) Mother Teresa's Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity by Susan Conroy. (Susan Conroy was a college student who spent a summer in Calcutta. The book is very good and is right on point.)

2) Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light - The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta by Father Brian Kolodiejchuk

CURRENT HAITI DEVELOPMENTS:

Right now do to the earthquake in Haiti, the mission trip is on hold. Patty and I have already bought our tickets but I do not want to make any promises to you. The guesthouse in which we stay at is in need of repairs. With that being said, we will be making the trip but I can not say right now when because many factors are out of our control

Just to give you a little background on Immaculate Heart Missions. Our Mission organization runs two trips every year: One to Haiti and one to Calcutta. The Haiti trip is in the Spring while the Calcutta trip is in December. As for more info, the Haiti details are posted on our web-site right now. For the Calcutta mission, since its not until next December, I have not posted the details about it yet. However, if you feel called to go to Calcutta, here is a good link to take a look at. Its from the University of Seattle, who runs a student trip there every year. It will give you a good idea as to what you will expect.

http://students.seattleu.edu/clubs/calcutta/

Also, a good book to read between now and December is: Mother Teresa's Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity by Susan Conroy. Susan Conroy was a college student who spent a summer in Calcutta. The book is very good and is right on point.

http://www.susanconroy.com/mtlolasos.shtml

Lastly, continue to pray about how God seems to be calling you to help the poor. Believe me, if he wants you to participate in mission work, it will happen!!!

Feel free to call me too any time, I would be very happy to answer any and all of your questions

201-935-3551

I will also keep you in the loop about the Haiti trip. June is 5 months away and a lot can happen between now and then

Stay tuned

HAITI MISSION - INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS

Airfare: The approximate cost of a round trip ticket from New York to Haiti is $500.00 (the earlier you book your ticket, the cheaper it will be). Each person is responsible for booking their own ticket with the airline. It is our desire that the entire group participating on the mission travel together on the same flight. If this is not possible, that is ok too, we will work around each situation as they come up.

Guesthouse: We will be staying at a Guesthouse on the property of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s sisters). This house was built by a benefactor from the United States and is cared for by this woman out of love for the Haitian people. The cost of a nights stay is $7.50 US. This small fee pays for electricity, water for the showers and sinks, maintenance, etc. A check needs to be sent to the benefactor of the home before you arrive in Haiti. The address will be provided to you by Patty or Joe.

Basic rules of the home:
1) We are guests of the Missionaries of Charity, with that being said, our behavior should be respectful of their way of life.
2) We are expected to clean up after ourselves
3) There is no smoking in the house
4) For security purposes, the MC Sisters do not want to open the gates after dark. For this reason all volunteers must be in the compound before night fall.
5) No visitors from the street are allowed in the guesthouse at any time.

What is provided in the Guesthouse:
1) A Gas Stove
2) An Electric refrigerator
3) Pots, pans, dishes, silverware, sheets, towels, beds, and pillows

What is NOT provided in the Guesthouse:
1) Everyone is expected to provided for his or her food & drinking water (Food and water is available in a grocery store close by. The sisters gatekeeper can help us with this)
2) Gas for the stove is also our responsibly, if it runs out while we are in the guesthouse. This too can be provided for at a local store. The gatekeeper can also help us with this function.

Type of service we will be doing while in Haiti:
1) Working at a children’s hospital and orphanage assisting the MC sisters
2) Working at a home for destitute men, women, and young children
3) Assisting at a Dispensary - helping to fill prescriptions and assist the MC sisters with minor first-aid for the people who attend (every Saturday)

Work Hours:
• 8am to 12 noon & from 3:00pm to 5pm
• (All volunteers are also invited to daily mass with the MC sisters in the morning in their chapel and to Eucharistic Adoration at the end of the work day )

Helpful Information:
1) Taxis are available at the airport. They will take you to the Missionary of Charities home (its not very far away). The going rate is $20.00US. Make sure to establish the price before you get into the taxi
2) The complete address of the MC sisters home is: Delmas 31 Rue de Larnage #6 Port au Prince, Haiti
3) Money can be changed at the grocery store on Rue Delmas
4) The MC sisters driver may be available to take volunteers when available, so it is good to take care of these functions in groups for safety reasons and convenience.
5) Check the US to Haiti exchange rate for currency before you go.
6) You need a valid passport
7) US citizens do not need a visa but if you are a resident from a country out side the US, check the VISA requirements online.
8) Bring mosquito repellent
9) Contact your doctor for any required shots and malaria pills

(Once you decide to go, a registration form must be filled out for the benefactor in the US, who manages the guesthouse. Patty and I have the forms and will be happy to email them to you)

What you will see and experience during this mission to Haiti will be very powerful, in many ways, especially if you have never been exposed to third - world poverty. The dedication of the Missionaries of Charity, who were kind enough to let us stay at their home, is God given. By watching them you will learn what it is to give your life in the service of others, especially when caring for those who are helpless and can not take care of themselves.