27th of June - 9th day of treating .....

It's already the last full day of treatment, where has all the time gone? Its a real bitter/sweet feeling, it will be sad to say goodbye to the wonderful people we have met here but everyone will be glad for some rest.

With the end of our journey drawing in fast, we are all eager to do what we can before we leave. Many of us get a chance to catch up with our "old" patients to review progress and offer some last minute advice. While a few new patients are treated, we concentrate our efforts on follow-up visits. The clinics are busy as usual and we are working non-stop despite the oppressive heat and humidity. In the late afternoon, Father James treats us and organises a detour to visit some of the local shrines and temples and absorb some of Siliguri/India's rich culture. Back at Seva Kendra, the clinic is still in full swing. Clinicians and students alike are obviously tired but neither are willing to turn anyone anyway and the final home clinic finishes late in the evening, Some patients have waited around 2 - 3hrs to see the students, so everyone puts aside their exhaustion and hunger to make sure that everyone is treated.

Around the typically late dinner table, stories of successes and challenges are eagerly swapped back and forth and listening, it's not hard to imagine that this is what it will feel like when we graduate.

 

The local culture & couture is wearing off on us, many (in maybe a vain attempt) are having fun with the local dress. The boys are looking very dapper in Kurta Pajama (below).