Erin and Prim (long time mission worker and "mission boy") are preparing to observe a cataract surgery at the GSM hospital. Surgeries are performed on a sliding scale with free care offered to the poorest patients.
"Prim and I, just before we went into the Operating Theatre to see a cataract surgery. I nearly passed out. It was hot in there and the optho. was REALLY attacking his eyes. Oh man. Afterwards Henry said, "I don't think you should go into medicine, Sister." Prim, I happily report, was very professional."
Henry has recently retired from his position as mandal education officer (district superintendent) for the Puttur area. Mornings are spent listening to the needs of and caring for the poor and needy that come to the mission. Erin is relating a story about this grandmother and her grandson in an email to Jeanette Mausolf, July 2008, Mission Team Leader.
"I don't really remember their story, but this old woman and her grandson (I think) just came to the mission the first few days I was there. I'm not sure if they've been admitted or are just staying around for a while. Very sad. Oh Jeanette, the people I've met. Every morning Henry and I sit on the porch and take tea and EVERY morning there are new, sadder people. At first it made me sick, but now it's like I've come to expect it. I don't know how Henry does it. If anything, this trip has given me a very clear image of what Henry does."
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Mathew 25:40 (TNIV)