Today patients were informed of whether or not they would be receiving surgery. As I posted before, a new system was tried for this mission in which all patients were individually told whether or not they would be receiving surgery. Those that aren’t eligible for surgery were explained as to why they weren’t candidates for this mission. The majority of non-candidate decisions are due to age (the minimum age is 6 months old). Patients must also be in good health and weight. The good news is the majority were told to come back during the next mission in January for rescreening and consideration.
Only a few had to be at the hospital for this portion of the mission and I was happy not to be one of them. I’d want to give everyone surgery and would have a hard time disappointing a family. Nonetheless, we had a fantastic time enjoying some of the local sites in Guwahati. We visited the Kamakhya temple, an important pilgrimage destination for general Hindu and Tantric worshipers built is 1563. The experience was quite enlightening. Some of the team members that are based in India attempted to explain the significance of all the rituals. According to legend, this is where the goddess, Kamakhya used to retire in secret to satisfy her love with the god Shiva. After she was murdered, this is where her fertility was left. Therefore, the temple celebrates fertility and different forms of the mother goddess. You cannot wear shoes into the temple area. We also witnessed goat (male only) and dove sacrifices. Pigs are also sacrificed at this temple. Many (even the practicing Hindu’s) were aware of this ritual and were surprised to see it occur. Gifts of all kinds were left at different areas in the temple (which isn’t just a building but more of a compound). Incenses filled the air. We were also quite the attraction at the temple as the group was the only foreigners. We’ve been taking so many pictures of the beautiful people of Guwahati and surroundings that we soon became the attraction. Everyone wanted pictures with the foreigners. We’d be walking around and would see that we were being photos by camera phones. Many parents would ask if their children could have their photo taken with us. All of us were happy to accommodate!
After our adventure at the temple, we headed to the Brahmaputra River Side for lunch. Many locals were having their Sunday “beach” day, although there really wasn’t a beach. Picnics, soccer and music filled the atmosphere. We had a great time just hanging out and enjoying the surroundings.
After our late lunch, many team members headed back to the hospital to prepare for tomorrow – surgery day! 50 patients and their families had already been admitted to the ward. It was an amazing site. There are 3 pre/post operative rooms with about 25 beds each. 2 of the wards were for younger families and women while another ward was kept for the adult men. The beds are lined up side by side with about 1 foot of space in between. Families brought their own tapestries and bedding (although the hospital was equipped to provide it as well). Mom, dad and child were all sharing a twin sized bed which became their “home” for the next 36 hours until they are discharged.
I assisted Brittnay, Dalton and Alexander put together the “Smile Bags” – hand made sacks filled with stickers, a note card from donors, washcloth, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, crayons, paper, a toy and most importantly a mirror so they could see themselves after surgery! It was wonderful to put these bags together and see the love that each person who donated a bag put into its creation. The students then had the opportunity to head into the wards and deliver the fantastic give-a-ways! The children were so excited to get something. Most enjoyed coloring right away. Everyone was so grateful.
It was the perfect ending to the day and reminded me of why we are here – to change lives!
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