We left on the overnight sleeper train at midnight!. It's just now Saturday morning 6:30 am. The ground was wet before we arrived and it continued to rain all day. Rolling off from the train after an quasi night of sleep. The train made stops from about 5:30 am on we had little sleep. So adrenaline was working in my favor!
Several students from the Derhadun Ashram picked us up to assist with carrying our equipment. I remembered only two (2) from last year. Our luggage consists of eight (8) total dental pieces, four (4) are portable folding dental chains, the rest are luggage holding all of the dental supplies, suction equipment and heavy restorative machinery equipment. Along with 15 of us. (Dr. Homeshuaw an India joined us in Delhi, was also part of last years mendical team.) We also have all of our personal overnight bags. It is quite a site for only a 36 hour dental clinic mission. You can imagine the expressions on the people in the train station and those young fellows carrying all of the eqipment. They probably thought (hoped) we were staying for a month.
We then boarded a very old worn down questionable bus to take us directly to the Dehradun Ashram. Dehradun is the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. We were greeted by the Pastor Abdul and his wife. We had a brief breakfast consisting of toast, butter or jam and hard boiled eggs as well as coffee or tea with or without milk.
I just love Dehradun and would love to visit another time other than January. Because it is at the foothills of the mountains. Last year the weather was so perfect enough to tolerate with layers and set up out-side up our stations outside. So that not being the case we used their large worship. room. The rain came down all day in different degrees, sometimes small bits of hail and stopped about the time we were finished with a full days works. We left around 6:30 pm.
We then headed up the hill half way to an area they call Missouri, lots of mountains, they would call their Swiss alps. We stayed at a place called Torchbearers. It was beautiful and is now a used for the purpose of spiritual retreats.
tb continued
Sunday, January 16, 2011
2nd Annual Delhi, India Dental Mission Trip - 2011
Hi to Family and Friends,
1st of all I wanted to thank all of you for your encouraging words and prayers. The reason we are here is to follow the ways of Jesus and to do so by serving others, especially those who are so very poor and in need of our services.
We made it safe to Delhi, the flights from Tampa to Newark and then onto Delhi were flawless. I was so happy the weather cooperated! (it's much warmer than last year!)
It is amazing the changes from just last year in the infrastructure. In November, India hosted the World Cup, beautiful (not Vegas) changes in the airport along with the roads leading to and from. Overpass and asphalt roads!
We have a rather large group this year (5) from Tampa. Dr. Krist, Ed (Dr. Krist son-in-law), Dr. Michael Ruelf (pedo in N. Tampa) and Dr. Pruitt (Dentist and close colleagues of Dr. Krist) he lives in Pensacola. (10) from Deleware, there is Dr. Brian McAllister and his wife Cynthia and their 3 kids from Delaware. Brennan, Colleen, and Craig. (15 and under)? Also from Delaware a lab tech person Jed and his wife Betsy. She is a oral surgeon assistant back home. Chris a Physician's Assistant and Jess and Kate nurses. Whew!!
Receiving us at the airport was 5 fellows and Isaac Shaw the Pastor of the Delhi Bible Institute and Gloria one the three of his daughters.
Visiting India the 2nd time around even feels easier. The smog is still thick nut my eyes were not as nearly shocked as the 1st time. But it was night time when we arrived! Could change in the daylight. We are here all day working and then will take a overnight train to Dehradun. (will be a bit colder)
Well, I better get to sleep we begin at 9 am with a morning service. The patients will begin arriving at 10. I am so excited to see old and new faces and to help these people so in need of care. We have extra equipment, so things I imagine will run even smoother!.
Our 1st full day went well. The bigger job is set-up and organizing. We screened and treated the about 50 people. To include, physcials, blood pressure readings, etc, tooth extractions, fillings and dental cleanings. I asked one man how old he was (needed and interpreter and he was 39. It was his 1st dental cleaning Ever!. So the people walk away with a grateful heart and a new experience and instructions on how to maintain better dental hygiene. We provide tooth brush and dental floss. We just do the best we can.
We finished our 1st day after 6. At 7 we had dinner at the Shaw's room, in the same building as our clinic set-up.
Friday night at midnight we boarded an overnight sleeper train to Derhadun. A six (6) hour train ride. We got a kick out of the bunks and the whole kinda scary (sleet with one eye open) experience!
The train makes stops along the way for drop offs and pick-ups. Arrived in Derhadun at 6:30 am. We were met by several boys from the Dehradun Ashram. It was 1st day and night to remember!
1st of all I wanted to thank all of you for your encouraging words and prayers. The reason we are here is to follow the ways of Jesus and to do so by serving others, especially those who are so very poor and in need of our services.
We made it safe to Delhi, the flights from Tampa to Newark and then onto Delhi were flawless. I was so happy the weather cooperated! (it's much warmer than last year!)
It is amazing the changes from just last year in the infrastructure. In November, India hosted the World Cup, beautiful (not Vegas) changes in the airport along with the roads leading to and from. Overpass and asphalt roads!
We have a rather large group this year (5) from Tampa. Dr. Krist, Ed (Dr. Krist son-in-law), Dr. Michael Ruelf (pedo in N. Tampa) and Dr. Pruitt (Dentist and close colleagues of Dr. Krist) he lives in Pensacola. (10) from Deleware, there is Dr. Brian McAllister and his wife Cynthia and their 3 kids from Delaware. Brennan, Colleen, and Craig. (15 and under)? Also from Delaware a lab tech person Jed and his wife Betsy. She is a oral surgeon assistant back home. Chris a Physician's Assistant and Jess and Kate nurses. Whew!!
Receiving us at the airport was 5 fellows and Isaac Shaw the Pastor of the Delhi Bible Institute and Gloria one the three of his daughters.
Visiting India the 2nd time around even feels easier. The smog is still thick nut my eyes were not as nearly shocked as the 1st time. But it was night time when we arrived! Could change in the daylight. We are here all day working and then will take a overnight train to Dehradun. (will be a bit colder)
Well, I better get to sleep we begin at 9 am with a morning service. The patients will begin arriving at 10. I am so excited to see old and new faces and to help these people so in need of care. We have extra equipment, so things I imagine will run even smoother!.
Our 1st full day went well. The bigger job is set-up and organizing. We screened and treated the about 50 people. To include, physcials, blood pressure readings, etc, tooth extractions, fillings and dental cleanings. I asked one man how old he was (needed and interpreter and he was 39. It was his 1st dental cleaning Ever!. So the people walk away with a grateful heart and a new experience and instructions on how to maintain better dental hygiene. We provide tooth brush and dental floss. We just do the best we can.
We finished our 1st day after 6. At 7 we had dinner at the Shaw's room, in the same building as our clinic set-up.
Friday night at midnight we boarded an overnight sleeper train to Derhadun. A six (6) hour train ride. We got a kick out of the bunks and the whole kinda scary (sleet with one eye open) experience!
The train makes stops along the way for drop offs and pick-ups. Arrived in Derhadun at 6:30 am. We were met by several boys from the Dehradun Ashram. It was 1st day and night to remember!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Home Sweet Home
Hello Everyone,
I am finally back in the without question, The Greatest country in the WORLD!!! The United States of America.
After traveling throughout India, Thailand and Vietnam, exposed to so much I have a new appreciation for the many things I take as an American for granted each and every day. Running hot water, unlimited paper goods, clean air to breath and reliable healthy food. All of this which was often a daily task to reach my desired needs.
Even just a square of toilet paper! I'm serious, don't leave home without it.
The journey was great and I am so excited to share a few more stories and pictures. What I enjoyed the most was my ability and call to serve others so incredibly less fortune and blessed. Just a few photos to follow from one of our location set-ups in Lucknow, India.
I would like to extend a thank you to a very special 13 year old girl who lives in West Chester, PA. Her name is Marina. She is the granddaughter of Joan a dear friend of my Mother Peggy. Everyday, Marina would check my blog pass it along to her Grandmother Joan who would then update my Mother. Always keeping her abreast of my safe travels. Marina, I really appreciate your efforts and commitment with keeping my Mother at peace!! Thank you Marina!! I hope to meet you someday and perhaps my travels of serving others in another country will inspire you to help others when ever the chance. I would love to hear from you in a comment from my blog when you have the chance.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Bangkok
Hello Family and Friends,
Bangkok is a WORLD of difference from India, so much cleaner and feels a lot safer, but still crazy busy, crowded city. Spent today seeing the sights including a magnificent teak palace and The Grand Palace. Over the top ornate buddist temples. While at one temple we had a hour foot massage from the Wat Pho school of massage, less than $10.00 per person. We took trains, tuk tuk, ferry ride and a two person boat ride down along the back canals, Great day! We were reluctant to eat just about any thing and it lead us to eating pizza last two nights.
Steve is fine when at rest, but starts the sweats and fever when up and moving. Trying not to over do it.
I am doing well and counting down the days until I head home. I miss everyone!
Just leaving for the airport to Vietnam.
Love,
Michelle
Bangkok is a WORLD of difference from India, so much cleaner and feels a lot safer, but still crazy busy, crowded city. Spent today seeing the sights including a magnificent teak palace and The Grand Palace. Over the top ornate buddist temples. While at one temple we had a hour foot massage from the Wat Pho school of massage, less than $10.00 per person. We took trains, tuk tuk, ferry ride and a two person boat ride down along the back canals, Great day! We were reluctant to eat just about any thing and it lead us to eating pizza last two nights.
Steve is fine when at rest, but starts the sweats and fever when up and moving. Trying not to over do it.
I am doing well and counting down the days until I head home. I miss everyone!
Just leaving for the airport to Vietnam.
Love,
Michelle
picture with Sarah home in Shillong
Just trying out the download process. hopefully it works?
Heading to Vietnam in a few hours.
Michelle
Friday, January 22, 2010
Currently in Bangkok
Hello Family and Friends,
An entire week just passed and I was for the most part without Internet. We spend Sunday, Monday, Tuesday in Shillong visiting with friends of Steve. Sarah and Pamu welcomed us into their home as though we were family. They have a lovely home up on a hill that overlooks the town of Shillong. With a babbling creek behind their house that sounds so relaxing. Which we needed after the very stressful drive to Guwahati. The road is very windy, crazy, dangerous, insane!!! It took 3 1/2 hours to travel about 60 miles through very steep mountains. Our driver could compete in any NASCAR race. We were often inches from other moving vehicles.
We finally made it to the town of Shillong. Sarah and Pamu were so excited to have us as guests They treated us very well it is interesting to see how the upper class of India live. With a staff of servants a driver, maid, cook etc..., They took us to meet their parents. Sarah's mother held a very high public servant position with the Indian government. She is a very regal woman. You just walk away with positive impressions. She knows how to carry herself so well. Pamu also holds a high government position over seeing 3000 other government employees. Sarah is a professor of fisheries at a local university. They have two talented, lovely children. There whole back yard is practically a vegetable garden neatly arranged down the slope.
They served us food non stop, tea with snacks, more tea with snacks, lunch, dinner, One night were having drinks til midnight when in two minutes Sarah had a hot spread of food including meat which is a high honor. They are wonderful people! Sarah even had her manicurist come in and give me a manicure and pedicure! Which was absolutely fabulous. Less than $10! including tip..
Wednesday was a nightmare, we spent over 8 hours in a hot, cramped car on the way to Kazirunga national wild life park. With a indescribable driver on some local nut drug. We spent the night in a really nice safari style hotel. We attended a bonfire and met some interesting local India busness men. The following day went on a jeep safari not as good as expected. But saw rhino, elephants and a very fast wild boar that ran in front of the jeep. Thursday and Friday was spent travelling to Bangkok. Stayed in the worst hotel of my life in Calcutta. All nice hotel rooms were booked due to conventions but we spent a few hours in the Hyatt restaurant. very nice!!!
Calcutta taxis are the worst! The $14.00 dollar a night hotel included yelling, banging and shouting!! Who needs clean water? On Friday we traveled on a very nice plane with good service.
We just had lovely breakfast this morning and are heading to see sights of Bangkok. If Steve survives! He has been running on empty and not up to par. He just started a z-pac and will hopefully be feeling better as the day continues. This kind of travel can be exhausting!
Love and miss you all and the Good USA!!
The final days are going to go quick, we head to Vietnam tomorrow!
Michelle
An entire week just passed and I was for the most part without Internet. We spend Sunday, Monday, Tuesday in Shillong visiting with friends of Steve. Sarah and Pamu welcomed us into their home as though we were family. They have a lovely home up on a hill that overlooks the town of Shillong. With a babbling creek behind their house that sounds so relaxing. Which we needed after the very stressful drive to Guwahati. The road is very windy, crazy, dangerous, insane!!! It took 3 1/2 hours to travel about 60 miles through very steep mountains. Our driver could compete in any NASCAR race. We were often inches from other moving vehicles.
We finally made it to the town of Shillong. Sarah and Pamu were so excited to have us as guests They treated us very well it is interesting to see how the upper class of India live. With a staff of servants a driver, maid, cook etc..., They took us to meet their parents. Sarah's mother held a very high public servant position with the Indian government. She is a very regal woman. You just walk away with positive impressions. She knows how to carry herself so well. Pamu also holds a high government position over seeing 3000 other government employees. Sarah is a professor of fisheries at a local university. They have two talented, lovely children. There whole back yard is practically a vegetable garden neatly arranged down the slope.
They served us food non stop, tea with snacks, more tea with snacks, lunch, dinner, One night were having drinks til midnight when in two minutes Sarah had a hot spread of food including meat which is a high honor. They are wonderful people! Sarah even had her manicurist come in and give me a manicure and pedicure! Which was absolutely fabulous. Less than $10! including tip..
Wednesday was a nightmare, we spent over 8 hours in a hot, cramped car on the way to Kazirunga national wild life park. With a indescribable driver on some local nut drug. We spent the night in a really nice safari style hotel. We attended a bonfire and met some interesting local India busness men. The following day went on a jeep safari not as good as expected. But saw rhino, elephants and a very fast wild boar that ran in front of the jeep. Thursday and Friday was spent travelling to Bangkok. Stayed in the worst hotel of my life in Calcutta. All nice hotel rooms were booked due to conventions but we spent a few hours in the Hyatt restaurant. very nice!!!
Calcutta taxis are the worst! The $14.00 dollar a night hotel included yelling, banging and shouting!! Who needs clean water? On Friday we traveled on a very nice plane with good service.
We just had lovely breakfast this morning and are heading to see sights of Bangkok. If Steve survives! He has been running on empty and not up to par. He just started a z-pac and will hopefully be feeling better as the day continues. This kind of travel can be exhausting!
Love and miss you all and the Good USA!!
The final days are going to go quick, we head to Vietnam tomorrow!
Michelle
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Final days of mission trip
Hi Family and Friends,
Sorry for the delay in contact! electrical outlets are difficult to come by at least ones that will hold a converter and computer charger up without falling out. At times I just had to laugh..
Our final days of the dental trip were exhausting, due to travel delays from the heavy fog. Normal for India this time of year. Therefore, What was suppose to be an early am flight turned out that we spent all morning in the Lucknow airport. We did not arrive back to Delhi to set up clinic until 2:30 p.m By then we were all pretty worn out. The non stop travel, set ups at each site and the actual work seemed overwhelming by the end of the week.
All of the Doctors did an amazing job in Lucknow with medical screenings, dental screenings, fillings and extractions treating those in most need due to pain. Of course there are so many people to treat, each person must be thoroughly screened to prioritize the procedures. Our team worked so great together, always helping each other in every way possible. What an honor it was for me to have been on a team of such expertise, integrity and genuine kindness. All of the locations we traveled to were just open areas of cement with an outlet to the wall, we travelled with some pretty incredible dental equipment and set up each site as we saw fit.
Once I figure out how to post photos, I will so.
I would like to thank Kevin for setting up this blog for me. Without his commitment to my journey and contact with my family and friends I could not have done it! Thank you Kevin!!.
The medical team spent the final morning in a meeting debriefing the past week with Isaac Shaw the pastor and his wife Gloria of DBI. Gloria played a big role in organizing the whole trip and traveled with us each day. She is a beautiful person. In the meeting we discussed the pros and cons of the week and how we can make next year run even better.
After the meeting we were taken around old Delhi and we stopped for tea and dessert at a beautiful hotel called, The Imperial. If ever in Delhi, I would recommend staying,
A quick bit together and off to the airport. We dropped everyone off and in a way I wanted to go back to Florida. The week was so fulfilling because we helped so many people and touched the lives of many, but I was very drained and I felt very emotional.
I stayed at the airport for my friend Steve to arrive. His flight was about two hours late and they would not let the public in the airport and had 2 separate doors that one could choice from once leaving customs. Just a bit unnerving when you are the only blond 10 at night! I did find find a couple of Americans that were waiting for friends to arrive also.
Anyway, once Steve arrived, we took transportation to DBI, they set up a separate room for him. We were invited to stay that night DBI since we were taking a 6:15am train to Agra. On Saturday, we took a 3 hour train to go see the Taj Mahal and the Agra gate. Too beautiful for words to describe. We took the sleeper train back to Delhi. I arranged for a hotel close to the domestic airport. early the next morning we took a 3 hour flight to Guwahati, a 30 min bus to Uluibari and then a 3 hour ride in a SUV with 10 people winding rodes to Shillong where we are now.
To be continued gotta run now
I am doing fine, but I miss all of my family and friends. I hope you all are well.
Love,
Michelle
Sorry for the delay in contact! electrical outlets are difficult to come by at least ones that will hold a converter and computer charger up without falling out. At times I just had to laugh..
Our final days of the dental trip were exhausting, due to travel delays from the heavy fog. Normal for India this time of year. Therefore, What was suppose to be an early am flight turned out that we spent all morning in the Lucknow airport. We did not arrive back to Delhi to set up clinic until 2:30 p.m By then we were all pretty worn out. The non stop travel, set ups at each site and the actual work seemed overwhelming by the end of the week.
All of the Doctors did an amazing job in Lucknow with medical screenings, dental screenings, fillings and extractions treating those in most need due to pain. Of course there are so many people to treat, each person must be thoroughly screened to prioritize the procedures. Our team worked so great together, always helping each other in every way possible. What an honor it was for me to have been on a team of such expertise, integrity and genuine kindness. All of the locations we traveled to were just open areas of cement with an outlet to the wall, we travelled with some pretty incredible dental equipment and set up each site as we saw fit.
Once I figure out how to post photos, I will so.
I would like to thank Kevin for setting up this blog for me. Without his commitment to my journey and contact with my family and friends I could not have done it! Thank you Kevin!!.
The medical team spent the final morning in a meeting debriefing the past week with Isaac Shaw the pastor and his wife Gloria of DBI. Gloria played a big role in organizing the whole trip and traveled with us each day. She is a beautiful person. In the meeting we discussed the pros and cons of the week and how we can make next year run even better.
After the meeting we were taken around old Delhi and we stopped for tea and dessert at a beautiful hotel called, The Imperial. If ever in Delhi, I would recommend staying,
A quick bit together and off to the airport. We dropped everyone off and in a way I wanted to go back to Florida. The week was so fulfilling because we helped so many people and touched the lives of many, but I was very drained and I felt very emotional.
I stayed at the airport for my friend Steve to arrive. His flight was about two hours late and they would not let the public in the airport and had 2 separate doors that one could choice from once leaving customs. Just a bit unnerving when you are the only blond 10 at night! I did find find a couple of Americans that were waiting for friends to arrive also.
Anyway, once Steve arrived, we took transportation to DBI, they set up a separate room for him. We were invited to stay that night DBI since we were taking a 6:15am train to Agra. On Saturday, we took a 3 hour train to go see the Taj Mahal and the Agra gate. Too beautiful for words to describe. We took the sleeper train back to Delhi. I arranged for a hotel close to the domestic airport. early the next morning we took a 3 hour flight to Guwahati, a 30 min bus to Uluibari and then a 3 hour ride in a SUV with 10 people winding rodes to Shillong where we are now.
To be continued gotta run now
I am doing fine, but I miss all of my family and friends. I hope you all are well.
Love,
Michelle
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