Chalice: Notes from the field...

2nd Update from Ron, volunteer at Madurai Sponsor Site (India) **************************************************** Just FYI, here everyone works 6 days a week. Sunday is off. So my second week started off with a visit to a big dam on the Vaigai River on January 25th.  Nesprus, Chalice Accountant, offered to take me to this site and I was told it would take 45 minutes to get there. Great! So off we go catching the bus at about 10.00 in front of the hospital. We then change buses twice and 2 and half hours later we are at the Dam. So, I reminded Nesprus about the 45 minutes and then he tells me that every time he went to this Dam, he traveled by 2 wheelers (motor cycle or scooter). It had been a long time (at least 40 years) since I traveled on an over-crowded (Asian standard) bus. Totally cramped up, standing all the way, holding on with both hands and swinging. Children crying; women swearing at the men, body odor that I can't start to describe. Felt sorry for the short p...

From time to time Chalice is blessed to work with volunteers who travel (solo) to our Sponsor Sites to serve alongside our Partners. Ron is one such volunteer.  Our Madurai Sponsor Site is blessed to have Ron assisting with administration at the Site Office for 3 months.  Here are some of his reflections, as shared on January 27, 2015: Hi All, It has a been a week since I arrived in Batlagundu and so I feel I should tell you how I am doing. It was Republic Day in India yesterday, so the office was closed and I could not get to a computer. Physically, I am doing well; albeit very careful about what I eat or drink. Have to very tactfully decline offers of some foods and drinks. I have no problems with the food in the convent or the company during meals. The food is simple but taste good; three meals a day. I am always conscious about quantity much to the dismay of the sisters. I suppose they are accustomed to seeing men eat large quantities. They all drink bottled w...

Daily life at Chalice's Sponsor Sites in Paraguay, as seen through the lenses of our Canadian Volunteers.

In our second clinic site our team was divided into Women's Clinic and Children's Clinic.  The children's team were working out of the local school, a 25 minute hike away.  Twice a day the team would make the hike through the forest and foothills - a beautiful walk, but not for the faint of heart. The region we worked out of is named Mkongo and had no running water or electricity.  We all have a new appreciation of how hard it is to live without what we take for granted at home.  I can say we've all gotten much better at the art of The Bucket Shower! The stars are beautiful when there is no light pollution.

Mission Mkongo is over and a complete success. We have spent 3 busy days   at the local school and dispensary providing medical assessments and services to over   1400 children and patients.   The community welcomed us with open arms and made our stay a most fulfilling experience. Mkongo is   located in the hill areas west of the city of Songea.   It’s a beautiful location but very remote.   There is no running water or electricity so   it was a big adjustment for the team.   Despite the challenges, we ate well, we showered in creative ways and got the job done. We have had some minor setbacks with cramps, and upset tummies but those affected are on the mend and we are a happy crew again. Onward to   Mbinga and Mbangamao.

After two hectic days in clinic, we have successfully assessed over 400 children and 130 new mothers and baby. As part of the medical mission, classes are being offered for keen Tanzanian medical staff.  We have been facing some interesting challenges; despite Ultrasound transducers still en route, numerous technical glitches and language barriers, Team TanCan is getting the job done.  The linguists in the group seem to be mastering Swahili.  They have a repertoire of 5 or 6 words and the rest of us are lagging behind in skill.  The children get much pleasure listening to our sad attempts at traditional greetings. The children greet us each day with genuine joy and smiles. It makes our work day worthwhile and so rewarding.

TanCan 2014 clinic is in motion.It's been an long and eventful journey of three days.  Most of our Canadian team meet in Washington DC, on route to Tanzania with a brief stop over in Ethiopia.  A few hours of sleep and then a 15 hour bus ride across country to Songea, quick supper and shower  if you have the lucky rooms with showers that are working. We all arrived at our first clinic site in Songea on Wednesday.  Blessed to have this experience.