Well, low and behold, today I begin my seventh week in India!
My dental project is underway! I learned very quickly that I must be persistent if I want anything done. And, everything that has been done is solely because of my constant reminders to people and refusal to believe that ‘getting this’ or ‘doing that’ is impossible.
I have hired an adorable translator who knows just enough English to make my project a success and to have short fun conversations. Her name is Radhika, she’s 19, just graduated high school last year, and is a little spitfire. We get along like two peas in a pod. Everyday I go to her thatched roof house and she helps me tie my sari and puts flowers in my hair and a bindi on my forehead. I am absolutely stumped at how she knows any conversational English at all. From what I understand, she went to a government school (in India government schools are the worst… and they have holiday at least once a week) where it would have been impossible to learn English. The only possible way… is for her to have watched television and to teach herself. She’s amazing and her ambition to learn really motivates me!
I am so thankful that I have a reliable sidekick! I’m very tired of all the unorganization in India. I had to sit down yesterday and write down all of my frustrations and then make a list of what India has taught me so far.
A few from the list of, ‘I’m tired of…’
worms in my apples.
everything smelling like a foot.
water from a jug.
my Flintstone broom (seriously it looks like it is from the cartoon).
men peeing on the side of the road (or grass, or onto the sidewalk, or absolutely anywhere at any time).
no air conditioning.
And believe me, the list goes on.
But now, I am happily going out into the field to collect data. It is invaluable for me to have dental tools in my hands and to be looking into people’s mouths. There is so much more to write but it is time for me to gather my things and get out the door.
Be prepared to hear about my adventures this weekend. I’m going to Kodaikanal to see Rebecca Rand! It’s a nine hour train ride and I’m going solo… in general seating class. Sometimes I think I’m out of my mind!
Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather and colors, wherever you are in the world!
Learn as much from Radhika as you can. If she is willing to learn she is willing to teach. I am sure she has some ideas about getting things moving.
Love You, Dad