Nireekshana.

Today instead of going to the hospital those of us that were to be in ANC and Admissions went to an AIDS clinic here in Hyderabad. It was pretty incredible. The couple that started the clinic started it in their home because they couldn't find a place that would rent them space to have the clinic to treat people with HIV/AIDS. Once the number of patients that they were treating in their home reached 700, they decided that it was time to find a new location. Now, I think 7 years later, they have 5,000 patients that they are treating and counseling through the disease. All of their supplies mainly the medications they receive are from Operation Blessing, a ministry from the 700 Club and Pat Robertson ministries. They said that they have been in partner with Operation Blessing from the beginning. All of the care that the patients are given is free.
I was really encouraged today spending time with the staff and mainly just observing how they run things. The doctors genuinely care for their patients and take time to thoroughly explain the medications that the patients are prescribed and why they are taking them. After their consultation the doctors then pray with them. It was awesome to see the level of care and standard of care so high.
In the morning, Joy and I spent time in the Children's area playing with the kids, building houses and random objects out of Lego's and blocks, colouring, etc. It was pretty fun. One of the little girls really captured my heart. So cute and just the most adorable smile.
Thursday, we will be going back to do some teachings on hand washing and basic hygiene. It should be good. I am looking forward to it and being able to have some diversity in what we do throughout the week.
After last week in the labour room and different things that I experienced, being in the hospital a couple of days less this week will actually probably be pretty helpful and will give me the chance to maybe do some processing and divert my focus to something else for just the right amount of time. To work in the hospital requires a lot of emotional investment. At least for me. It is hard to separate myself from the patients that I care for. I get so involved. It is hard not to.