Today we awoke and were ready to by 9 which is funny because time did matter today. We were supposed to be at the hospital by 9 not leave the hotel by 9. This was quite hilarious because in India time is not a factor and watching everyone rush to get going was quite a sight. We were given a presentation by Anne concerning questionnaires etc. which was very informational and pertinent to our project. After the presentation we were offered cookies, tea and coffee, again I could not eat! I stuck with a breakfast of 2 egg whites for the whole day because the sight and smell of every other food made my stomach turn! The break was nice concerning we then were taken to a local rural village to view a Mahasema meeting which we could not be at in the first place. The village was government protected and considering we brought two vehicles in, people noticed us. A government official came and we had to leave immediately. The point here is that it would have been okay if we had gotten permission to enter.
After the commotion at the village we visited a rural tele-medicine clinic. The clinic was so very small but was so amazing! The power and security that engulfed the clinic was empowering to me. I could not believe the care and trust offered at the clinic via the nurses. The women whom we sat with during the visit had traveled great distances to see a doctor about their symptoms and signs of discomfort in all areas. The main thing I learned from this clinic was that if a clinic can be offered, people will come! The clinic was serving over 10,000 people, if I remember correctly and was a great masterpiece. I was empowered by the women, coming such a great distance to get their health revived. Taking action towards a healthier self is amazing to view.
The hospital was next on our list of “things to do” for the day. We sat in the hospital from around 1-5. Research and review was done on our project but we also were able to interview a few women concerning their health concerning screenings. This was very informational and helpful in determining such questions that are effective and mostly efficient. I found the women to be very open with their health and also very happy to share. We finished our evaluation and proceeded to determine we would finish our flip book slides tonight. We not only had to get the slides finished but we had to get them done fast. The flip book still has to be translated into Tamil as well as printed for our presentation. We took a break and did a little shopping in order to revive our senses.
During our “break” from 6-8 we roamed the streets of Madurai. Our first stop was a camera store, for Jackie, which did not take Visa cards (which is very uncommon). A quick point, not all stores have a credit machine so upon payment someone is sent out to get the “money man” to come slide the card. It is very interesting and very different but obviously it works in some way. The store is somehow paid for what he/she sells but this is something in which I do not know how it is done. After the camera store which was literally one camera per brand, we walked towards the temple in search for colored paper. (Don’t ask) We ended up at numerous stores and were approached by many men asking if we like tailors, jewelry, nice things as well as clothes. I do not like being told what to do so when men come up and ask/point towards their shop I simply decline and keep walking. This is not only unacceptable in American but I believe it is simply rude. We ended up in a little hole, literally, on the other side of the temple. Clothes, jewelry, books, maps, purses, cloth, scarves etc were all being sold in an underground cement hole. It was exhilarating. The excitement that permeated out of the people/shops was powerful. Sowing machines were lined up one after the other, people busy working still at 8 p.m., this was definitely a sight to see. I enjoyed our walk but was also very exhausted by this time; I had not eaten all day and still felt very ill. We stopped at a college Shoppe and I was specifically looking for peanut butter. This seemed most pleasing to me but Cheerios also caught my eye at the other end of the store, I had to have some. This must be my comfort food?! The peanut butter was not too expensive, 185 Rs. but the Cheerios were another story! I could not believe they were 535 Rs. this did not stop me from buying them though. I checked out with gold fish, peanut butter and Cheerios for 885 Rs. It is good to know that I have to spend all the Rs. before I go back, so why not spend $10 on Cheerios! What a joke although it was worth it!
When we returned to the hotel we finished most of our flip book and I was in bed by 11 p.m. which felt amazing considering I was still not feeling up to par. I also was very excited to know that Jackie and I did not have to go anywhere all day! The group was going to visit a village and interview in which was not appropriate for our project. We decided to stay back at the hotel and work on our flip book, evaluations and handouts. I am planning on sleeping in till 8, so excited!! It is funny thinking that sleeping in here is still only 8 a.m. ;) I am learning and growing everyday and am so amazed at how well our group functions! I am very blessed in all I do, who I am and the support I have from my family and friends! I thank all for helping me reach my goals and expand my knowledge. I am learning everyday from each and every person. Good night and Go Hawks!
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