Monday Evening at the Hospital

The Good Shepherd hospital provides free cataract surgery to the very poor. This procedure enables those with little to no vision to be able to regain their sight and take care of themselves. The staff screens candidates. In these pictures of the 25 screened 12 were selected. The team went to the hospital on Monday evening to pray for the patients while they were waiting in the hospital ward. The surgeries were done on Tuesday and in this picture they are waiting their turn for the procedure.

Monday Medical Camp

This sign announces the medical camp in Telugu - the language spoken in the state of Andra Pradesh. The medical camp was in the village of Naymbakam, very poor place. The team immunized 49 children and the physicians treated 497 for their medical needs with medicines purchased from the funds given by WPCC and Grace Evangelical.

Annetta shared these thoughts with us:

Today started out just like any other day. We bath, ate breakfast, and had a devotion led by Laura. we drove to Naymbakam. When we arrived I felt something different. As some of you know children are very special to me and I love playing with them. At the medical camps I have been helping hold children while the get their Hep B vaccination. Usually I have been helping with the babies. Today I held the bigger kids. One of the very first ones laid their head on my shoulder while getting their shot and cried. Even after the shot was over they just laid against me crying. It was at that moment that it hit me that God wishes we would come to him like that. To just lay our head on his shoulder and cry. To let Him comfort us and tell us all will be OK. My favorite verse is Phil 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Sometimes we do not read the full verse and we stop at "I can do all things," today I was reminded to finish reading the verse, "through Christ who strengthens me." To stop and lay my head on his shoulder just like the child did today. Annetta H. -super teammate.

Sunday Evening Gavindapalum Service

On Sunday evening the team worshipped in one of the churches built by the VBS children at Wyatt Park. Brother Dean brought the word and the group had time to visit with this congregation. The team was then invited to dinner at Rathna's home. Rathna is Henry's brother and works tirelessly with his brother to help run the mission, as do all the brothers. The picture below is of the group getting ready to eat. It was quite a feast and an honor for the team.

Playing with the Children

When they celebrate the children and adults love to dance. In these photos, Chad and Thom are joining in and then also Chad organized a congo line.

The team also took some balloon games and made balloon shapes and animals for the kids. Chad was throwing the balloons off the balcony to the children with Ashley standing in the middle.

Time with the Children

One of the joys of visiting Good Shepherd is spending time with the children who live at the mission. Good Shepherd in Puttur provides a home for 150 children who have either no parents or parents who are unable to care for them. The hostel in Kolladam run by Henry's brother Prasad does the same for 30 boys. In the picture on the left Laura is spending time with some of the girls.

Ashley shared the following:
Our team had a little free time this afternoon so a few of us decided to wander over to the children's dorms to see what the kids were up to. As always, the boys were occupied playing cricket, but the girls were thrilled to see us. After lots of handshaking and hugs the girls decided that it would be fun if everyone joined in a rolicking game of "capity" They organized us and themselves into two rows facing each other. Then, in one collective motion, they all began to sprint around as the game of "capity" commenced. Thoroughly confused as to the rules of "capity," I decided my best bet was to just stand still and observe. Wrong. Out of nowhere I was plowed into by a group of laughing girls. Apparently, this meant it was my turn to be "it." I was escorted to the center of the game between the two lines and was instructed to "run!" I turned to one of the girls and asked for further clarification. She explained everything saying, "Sister Ashley, just capitycapitycapity, yes?"
A lot of our communication with the people here has been similar to this, difficult and confusing. Regardless, we have learned to communicate and have had a lot of fun together. I still Have no idea what the point of "capity" is but it doesn't really matter.

Chad describes giving the gifts to the children on Saturday evening:

"On Saturday night we had an event with the Good Shepherd kids. We gave them the gifts that we brought. Each child also received a set of clothes from us. (The clothes are not ready-made. Everyone over here buys fabric at the textile shop and then has a tailor make the clothes. I had 2 shirts made for me and I paid the tailor $4 total. I splurged on the fabric because it cost $6 total.) It was bittersweet watching the kids get their stuff. They were excited to get these trinkets. Hair ribbons. Pens. Calculators. Markers." All the purchased gifts were donated by members of Grace Evangelical. The clothing material was donated by the team members.

The mission also houses several elderly people who have no where else to go. Some of these are lepers but others have disabilities that prevent them from being able to work. They have a home and are fed and cared for and given basic medical attention for their needs. This gentleman has lived at the mission for at least 10 years and the children all help care for him.

It is Monday there now and the team has a large medical camp.

Sunday Morning

Every team who visits Good Shepherd worships in the village of Nindra, which is a small rural village where Henry spent his teen-age years. Henry's father was the pastor of the Lutheran church in Nindra for many years and that is Henry's church home. The ladies are all given sarees from the mission as a gift. Once in Nindra, the team is escorted to church riding an ox cart and led by a band. It is quite a celebratory entry into this little town.

Saturday Evening - Gifts for Children

One of the joys of visiting Good Shepherd is bringing gifts and items for the children who live at the mission. These children have a good home at the mission but have few material things. They received gifts for Christmas but little else during the year. Our team brought several items collected from Grace Evangelical and also brought funds to purchase things the children could use. Susie is handing out gifts while the staff organizes the items. One team member donated their Christmas and their family purchased t-shirts for all the children and staff at Good Shepherd. These are the same team shirts our group wore during the dedication services Sunday January 4. The mission boys all have on their shirts, which have a picture of Jesus and scripture on the front.

Scenes from India

Update (with more to follow)

The team has been very busy the last two days. It is Sunday morning in Puttur - about 6:00 AM and after they attend service we will hear more about Friday night to Sunday. Friday night Good Shepherd Mission holds a worship service in the Ashram on the mission campus. It is broadcost over the loudspeakers to the village of Puttur. On Saturday the team did a medical camp at a school. The women in this picture are waiting in line to see a physician.

The Good Shepherd staff works very hard during a mission trip. The men in this pictures are (left to right) Henry's brother Vijay, Bala the driver who grew up at the mission, Velu, also a driver who grew up at the mission, Anand, Henry's brother and Sagar, Henry's son-in-law.

Friday Medical Camp - Thom's Reflections

Friday the team traveled two hours to give a medical camp in Nadhaluru - town of about 50,000. As soon as the team emerged from the van they were met by a drumline who formed a parade to lead them to their camp site. Approximately 60 vaccines were given as well as many people treated by the physicians.

Thom had the following thoughts to share with us:

I open my eyes. Sleep struggles to clear as they crack, squinting. A warm breeze and bright sunlight push through a broken window to my side. I stumble from my rough cot and hard mattress to the second story balcony. I gaze out over used, dusty ground to see a young girl in a bright native dress carrying breakfast in a cylindrical metalic tower toward the Mission building. I am overcome with gratitude.
I open my eyes.
A jolt from the broken road we travel reminds me of where we are. Through the window of the close and rambling van I see a boy at work. A young boy, perhaps 7 or 8, wearing dark pants bunched to his knees and a red-clay covered shirt hauls and tugs. He struggles through the mired clay ground, half dried bricks made of the same piled high upon the cart he leads. A smile breaks his face as he looks to the man who stands a short space away making the bricks. They gesture at each other wildly for a moment, then laugh together before the boy resumes his trek across the clay field. I am bore down by wonder.
I open my eyes.
I sit upon a stage's edge, surrounded by villagers, old and young, finishing a hack-job magic trick that amazed the young and tickles the old. I pass a few small chocolates a I stand and walk, looking over the press of people. Hindu, Christian, and Muslim gather and laugh, shaking hands and clapping backs. My friends and companions upon the stage do the same. They laugh and smile. They comfort and congratulate. They hand out chocolates and vaccines with equal grins.
A sweet to remedy the sour. I see mothers bow and speak with gratitude. I see fathers shaking hands and holding their children with pride. I see elderly, their hands trembling, touch the face of one with hope, a thanks for the small medicines we have come to provide. I am overwhelmed.
I open my eyes.
Giant brown eyes toss me a giggly stare below perfect small pigtails.
She smiles and laughs behind her hand as joy dances along every feature of her tiny round face. A song of hallelujah raises loud through the doorless entryways of the bright white room. Children dressed in every hue sit and sing and laugh and smile. A swirling palatte of still unnamed colors as brilliant as God has ever designed washes across my sight. Shocked by the vision of such vibrance. Awed by the chorus they sing, I am filled by such love.
I open my eyes.
On 1-16-09, the Good Shepherd Mission, along with 6 doctors and the January 2009 mission team delivered 59 vaccinations and aided 542 patients in the village of Nadhaluru. We all thank the readers ofthis blog for their prayers and support.

Boy Scouts in India

At one of the camps the team was able to meet with a group of boy scouts. Dean is a scout leader for troop 45, of which both Joe and Sirish are scouts. Laura's son is also a boy scout. It was fun to take pictures with the Indian boy scouts.

Medical Camp and Travel

As the team assists with the medical camps there are many jobs to do. Each person finds their niche and with each camp the routine helps the medical camps run smoothly. In this picture, Annetta and Susie are loading syringes and waiting for their patient. The team travels around the area in a van owned by the mission that was donated in memory of Dr. Charlie Wolfe, the dentist who first met Brother Henry and brought news of Good Shepherd back to the US and his church in Mohnton, PA.

Thursday to Tiraputi

The team spent Thursday in the city of Tiraputi - about a 45 minute drive from Puttur. They had lunch at the Hotel Bliss, which has a very nice buffet and toured Tiramala, one of the largest pilgrimage spots in the world. Tiramala is on top of a mountain just outside Tiraputi. It is well worth the trip and is one of the ancient sites. India boasts a history of 5,000 or more years and this gives a sense of that past touching the present.

They have also had some opportunity to shop in Puttur. Though ready made clothes are available the K.L. Textiles offers tailoring services, which is more commonly used.

Yenadevetu - Laura's Comments

The team spent some time at the Yenadevetu church built in memory of David Miller. They received a warm welcome and posed for this picture.

Sister Laura shared the following comments on her first week in India:

"I remember Jeanette saying at one of our early interest meetings that Inida was a beautiful country. I have experenced first hand the beauty she described by becoming immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of this wonderful place. It is such a mix of colors, philosophies and communities. I know that we are here to work and to share the love of Christ, but the work we are doing pales in comparison to the blesings we are receiving from the people we encounter. Seeing smiles of little children, Thom handing out chocolates, Chad high fiveing a young boy and our team laying hands on children and praying fill my heart with joy."

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— Psalms 119:2 TNIV

The People

The faces are what continually sticks in memory - the moms with children, babies being cared for(as this baby sleeping in a saree strung over a rafter in a house), the privilege of seeing Indian families where they live and experiencing their normal routines. Extending ourselves and then being met more than halfway with a friendliness and graciousness that is hard to fathom but a blessing to experience. Sirish is being welcomed by a young boy from a village.

Village Worship

The team has the opportunity to worship with the people of the villages where they have offered medical camps. This evening photo, though blurry, shows people waiting to hear the word. When the service is over, the villagers come to the team for prayers. The opportunity to touch and pray for these brothers and sisters is humbling - but also a moment to lift each individual up to our Father as each one is precious to Him.

Kolladam Day - Wednesday

After Ashley's arrival the team spent the day at Kolladam. Henry's brother Prasad runs a boys hostel and medical clinic for the surrounding area of this very rural village. This was a day for outreach. Because of a local holiday no medical camp was held. So the team visited with the children of Kolladam who danced for them and then expected the same from our obliging travelers. Reportedly it was very funny. They then traveled to Yenadivetu, the location of the church built in memory of David Miller. The church had a wonderful welcome for the team and Dean spoke to the congregation. Protop, the evangelist, wears the cross Michelle gave him when the church was dedicated in July. They returned to Kolladam for a gospel meeting and Brother Henry asked them to sing. They gave a rendition of "I'll Fly Away" and though unprepared, said this provided some good merriment at dinner - which was quite late. The ladies were disappointed that the mom and baby had gone home but Henry assures them there will be more.

Chad sent this before they all got in bed as soon as they returned to Good Shepherd. Once rested we will look for some pictures.

More about Tuesday

Not only did the team assist with a medical camp in the morning but the afternoon was spent playing a "mean game of volleyball" with the mission kids. In the evening, village worship. The team went to a rural village and Brother Dean brought the message about God making all of us new people. The children then danced for the group. Thom is working on a dance for the team to present at a later date.

Chad is our reporter in the field and is keeping us connected to the team through his I-phone. He is also keeping a blog for his friends (www.cagindia09.blogspot.com). He gave me permission to use that text too and this annecdote about visiting a rural village vividly portrays life in rural India.

It is now Tuesday night. This morning we went to a village called Kassamita. It was only about a 10 minute drive from Puttur, but it made Puttur look like New York. They guess that the population of Kassamita is around 1,000.On the medical side, we gave out over 50 shots. The camp itself provided medicine to over 200 people. The people in the village make bricks for a living. Very primitive. For a 12-16 hour day, they make less than one American dollar.While the camp was going on, I got to tour their village. No electricity. Sewer ditches. Mud and brick single-room structures. Each place had a hole dug in their yard about 3 feet deep. A pipe carrying water came out of the hole about 2 feet down. 3 days a week water came out of the pipe for people to use.Because they were so poor, there was a great demand for our medicines. Imagine if you only made $1 per day! I am struck by these parents that bring their children in. Despite such poverty, they have great smiles of thanksgiving. Like any other parent, they are so proud of their children. It is interesting to see that they have some of the same basic parenting mannerisms that we do. It is tough to explain, but I probably don't act a lot different when I introduce my own child to someone else.On the way back, I saw a motorcycle where the driver was carrying 3 Indian rugs. They appeared to be wrapped around cardboard and strapped to his bike. (I take it that they don’t have OSHA here.) Because they were rigid, the rugs probably extended about 4 feet on each side of his bike. He was only on a motorcycle, but he was wider than our van!Anyway, thanks for reading. I am having a blast!

First Few Days - More Details

Chad reflects on arriving at the mission:

Our actual arrival at the mission itself was like something out of a movie. First of all, you have to keep in mind that it is 5:30 in the morning. It is dark. When we pull into the drive, they have the place lit up with Christmas lights. There is about a 7 piece uniformed band that begins to play LOUD. They have us all get out of the vans to see the band up close.After a few songs, we were ushered around a corner (with the band). There, we met a truly beautiful sight. The boys were all lined up on the right and the girls were all lined up on the left. They each held a candle as we walked down the middle between them. In total, there were about 60 kids from the orphanage that were up that late to greet us!We followed the band to our room. The kids fell in behind us. It was quite an impressive welcome to Good Shepherd.

Safe Arrival

Ashley has safely arrived at the mission. The team is ready to start Wednesday. As photos arrive from our correspondent, Chad, we will post more updates. For now, we rejoice that all are assembled and ready to serve.

Tuesday Medical Camp

The team headed to the village of Kassamita and held a medical camp. The doctors and nurses saw over 200 patients with 54 children receiving Hepititis B vaccinations. During the morning a baby was born at the hospital and Susie and Laura were able to hold the baby before it was an hour old. The group started the morning sharing about their experiences and how God is working in them. This evening some will go to Chennai to pick up Ashley and then the entire team will be there!

Morning at the Mission

On Tuesday morning the group waits on the porch for the days events. It is warm and sunny in Puttur. The day starts after the 5:00 AM prayers with the group getting ready to go. Today, they are headed to a village to conduct a medical camp. They are relaxing while waiting for the van. Some of the men choose to have their morning shave done for them. Reese is being tended to by a mission boy.

Word from the Field

Just received word that the team is doing fine - all are fine and they are being fed very well. The medical clinic yesterday administered 60 vaccinations for children, plus the many people who were seen by physicians for their concerns. The team had a welcoming service from the chidren last evening and they handed out cake as a treat to all the kids. Then their first full night's sleep, though our field reporter was up early because of Henry's 5:00 AM prayers over the loudspeaker. Evidently the Mausolfs slept right through. They are off to a village in a few hours for another medical camp. More will be posted as I receive word.

It gave me great joy to have some believers come and testify to your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 3 John 1:3 (TNIV)

First Day at the Mission - Medical Camp

The team arrived at the mission and after a short rest conducted a medical camp at the Good Shepherd Mission Hospital. This helps the travelers recover from jet lag - keeping very busy. Joyce is administering Hep B vaccine with Thom's help. The team also toured the mission to see the many aspects of service the mission provides to the people of Puttur. Joe had time to meet and get to know three of the mission boys.

Morning at the Mission

The team has safely arrived at the mission and in this picture are enjoying tea (more tea) on the porch with Brother Henry. It is morning there.....7:00 AM and warm. This is where the team will eat all their meals. As they settle in and see how the day unfolds let us keep lifting them in prayer.

On the way to the mission

A quick post to let everyone know that they are all there and right now on the van en route to the mission. Stopped for some "tasty tea" and looking forward to their arrival. Pictures to follow soon.

The Team is off to Chennai!

The team gathered yesterday at WPCC to load up vans and head to the airport. All went very smoothly at KCI, with bags checked through and boarding passes issued all the way to India. The flight departed at 1:20 for Dallas with a connection to British Air and on to London. Received this picture this morning of Dean and Thom on the BA flight - and the note that they had landed in London. Expected arrival time in Chennai is approx. 1:30 PM Sunday afternoon (St. Joe time) which is 1:00 AM Monday morning in Chennai.

A Time to Worship

Members of the team attended all worship services at Wyatt Park January 3-4. Pastor Scott led the congregation in laying on of hands in prayer after Dean introduced the team. The Grace Evangelical team members attended their church but all hearts are ready for departure on Saturday January 10. The team will fly from Kansas City to Dallas then connect to London and Chennai. The will arrive in Chennai at 1:00 AM Monday (or 1:30 PM Sunday afternoon).

Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path...Psalm 27:11 (TNIV)