We continue to have a wonderful time at Good Shepherd Mission and in Puttur. The clinic is running well and busy, which is what we prayed for!
Sunday morning we attended the local Lutheran church in Puttur, which is the church that was formative in Brother Henry’s spiritual life. The preacher and congregation welcomed us very warmly. Sunday evening we visited GSM’s HIV/AIDS/TB care center. We’ll attach pictures of this beautiful facility later, as it was very late and the pictures we took don’t do it justice. The last of 8 cottages is nearly complete, and will likely be completed on the outside before we leave. There are 8 people who are living at the care center now. This facility is evidence of the faith of Brother Henry and Praveen, and God’s work through GSM.
Monday we spent a busy day at the clinic, and then ate our evening meal outside, enjoying the cool breeze. (We eat dinner usually around 9 pm.) Afterward we sat around in a circle and talked and played games, which was really a great bonding time.
Tuesday morning we stood in and watched eye surgeries. Thirteen patients had cataract removal surgery that morning. Cataracts are a very big problem in India, and it’s fitting that GSM is restoring sight to so many people, helping them to spiritually and physically see the Light.
After the eye surgeries we had a busy clinic day, and during the midday when we often “take rest”, we opted instead to go to a nearby waterfall, which is considered a fertility waterfall. (Let it be said that TWO of us took rest several times throughout the morning this day, and were therefore well rested for the waterfall. Check out the blog pictures to find out who!) Karen and Stephanie decided to join the other Indian locals in the waterfall, and Karen said that it felt “amazing”. Anything wet and cool would HAVE to feel amazing! That night some of us had head and neck massages, compliments of one of the mission boys.
Amanda spent some time one morning teaching Diane some yoga stretches. After feeling so great (so the story goes!?!), Diane had an inspiration to have Amanda conduct a yoga group session at the clinic. Mary has also asked for Amanda to do some yoga with the girls in the morning before school, starting next week when the kids are all back.
Wednesday was Sam’s (Henry’s grandson) birthday. We were able to celebrate in traditional Indian custom by sharing cake and dinner (in that order – you have to love this country!) with the birthday child and family. This was also a going away celebration of sorts, as Sam will be attending a boarding school in Chennai and left the mission today.
Thursday we took the day off, and visited Tirumala, a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Tirumala was interesting… a very crowded site, with scenic mountain views. We appreciated the cool breeze on the mountain top. We had a very nice lunch in Tirupathi after our trip up the mountain.
The bulk of our time in spent in the clinic; from 9 or 10 am to 2 or 2:30, then again from 5 to 8 pm. All of us are encouraged at the compliance of our patients with coming to therapy and also adhering to their home instructions. They are so appreciative, and we are encouraged at their progress, and their kind words. The next blog will include some of the patient testimonies, but as a teaser: several patients have said that they don’t see this type of care in Chennai or even anywhere in India. We are abundantly blessed with good health, good resources, and each other. Praise God!
