Wednesday was another busy day in the clinic, but we are seeing recurring patients and beginning to remember their names and problems. We are thankful to be able to have more time to treat patients, and for the relationships we are developing with the people who we are treating.

In the afternoon Wednesday we went to the construction site of the new HIV/AIDS clinic. Four cottages and a conference hall/general ward are nearly completed, and the administration building is under construction. A fifth cottage is in the beginning stages of construction.

After treating patients in the evening on Wednesday, we walked over to the girls hostel and played games. The girls taught us a game called "Kabadi-Kabadi", and we taught them "Red Rover". We were tired and hot by the time we returned to the bungalow, but we had such a great time. Language is no barrier during children's games!

Maureen and her three students outfitted in chudidahs (pants and tunic type outfit). These loose fitting outfits are great for the very hot South Indian Summer heat (about 90 degrees and 65% humidity).

The PT clinic was typical Indian event. Lots of patients, lots of family with patients, lots of curious on lookers and lots of noise. Great stuff.

Eating Mangos has it's own technique in India. Erin got a lesson on the proper way to handle this wonderfully sweet fruit. I does indeed take a village or at least a committee. After lots of explaining, and laughing the mangos do eventually get eaten. Bon Appetit.

There is a definite tradition of hospitality in India and the mission staff takes their responsibility to heart and treats the students and Maureen as honored guests.

Monday - Full day at the clinic!

Maureen sent the following report of their first day seeing patients at the Good Shepherd Mission Hospital physical therapy clinic:

Monday was a busy day in the clinic, with about 50 patients coming for therapy. After a bit of a learning curve, we developed a system of triaging the patients, evaluating all, and treating those who were most in need, or who came from far away. The students were able to observe (very brief) evaluations, assist in establishing the plan of care, see x-ray films and MRI films, and provide some treatments. The variety of patients that we are seeing is really wonderful. We are treating young babies, and older adults, and everything in between. We have orthopedic and neurological conditions including head injury, stroke, arthritis, back pain, and muscle strain. Monday evening we worked late in the clinic and came back to eat a late dinner and sleep. Still our spirits are high, and we feel that we are making a contribution to the mission. We had some delicious Andhra Pradesh mangoes for dinner Monday. We are enjoying being in India for peak mango season. Erin had to learn how to eat a mango "Indian style", and apparently it takes a village to teach the technique!In the evening we were fit for our sarees. We purchased saree fabric in Chennai, and the tailor will now make the material into sarees. Tuesday morning was again so busy. About 25 patients came to the clinic, and when you put three PTA students, two PTs, a few translators, family members and patients in a small clinic it can be a bustling place for sure. At one point, the general ward attached to the PT clinic was nearly full of waiting patients!

Pictures to follow!!

Physical Therapist Assistant Students arrive in Chennai

Dr. Raffensperger and her three students arrived safely in Chennai where they spent two days in the city with Maureen's brother. They did some touring and recovered from jet lag. They are now safely at Good Shepherd mission ready to begin their day of seeing patients. Maureen sent the following pictures and note:

"After two days relaxing in Chennai with Maureen's brother and sister-in-law, we are in Puttur. We spent the two days in Chennai of shopping and touring. We visited two sites today, Crocodile Bank, and Dakshina Chitra. Croc Bank is like a zoo for crocodiles, alligators, snakes and turtles, oh my... So many crocodiles!! Dakshina Chitra is an outdoor museum that promotes and preserves the cultures of the people of India, especially those from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. We could see the art and architechture of those people and places, and watch the artisans at work in a fair trade environment. The pictures are of Sunday in Chennai. The first picture is of our driver and tour guide, Moham. In the second picture, a woman at Dakshina Chitra is demonstrating a handmade musical instrument which is typical of those made in the past in Andhra Pradesh. We arrived at the mission Sunday evening after the three hour car ride from Chennai, and were greeted by many of the people of Good Shepherd Mission. We gathered in the Ashram (complete with windows and doors, now!) and were welcomed by songs and prayers of thanskgiving. We are ready to get to work tomorrow, early, as Brother Henry says that we have over 40 people who are expected to show up for therapy tomorrow. We'll be very busy, but we are excited to begin!"

And the Adventure Continues......

The Summer 2008 team dedicated the new physical therapy clinic at the Good Shepherd Mission Hospital. Dr. Maureen Raffensperger was instrumental in helping secure funding and establishing the clinic. This past Thursday, May 14 2009, she traveled to Puttur with three physical therapist assitant students who will complete their clinical experience in a global setting at the hospital in Puttur. This is an approved study away site by Missouri Western State University. These pictures were taken July 2008. Dr. Raffensperger dedicated the clinic. Kelly Kloepping had just finished her physical therapist assitant program and traveled with the team. Both offered free care during the two weeks in Puttur.