Yikes!

Yesterday, Kerri and I ventured into Vellore (the nearest city) with the principal's son, Arun. He works at the Christian Medical Center in Vellore. Just getting there was an adventure in itself. It was pouring down rain, and we were in something called an auto-rickshaw. It's likely that all of you brilliant linguists can figure out that this us basically a rickshaw with a motor. It is made of metal and has 3 wheeles and open sides. I read a lot about how crowded and hectic the roads are here, but nothing can quite prepare you for the actual experience. There are no windshield wipers on this auto, but that dosen't stop the driver's maniacial tendencies. There are lanes in theory, but no one seems to care. Cows, babies, cars, goats, and autos all navagate the road with equal abandon. At one piont a huge bus scraped against our auto, close enough to beep the horn right next to where we were sitting. It is both a terrifying and exhilirating experience.

We made it there, after a very fun ride with more close calls that I care to count. Arun is part of a group who sings to and prays with papients at the hospital. I read that it was one of the best hospitals in India. I think the people there are doing amazing work and caring for people who really need it, but it is still on the top 10 list of Places I Never Want to End Up.

It's always a little jarring to go from a bustling city to a place where there are so many sich and injured people, and this was no exception. We sang some songs and the students prayed in Tamil with the patients. Singing Amazing Grace in English, Tamil, and Hindi is an experience I won't soon forget.

That's all for now. Keep in touch.