This summer I spent 4 weeks volunteering in Chennai India with Global Volunteers.  I worked at St. Thomas Hospital and SEAMS Children’s Home.  At St. Thomas Hospital I met Doctor Sister Rexline who is a physician, nun and the medical director of the hospital.

During the first week at St. Thomas Dr. Sr. Rexline invited me to join her and two priests, Father Pradeep Behera and Father Manoranjan Singh (who where traveling from their orphanages in Orissa India) on a drive into the countryside to visit Assisi Home for The Aged in the village of Puduper.  We spent the entire day together talking about our work, our countries and our cultures.  I was so impressed by the joy and hopefulness that these two priests bring to their work.  Although India has made amazing progress in many areas – technology, science, and education – the poorest have been left behind.  Particularly the poor children.  

Father Singh and I have continued to correspond since my return home.  I received my first letter from him in August. He is a teacher and assistant parish priest at RMC Sishu Bhawan Mondasore Mission and St. Vincent ’s School.  His orphanage is funded for 50 children through the Indian Government, but they house 150 children.  The children he serves have many needs. One of the problems that they face is transportation for medical care.  When the children are sick they need to be transported to the near by town of Raika .  At times this is not possible.  They do not have a car.  Hiring a car or riding a bus is not reliable and when it is available it takes an hour to travel the 15 km (approx. 9 mi) to Raika.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of problems in the world today.  But, I think that as a community we can pull together, choose a goal and make a difference.  I feel that purchasing a van for RMC Sishu Bhawan Mondasore Mission Orphanage is a goal that is attainable and will make a difference for years to come in these children’s lives.  With reliable transportation the boys will be able to get necessary medical care and will have access to other services available in Raika – computers for example.

I am not affiliated with any organization or church in this endeavor.  I encourage you to join with me in this opportunity to participate in a direct community to community project that will illustrate the truth in Margaret Mead’s statement: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

Deanna Flanagan                805 701-9446            [email protected]