INDIA - A Volunteer in Mission Trip

Nancy's trip began March 31, 2008 from Rhinelander....

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 - Wai, Maharashtra, India

Greetings all!! Well, I have FINALLY arrived in Mumbai, albeit without my suitcases! What a voyage it was. Dr. Das has been teasing me that I should not have made plans to travel on April Fool's Day!

I left Rhinelander on Monday, departure one hour late due to weather. Arrived in Minneapolis with 10 minutes to spare before connecting flight, and did one of those marathon runs through the airport. Arrived at new departure gate just in time to see the DELAYED sign go up. Whew, time to catch my breath! Not so. Within minues, DELAYED was changed to CANCELLED (as the snow in Minneapolis increased), and chaos ensued. Three hundred people now trying to change flight arrangements!

What a mess. I ended up arranging to fly from Minneapolis to Amsterdam and then on to Mumbai (originally I was supposed to fly from Minneapolis to Newark and then direct to Mumbai). It was quite an ordeal. When I finally landed in India (some 28 hours later!), needless to say, I was a little owl-ie. It was quite the fiasco to file missing baggage reports, and when I finally cleared customs, I couldn't find Dr. Das. He hadn't received word that my flight had changed, and was looking for me elsewhere (what NEXT?). Thankfully, a helpful airport employee used his cell phone to get the good doctor and me together, and then we began the FOUR hour drive to Wai! (I thought it was going to be two!).

I'll tell you what....the DRIVE really woke me up! No rules of the road here, and my eyes were like dinner plates! You can't believe it.

We finally arrived in Wai 32 hours after my trek started. The Das home is very comfortable...and they have a dog! I'm thrilled! The German Shepard took to me immediately, and actually slept next to my bed all night! (Thanks, I needed a pet fix!). I have photos, but because my adapter is in my lost luggage, I can't hook up my computer (am using Dr. Das's right now). Once we get the suitcase problem solved, I'll send some your way.

At any rate, just want you to know I'm alive and well, a little tired, but in good hands with Milton and Smitha. They are very kind, loving people, and I feel quite safe and much appreciated already! Only been away a short while, but already feeling a pang of homesickness. As the saying goes, "Ya don't know what ya got till it's gone!" Love all of you; thanks for sharing this exciting time with me. More later......

Hugs, Nancy

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Greetings all! Well, the saga continues. The luggage did NOT arrive, and the story has changed from "lost" to "the bags are in Minneapolis." Who knows? Dr. Das had to do surgery at the hospital today, and Smitha had to teach this morning, so I spent the day at "home" waiting for phone calls from the airlines. With the advent of the luggage news, Smitha took me shopping this afternoon and I am now the proud owner of two punj suits (sort of like a sari, but with pants). At least I have a change of clothing! Am surely missing my American "comforts" though...roller brush, curling iron, make up, etc. etc. Well.....I just don't look at myself in the mirror!

The marketplace was everything you'd expect, or seen in National Geographic! Rows and rows and rows of street vendors...all kinds of stuff from clothing to vegetables...hanging, in cubby shops, or on blankets in the street. People ALL over....walking, on bicycles, motorbikes...the place jam packed. Unbelievable. We actually stopped at one cubby and Smitha bought a pound of wheat for bread making. Guy just scooped it out of a bin. I'm glad I had Smitha at my side....would be a frightening experience for a tall, American blonde....I kinda stand out amongst black haired, darker skinned people. They don't see many that look like me, so I was quite the curiosity. Especially in a sweat suit!

Speaking of wheat reminds me of food...a true adventure here. Smitha knows I don't care for curry, so she says she's introducing me "gently." Have eaten many, MANY new foods....and even if I could pronounce them, I can't spell them. I am definitely NOT hungry, and the Das's have gone out of their way to see that I am well fed. They are very gracious.

Tomorrow...heck with the baggage. I'll be "dressed for success" in a new punj suit, and it's off to the hospital we go! Dr. Das had an emergency patient tonight, and scooted off to the hospital. He came home with the EKG tracing and the Xrays, and we discussed it. I might be in another country, but medicine is medicine anywhere.

Hugs to all, and pray for my luggage (WE did at dinner!). The power of prayer. Thanks for all the warm fuzzy emails I've received....each one is very special. I am so blessed to call you FRIEND. Until next blog...

Love, N.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Time for celebration!! The bags have arrived and are in my possession! Happy, happy day! Of course, it wasn't without incident....and let me tell you, the saga of retrieving them could be an entire email of its own. Suffice it to say, however, that everything arrived and only cost me another 300 mile trip to Mumbai to get them. (Was I brave or what....went with a taxi driver all by my little self, as Dr. Das had patients to look after, and Mrs. Das had clinicals with the nurses!). That trip alone worth paragraphs...but we won't go into it......

Other news: This is phenomenal. On Friday morning, I planned my first trip to the hospital with Dr. Das. He told me they were going to have a little "welcome" for me....and I never expected anything more than meeting staff and some handshakes. What a SURPRISE!

When I got to the hospital, we went to their "meeting room" and when he and I walked in, I saw about 80 people already seated. As I came through the door, they all stood, looked at me and started applauding! I was speechless....and you know for me, that's really something! They proceeded to put me up at the front of the room, and two students came up and laid a gorgeous garland around my neck....something that would put Hawaii to shame! They had hand strung it themselves, and it was loaded with fresh roses, jasmine, marigolds, streamers, etc. etc. I was still recovering from that when they presented me with a hand-held bouquet, made from palm leaves and loaded with flowers. I'm still in shock. I don't know who they think I am.....the Queen of England? Then they had this little program where Dr. Das talked about me, where I'm from, etc. The students sang songs for me, and the administrator of the hospital spoke. I am still recovering. I almost feel like I'm fooling them or something....what do they expect? I'm only me....certainly not THAT important! No need for anyone to worry about me being welcome here....trust me, that I AM! They are wonderful people.

The hospital is about what I expected. Pretty antiquated, and mostly indigent patients. I'll take lots of photos, and will be happy to share. They actually WASH their latex gloves for reuse...so believe me, EVERYTHING I brought for them is much, much, much appreciated.

Today I did the first outreach health clinic with Dr. Das. The hospital has a small bus, and a pharmacist, a physical therapist, three student nurses with their instructor, a staff nurse and Dr. Das and I all piled in and away we went. What I saw is beyond words. Not only is there no high tech medicine or lab work to rely on, there are so many patients! Dr. Das and I saw 31 patients in two hours. Then we came back to the hospital, and he had a clinic full there! A very exhausting day. Not only is there NO time for a complete head to toe physical assessment like I would like to do, but as Dr. Das pointed out, even if he would refer these people on to a more progressive facility, the chances of them actually going are slim to none. He takes his best shot at doing what he can for them in the limited amount of time he has....truly, the man should be sainted.

I'm so sorry at this point that I can't share photos. I have my converter now that my luggage has arrived, but the house only has one phone hook up, and Dr. Das has his computer to it. I could download the photos to his laptop, but he doesn't have the software. It's a catch 22! I'll keep trying to figure out something...maybe I can tote the computer to the hospital....I'll keep working on it.

Meanwhile, THANKS to all of you for the emails....really makes me feel not so far from home, and I'm loving reading what's happening in YOUR life! Time is flying....I have a feeling I'll be home before I know I left!

Until next time.....hugs.

Nancy

P.S. My role as a "celebrity" grows. One of the student nurses handed me a Hindu newspaper this morning (which I can't read) and I have come to learn that the newspaper wrote some very nice things about me visiting here. I thought I might recognize my name, but no luck. So, I have the article, circled what is SUPPOSED to be my name....interesting, and very heart warming!

Monday, April 7th, 2008

Greetings from India! HOT India! For the most part the temps have been comfortable (warm-ish days and cool nights) but yesterday and today the afternoon temps soared, and I'm dripping! Know most of you are WAITING for summer.....you can have it!

Sunday morning Dr. and Mrs. Das took me to their church in Panchgani. It is a mountainous area about 10 miles from here (Wai is sort of in the foothills). I had no idea what to expect, and was very surprised to find a beautiful church, the service in English (complete with communion) and music that made my heart soar! There is a boarding school in Panchgani (Kimmins) and the childen attend and provide music at the services. It was like hearing the Vienna Boys Choir! When it came time to share prayer requests, Dr. Das commented on my presence and the safe arrival of my luggage. Many came to me afterwards to welcome me; it was a lovely experience that brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to return next week!

Monday and Tuesday mornings were spent at the hospital. Monday I unpacked and delivered all the "goodies" collected and saw some patients with Dr. Das. Today (Tuesday) was the first 'official" time I spent with the nursing students. Apparently I'll be working with the "2nd Years" who are studying medical/sugical stuff. It was an informal meeting and I started to explain the defibrillator I brought to a few students. Word must have gotten out that I was speaking, because in no time, I had 17 listening to every word I said! Kind of scary, as I am HARDLY the know-everything nurse! After that, I visited the ICU and spoke with the student nurses there. We talked about the monitor, and then they asked me if I would start a new IV on the patient. I asked if THEY were allowed to do it, and found that they can, but because the patient was a "hard stick" nobody wanted to try. I said I'd give it a shot....and when I looked, the patient really DIDN'T have much for access. I asked for a tourniquet (disposable at every hospital at which I work) and was given a red rubber foley catheter (usually used to catherize people!). I also asked for alcohol wipes (little packets with a wipe in it at my hospitals) and was given a cotton ball saturated from a bottle of alcohol. Of course, no gloves available! I gave the lecture on the importance of hand washing and whisked out my sanitizer from my pocket. I was pretty emphatic and think they got the drift. Anyway, by the time I got to trying for the IV, I had NINE people hovering over me. Talk about pressure. I said a quick prayer, and much to my OWN amazement, hit the vein on the first try. (Thank you God!). The students are wonderful and I love them. Beautiful faces and inquisitive minds. I now have an official teaching schedule set up (wish they would have given it to me while in the U.S. so I could have brought some of the wonderful teaching aids I have at home) but will make do.

I'm kinda figuring out the daily schedule here in India. I think the Das's assume we live the same way, but not so. Up at 7AM, coffee and tea. Off to the hospital about 8AM for morning rounds. Back home by 9AM for breakfast. (They have a girl come in to cook for them....her name is Sema, and she's so sweet). Back to the hospital after that until about 1PM then home for lunch. NAP TIME from about 2 to 5. This blows my mind! Then TEA is served, and back to the hospital for rounds again. Home by 6 or 7, and dinner is at 9PM. To bed by 10PM. Crazy schedule if you ask me....but I'm adapting. Hard for me to nap....just not my style. I'd use the computer during that time, but it's in Dr. Das's room, so that won't work. Mostly I read and work offline on my computer. Sema has two children, Kalish (9) and Gouri (8) and we're becoming friends. They live behind the Das's, and sometimes I go out and play with them.

There is somewhat of a language barrier. Most people speak Hindi, but English is their second language. They understand it, but don't always speak it well. They ALL speak very softly, and frequently I have to ask them to repeat things. They must think I'm too loud!

Anyway, the kids are here and begging me to play....so guess I'll close for now. Thank you ALL for the wonderful emails....they really mean a lot. Truly, each one is very special. Thanks for thinking of me.

Hugs, Nancy

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

Hey everyone! Only a few seconds to rub together, but couldn't resist writing to tell you this:

Went to a health camp out in the boonies this morning....and (are you sitting down?) Dr. Das saw 85 patients!!!! No kidding....EIGHTY FIVE!! They were lined up before we even got out of the vehicle! I saw everything from AIDS to scabies, chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain and hair loss. And the people were soooooooo grateful. An hour or two after we were there, some guy came in with a teapot and crackers, and gave some to each of the medical team. One of the nicest parts is that I saw some of the stuff that I carried all the way from Wisconsin actually go into the hands of some needy person. Cortisone creams, aspirin, ibuprofen....thank you to all of you who helped! Your generosity has found its way to somebody who needs it.

I gotta run....am teaching a class on EKGs at the hospital later this afternoon and need to bone up....but I just HAD to share the above with you. Know that YOU are appreciated.

Love, Nancy

P.S. Also...I am so grateful for the emails to me. Thank you so much for keeping me in your thoughts. If I had time, I really would love to write back to each of you, but my computer time is limited, so please forgive me. Still, I love you all! Dr. Das's son is a computer guru, who is coming to visit next week. Dr. Das tells me that he can probably figure out a way to get photos forwarded, so stay posted!!

Friday, April 11, 2008

AAAUUUUGGGHHHHHhhh! Third try....computer problems! I am well....will try again tomorrow! Love you all.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Sorry, sorry, SORRY that I've been out of touch! The dad gum computer system here has been giving us fits! I blogged twice, only to have it go to the never-never land of cyber space.

Looks like we're up and running again (I hope)....so I'll give it a shot.

Life here goes on. Last Wednesday Dr. Das had a meeting in Mumbai, so he dropped Smitha and me in Pune on his way. His son lives there, and Smitha and I "headquartered" at his apartment and made several treks out for shopping. I know you've heard it before...but the traffic and congestion is unbelieveable! We cabbed around in one of those little three-wheeler battery-operated cart things, and truly, I feared for my life! No rules of the road, horns honking..many, many times, I could reach out and touch the vehicle next to me....I mean inches! Smitha laughed and told me to take photos of something else besides traffic....but you guys have GOT to see this! Anyway, one of our stops was an "upscale" grocery store, where Smitha wanted to purchase some things that she can't get here in Wai. What an experience! I was like a five year old walking beside her...."What's this for? What's THIS?" Food I never saw before...pretty interesting! Another stop....fabric shop where I purchased a saree. Just like you'd imagine it! A man with a turban sitting on the floor, and workers bringing out bolt after bolt of material for me to choose from, unrolling it and throwing it in front of me.

Completed my first week of teaching....and just loving the kids. So many stories there...too many to relate via mail, but I'll fill you in when I get back. The books I collected arrived today, and everyone so grateful. Thank you to YOU.....a lot of you gave $$$, and I used $200 of it to ship the packages here. I assure you, they WILL be used! Also, while I'm on the subject, the hand sanitizer is so important. I saw such poor practices, and have been trying to impress on them the importance of clean hands. Guess what? Yesterday ICU nurses proudly reported to me that their first bottle was EMPTY! Good for them! Perhaps we have made a small difference!

Can't believe I've been here almost two weeks already. It's hot, hot, hot....but I'm coping. About now though, really longing for a T bone and a cafe mocha! Don't misunderstand me....I'm being well cared for, but the cuisine is very different. I had a short bout with stomach upset this week, but two lomotils and I'm fine! Ever onward.

Once more...thanks to everyone for the emails. I'd like to answer each, but my computer time is limited. I know you understand, and I love you for it. Will try to blog again early next week....and do not worry about me. All is well.

Love to all,

Nancy

Monday, April 14, 2008

Two weeks done, two weeks to go! Needless to say, by now I've settled into a "routine" and am feeling very much a part of the Das household.

Last Sunday, we did not go attend the chuch I so love. Dr. Das was asked to speak to (can you believe this?) a ROTARY CLUB meeting in a neighboring town, and asked me to come along. Of course, it was at 10:30 AM. So....off we went. And me, in my ignorance, expected nothing but a "meeting." Wrong-oh. We arrived in the small town to find a canopy draped over the street, with at least 100 people sitting cross legged underneath it. As Dr. Das and I walked up.....again.....I get ushered to the front and given a seat of honor. Lots of speaking in the Hindi language....I have no idea what they are saying, except at one point I recognize the word "America." They have me stand....another garland of flowers AND a woven shawl, AND a coconut! Applause. And again, I am bowled away! Then the Rotarians presented glasses to some of the people, and ask me to do the presenting. A wonderful experience....and if anybody reading this belongs to Rotary, I took lots of photos and would love to share with the local group when I get home! THEN, (I didn't even know this was going to happen), the Rotarians footed the bill for Rubella vaccine, and some of the nursing students and instructors were there to vaccinate. I got to help, and it was a wonderful experience. The children of India are just beautiful with their huge dark eyes and black hair. You can't help but turn to putty when they look at you. Of course, I was quite the curiosity to them, but a big hit when I took photos of them and showed them the picture on the camera. One even asked for my autograph!

Monday I had a class for the STAFF at the hospital, and was so warmly accepted. I just love sharing what I know with these good people! After the class, the instructors took me to the nursing "hostel" where the students live, and the girls were so tickled to have me touring their "digs." Again, in typical polite fashion, I was given tea and biscuits, and treated like a queen. Gonna be tough for me to come home and just be a commoner again! (LOL)

On the homefront, guess what was on the dinner menu this week? GOAT! Hey, surprisingly enough, if I could get the picture of the Three Billy Goats Gruff out of my head, it tasted pretty good!

My emails tell me all of you are buried in snow. Right now, sounds pretty good to me! It's still in the 100s here, and you drip just standing still. If I had longer than two weeks left, I'm sure I'd melt!

Love to all,

Nancy

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

No mas tee!!!! (HA, now I'm SPEAKING in Marati...or at least trying!) My goal is to be able to recognize and say the name of each of my students....no small task! I can't even SPELL their names, let alone put a face with it....but the kids seem to enjoy my efforts, and have also tried to teach me a few phrases (I can now also say: EAT).

Life here continues HOT! The mango flies have descended, and I'm told will be pestering us for about a month. Lucky me....the month that I'm here! They resemble those nasty little gnat things we have in the Northwoods.....very persistent and very annoying! And the DUST here. I've neglected to mention how everything has a coating on it by the morning! You'd think there'd be tons of respiratory problems here with the way the air is.

Yesterday was another health camp....in yet another new village. 70 (yes, seventy) patients seen in three hours. They just keep coming....young,old, some with serious ailments, others with minor cuts or aches.....and so grateful for Dr. Das! All of the medical "goodies" that I brought from the U.S. in my suitcase have already been dispensed.....triple antibiotic cream, cortisone cream, neosporin....all gone. Doesn't last long with a patient list like we're seeing. No tea served to us this time.....but.....more flowers and coconuts!

This afternoon Dr. Das has some errands in Pune....a large town about 2 hours from here. He's taking me along and going to give me a tour of the hospital there. Will report back to you in the next blog.

Much love to all,

Nancy

Friday, April 18, 2008

I'm meltinggggg. Good heavenly days, it's HOT here! Every day! Doesn't "cool down" (if you can call it that) until about 2AM. And I forgot to tell you....there are scheduled "power pockets" where the power goes off for about six hours at a time. Home AND hospital. The operating room there has a generator, but that's the only place. Poor patients! And students! I don't know HOW the kids study in this heat.

Speaking of kids, I had a blast last night with the students! I had been talking to them about the dances of India, and they invited me to their dorm to watch one of the girls do the OFFICIAL stuff....you know, the head between the arms thing, and the folding up of the legs.

Well, needless to say, she was beautiful....and then they got me to trying it! The hooting and hollering that went on! Pretty funny. Then, in return, I had to tell them about Texas line dancing, rock and roll, etc. and they went crazy when I did some of the Michael Jackson steps! Already they want to know when I am going to come again!

Not much else. Stuff at the hospital same, same...starting to know the names of many students, and teaching what I can. Bless their hearts, they HANG on every word I say....and are sooo polite! Wish I could adopt each and every one of them! They are really special.

Well friends,my fingers starting to slip off keyboard due to sweat, so guess I'll close. Until next time.......

Much love,

Nancy

P.S. Oh yeah....what's been on the menu lately? Fresh papaya....pretty good! Chicken that I don't recognize, and rice, rice and more rice. Am loving their tea....have learned how to make it their way and will be bringing some home. Some "snacks" that look like styrofoam (can't remember the name) which also taste like styrofoam, and if you can believe it, eggplant that is put DIRECTLY on the flame of the stove and "cooked" (you should smell the house after that one!) Ten days and counting until a T-bone! (LOL).

Sunday, April 20, 2008

"No mas tee! J'ai suma sikka!"

[HA....really getting cultural on all of you, aren't I??? Translation: "Good day, Praise the Lord!"]

It's been busy here. My students are just wonderful, and I love every one of them. Last Friday I was discussing the correct way to start an IV, and let one of the 3rd year students try on me. I thought the poor thing would faint dead away! She hit the vein but couldn't thread it, and I think she was afraid I was going to die! So caring! I'm finding nursing here so much less than even what I expected. I spent almost half an hour discussing oxygen saturation values, and how, when it dips below 90%, that it would be a wise nurse that would put some oxygen on for the patient. The reply: "We aren't allowed to do that...the doctor must do it." Same story when I spent time discussing heart and lung sounds...the first year students aren't even allowed to touch a stethoscope, and the 2nd and 3rd year students don't own one! Oy. Not exactly the collaborative practice I'm used to! Have spent a lot of time giving moral support, and explaining that nurses DO have a brain!

Saturday Dr. Das had a meeting in Miraj, a bigger city about 2 hours from here, and took me along for some touring on the way. We stopped and saw a LEPROSY hospital and then went on to see Wanless Hospital, a 500 bed facility where they do open hearts. Had fun comparing what I saw to what we do in the U.S. --- actually many, many similarities!

After his meeting, the Wanless Hospital was hosting a Gospel Music Festival, and Dr. Das and I were invited to the VIP section. Unbelieveable. Almost 6,000 people there! It was outside, and reminded me of the India version of Hodag Fest!!!! (But a lot more reserved!)

They had a famous Indian Gospel singer, Anil Kahn, and he really got the crowd pumped.

I would have liked to jump around a lot more, but the women are soooooooo quiet and reserved here, I thought I'd better behave! Now I have to try and find one of his CD's to bring back. What an experience!

Today the Das's son and daughter-in-law came to visit and we all attended church together. After services, we drove to Mabahashbwa (a resort area) and toured there. Beautiful....up in the mountains, not at all like I expected India to look! Then we went into the town proper, and I got to do some "power" shopping at the market (Dr. Das has little patience for browsing and the like....) and then we ate there. Not sure what it was.....had some sort of lamb appetizer, two kinds of rice, some hot spicy stuff (what's new?) and something that resembled egg salad.

Tomorrow marks only one week left here. Already I'm fretting about my return reservations....supposed to fly Continental from Mumbai to Newark, then Northwest from Newark to Minneapolis. Continental doesn't seem to have a seat assignment for me! I'm working on it....say a prayer. Not worried about luggage, since I'm going HOME and will have "stuff" there....but am worried about ME! Will keep you posted.

Take care, and thanks all for the emails. You've made my stay so much easier! Love you all. And see you soon!

Hugs, Nancy

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Namaste, friends! Lunch break and time for a quick blog....time here is getting short! The students are already telling me how sad they are that I am leaving. I have invited them ALL to Wisconsin, and if they take me up on it, will be quite the full house I'll have! I know many would like to make the trip, but doubt that they could ever afford it. Many haven't even paid their nursing school tuition yet!

Yesterday was quite the day. After classes in the morning, Smitha, Seema (who helps in the house) and I trekked to the Wai marketplace for shopping! What fun! As Smitha says, Seema "owns the place" and knew all the "cubbys" to visit, where we could get a "deal." She's quite the trader! When I think back of how the marketplace overwhelmed me when I first arrived, and look at now how I navigate so easily...I do believe I've come a long way! I decided I needed to bring home "bangles" for myself (quite the rage here)...and they actually have bangle SHOPS where that's all they sell! You have to be "fitted" for them...and what fun we girls had! My little pinky is raw from sliding the bracelets on and off a hundred times trying to decide which ones!!

Last night, one of the nursing teachers invited us to her son's first birthday party. As usual, I was clueless. Thought it would be a gathering of about 10 or 15. While at the market, bought a small gift for the baby. We arrived about 8PM, and no kidding...the party was outside, and they had invited 170 people!! I almost dropped!! Music playing....everyone chatting....it was GREAT! I kept muttering about how stunned I was at the crowd, and was told, "This is INDIA! We LOVE people!" Indeed they do!

Today I confirmed my return flight reservations. I depart Mumbai at 11 PM on Monday, and told Dr. Das not to take me to the airport...just get me a cab, and I'd be glad to pay. We already arguing about that....in his words..."You're my family! No argument." I've truly been blessed.

Will blog again before I depart...and as always, thanks for your kind notes via email. Keeping me connected has meant SO MUCH! You have no idea how good it feels to bring up Yahoo Mail and see how many messages are there for me! Love you all!

Nancy

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Greetings from steamy hot India. Whew, the humidity here is killing me! 87%...just a tad uncomfortable! I'm drinking fluids like there's no tomorrow. 50-60 degrees is sounding pretty good about now!

The reality of leaving here is already setting in. I taught my last class today, and my students surprised me by giving me a beautiful necklace and earring set, and a mug for the tea I like so much! They wanted my address and email, and had a thousand questions about Wisconsin and my planned trip home. There were tears and photos. The 13 in my class have become so special to me....12 daughters and one son! How lucky can a girl get? The mission has been a blessing to ME....I deserve absoluely no kudos....if this is what you call "serving"...hey, how easy can it get? Will blog again before I depart...

Thinking of you all, and really looking forward to a T bone and a glass of wine!

Love, Nancy

Saturday, April 26, 2008

I can't believe that I'm actually saying "This will be my LAST blog!" In many ways it seems like I just arrived, and in another way, seems like I've been here for months! Yesterday my last health camp, and it was up in the mountains in a beautiful area. What a scenic ride to get there!

Today the cardiologist from Pune, who visits here once a month, arrived to see patients and I had the honor of working with him for the day. We instantly "hit it off" as we "talk the same medical languge." He's quite an intelligent gentleman, and the past president of the Cardiology Association of India, so I learned a lot as well as sharing things from the U.S. with him. He's already "plotting" how we can get a "team" together and possibly do some heart surgeries for the indigent. Who knows?

My students are making my departure very difficult. One or two at a time are coming to me with small gifts, notes, hugs and kind words. Today they gave me a hand made invitation to attend a "Farewell Party" at their hostel tomorrow night.....and I have a hunch it won't be easy for me to walk away when it's over!

Monday I depart, and will be leaving for the airport in Mumbai early afternoon. My flight is out at 11PM and is direct to New York. 16 hours....UGH. Then to Minneapolis, then to Rhinelander, and then HOME! I'll need some time to recover from jet lag, and open the mounds of mail and bills that have no doubt accumulated....but promise I will "surface" as soon as I can!

Thanks to ALL OF YOU who have emailed, kept me in prayers, and shared my journey with others. I am so blessed with so many wonderful people in my life...thank you for being there. I love you all. Truly, I mean it.

Hugs, Nancy

Nancy returned home safely. Thank you for reading about her Volunteer in Mission trip.

You may send an email to Nancy at: nancystravels@yahoo.com

She may not be able to respond to you, but you can let her know she is in your thoughts and prayers.