Experiencing the Culture

Having our clothes washed.

Buying Bangels

Henna... A special skin decoration in preparation for attending the wedding!

Government Hospital and Follow up Cleansing

Friday and Saturday

The last post was Friday while Jean and the nursing students were touring the Government Hospital. The experience there was very challenging. They observed a hospital that provided free services and medicines for the poor in very difficult conditions. The wards were large and crowded and lacked staff and resources. While a very difficult personal experience it was a good learning experience.

In the evening we went to visit a couple of homes in the village. First, we went to a group of people from the church who live back by the orchard that the clinic owns. Then we went to visit the family who owns the lot next to the clinic, but are temporarily relocated near the city center because they are rebuilding. We didn’t find where they were living. We ended up at the wrong house, but were invited in and served cake and crackers anyway.

Saturday morning included the first round of wedding preparations. First was the application of henna to provide some decorative design for the feet and hands. The afternoon included clothing fitting, especially for those who will be wearing saris to the wedding (Jean, Grace, Chelley, Logan, and Kara).

We also did a number of house visits. We rented an auto rickshaw to take us to the neighboring village of Thummapudi to visit Nagamoni, one of the nurses at the clinic. On that trip we discovered that we could find 9 Americans in an auto rickshaw along with the driver. The auto brought us back to visit pastor Gopal Rao and the other clinic nurse, Renuka. Later we walked to visit some of the other staff, Nirmila, Latha, Chancey, and Swapna. They are such gracious and generous hosts. We just about had more chilled, carbonated beverages than we could handle.

Friday

Ok... Back at an internet site today while students are at the Government General Hospital. Much more comfortable and relaxed situation which allowed me to update Thursday. Make a second attempt at uploading pictures (successful this time I hope). And add a bit for today.

The power just went off here so I have a short time on battery back up. This has been the least dependable electricity experience that I have had in my trips to India. The outages are frequent and random and often for long periods of time.

Today is our last "field trip" to various medical facilities. Tomorrow we will be in Chiluvuru only. Sunday morning we will be with the children from the church and in the evening we will go to a wedding from Subbarao's extended family. Monday we begin the journey home.

It has been a wonderful experience, all are doing well.

John

Sharing some wonderful food

Pictures just for fun

Pictures of Siddhartha Medical School and Hospital