Dental/Medical Camp at Kolledam

 We had a dental/medical at Sathavedu  near Kolladam. More than 500 people came for treatment. Nurse Morgan & Sue were not too busy with Hep B vaccines but the dentists had a steady stream of extractions!!  Camp lasted almost 4 hours!!

 The Team prays before beginning work.

 Sue is holding an infant waiting for a shot. Everyone in the camp knows when the ladies Are working because we hear screaming!

 Sue & Morgan

 John is the headmaster of sterilizing the equipment. Sue also assisted.

 Dr Jill checking the sterilization containers.

 Dr J and Dr Chad set up equipment

Dr Jill preparing for extraction. Today the patients had to hold their supply tray. 

Dr Jay takes time to check Bro Henry's teeth.

Off to Kolladam

Early start today so Morgan prepared a wash bucket and we washed and rinsed some delicates!!  Bro Henry said 9AM departure time but remembering TII-Time in India we all gave our guess--not sure who was closest today but we left at 9:15AM!! 

So we are off to Kolladam. Does Vicky really know the way?

Evening Worship

 We went to the church that was donated by Bob & Darla Wagner. The small village was not far from GSM but it was a long distance down a very windy dirt road. We were outside again and battled mosquitoes and roaches.

Bro Henry & Pastor John welcome the Team to Appalayagunta.

Good Shepherd Mission Hospital

Marianna & Charlie and Bro Henry & Praveen

Dental Camp Day 2

Morgan & Vicky brushing their teeth. 

 Praveen watches Dr Jay assess a dental patient's needs. He has a very gentle demeanor with each patient. Shortly after we started camp, Winnie joined Dr Jay to help with translations. Unfortunately, many people today just wanted medication for pain or cement to tighten their loose teeth.

Winnie 

Hep B vaccines. Many chocolates (aka tootsie rolls) were handed out today. Steph holds a baby tightly while Morgan administers the shot. Steph was pleasantly surprised later in the morning when one of the babies peed on her! 

 Sue Yoch also helped with Hep B vaccines.

While we were all VERY busy working, Bern was playing Ninja with the boys in the dental triage room. 

Dr Jill extracts 5 primary teeth on this young man that never fell out!

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16 (NIV)

Evening Activities

  We worshipped at Kakavedu where John Paradise is the evangelist. There was lots of dancing, praising, and singing in the streets. The Team led Amazing Grace and Do Lord!

Mary and Prem helping Steph choose a  gagra (half saree).  She is going to look beautiful! 

Pastor Bern did his first street preaching. He shared a story about 2 doctors and a carpenter telling us that if people don't know about Jesus then they won't know about His love, power, and grace that are ours! 

Look!  We saw other Americans in Puttur! 

A street in Puttur

Dental Camp at Good Shepherd Mission

It was a bit hard getting started today after only getting back to the mission at 4:30AM but the dentists managed to get up early. As we waited for breakfast we had yesterday's and today's devotions. We reflected on our journey to GSM and "letting God work through us.". We also talked about letting our actions speak louder than words (Colossians 2:5). 

We made our way to the hospital to get ready. The people were already assembled in the lobby.

 

  We introduced the team and dentists.

 Vicky and Sue packing meds for dental patients.

  Getting the room ready.

  We had noticed this woman during the introduction who really looked like she was in pain. We found her and Chad began working on a severely infected tooth.

 Jill also had an extraction.

Chad shows the dentist a tooth that cannot be saved.

John pulls first duty of equipment sterilization

Passage Colossians 2:5:⁵ For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Jill & Chad Have Arrived

We are at the Chennai airport waiting for Jill & Chad. Praveen, our driver Bala, 2 boys from the mission, Jay, & I left at about 9:30pm and got to the airport in 2 hours. We took rest in the van and are now waiting for their call.they have lots to do-go through customs and then wait for the luggage. Hopefully in an hour. Jay is really anxious!

Sunday HIV/Aids Center

Some of us just couldn't wake up but we headed out to the HIV/ AIDs Center for baptisms!  We toured the beautiful and serene setting. There are lots of needs at the Center-- more beds along with people waiting to be admitted to the Center (t costs $40/month-contact Calvary UM Church office if interested).

 HIV/AIDS Center

 Immersion Baptisms

Jesus Statue

Passage Mark 1:40:
⁴⁰ A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

Sunday Hospital

Before we could get into the hospital, Pastor Bern and Bro Henry tried out the 3-wheel car. Monies for this car came fro Doug Pearson and family, Diann Connor, and Helen & Jim Hartman in dedication to Doug's Dad.  This car is used to transport people from the HiV/AIDS center to Thirapathi for treatment and medications.

 Nursing Students

 3-Wheel Car

Dr Jay is checking Stephanie's vitals with the Pulse oximeter!  After touring the hospital and checking the dental room (working on a plan for tomorrow's first dental camp), we had lunch and took rest. Some of the group snuck out And played with the children!!

Sunday Worship

We started the day learning how to use the yo-yo and a few other toys. The children then gathered in the ashram for worship. They were singing when we arrived. It was so awesome to see the beautiful faces and gorgeous smiles. Pastor Bern gave the message along with Bro Henry, Bro Praveen, and Bro Sagar.   Afterwards everyone came forward for blessings and pictures.

 Sunday Morning Yo-Yo

 Worship

Worship 

Pastor Bern

Off To Good Shepherd Mission

After getting off the plane, through customs, collecting all the luggage, and trying to steer those luggage carts, we finally made our way out to Bro Henry, Praveen, Rathna, Vijay and many others from the mission.  It took us 2 hours to get to the mission but it felt like 4 hours. The children adorned us with flowers as we got off the bus and then we followed the band past the hospital and into the ashram. We prayed our thanks for our safe travel. Jill & Chad are now on the plane. They will arrive 24 hrs later than planned and we prayed for their safe travel.  We then continued to Henry's house which was lit with beautiful lights. The children prepared a beautiful chalk message in the dirt-Welcome to India!  We've had our chai tea and now we take rest for 3 hours to begin a very busy day.

Chennai Airport 

At the Mission

Chalk  Message

Welcome Band 

 Welcome

Home

Matthew 25:35
     For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.