Entry #7
May 8, 2014
I just found out that Dr. Paul and Rajesh had never played cards with volunteers before, and Dr. Paul had never played a card game in his life. They have been asked to play many times but have not accepted an offer until ours. I feel honored by this, and it is fantastic that their introduction to cards was such a success.
Today we went to another health camp, which was just the junior school (grades 6-8) across the street. Dr. Paul, Greg, and I sat at a small table in the hall. Dr. Paul recorded information and wrote prescriptions. Greg and I did essentially all of the examinations. There were 47 children in total. They were all adorable and beyond excited to see two 20-year old Caucasians wearing lab coats. They giggled and stared at us the entire time, smiling shyly when we would catch their eyes. I could see the difference in a child's and adult's reaction to something foreign or someone whom looks different. Adults will either act superior or feel intimidated, but no matter the reaction, an adult will cast judgment. A child will laugh and stare curiously. They are so innocent.
For the first two classes, Greg recorded name, age, and weight. I then examined overall health and reported it to Dr. Paul. For the third class, Greg and I switched roles. Checking overall health consisted of examining the eyes, teeth, mouth, tonsils, glands, lungs, heart, and general hygiene. All of the children's hygiene was good, save for dental hygiene. This was the key area I examined because at least a third of the children had serious cavities, and one had decaying teeth due to infection. Dental hygiene is not strongly advocated in India, and there is not a dentist on every corner as I am accustomed to. In fact, dental floss does not even exist in India. Sometimes I was asked to examine the ears with the orthoscope, but I really need more practice with this. The health camp was a great opportunity to act like a professional physician [assistant] that I would have never been given in America. I am lucky to have begun honing my clinical skills before I enter PA school.
We all had a great time at the school, and the children's giggles appeared to be contagious. After check-ups, Greg and I went to each classroom, passing out mini chocolate eggs–a 75% discounted after-Easter special! The kids were very happy and kept saying, "Thank you, ma'am." I have to say, I am not a huge fan of being called ma'am. How many 20-year old ma'ams do you know?
Tonight we will give out the gifts and teach everyone how to play BS. I am looking forward to it but even more so for our plans after cards. We will go up on the balcony behind the clinic office, above the house, and lock the metal gate behind us. We will be able to oversee the entire field that goes toward the jungle. This field is where we viewed jackals last night and where we can expect to observe many more animals tonight. With such a great vantage point, we will not need to scare the animals off so much with the flashlight. I hope we see something very deadly!
From the first day in Patti, I realized how much downtime we have every day. It is not an overwhelming amount so that life becomes stagnant. There is always something to do or someone to talk to. The downtime allows me to write, reflect on the day, and rest. It is representative of the Indian culture in general. Although the Indian people are extremely hard working and could never be considered prone to laziness, they take the time to enjoy the moment and have relaxation. For example, each home we have been in serves tea both before breakfast and mid-afternoon. I do not know if this is true of most Indian household, but it signifies that Indian people take breaks in the day to fulfill their moods with things like tea. Breaking the workday up makes it easier to get other things done and become motivated and rested before the next work activities. I can really jump on board with this aspect of Indian culture.
Tonight we went across the street to Viridner's house. It is huge and gorgeous, reminding me of the Siam castle in The King and I. We joined him on his roof, far above the ground. The temperature was perfect and I was cozily swathed in light sweats from head to toe. Being on his roof gave us a marvelous view of the surrounding fields and mountainous backdrop. Unfortunately the air became heavy with a dense fog of threaded wheat. It became difficult to see the fields and impossible to see the stars. Instead of watching for animals, we sat around and joked. I pulled out some cards, and we played a raucous game of BS. Laughing with everyone of top of Viridner's roof felt like we were on top of the world. We were high enough and happy enough that our fears, anxieties, worries, and doubts were left on the ground at the bottom of the black spiral staircase. Viridner's rooftop was akin to heaven for me.
I am very happy with how this day's events progressed, especially as our last full day in Patti should be memorable. We joked around quite a bit throughout the day and night. Dr. Paul, and consequently every one else, found out how jumpy I am. He's been sneaking up on me all day, and I swear I jump higher and scream louder every time he pops out at me! At one point, he locked me in the kitchen and convinced Greg not to let me out right away. Haha, very funny, guys! I hate that the good memories today were tinged with a bittersweet tone of impending farewells, but I will cherish these positive moments and laughter forever.
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