Understanding the Health Needs

We spent all of July 2, 2012 on the Mercy Home clinic. There were still over a hundred children that needed to be seen. We knew that it was going to take all day so we started right away. We had seats this time for waiting. It was a very productive day. Everyone was drained afterwards, especially the doctors. It was good to get to know the children better through their medical forms. I was handling the paperwork so I could see their names written in English and their family history. Once again I was heart-broken for some of the things I saw on those papers. The children would write total orphan or semi-orphan on their papers. Each child has a story which is hard to take. There is so much hurt for each of these children. While the kids were waiting we were able to talk to them and get to know them more. I enjoyed hanging out with the kids I already knew and getting to know more.

Rajesh

Me and Javeen

Group Photo

Tickling Me

Injured Kid

Paramjyoti Said I Am His Best Friend

After the clinic we were able to play some with the boys. They were playing cricket outside. I just went out to talk to some of them. They were asking me all sorts of questions. They asked me how my sisters were doing, how much my flight cost, about marriage, etc. When they asked me about the cost of my flight I had them guess how much. They were completely off. They had no idea. They thought it was like 75 rupees which is about $1.50. I told them how many dollars it cost and they did the math in the dirt in the field. I must say they are good at math. They were shocked at how much it cost. I was sad to tell them but then saw it as an opportunity to tell them that they mean that much to me. I am willing to spend and sacrifice my personal resources for them because I love them. One of the saddest moments I had on this trip was talking to a boy that was 10 years old. He had touched a wire a year ago and was severely burned on his arm and neck/face. He had to have his arm amputated up to his elbow. The doctors said that the boy may be in a lot of pain when he grows because the scar tissue on his neck and face may not grow. It would just stretch and be very painful. Time will tell what will happen. I pray that it will grow with his body.

Playing Cricket

I had to go back in because I thought it was dinner time but when I went up it hadn't been started. Instead everyone was getting henna tattoos. I decided I would get one too.

Henna Tats Haha

Dinner and debriefing about the day was the conclusion. I was able to talk to both doctors about the children's health situations. It was as I had suspected. They told me that more than likely 70% of them have a worm/parasite. Many aren't getting enough vitamins. They mentioned in particular that some of the kids have grey hair because of a protein deficiency. All of the forms said the children were underweight and under height. The underweight was at 0% for a lot of the kids. It is very hard to see that. Back2Back Ministries is trying to figure out how to tackle the parasite issue because we were told that it is a seasonal problem. The problem takes place during the monsoon season, which is the season we happened to be in. Short-term medicines could be given to the kids but for the long-term, the water source and food needs to be improved.

I wanted so badly for the next day to come so I could hang out with kids again, but then I didn't because I knew I would be going home soon.