Day 6--The Tour

Good Morning Indiiiiaaa! We started out with a fervent praise service with the MICM (Mid India Christian Mission) staff, the devotion was lead by Tricia. Many of the Hillside members were present. And, although the music was not as good as Hillside's, it was good anyway. Mama Pushpa then gave us a tour of the MICM facilities. The grade school and middle school emphasize three things: Christian values, English and excellence. The home for disabled children, Oasis of love and another home for abused and outcast women were true testaments of Christian love and compassion in a country where they are easily forgotten and mistreated. The college held its annual function and Mark Zimmerman gave a inspiring address with only minutes of preparation... that was impressive. The Eye hospital has all the equipment to provide over a hundred cataract surgeries a month. Dr.Alan McCarty will be treating a patient with calcification's in his cornea with chemicals ( a process known as chelation ). Go Alan!

On a very personal level I met a lovely lady Mohni who is 41 years old. She has cerebral palsy presenting as paralysis of her legs but not her arms and it certainly did not affect her mind. This beautiful woman, in mind and soul, was not welcome in her own home when her parents died. Her brothers tried to kill her and she was thrown out of her home because she was a burden to them personally and financially. Had they succeeded in murdering her, they would have taken her inheritance. Thanks to the women's center she became a part of this loving community. Since she cannot walk, they made her a tricycle to pedal with her hands. Gifted with tremendous creativity, they taught her to sew, knit and make beautiful clothes. During the college's annual function I chose to sit next to her in the back. It was the best seat in the tent. We did our best to communicate. Her interaction with others and even myself was a wonderful and endearing testimony of love and compassion to others. We have so much to learn from someone who has suffered so much. Through Christ her suffering gave her strength and an overwhelming compassion and love for others. It inspired me to be more forgiving of others and, perhaps, myself. --Larry