The trip is over-

Hello everyone-I would have posted on Sun-but, when I got home from the airport, I was too tired.
So, my India trip is over....but, my journey has just begun.
My journey into learning and knowing people-----my perceptions have changed, and I will improve in my relationships with them. Not only the populations of the communities I serve, but, in my personal life as well.
Signing off----
A changed and enlightened nurse......Lynn

Leaving India-

It's now 11:15pm in Delhi. I've eaten a wonderful non-vegetarian meal of lamb-prepared mildly spicy----with THE best cr. of mushroom soup I've eaten in my life. In addition, we watched our cooks prepare the Nann--a wonderful rolled, thinned, and baked piece of white flour bread---but not bread as in slice----but rather like a large odd shaped crepe'. It was light and browned, infused with spice and garlic. After baking it was brushed with butter------OH my goodness!!!! Delightful!
Our dinner hosts were attentive, engaged us in conversation, and tended to our every need. We even had warm water finger bowls with lime after dinner. Exquisite!

This fabulous meal was shared with two wonderful traveling companions----two women with whom I would travel anywhere with. Such humor and warmth! Thank you two so much for teaching me some of the traveling ropes! May I travel again with you!
Attached are a few pictures-----the first at the bottom of the Himalayas, yes, they do have camels here (no-I did not go for a ride-(I went over and spoke to the horse that was there), and this is how the women ride, always. I saw one woman driving her own bike-----out of the hundred or so I've seen here!
Time for bed now----
Lynn

Presentations-

I just now came back from the presentations the students gave to the ACN student body.
Each year gave a presentation on what we taught them. In addition, the students presented on their mental health clinical rotation, and their OB/GYN rotation, done in another town, I don't remember where each was. But, rest assured it takes at least 3 hrs to get to the one town, and 4-5 hr to get to the other major city for the OB/Gyn rotation. They go for a month at a time, with their instructors.
In addition, we each had to talk about our impressions of our visit-I must say, I'm becoming more comfortable talking in front of large groups!
We were presented with gifts by Dr. Atwal, and Dr. Neelam Kaur.
It is interesting-one instructor's husband is living and working in the US-in Milwaukee in business. His wife says they've been married for four years. I asked her when does she see him-she said she's coming to the US in Nov. It will be her first time here! Small world!
I don't want to leave these students or this place-----I've been made to feel very welcome here----
We are leaving Baru Sahib in the am--0900. We will stay overnight in Delhi, and board our plane Sat night at about 1045pm. I'm not looking forward to the 15 hr plane ride home.
Good night!
Lynn

My 3rd yr class-

I love students! They're a lot of fun!

Good morning all!

Well, the rain stopped. I taught my last class at 9:00am. It was only an hour class due to the festival.
The students were attentive-but I'm sure wanted to be out on time for the festival.
I am going to miss them......
The festival was wonderful....I am going to try to post pictures and video to view. I haven't yet found out what exactly is being celebrated.

Well, for some reason the video clip won't load---sorry about that!

Lynn

Wed evening-

Just about every day here, the power will go out for a short time in the afternoon. Usually just a few moments. The campus has about 30 huge solar panels it uses to help supply electrical-in addition, a power generator. Today at dinner, the power went out for about, oh, 30 sec-1min. Immediately you heard cheers and shouts--like young people will do everywhere when such an event occurs! It was humorous.
About 9pm we developed a beautiful thunderstorm here in the Himalayas-----it has been raining steadily ever since.
The festival planned for tomorrow only takes place in the Sikh community once/year---and it is celebrated in all Sikh commnunities, all over the world, on the same day. (I wonder what they do if it continues to rain?)
I can't believe our good fortune during this adventure; to be able to take part in the medical camp, now this Sikh festival. It has been an amazing time.
Lynn

Good afternoon!

I finished teaching a little bit early today. The students were happy! They asked me if there is class tomorrow afternoon because there is a Sikh festival which starts at 10:30am. If I understood Sumeti correctly, the Sikh community takes the Baba Ji in a float around the streets, and out to a neighboring village. Then they return. I guess it is all about 4-5 km of a walk. They walk the whole way. So, we decided to hold class at 9:00a-10:00. I have to finish promptly by 10:00.
Then in the evening, we attend a presentation where the students teach us what they've learned from us the last two weeks!
Well, I need to prepare my test questions and final lecture. Dr. D will be videotaping the session for my practica requirements.
Lynn

Just some pics I haven't shown yet. Their trucks are brightly painted and adorned.