Catherine 's Report

Sorry for the delays in writing. Too much going on here in Kolkata, India. Saturday went to Children's Rehab Center where each one of the team had such memorable encounters with the children there. Catherine and Katie did bead work with several boys and girls. Catherine spoke to two of the teachers there about nutrition and issues regarding malnutrition. One of the teachers provided Catherine with a chart in which she went through various foods to describe the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in the foods and their important functions. Because the rice purchased from street vendors is not fortified, we talked about other ways that pregnant women could get the B-vitamin folate. Club foot is one of the deformities seen at the rehab center. There is some evidence in the literature that club foot may be the result of folate deficiency in the pregnant woman.
It is great to see Natalie at work at the rehab since physical therapy is her expertise. She was able to show us how to do some of the exercises with the children in the PT room. Such a blessing for all of us. We all did beadwork and pipecleaner art with the children. We ate lunch with our hands! We took the subway there and back which was another amazing experience.

Sunday we went to AG church and then lunch afterward. We went to a local restaurant for dinner called "One Step Up" inviting another visiting nursing student along from Texas to join us. Such great food and buttered and cheese nan was the biggest hit! Many visitors from around India and outside the area (U.S.) are coming through BMS. We each have opportunities to share our learnings with the visitors, making new and important connections. Even dietitians come through here (from other parts of India) which gives Catherine more hours to stay up at night in conversation. Our hosts both at hospital and BMS are so wonderful! Phillip richly blesses us in chapel each morning during the week at hospital with real life stories of suffering. We are humbled. Many of us want to return to India to continue these important relationships and build upon them; develop new ones.

Monday the weather changed with predictions of a cyclone (Aila). The winds picked up and rain was hard. Trees fell and signs on buildings blew down. Our windows blew out in the bathrooms at BMS. The staff stayed on to prepare and clean up for a hurricane. Our team met and we prayed. The storm passed on and we were protected. Is that amazing or what????? We stayed up fairly late with much to be thankful for. I think Jenni must have written fifty pages in her journal last night! In all of this, we become stronger and like family. We have had our peaks and valley during this journey, but those peaks are tremendous and full of hope! I met a family from Siligri who knows close friends of ours who also lived in Siligri. It is a small world indeed.

Today we went to hospital. Tyler and Jenni led worship. Tyler shared testimony and important message. We were blessed. We were driven to STARS program by hospital transport vehicle---I mean ambulence, literally! It was the only mode of transportion out there at the time. Once there, the team was amazed! This program is a social services program for children living in poverty. It is a place where impoverished children can go to learn how to read, learn how to draw, dance, grow in the love of Jesus! While we went there to serve them, of course we were served. They performed their very best songs, music (including bongo drums), dance, and behavior. Wait until you see the pictures. Some of us took 100 pictures or more this afternoon because we did not want to miss one moment! Sarah and the beautiful little girl she held will melt your heart once you see them together in photos. Mandy danced with a girl. Tyler had an audience of young children around him and his guitar. Jenni laughed at the small child who fell asleep leaning against a chalkboard. Catherine enjoyed the many pictures the children colored and proudly displayed for her camera shots. Andreina and Katie were a joy to look at while they worked with and loved the many children. Natalie was a natural in this environment. We played 'duck, duck, goose .' Hokey Pokey was another game. These children just don't wear out or wear down! And the dancing performances. We could take some lessons! We were deeply blessed and want to return to this ministry. The host gave each one of us her card and a brochure describing the ministry there. Don't forget to ask us about it upon our return to U.S.!

I grow weary, now as I write and know I cannot capture each detail in this post for you. Tonight we debriefed at Coffee Cafe (a regular hangout in evenings it seems to unwind and share God 's showering of blessings upon us). We all wish you could see this transforming work in us at the moments they occur!

From a leader 's perspective, please know that this team will come home changed forever. I feel especially privileged to be here with them at this time. We are here at the right time and for the right reasons.

Blessings! Catherine