First Day at Hope Clinic

The day started out late yesterday, which was pleasant for all of us.  We had a late wakeup call of 9:00, and we were set to leave at 10:00.  We loved our hotel in Jaipur, but it was finally time to go to the clinic and see Daisy!  Although we were all packed and ready in the lobby at 10:00, there was some information that was lost in translation and the bus didn’t arrive until 11:00.  Hurry up and wait.

After waiting for an hour, we had an hour-long bus ride to the airport.  There we were told to wait 30 minutes before we could check in.  So much waiting.  When we were finally allowed to check in, we had lots of complications because we each had two bags, and the weight limit for Air India is 30 pounds, while our bags weighed 50 pounds.  Somehow Karl negotiated and we were able to carry two bags, each 50 pounds.  Oh, and during that time the flight was delayed an hour.  Good grief.

We finally landed in Mumbai after constantly waiting.  There we had our layover and our flight was delayed.  Nate and Madeline W. bought some delicious snacks that we all envied.  Thankfully they shared.  Once we were on the plane it got delayed and we arrived 2 hours later than scheduled. 

As if we weren’t tired of traveling enough, there was another 3-hour ride to the clinic.  I believe that we all slept, except for two of our folks who have the Flu.  Finally we made it to Daisy’s home!  She welcomed us with open arms and showed us our rooms.  It was 2:00am before Madeline C., Madeline W., and I went to sleep.

Today we slept in and woke up to a delicious breakfast of tea, coffee, fresh fruit from Daisy’s garden, and other traditional Kerala foods.  I could get used to this food.  We had a tour of the clinic, emptied out all the supplies, and are having a relaxing day.

We hope to hear from you all soon,

Caroline