Day Six

We provided our second medical/eyeglass clinic on Saturday morning in one of the poorest villages we’ve seen. Unlike the first clinic, I wasn’t able to provide many glasses due to severe cataracts. We saw 68 people and I think I only provided eyeglasses to 10 people, which was frustrating at first, because it is incredible to witness someone receive improved sight for the first time.

We were able to provide those with cataracts some much needed sunglasses. It was a joy to see their faces when they received this small comfort and quite comical to see the interaction with family and friends regarding how they “looked” in this new and unfamiliar item. The children are all so beautiful and affectionate. The adults and children we’ve seen are the untouched in this society, segregated on public transportation etc… I can’t tell you how good it feels to take their hands, place my arms around them or touch their smiling face when they thank you for being here. It feels so good to be Christ’s hands and feet to these beautiful people!

We left the clinic to begin our 8-hour drive to Vellore (south east of Bangalore). We spent the first 6 hours eating snacks, sleeping, and talking. Many of us were also mesmerized, watching our dodge ball driving bus driver, weave in and out of traffic. To gain a better view and to capture some video for family and friends…I moved to the front seat. It was unbelievable to watch our driver maneuver some of the busiest streets I’m sure I will ever see. It’s like an extreme XBOX racing game. The driver has to miss animals, walkers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. I think he was trying to give me a fun ride, so he showed off a bit and apparently my traveling buddies saw him laughing and smiling.

Our UEM friends (who remind me of Jesus’ first disciples in their love for Christ’s work, their love for their brothers and their love for showing people to Christ’s front door) found us a restaurant to use the restroom. Picture this…I’m wearing a skirt and I chose my flip flops today. I entered the women’s restroom and immediately step into water all over the floor. If you’ve ever worn flip flops in water you know that they often stick or even slide on water. EVERYTHING in this confined space was WET…wet with what I’m not sure…yuck!! Stepping out of the restroom you find yourself on marble…a nightmare for my water and urine saturated flip flops.

We still had 2 hours of travel to get to the Surabi hotel in Vellore. We ate dinner at 10pm and didn’t lie down to sleep until around 1am. Each day makes me more aware of just how much I have and just how much I DON’T need. God has been challenging me daily and provides me with new opportunities to grow.

Rachel