Bargur Colony and Bharathiar Nagar (Day 3 and 4)

On Wednesday May 2, 2014 we all woke up at 5:00 am and headed out on our journey to the Bargur Colony. (Actually we all woke up about 1 am because of this massive thunder storm that shook the entire hostel). It was originally a 6 hour bus drive-- but our bus happened to break down in the middle of the trip, in the middle of the highway, in the middle of nowhere.

We were quite the spectacle on the side of the road.

Our sad little bus. 

We had some fun taking pictures, making silly videos, and talking about nonsense. Dani, Jaclyn and I road on ahead with the medical team while the rest of the group stayed back and waited for another bus. On the bus trip we made a tiny stop so the medical team could eat breakfast. Jaclyn's sharp eye caught the sight of some glorious oreos-- so we splurged and spent 90 rupees on three packs of Oreos (a little over a dollar). They were orange cream-- so they weren't the best-- but I loved every second of it.  

Abarna taught us how to write our name in Tamil too. From what I've learned on the trip, Tamil is actually one of the first languages of India. It's almost like Sanskrit is to us. I thought it was interesting. A lot of the people here speak English (from the British rule) and Tamil (their native language). At Rising Star, the children have class for English and Tamil so they can preserve their language.

When we finally did make it to Bargur, we set up camp. After, my friends Dani, Jaclyn, and I had some time to spare, so we went out and about and talked with some of the locals. My favorite was Mymonisha (11). She's a student at Rising Star. I met Ebeneezer and Inogli (two brothers who also attend rising star) who picked us fresh mangoes from the mango trees. I also met Salmovil (3-4), a cute little guy that liked helping us load and unload. He especially liked playing tickles. We talked with some of the women and children. The view was amazing. But I think my favorite part of the day was meeting Mymonisha's grandparents. They beamed with pride.

The little one who instantly became my friend.

Mymonisha and her proud Grandmother

Ebeneezer and Inogli

Salmovil, the little guy who loves to laugh and help us load.

A cool experience I had today happened to be really simple. I had asked Mymonisha and Ebeneezer if they would take a picture with me in the most beautiful spot in the whole colony. Immediately Mymonisha told us to follow her, so we did. We ended  up in front of their church. It was simple compared to what churches in the US are like-- but they were so very fond of their beautiful church. They love it. I think it's cool that they love their church enough to say it's the most beautiful place in the whole colony. I was expecting some beautiful look out (the Bargur Colony is built into a hill side that looks out over beautiful hills and trees), but the church was perfect. And I think that I mistakenly take the beauty of my own church buildings and temples for granted.  

When the rest of the group arrived, I was assigned to work with Navumani, the nurse who treats the ulcers of all the leprosy patients. I got to bind their wounds after we debrided them and treated them with antibiotic ointments and gauze. I got to bind the wounds of Mymonisha's Grandfather, and it was really special to me to be the nurse who cared for him. It's special to be able to meet see where the students come from. I'm not going to lie-- the wounds did smell. And they looked painful. I think what bothers me the most is the flies. They don't leave-- and it's not like the flies are swarming around a mud pie or a carcass-- they're swarming around a person's wounds. Their skin is necrotic and blood flow is poor. It drives me crazy that I can't keep the flies away.

Navumani and Me

Then we headed out to a hotel-- don't ask me where-- we've asked the drivers where we are multiple times and all they tell us is, "I don't know, I just drive". No one really knows where we are on a map, but they sure know where they're going... I think. When we got to the hotel around 4pm, we finally ate some lunch. And then Dani and Jaclyn and I headed up to our room. We shared a king sized bed and we would have shared a single towel and pillow unless our awesome drivers Vaylou and Mutee had been there to help us get extra pillows and towels. You see, in India, if a woman wants help with anything-- she must be with a man. Otherwise she can stand at the hotel counter with thousands of rupees for hours on end and still receive no service. Just another freedom I take for granted in the good old USA.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 we went to another colony, Bharathiar Nagar. I was assigned to work at the blood pressure and glucose station with Janeen. We worked hard and fast. Each of us did at least 35 blood pressures and glucose checks. There were an exceptional amount of patients that day. Janeen stuck herself with a dirty needle while recapping. We've always been taught to avoid recapping in the US, but here, it's normal. We tested the patient for Hep B, C, and HIV and all of her preliminary tests came back negative. This is why we don't recap-- it's dangerous. So nursing friends-- remember not to recap your needles! I also played with the little kids. My roommate Lindsey and friend Ryan sent me to India with a little electric fan that sprayed water-- and they LOVED it. It kept us all cool on such a hot day.

Blood Glucose testing and Blood Pressures with Janeen

After working hard in the colony, we drove a ways to eat lunch. We ate rice, chicken, and gravy (curry) with our hands. It was delicious, and messy. Then we headed out to probably my most favorite part of the trip! We went rafting in little baskets! They were what I'd describe as bamboo baskets. It's so cool to see how things are built here. It's not plastic and metal like in the US. It's primitive-- and so simple. A thunder storm rolled in while we were there and it just poured and poured. The falls were beautiful. It was a perfect day for splash paddle wars, monkey watching, and swimming in the river. There are monkeys everywhere here. I've seen hundreds-- and they are vicious.

At one point, we found a mouse and the boat owner threw him out into the river. A couple of us were distraught that he might drown. Our driver Vaylou jumped in to save the mouse with his bare hands. The best part was the picture moment when Andrea took a picture with the group and the mouse kissed her on the cheek. It was so great! I wish you all could have seen her reaction!

Andrea and Vaylou with the mouse

That night we stayed at the Karigiri Hospital family hostels. Jaclyn, Dani, and I roomed together again. I slept better there than I have any other night in India. It was authentic, Indian style, living. I loved it. I have never felt more at home. It's weird to think that I've been in India for a week now. Sometimes it still doesn't feel like it has sunk in. And other moments I think to myself-- wow. I'm in India. This is fantastic!

Me * Dani * Jaclyn

Kalvari Nagar (Day Two)

Today we visited Kalvari Nagar. It's located near Bethal Negar and was established in 1982. There are about 319 people including about 62 families living there. Many of the elderly still beg for an income. However, 225 of the individuals are employed and support the colony.

I was assigned to clip finger nails. Let's just say, I've considered suggesting safety goggles for the safety of myself, my patients, and the medical team after my experiences. We're using LARGE nail clippers which I'm sure you'll be able to see from the pictures I post. (I'm sorry they aren't always pictures on here right away. A lot of the pictures of myself are on other cameras, and a lot of my friends are on my camera). These nails are thicker than thick. They are gnarly. And they are tough. A couple of fingernails have flown down our shirts... it's been an adventure.

I met some cool kids today, and they love having their picture taken. They love selfies. I don't blame them. If I was as beautiful as them or had their brilliant white teeth, I'd want to look at pictures of myself too. I also met Tamilselvie. She's about fourteen and she'll be coming to play with us at Rising Star when it opens again for the new school year next week. Her English skill is amazing and my goodness she's beautiful. Many of the children and people here are so shy. We tell them they're beautiful and handsome and they blush and cover their faces. It's so cute.

I also had this great experience that basically melted my heart. We were waiting around for the okay to set up camp and mingling with the patients. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, this woman tackled me. Okay, she didn't tackle me. But she did take me by surprise. She grabbed my face and my hands and pulled me into her. She just hugged me and smiled like I was the most precious thing to her. In that moment, I felt so loved. And I love that dear woman. I'm so grateful that God gave me that experience here in India.

We also went to a second colony later on in the afternoon for a socializing trip. Dani, Jaclyn, and I met a young boy named Lotum and we played keep away "futbol". We were to perform a talent show of sorts which ended up being a lot of signing hymns and primary songs mixed in with some boot scoot boogie line dancing and and interesting mix of Taylor Swift's "22" with the macarena. It was awesome.

Lotum and Me

Andrea and me with our friend Ambrose. He sang a beautiful song for us. 

And to top everything off-- after the most glorious bucket shower of my life-- my new friends surprised me with a birthday cake at devotional. It read, "Happy Birthday Jeshi!"-- even though Ashley specifically wrote it out on paper for them. I didn't mind. I loved it.

This really has been the best birthday ever. I love India. I love having a purpose. I love doing something meaningful with my life. There's no where else I'd rather be than right here.

Kendra, Andrea, Me, and Jaclyn

I won't be able to post for a little while. We're going on an overnight stay for a couple days outside of the wifi world. But when I return to Rising Star, I'll be sure to fill you in!

Bharathapuram (Day One, My Birthday)

Today, we visited our first Leprosy Colony, Bharathapuram. (Barat Puram).

It's a colony situated near the Chengalpattu railway. Its population is 514 and of those, 131 are affected by leprosy. Many of the residents of this colony benefit from the micro finance program developed by Rising Star Outreach. Through these micro finance businesses, they are able to help support their colony. Some of the businesses include snack shops, barber shops, goat businesses, and day care.

This is me in the barber shop with my new friend I met in the clinic!

Every fortnight the medical team visits the colonies to treat their ulcers and to prevent the loss of fingers, toes, and limbs. For those of you who don't know, Leprosy is a microbacterium. It is transmitted through the air. The bacterium attacks the patient's nerves. This turns their extremities into those of the typical diabetic patient. The streets of India are not clean. There is garbage, glass, and feces everywhere. There are stray animals including but not limited to monkeys, dogs, cats, goats, and cows. And all of these things and their germs are easily lodged into an affected patient's limbs with minimal effort. Often it goes unnoticed or the patient doesn't seek treatment because they don't want others to know they are affected with the disease. (I apologize for the gruesome picture, but I saved your from the smell). You see, most of these people believe that they did something very wicked in their past life to be affected with leprosy in this life. They believe they should be treated poorly, that they deserve to be shunned from society and their families. They believe they are untouchable. And that's just not true.

This is actually the decent part of his ulcer. He had some deep infection and possible gangrene on his ankles. I'm sorry if it's a bit too much to look at-- but this is life here. 

I was assigned to remove bandages from the leprosy patients today. I pulled on both pairs of gloves and tied on my two face masks. I felt like I was melting before I even started to work. But then they came-- and I almost forgot that it was 95 degrees with 56% humidity. I struggled to speak to them in the broken Tamil I know. Just simple hellos and thank yous. To be honest it was a lot of charades. But I know they were grateful. It radiated from their faces. And it didn't matter that I was working and melting in the heat of the sun because for the first time in a long while, I felt I had a purpose and that I was doing something good in this world.

Today is also the day that I turned 22. It was the best birthday ever.

Our friends from the colony. Some of these kids are going to be attending Rising
Star with us. But school doesn't start until next week. April-May are their summer
break-- it's way too hot here to be in school. 

My Friend Andrea and Me.

"22" Dance Party of All Dance Parties... In India of Course.

Oh yeah, and I got to hold a goat! A little baby goat! He was so cute. Happy Birthday to Me!

A Little Taste of Chennai

      The drive to the hotel was eye opening. Chennai is beautiful and vibrant in its own way. It's definitely different than what I'm used to. But it's also very broken, unfinished, and dirty. There are stray dogs everywhere, piles of trash on the streets, men peeing on the side of the road, and abandoned "construction sites". It's hard to see such a different way of living. It's hard to see an Audi dealership next to a rickety old apartment building that seems empty-- but in reality houses families and businesses.

     Once we got to the hotel at about 7 in the morning ( This is after over 30 hours of travelling and possibly 3 hours of sleep), I showered, almost immediately. We ate breakfast. It was the most delicious french toast I have ever tasted. Partly because I was hungry, but mostly because Indians know how to make french toast. We had Mango Ice Cream for breakfast too. It was delicious.

     We've mastered riding up and down the elevators here. You have to swipe your key card to get to your floor. But it was a bit different for us. I couldn't figure out for the life of me why our card wouldn't work. Jaclyn laughed and asked if I had a magnet in my pocket or something. Then I realized-- shoot. I just messed up our key card. My kangaroo money pouch had a magnet strip in it. We continued to ride elevators all day, exchanging American money for Indian rupees, fixing key cards, and asking for help with the internet, etc.

     Once we had eaten and called home briefly, my roommate Kendra and I returned to our room and proceeded to attempt to charge our cell phones. It's a bit complicated though-- with the converters and everything. We were experimenting and decided to plug the electrical strip into the converter. Needless to say, we blew a fuse. I wish you all could have seen Kendra's face. It was priceless. And I am pretty sure my face matched hers. Our roommate Kristin slept through the whole thing-- until the fuse blew and all of our electricity went out, and Kendra and I couldn't contain our laughter.

     We've continued to laugh and tease each other about key cards, magnet strips, and blowing fuses since then.

     We got to ride in Indian rickshaws to the mall. How to explain this in American terms... a mo-ped tricycle? There is a hard shell around it...if you could call it that. There are no doors. And it seats about three of us in the back and the driver in the front. It was so much fun! Again, there is no such thing as lanes-- it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. I loved it. I think it's been one of my most favorite experiences since being here in India. 

The Rickshaw

Dani, Kendra, and I on our first rickshaw ride!

This is normal. Often times we've seen up to five people on one motorcycle. 

     At the mall we shopped a little bit and tried on Indian clothing-- (by the way, I never want to shop in america again). In India it's much different than shopping in the US. When you walk into the shops, there are shelves upon shelves of all different styles and colors. Often, women will travel with their husbands to the mall, sit down together, and the shop keepers will spread everything they have out in front of them. And then the husband chooses the outfit he likes best on his wife. You don't walk around and look for your size or a color. I don't think two outfits are alike at all. I haven't been able to find matching ones here. And the clothes are so beautiful. I can't wait to show you what I bought! I also learned how to say "thank you" in tamil. It's like "laundry" but with an "n" in front of it. So it's pronounced "naundry". 

     After shopping this afternoon, a group of us headed out to some of the street markets, but I felt like I had had enough adventure on 3 hours of sleep. So from about 2 pm Saturday afternoon- 6 am this morning I slept like a rock. It was the most comfortable bed I had ever slept in. I am not exaggerating. 

We're heading out to church-- and then we'll complete our 2.5 hour drive out to Rising Star Outreach. But I just wanted to fill you all in on a couple of the happenings out here. I can't wait to actually get there. I'll talk to you all soon!

Ready for Church

The Church is true, even in Chennai!

Dani, Me, and Jaclyn

Can You Keep A Secret?

Well, we had a bit of an adventure when we set foot on Indian soil. Once we landed in Mumbai (Bombay) we were sent on a wild goose chase to find our next connection from Mumbai to Chennai (Madras). Mind you, it was 1am and hot and humid as ever. But I had my first Indian driving experience. They drive on the other side of the rode, the driver's side is on the right, and there are no such thing as lanes. Basically, it's not rude to honk-- it's just what you do. And that's different. But don't tell dad about the sketchy Indian taxi driver or about driving around Bombay at 1 in the morning. ;) If dad knew he'd have a heart attack.

Thoughts on Take a Off

It hasn't hit me yet. Maybe it's because our flight connects in Detroit. Maybe it's because it's too much like a dream. Either way, it hasn't hit me. And it probably won't until I step into the heat, humidity, and sweat of India. But I'm on my way.

Pinch Me, Is This Even Real?

Tomorrow is Thursday, May 22, 2014. It is also the day that my dream comes true. At 11:05 am I will be on the runway, ready for take off, and headed East for the best month of my life. 

This summer, I have been blessed with the privilege of serving my brothers and sisters in the leprosy colonies of South Eastern India. We'll be flying into Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. From there we'll be heading out to Rising Star Outreach where our work will begin. I've attached a brief video of the mobile clinic so you can see for yourself what my friends and I will be doing. ( Rising Star Outreach Mobile Clinic )

I'm basically going to the exact opposite side of the world. The time difference is about 12 hours. As I write this close to midnight mountain standard time, it's noon in Chennai. It is also 97 degrees Fahrenheit and humid. Very humid. And at night the coolest it gets is about 84 degrees. (Don't worry, I'm taking soap.) Needless to say, I'll be grateful for cold showers. Our showers will be cold. They'll consist of buckets of water. And the frogs will be watching us (Don't worry, I won't be kissing any of them). Oh and the toilets? They're called "Squatty Potties". More on this to come.

It's crazy to think this is actually happening. After all the hard work, early mornings, hours of studying, and support from my family and friends-- I've made it. I'm really going to India. I'm really becoming a nurse. And yes, I'm really going to ride an elephant. (Let's be honest though, I can't fly all the way to India and NOT ride an elephant).

Thanks for reading along! I hope you enjoy it!

Nursing 101 Part 5

My face is still tender from the last time she kicked me. My head still aches from it even after days of trying to "sleep it off". But I still show up every morning dark and early to clean up her mess, shower and dress her, change her sheets, feed her breakfast, and try my patience. 

And today she turned on "Love Me Do" by the Beatles and gave me the sweetest hug like a child running off the bus to hug a parent. It was almost like an apology and a thank you at the same time. And I knew she appreciated me. I knew that she recognized that I care about her. Little does she know, the apology , although welcome, isn't really necessary. 

I've heard it said before that those with disabilities in this life were once the strongest in heaven. They were spiritual giants who had faith to move mountains. They were righteous, obedient, and noble. Their disabilities in this life were simply a way to protect them from the adversary. It was a way to ensure they were brought back to God's presence and to keep them pure because they still needed this earthly experience but had already proven their faithfulness.

Sometimes I think to myself that I really do owe these clients so much more. I like caring for them with the thought in mind that The Lord has placed them in my care because He trusts me. The clients I work with are a constant reminder of the compassion I need to develop and a constant reminder of God's hand in my life. I'm so grateful to have been blessed with the privilege of caring for and loving my clients. 

Christmas! In May!

They're here! They came! Finally! 

#amazon #bargain #better #complications #atulgawande #christmasinmay

His Hands: A Tender Mercy

My job is far from glamorous. I am kicked, slapped, pushed, pulled, bit, spit on, and called some indecent names. I clean up all bodily fluids, usually on a daily basis. And occasionally I wear oatmeal. It's normal.

But I know I'm on the right career path. Because at the end of the day, no matter how frustrated I may have felt, a part of me can't wait to go back. That part of me knows that my clients have bad days. They're human. They have their own unique perspectives. They want to be loved, respected, and understood. They want autonomy. They want to be heard. They're more than a paycheck.

Yesterday as I cared for them the thought reoccurred to me that with my profession comes great responsibility. I am caring for the children of God in some on their most vulnerable moments. The moments of frustration and anger, grief and pain, embarrassment and fear, the unknown and the inevitable. I practice The Healer's Art daily; I care for people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In caring for my patients I learn more about my Savior and in doing so I have the privilege of becoming more like Him. 

I love my job. 

Because along with all the aggression, messes, and name calling-- there are those perfect moments when you know they're grateful for you: When I wake them up in the morning, and they spread their arms wide exclaiming, "Mommy!". When they say "I love you", when they sing and dance to the Beatles, when I make them pancakes and that wide grin shows up on their face, when they laugh at me and say "you silly", when they prefer me over any other caregiver because I listen to and understand their sign language, when they cry for me when I leave, and every other one of these moments that tugs at my heart strings--  my love for them grows. In these moments, I am no longer just Jessie. I have the opportunity to be the hands of our Savior. 

That's why I'm a nurse.