Mountain Man

Well it’s been a while since my last post, sorry to those who actually read this, I’m not sure how many people actually read this. When I write this, I feel as if I’m releasing my experiences and stories to the entire internet (which I am), and therefore I picture thousands of people reading this. I have to laugh because there are maybe 10 people who probably check this frequently. So sorry those people!

Anyway, we are now in Mussoorie, and this has to be my one of my favorite places. It’s located on the mountains and has a much cooler climate. We are staying in Landour Community Hospital, which is a mission hospital that was founded during British rule while there were many mission hospitals being founded then. All of the staff and doctors are Christian (Methodist mostly), which is interesting as we’ve really only had exposure to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. It runs at a much slower pace than the government hospitals in the city. All of the patients come in the morning because the transportation in the mountains is better then, and there are very few patients in the afternoon. We have seen a few tuberculosis patients (the biggest killer in India), many urinary infections, skin rashes, auto accident trauma cases (auto accidents are the second greatest cause of death in India), and many other primary care cases. The doctors really seem to have a passion for the poor here, as about half of the patients are very poor “mountain people” and the other half are wealthy Indian tourists visiting Mussoorie. It is a big tourist destination town because of its cool climate in the summer and beautiful mountainside location.

I only have a few more minutes on this wi-fi but I will spend the rest of the time uploading pictures. I will be saying goodbye to Callie and Zack tomorrow,  I can’t believe it’s been a month and that my new good friends will be leaving. Callie is heading to Europe for a month of touring there, I’m incredibly jealous! Zack is heading back home to Kansas to see his 4-year-old sister and rest of the family.

I will try to update the blog again this weekend.

Until next time!

Clayton

P.S. Sorry for any typos, I didn’t get a chance to proofread this time.

Monsoon!

Mussoorie

The view from the hospital. You can see the greater Himalayas in the background

Callie getting her nose pierced, Indian style.