I've arrived.

Hey Everyone,

I made it here safely. It was an good trip here (a bit interesting in Delhi). We are getting oriented today and will start on Tuesday. The place we are staying is hard to describe but I think it is nice (others might disagree). It is open air with buckets for a shower, but I like it that we feel as though we are in the forest.(Yes, there are monkey's in the tree's.) The college campus is very pretty with trees, trails, and pretty flowers, and the buildings are very old. But, it is a nice oasis from the craziness of the city and the hospital. It is definitely a culture shock and eye opening.
India is probably similar to Mexico and Africa in that it is very dirty, poor, over populated and run down. You don't see any, what we would call "nice" buildings and the streets are all dirt which if different from American standards. Traveling wasn't so bad (24 hrs. of plane, a hostal, another 3 hour plane ride from Delhi to Chennai and a 2 hour drive to Vellore). We arrived in Vellore at about 4pm on Sunday. Our hostal we stayed at was a bit sketchy in New Delhi & we were moved to another hostal b/c they were run by the same guy(interesting). I'm learning just to go with the flow and to have light expectations. We slept fine and had a nice breakfast. Life here is very simple and our accommodations would be comparable to what people in Mexico live in, but I like the open air and not having to worry about cleaning everything. The people here are very nice and seem like very gentle people. We have also learned minor things that will help the next group.
I really like the women's "sari's" and other attire. They are beautiful colors and super comfy so we bought a few "sari" like dresses so to wear to work so we look appropriate.
I will be rotating at in surgery this week, OB my second week, and medicine/ CHAD(village medicine) my last week. The hospital is huge and flooded with patients and so I am eager to start tomorrow.
I have also had time to spend with the Lord in the morning (due to loud Indian/ Hindi music playing at 4am) which is refreshing. I'm just praying God will allow me to accept the culture and people with out judging eyes. Their way of life is different and you realize how ridiculously spoiled we are in the states, and our obsession with cleanliness and new things.
I really like the food. Lunch was yummy rice and vegetables, and dinner was a crepe and egg layered together. There is also a store where we can get normal snacks and cereal. I am looking forward to starting tomorrow.
Please pray for acceptance, to go with the flow, and to not be frustrated by the language barrier.
Please pray for Rachel, Paul, and Rebecca b/c their luggage was "lost" and isn't here yet.
I am so blessed to be here and for this experience.
smiles in Christ =)