DAY 1

Hyderabad, India

Day 1

May 24, 2011

We arrived in Hyderabad at 5AM this morning! When we flew in we were unable to see the land, but by the time we passed through customs and got our baggage we were able to see this magical place. As soon as you step off the plane you can smell India’s distinct flavor, full of unique spice and color. The air was humid and sticky and not much AC was used in the airport for a traveler’s convenience. Once we claimed baggage we searched for our driver who was waiting for us with a sign in hand…obviously he knew exactly who we were because we were the only white people there. Okay so everyone has at least heard a little about India’s driving habits…all I can say is that my sisters driving no longer scares me. We have concluded that whoever honks the horn the loudest and most obnoxiously has the right away at an intersection. Constant beeps and shouts fill the air. As soon as I saw the streets of Hyderabad and surrounding towns I knew my life was going to change… filth and pollution are everywhere. People living on the streets is typical and not at all an unusual sight. People made permanent homes out of blue tarps, scrap metal, pipes, and even card board..Anything really. This sight was almost consistent throughout our journey to the base. My heart hurts for these people. I can already see how much I have taken for granted. The sights and sounds are stimulating. I’m on the adventure of a lifetime! When we arrived at the base we were shown to our room. Beds solid as a rock, but after sleeping and sitting in an airplane for 20 hours I think I could just about sleep though anything. We were given a tour of the base by our host and had the chance to meet several of the doctors and other interns who we will be living and working within the next 6 weeks. Everyone has been amazing! So nice and so diverse. The girls across the hall from us are from England and Canada! We have some more people here as well; we met a guy from Brazil and Germany, and a few other Brits! I love this culture that surrounds me! Everyone has a heart for the world and especially for those who have been oppressed for so long. I cannot wait to see what the rest of our journey entails! I know that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner we are having curry galore! Its so interesting after trying whole foods version of Indian food compared to the legit stuff. Hopefully we won’t get too sick of it, but we have already been informed of the secret kitchen that is hidden behind a combination lock… a well known secret of interns! We have also been invited by several of the people here who are westerners who live in India over to their apartments with the rest of the team for a more common meal if we choose. Today I also had my first encounter with a typical Indian shower. You fill a large bucket with water and use a smaller one to scoop out the water then clean yourself. I definitely manage, but alls I can say is that I am so sure that an American shower will be more than appreciated when I get back home. It might be too soon to tell, but I know my heart is going to grow so much for India and its people. I have been so judgmental before, but by being a minority I am seeing beauty in each and every India around me. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to get to know them! Tomorrow we are going into the bazaar to get out Indian clothing! It is going to be a journey in itself and I cannot wait. Until then however, I need to catch up on some sleep to make up for this 10 hour difference. Please continue to pray for the Indian people, our team and staff, as well as for the health and safety of everyone here!

From Hyderabad,

Leah Balcar