Monday

The children are not in school because of the strike so our little buddies came to see us this morning. They were singing while Doug played the guitar. Then Sisters Moran (as Ganesh calls her), Jen, and Robin taught them to dance!!!

This woman brought her baby to the clinic today at the DMV (dept of motor vehicles). More people had been expected but because of the strike, people did not leave their homes. However, we did see 430 people and gave 80 Hep B shots.

People lined up to see the doctors. Robin triaged and one man stood in line to see her 3 times.

Sunday evening we hosted a dinner at Hotel Kences in Tiraputi for the medical staff. Everyone had a nice time speaking with the doctors and thanking them for the wonderful work they do at the GSM Hospital. Plans began for a new dental chair to honor Dr Charlie. Praise the Lord!!

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Sunday Morning

We are off to Nindra, Henry's boyhood church, in our Sunday finest!!!
It didn't take long for Mary and Grace to wrap us. I guarantee the sarees will never be wrapped the same!!! The young girls tried to braid everyone's hair (haha) before putting beautiful jasmine flowers in our hair. The wind from the van ride didn't help our hair either.

Before heading off to Nindra, we drove past the HIV/AIDS center. The men are working long days in preparation for the celebration January 6th.

When we arrived in Nindra, we were given an ox cart ride through the village to the church. We were led by singing--no band!! Helen gave the message with Robin closing in prayer. Another memorable day at GSM.

God creator and spirit of all creation geny remind us we are not in control of life. Your comfort and grace are free to all people, and we are deserving of these blessings. Encourage us to pause and appreciate every moment of life. May we continue to motivate, inspire, and contribute during our magnificent journey together. We pray that our words and actions promote peace, justice, and love to all people. Amen.



After returning from Nindra, we were surprised by guests from the USA. Jeanette and Janet came to see Jennifer and the group as a reunion from their 1997 trip!! (just kidding - it's a picture from '97)

The psalmist wrote, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" -Psalm 122:1 (NRSV)

Saturday Night

The team traveled to Jayaranipuram to see the church dedicated to Annabelle Werner. What a thrill for Jennifer. The church is in need of repairs. An outdoor service allowed for many to see and hear the word of God spoken by Doug and Diann. There was a lot of singing and dancing. Afterwards, the children received blessings and then back to the mission at 9 pm for our dinner meal.

Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers. -James 1:22 (NRSV)

Medical Camp

What a way to start the day!!! Praveen picked us up in the Charlie van and drove us to the base of the hill. We had 5 boys helping us up.
The first part of the climb was gravel road with sage and mint plants covering the area. Then we had slippery rocks and man eating thorns to maneuver around. The boys searched the area for cobras but found none. As we sat on the rock at the top, we enjoyed the gorgeous sun as we drank chai tea. The view of the Puttur area was beautiful--on one side, we could see the HIV/AIDS center and on the other side, we could see the Good Shepherd Mission!!

God is good!!!

Before the medical camp, Robin was making sure our dobi was doing a good job washing our delicates!!

We had an awesome medical camp!! 800 people saw doctors and 130 children received Hepatitis B vaccines!!




Some of the children were crying and screaming before entering. In fact some came in kicking and screaming. And then there were times when Doug and Deb had to hold. It was a truly awesome feeling helping all these people.

Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." -John 8:12 (nrsv)

New Year's Day

We served the children lunch.

New Year's Day morning and the children have come over to greet us with Happy New Year!!!!

The only word that can describe these children of God is precious!!


Pete and Diann show the children how to brush their teeth. Every child received a tootbrush and toothpaste.


Deb is placing a cross necklace on one of the girls. The children received necklaces, beanie babies, lace bookmarks, mini frisbees, hackey sacks, and yo yos. The boys loved the yo yos.


Robin and the children in the Ashram.

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. -Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)

New Year's Eve

The Children love Doug!!



As in all celebrations in India, the music is LOUD!!!!!!

There is no end to the celebration! Pete, Morgan, and Doug dancing!!
We couldn't get them off the stage.



Mary,who prepares and serves our food, waits for communion.




The evening celebration began with 7 baptisms. Pastor Stacie presented Bibles to each in honor of Dr Charlie Wolfe and Mr Terry Connor. Venkatapathi, sponsored by Jeanette & Dean Mausolf accepts his Bible.


Jennifer & Diann helping with communion.


If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! -2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)

New Year's Eve Day

We blessed the new air conditioner donated by Dean Mausolf's parents.

Whatever medicines are not dispensed at the medical camps are then distributed back at GSM. We learned that the word in Telagu for pharmacy is mondula shop. We also learned the word for go is po. People at the camps apparently thought they were to visit each room. After checking their prescription slip and realizing they had already seen the doctor, we would say--mondula shop po


We visited the Bone Setter's Hospital this morning. The doctors are all related and use egg and mixes it with leaves and herbs. While waiting at the railroad crossing, the tailor came by looking for Doug & Pete to measure!! The tailor at the train crossing.


We spent a little bit of time touring the cottages at the HIV/AIDS Center. We are removing rocks and helping spread the dirt in the prayer garden. The rakes had a big shovel part and a little handle--yes, we had to stay bent over to push the dirt around.

The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden. -Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV)

Worship at Kakavedu

We are at Kakavedu and Doug & Miriam (Henry's sister in law) led the service in song.

There was lots of singing and dancing. The team joined in with Doug singing Awesome God and Jesus is the Rock. What a fun evening!!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. -Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

Medical Camp

We started the day (Wednesday) trying to extract Morgan's last stitch from having her wisdom teeth pulled but we had no success. Then before heading to the medical camp, we stopped to pray for those who had eye surgery yesterday and were being discharged. There were 2 hysterectomies yesterday and we prayed for them.


Ayanambakam was about 20 km. The village was small--2000 people. We were greeted with flowers. 300 people received medications and 39 Hep B shots were given. Many people came because of pain in their joints.



Some of the children were NOT happy to receive shots so we had Doug hold and comfort the children.

This is the announcement for a medical camp.





This is the road we traveled on to get to the camp

Jen is liking the food Mary has been preparing which has been wonderful!! We had the most wonderful beets today!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified . . . for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. -Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Our First Day

Our first medical camp was held at GSM. The lobby was filled with people waiting to see doctors.

Robin (left photo) and Morgan (right photo) did a great job of 80 hepatitis B shots. As you can see, Diann had her hands full with some of the children. Diann took over the baby holding job after Helen got peed on by a very unsatisfied recipient!!!!!

Tuesday is eye surgery. These patients are in recovery after cataract surgery. Family members come to help with their after care.

The team worked great this morning. Pete took video, Jen, Stacie, Deb, and Doug filled syringes. Tara kept a tally of how many shots were administered.

After the shots, we toured the hospital-- patients were seeing the general practitioner, the new ER doctor, eye doctor, dentist, and physio therapist. This patient had suffered a stroke and had a frozen left shoulder with limited mobility in the left scapula. Another patient was receiving hand exercises to improve control over finger extension from a stroke he suffered 6 years ago at the age of 24!




After a much needed afternoon rest, we were introduced at the Ashram. The Good Shepherd Rock Solid band played with members singing and dancing. We met all the evangelists. Afterwards, everyone was treated to cake. Stacie and Tara passing out cake.



Pete has met a lot of new friends. They played rock, paper, scissors and Sam (Praveen's son) taught Pete a secret hand shake.

As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. -Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Arrival at Good Shepherd Mission

Let's just say that the fanfare celebrating our arrival is nothing short of unbelievable. Sorry for the dark pictures but there is no flash on the camera. The hospital was adorned in beautiful Christmas lights. We got off the bus at the hospital and walked to the Ashram. Diann was overwhelmed. She said "I don't think I'll ever stop smiling" as the children were lined up on both sides with a candle. It was so beautiful at 3:45 am Puttur time. As we prayed inside the Ashram, the children lined the pathway. Henry and the band led us to beautiful chalk colored drawings in the dirt. Doug and Pete started off the dancing followed by each one of us. We all crashed at 4 am for a 3 hour snooze. It was actually chilly!!!! The girls arrived at 8 am with tea. Morgan is in heaven!!!! It's breakfast, devotions, and then medical camp at the hospital with an afternoon siesta. Bye for now!!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. -Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

Chennai Airport

We are all dressed. We have all the suitcases-yay!! Ready to go out to meet everyone

Outside Chennai airport with our flowers!! We were greeted by Henry, Praveen, Sammy, Paul, Vijay, and boys from the mission. They took our suitcases and placed them into a motorcoach. It's 1:50 am and we are about an hour and half from the mission. There are many activites
planned at the hospital for our first day-Tuesday!!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. -Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

They Have Landed!

The Mission Team has landed safely in Chennai, India.. 1:45 pm Eastern Time 12:15 am (tomorrow) India Time.

Frankfurt Airport

We ate at Chilis Too at the Newark airport. Security was tight and they tried to get us to check our carry ons. The flight was great. Lufthansa is nice. Up was the favorite movie. Some of us slept, some did Flyrobics(I think it was just Helen), and some read. We are in Frankfurt and luckily we were at the head of the arrivals at security. It seems Morgan's vibrating neck pillow gets a lot of scrutiny. We are ready to board for the next leg of our journey. See you in Chennai.

The Lord says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." -Psalm 32:8 (KJV)

Mission Trip Prayer

Today we begin a journey of mystery and surprises. God, we ask you to travel with us as our compass and guide. Please give us the confidence and assurance to support, promote and encourage one another during this journey. Persuade us to walk outside of the familiar and into the many opportunities that lie ahead. Remind us to be accepting and willing participants in the lives of those we meet. May we remember that while we are enthusiastic and eager to offer our talents and ourselves to those we meet; we may be amazed at the gifts of community, friendship and love we gain from our collective efforts with others. As we work, interact and play gently remind us to be respectful, compassionate examples of Christ. Provide us times of rest and silence to meditate on the experiences of the day and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh our bodies and minds so we may continue our work each day. We ask that the work we do and words we speak be used for peace and justice for those unable to speak for themselves. As our mission work is completed remind us to humbly extend our appreciation to our hosts and pray for their continued work of service to others. Finally may we return safely to our family and congregations to share the love and experiences of our mission work. God, allow our experience to be the catalyst by which our congregations are transformed and continue a mission of service and love to our community and the world. Amen.

Written by Robin Herb

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.