Hey Statesiders,

We’re back in Incredible India, back in Khammam for Free Surgical Camp (FSC) yet again. This is the 15th Camp in 14 years. This year seems busier than in past years in that I haven’t found time to email you till this AM (6AM).Dave Emerson, a cabinet-maker and Master Carpenter, and also our nephew from Vermont has written his impressions which I forward to you now. He had a classic quote for a first-timer/non-med volunteer: Upon seeing all the

Dave Emerson, a cabinet-maker and Master Carpenter, and also our nephew from Vermont has written his impressions which I forward to you now. He had a classic quote for a first-timer/non-med volunteer: Upon seeing all the Hydrocoeles that come in to get fixed (look up hydrocoele on Google), he worried that they might be contagious. He said, “I’d rather get Malaria than get one of those things”. He gave us a good laugh.

I still have trouble understanding some of their “English” speech. One of our helpers was generously trying to make life more comfortable for me. He asked, “You want essy?” I asked what is “essy”. He kept pointing up to the wall. “Essy, you want essy???” “I don’t know essy”, I replied. “Essy, essy”, he kept pointing. I looked up. He was pointing at the Air conditioning unit high on the wall, “Essy, essy.” “you mean “A.C.”.   “Yes, yes, essy. You want essy??” “Aha”, said I, “yes A.C. would be very nice. Thank you so much!”….big smiles all around.

Best,
George