Nearing the end

Ahh sorry it has been so long since I have written! My last day at Vadamalayan Hospital was Friday. Since I last wrote I have watched a number of surgeries. For the first time I saw a live beating heart, it was amazing! I have seen a handful of open heart surgeries. I watched two Coronary artery bypass (CABG)surgeries, as well as an Atrial septal defect surgery ( ASD). I had only read about complications as these in books so actually seeing the live surgeries was very interesting and educational. A couple other cases I was able to see was a hysterectomy and a umbilical hernia repair.

In the evenings and weekends I have fun spending time with the other five volunteers and my host family. This last weekend Ellie, Emma, Kristine, Rameeta and I traveled up to the town of Kodaikanal which is situated in the mountains. After a four bus ride we met other Projects Abroad volunteers. On Saturday morning we all went for a trek in the mountains. It was beautiful! A big change for us girls was the cool weather. In Madurai we never seem to stop sweating. I really enjoyed being able to wear the scarf I bought. ;) The hotel we stayed at had no heat and the blankets were damp so consequently at night we were pretty chilly.

Now I am back in Madurai and for my last week I will be at St. Joseph's Hospice. Originally I did not know what I would be doing this last week and when I heard about this hospice I decided to call to find out if I might come and help for one week. Father Thomas who started the hospice in 2006 was very excited to hear I wanted to come for the week. I'm not quite sure what I will be doing. At the hospice their goal is to serve the least of God's people. It was started to provide a place for the poorest of the poor, the uncared destitute persons of the streets, the mentally and physically challenged persons- essentially all those who desperately need care and love. I am excited to see how I can be of help there! Please pray that during my last week in India I will be an encouragment to the patients and staff working at St. Joseph's Hospice. I know it will not be easy but I am very glad I have this opportunity to share Jesus to these hurting people! I will try to write before I leave to share about my time at the hospice. I can't believe that in nine days I will be flying back to the U.S. I can't wait to see you all again!!! Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!!! Blessings, Rach