The Road Less Travelled

Dateline October 20, 2011
The Road Less Travelled
Sarah Southerland

(Blog Update on Village 1, Cheebo Coming Tomorrow)

Our second Village. Today we set out to village number two, Marebong Tea Plantation, all a little weary but still geared up for what we were told was to be an exciting jeep ride. I am sure when Pastor Nandu mentioned this to us he was unaware of what God had in store for us, or did he?!? The morning started off with some unexpected morning sickness from Charles  which progressed to vomiting out the window (5 times) while riding down the mountain from Kalimpong.  A stop at a beautiful overlook of two rivers converging, one coming out of China, the other coming off the glaciers (neither of which the patient or I saw) led to an impromptu IV on the way to the Marebong.  With IV fluid infusing, we continued on our journey, and much to our dismay, turned off onto a road that looked more like a wide hiking trail instead of road for three jeeps full of people.  I was told, “It is way better than last time”; and I was thankful for that. The rule is: As long as three wheels are touching the ground, we are good!

We were greeted in the village by smiling faces and proceeded to set up camp.  Immediately a 17-year-old girl was carried in by her father.  She had a fever of 102.8, headache and drifted in and out of consciousness. We quickly pulled out supplies, Dr. Rabin (a General Practitioner that was been gracious enough to partner with us for several of our villages) assessed the patient and directed her care. Thus started IV #2 of the day, which she received along with some much needed medications.  At the end of the day, with the help of Pastor Nandu, Charles and I checked on the girl who had been resting at her house. Her temperature was normal and she was feeling much better.

The villagers offered us customary hot tea and the women prepared a warm lunch. There were many men, women and children who were happy for the medical assistance and care they received through our hands, but that which only God had inspired. In each village we saw different conditions, from hypertension to diabetes, to female issues to joint pain. The overwhelming condition noted were primarily untreated skin infections on every child. Something so simple that started as a bite turned into an abscess.

Andy became our resident balloon and lollipop man. He has a real talent for blowing up rubber gloves and a real creative side that I am not sure that any one knew about when it comes to the crazy faces he draws on them. Charles did get a nap (he needed the rest) in between playing with the children and started to feel much better by the time we left (Yes, Phyllis we took care of him!). Kishia split her time multi tasking between wound care and developing her triage skills. Mike and Byron held down the triage post while I floated and helped an army nurse that had partnered with us on our pharmacy area.

We left Marebong, headed for Darjeeling - under the cover of darkness, mind you. The wide hiking trail, seemed more treacherous in the dark. But, you must remember the rule!, and that God is with us! We arrived safely in Darjeeling, enjoyed a restful night and a much needed continental meal (American). Sight seeing in Darjeeling is next!

  
Charles and Sarah Assisting With              Marebong Camp Shot
Setting Up the 17-year Old Girls IV               Kishia Wound Care

  
          Dr. Mike in Triage Bay 1                  Uncle B.Y. Holding Down
                                                                               Triage Bay 2

  
    Andy is responsible For All          Pastor Nandu Enjoying Lunch
These Blue Ballooned Like These              
            Floating Around!                         


      

 

Comments

[Bruce]

Awesome stuff guys! You are doing things for the Kingdom that REALLY counts.

[Kellie O'Hara]

Hi guys, it's Kellie. I love following you guys on the blog. I miss being there! You all are in my daily prayers. Continue to do great and be safe. Tell Nandu and Anu hi from me.

[Helen Corley]

Thank you for your super efforts, and what you have been writing. I sure can close my eyes and be back traveling those "roads" with you. Charles needed an IV last time too; poor fellow, he keeps going and going. Praying for your safety, strength and good spirits.