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.

Home!

Our team arrived safely home to KCI this evening around 6:30 PM. Waiting to greet them were many family members. The laughter and stories and sharing as the group came off the plane were a joy to hear. They gathered for a final prayer. Only one bag was lost and that was between Dallas and KCI so we are hoping that will be returned tomorrow. The snippets of stories that we heard reveal a trip that was beyond expectations. They will have much to share. We will have time in service to share their experiences but for now we rejoice in their experience and are thankful that all are home safely.

Sounds of India

When in India, as I am sure you will hear, the sounds are constant and very different from sounds we hear in the US. Everyone who visits India remarks on it. Joe decided to bring some of India back with him and in this picture is displaying his "Dual Sounding Indian Car Horn" for his car. St. Joseph will sound a little like India to those who know!

Safely Through London

Received two messages this morning. The first that the team had arrived in London and then Chad sent a quick email that they were on the plane for Dallas. Just checked British Airways site and the plane will land in Dallas around 2:45. Praise God! They are scheduled to arrive at KCI at 6:00 PM tonight.

On the Way Home

This is the reception area of Good Shepherd hospital. On the patio and driveway out front, the entire Good Shepherd family gave the team a talent show Thursday night, followed by a meal given by the team in thanks for all their hard work and care during the two weeks. The team served 350 people, with the preparations taking most of the day.

Praveen's wife, Anita, does beautiful handwork. She decorated the team mission shirts by hand for all the team members. Ashley chose to have her hands designed with henna by the mission children.

The team left for Chennai Friday morning and spent the day in the city. Picture transmissions were limited so these few are posted with more to follow as a wrap up on their return Saturday evening.

In Chennai, they went to St. Thomas' mount. The Apostle Thomas traditionally was martyred in Chennai. They saw the Bay of Bengal and the Indian ocean and did a little shopping. They planned to eat at Pizza Hut (yes, Pizza Hut) before going to the airport. At the airport many of the other Good Shepherd staff and family arrived to see them off. Their flight left two hours ago for London.

This picture is of the VBS church in Gavindapalem, dedicated in July 2008, taken from the top of the little mountain on the morning hike. Please pray for our team as they make their way home.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (TNIV)

Preparing to depart

It is Friday morning in Puttur and the team is packing and getting ready to spend the day in Chennai before going to the airport late evening. Thursday was spent doing a little more touring to a waterfall and then the afternoon preparing and serving a meal to the entire Good Shepherd family. This was followed by a talent show - kids and adults alike. The photos have not come through yet but the following are a few pictures of friends and Puttur.










Henry's son Praveen is shown here with his wife, Anita and son Sam. On the right is the flower vendor in Puttur. Those garlands are a sign of honor and welcome wherever the team has gone. The bicycles are part of life in India and this street scene is in Puttur, where Dean says they did their best to keep the "economy ticking" when they had time for shopping. Paul, who grew up at the mission and is an integral part of helping in every way at Good Shepherd, is cooking for the feast served on Thursday night. Reese is walking back to the mission after the hike and a friend tags along. So many moments shared by the team and the Good Shepherd family. These pictures represent only a tiny portion of what we will hear when they return Saturday.

School Visit

Wednesday also included two primary school visits. The first was in Puttur. The second school was in a poor tribal village and had five classes in one room, two teachers and 50 children all sitting on the floor. The picture shows how the schools use the walls of the school for education, maps, spelling, math tables, etc.. The students were served their noon meal at school consisting of rice, egg, and tamarind soup. All the students eat sitting on the floor. The team was invited to visit with several teachers who had worked for Henry when he was district superindendent. They treated the group to a roof top meeting and gave them neck scarves honoring the team's service to the poor in India. The meeting also included singing and dancing by students.

Bone Setter's Hospital

Wednesday the team visited the Bone Setter's hospital which is well-known throughout India. Patients come to the hospital for treatment of broken bones and are offered traditional medicine which involves a poultice of eggs, oil and other products. The first picture is of the rooms where the patients and families stay and the treatment picture is of the bone setter working on a broken ankle.

Medical Camp at Puttur Jail

The team had an opportunity to conduct a small medical camp for the inmates at the local jail. The jail was very spartan with each cell having a cement floor, squat toilet, fan and light, no beds. There will be 3-6 prisoners per 8 X 12 cell. Conditions are very different than US jails and sentences appear to be much harsher for given crimes. 6 months for stealing a cell phone, or public drunkeness. The team handed out treats during the camp - bananas and sweets.

Wednesday Morning Hike

The men on the team decided to take an early morning hike up a small mountain that is just east of the mission compound. It can be seen in this picture behind the mission as the sun is just rising. The hike took about 20 minutes and provided spectacular views of Puttur and the area surrounding Good Shepherd. About 10 minutes after they got to the top two mission boys arrived also, hiking barefoot and bringing hot tea and 6 ceramic cups. What a treat!

Connecting

One of the many blessings of sharing time with the Good Shepherd family is making new friends and also connecting with the members of the team.