Wendy’s India Trip 2023
Week Two Update
As I write I'm sitting under the fan in Mumbai, it's 37c outside, but I'm just about comfortable. Having been out shopping this morning and had lunch it's time to stay in and relax, do my little jobs, then rest until it is cooler.
I had an excellent time in Chhatarpur, with lots of meals out, but more important, have been the times for discussion and sharing which have given me lots to think about. We also had an excellent day out in Kanpur, a 400km round trip by road, to meet Jasmine, a 1st yr BSc student nurse, and the daughter of a Gkp girl. Rekha and her 13yr old daughter came with me, so we were able to enjoy the rest of the day shopping for her planned return to boarding school in the Himalayas at the end of February.
In Mumbai, I have 4 days to relax the family who first looked after me 25years ago. They now have 4 children, aged 14,16,18 and 20. Their flat is crowded, but it is always a pleasure to spend time with them.
On Monday a fly to Gorakhpur, for 5 days before returning to Mumbai to fly home.
I'm humbled by people's concern and generosity as I meet and travel. My prayer for quality time and conversations continues, but I feel it has been amply answered so far.
Summary of the first few days
Monday in Delhi - My arrival in Delhi was quite stressful, Immigration was very slow - over 1 hour. I needed to sort out money, phone and refreshments after a night flight. My debit card wouldn't work for currency, I needed a new phone card for internet access, My favourite coffee chain , Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) had closed many stores, so I couldn't find my sort of refreshments. Eventually I sorted my phone, changed cash, found McDonalds and a CCD. It was more time consuming than I planned, but successful, so I was able to collect my luggage, get the Metro out to where Dickson's family live and have a relaxing catch up with him. I left them at 06.30 the following morning to get the train Chhatarpur
Tuesday; Chhatarpur - My journey to Chhatarpur was straightforward, the train was on time and due to massive road improvements in India over the last 3 years, the 80mile journey is reduced to just over 2 hours from nearly 4. I had a surprise welcome by the whole school and discovered all the uniforms had changed, Tutors now wear pink and black, and the students wear more western style white tunics and black trousers, very practical.
Preparation for graduation on Thursday was well underway, I was able to relax, watch others working! and start catching up on sleep.
I'm having lots of good conversations, and feel very excited to be back. My prayer requests from previous years has always been for more and more committed doctors, they have an amazing team here at the moment, with good speciality cover, The hospital is not that busy, but this is the quiet season as the weather is at its most comfortable, water supplies are still good from last years monsoon and it is comaritably comfortable outside. Temperatures are rising now, today is 32C, but nights are cool.
On 15th I leave here by train to stay with friends in Mumbai. It is a 19hr train journey, on a train that is often quite late. I will send another update next week
Thank you all for your support and prayers.
Wendy