On Sunday, December 6, 2009, the 2010 Good Shepherd Mission India team was commissioned at a service at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mohnton, PA. The team will leave for the mission in Puttur, India on Sunday, December 27, 2009 and return on Saturday, January 9, 2010. The team has spent the last six months raising money to hold five medical camps during their stay.

The team is made up of: Deb Bierly, Morgan Boyer, Diann Connor, Stacie Dougherty, Tara Durkin, Helen Hartman, Pete Harvey, Robin Herb, Doug Pearson and Jennifer Werner.

The team will be busy leading Church Services, working at the HIV/AIDS center, playing with the children, and dedicating a cottage at the Center in honor of Terry Connor. Along with the dedication , the team will serve a meal to the mission staff and families.

Pray for the team during their trip.

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. -Isaiah 6:8 (KJV)

Ramesh

We were limited on internet access the last several days. In an earlier post, we told the story of Ramesh's first visit to see Maureen and the mission children running to help him as he was struggling up a hill. This picture depicts the wonderful spirit of giving that is shared by all we were able to treat through the phyiscal therapy clinic at the mission hospital.

Our carriage ride to the Taj Mahal and group photo on the Princess Diana Bench, which was made especially for her visit. The Taj is breathtaking and we are now steeped in Indian history from our very intelligent tour guide, Arif. It makes us appreciate and respect even more the people we came to serve. We are safely home. We will post some wrap up pictures tomorrow and have many tales to share and stories to share. It was a wonderful trip.

The group made it from Chennai to Delhi. Their tour guide met them at the airport and they took a 4 hour drive to Agra, where they spent the night. Good fortune was on their side, because their hotel rooms overlooked the Taj Mahal! The next morning, they were able to take a horse carriage ride to visit the Taj Mahal. Needless to say, words and pictures do not do this place justice.

That evening, the group went to another site, and they were scheduled to visit the Red Fort of Agra the next day. After they visited the fort, they were returning to Delhi to begin their voyage home.

The intrepid travelers are in the city of Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a former French enclave formerly known as French India. Pondicherry was relinquished by the French to India in 1956. The French influence can still be seen throughout the city. This costal town on the Bay of Bengal is a two hour or so van ride from Chennai.

While in Pondicherry the group visited a paper mill, a textile factory and did some sightseeing. The group with make it's way toward's Chennai today (our Saturday night their Sunday morning). The group will fly from Chennai to Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal and other places of interest.

Pictures to follow.

Our last day at the mission began with a wonderful breakfast at Vijaya Grace's house with Winnie and Minnie helping serve us. We stepped onto their sleeping porch after breakfast and they thanked us for all the work we had done at the mission.

The morning session was steady with return patients. The team was overwhelmed with the way the patients thanked them for their work. One after another return patients came to wish us "happy journey" and express their gratitude. In the afternoon, the team met with Sagar to discuss all the patients they had seen. Over 90 patients were treated, most on a returning basis. Sagar served lunch at his house and then after rest the team went to the HIV Aids center to view the progress and pray for Henry's vision for caring for Aids patients in their last stages of the disease. It was made especially poignant because Remaka was with us - a lady who contracted aids from her husband, who then left her. She came to the mission over a year ago despondant and desparate and found care and love from the Good Shepherd staff. She was thrilled with the center and plans at some point to be a patient. After saying goodbye to the children at the Ashram we had dinner at Praveen's house. The girls are now having their hands painted with henna by the mission girls. We leave tomorrow for Chennai, Pondicherry and then Delhi. We are not sure how much we will be able to post but want to leave this final picture. Ramesh had come for his first visit with Maureen. He is the paralyzed man whom she treated last summer. A cushion was donated for his use and he was coming for treatment. He was having trouble getting up the hill and all the mission children ran to help him and bring him to Good Shepherd. This expresses the sense of community we have experienced here. It is an amazing place - we keep saying "TII" or "this is India". This will stay with us forever.

But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh...... Genesis 40:14

Jeanette traveled South and West ten hours by train to visit with Anne Walters. Anne lives and works on a hill station called Ooty. Hill stations are just that, hills or mountains that are very temperate and more lush than the semi-arid landscape at Good Shepherd Mission. Ooty has an elevation of approximately 7000 feet and is somewhat of a retreat area and has tea plantations. The picture above is of Anne overlooking some of the property owned by Freedom Firm the group that she works for. The picture with the horse shows Anne and Carmen (one of the volunteers) with one of the horses who are also kept on the mountain property. The last picture shows Jeanette and Anne having coffee at a Coffee Day (new franchise in India) and just visiting and catching up. Jeanette spent the day on Tuesday meeting people and seeing all the facets of the Freedom Firm ministry.

You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established. Exodus 15:17

Tuesday night words from Maureen:

The students continue to show remarkable resilience. As our final days at the mission come near, we are having mixed feelings. The work here is hard, and often heart-breaking. Yet, we have formed so many relationships with the people of the mission, and our hearts are growing heavier as our time to leave gets near.

One of the challenges has been to be resourceful in using what we have to make shift what we need.... last week we used tape to make steri-strips to cover a wound, and we used a blood pressure cuff to measure hand strength (in place of a dynamometer), and tonight we finished the process of melting and remolding a right hand splint to make it a LEFT splint!!

This morning the students went to the roof of the hospital, to enjoy the wonderful view of the surrounding mountains. Shortly after, we got very busy in the clinic, and saw about 12 new patients, and about 30 returning patients. During the mid day break, the bangle vendor came by the mission, and the students bought bangles for themselves and the hostel girls.

This evening, Erin had a lesson in sari wrapping from Winnie. After two tries, she felt like at least she had the idea of it... the application being a bit harder.

Sunday was a full day. The group spent most of the day in Kolladam worshiping with the villagers. To the left is a picture of the church in Kolladam. Sister Jeanette brought the word and the group served communion.



After services, the group had a chance to walk through the rural village. The girls had a chance to see some very primitive lifestyles.

After leaving Kolladam, the group went to Yenattavedu. This is where the church is dedicated in memory of David Miller. The group was warmly welcomed by Brother Protop and the other families. The village sends their greetings back to the United States.

The group is looking forward to getting back to work at the clinic. Sister Jeanette is leaving the group for a few days to visit Anne Walters in Ooty.

News from Saturday:

This is Sujima. She is a mission girl and Saturday was her birthday! To celebrate, she gave the group some treats and asked for their blessings.

The group traveled to the temple at Tirumala on Saturday. It is the second largest religious pilgrimage site in the world. Worshipers wait in line for anywhere from 15 hours to 2 days just to be able to see a god statue for less than five minutes.

Tidbits from earlier in the week:

As anyone who has been to India knows, sometimes the food can be an issue. On Thursday, Brother Henry had Mary drive 70km to Tiraputi in order to get the group some pizza! Upon their return, I am sure that the group will be nominating Brother Henry for the Nobel Peace Prize for this specific effort!

On Wednesday night, the group had the chance to witness a wedding in the ashram. Since the groom formerly worked at Good Shepherd, Henry let him have the wedding there. Although they arrived late because of their work at the clinic, the Americans were given honored seating in front of the bride's family. As an act of goodwill, the Mausolf family was kind enough to loan the happy couple two chairs from their living room.

News from Friday!


Friday was another full day at the clinic. The group saw a number of the same patients, along with some new ones. The group worked until about 1:30 p.m., and then "took rest" until the evening clinic which started at 5:00 p.m.

Here is a picture of Samuel. He has muscular dystrophy. His best friend brings him to the clinic daily. Samuel is 17 and very bright. He is at the top of his class. The therapy is helping him gain strength and mobility.

There is always a surprise in India! This is a picture from the Friday evening clinic. Each night during the clinic, the power goes out at some point. Here, the group was treating a stroke victim when the lights went out. As they lifted his pantleg, they discovered an ugly wound from a motorcycle accident. They donned the gloves and bandaged it up by flashlight. After finishing, they walked him out by candlelight.

Friday night ended with a religious service at the Ashram with the mission kids. Although some children are gone for the summer break, a number have remained because they have no place else to go. The service was dynamic and ended with a prayer for all. God bless.

Everything is well in India. These pictures are from Wednesday.

Erin went to the "Indian Spa" and got a head massage from one of the mission boys!

Early Wednesday morning the group hiked to the top of a local mountain to watch the sunrise. Upon their return to the mission, they were treated to some Indian tea.

After the clinic, the students gathered to take their "soap notes" and discuss thier cases.

Erin and Amanda are helping an elderly woman who had a stroke. She has come for several treatments.

Natalie helps a younger lady who is having trouble with knee and foot pain.

The clinic has been very busy as has the hospital. The students are having an opportunity to treat all ages- which is unlike other clinicals they would experience. So many concerns. One young man had a truck accident and can walk but has little use of his feet. He is 24. He is staying at the hospital the entire time the group is here because the therapy gives him function and hope.

So many with back problems and other ailments that do not require surgery but therapy is so helpful. The supplies you gathered are so helpful. Sagar (an Indian PT) was telling us that even Terraputi PT clinics are not so nice. The team being here is helping to get the word out that this service being offered.

One of the families they are treating has Huntington's Disease which is a genetic disorder. Many in the family are affected. The team is helping the chldren and we are invited to their house for tea today as a thanks. Maureen has only ever seen one case in the US and here is an entire family. The students are getting a range of experience. Of course, no technology and much is done by hand and if the patients schedule a time it might be today or tomorrow when they show up.

It is hot - yesterday was pretty miserable in the afternoon. and of course, the current went out. However we are sleeping comfortably which makes a huge difference. We mightdo some shopping this afternoon.

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.

Some thoughts from Dean:

This has been an awesome trip. The group members were nothing less then awesome. The sights, sounds, and yes the smells of India were awesome. Our family and friends at Good Shepherd Mission were and are awesome.

As the son of an Air Force Chief Master Sergeant I led a bit of a nomadic life growing up. When you grow up like this you come to realize that home is not a specific unchanging geographical location. Home is family. Where ever family is, home is. So for me and I also think for Susie going to Good Shepherd Mission (GSM) was going home. Home is where family is. Yes I am thrilled to be back with my family in St. Joseph but it was also hard to say good-bye to my family in Puttur.

I watched Laura learn and remember more kids’ names then I ever could. I watched Chad and Tom leading 40 kids in a Conga line and causing a near riot. I witnessed the ever steady Connie praying with villagers after Gospel meetings. I have seen several of our youth, Joe and Reese along with Sirish, learning how to play cricket with the mission boys. I watched Joyce wince just like an Indian mother or grandmother at the pain an immunization causes a child. I listened as Susie spoke a heartfelt message in the village of Kakavadu. I laughed as Annetta and Ashley played a tag like game (without knowing the rules) with the mission girls. As a group we ate foods we never thought we would and hope never to again. I witnessed a team of believers who with love and compassion in their hearts shared two weeks with family and friends at GSM. We laughed a lot; we cried a lot, we were a family with family.

This was a great trip. This was a great team. As you can see from the pictures and from the members’ comments all in this group were touched and changed by Good Shepherd Mission. So, I believe this will not be the last trip to GSM for most of this team. So the next time they travel they too will be going home. Home is where family is.