Report of 11 March 2014

Hello -

I imagine there is a limit to the amount of pain the heart can handle, eh.  We heard last week that a beloved friend, Chandrika, boarded the missing MAS flight.  Her family waits for news and so do we.  In between, we bawl and reminisce.  And continue to wonder what happened.  I know this, though: we will never read a news report about a missing flight the same way again.

We visited Chandrika's family on Sunday and they are holding up.  Both parts of the couple are powerfully intelligent and fun folks; Chandrika worked for an international non-profit in support of fishworkers.  The family and we chatted, and shared, and laughed.  "It is good to laugh," said her husband.

The Banyan has been fine.  I had hoped work would help dispel some of this heaviness, but it has not, yet.  The patients in Kovalam have been grateful and are healing, and bring back more patients.  Our young assistant, Keerthana, is remarkable in her clinical skills and work ethic, and I am truly privileged in where I am.

Adaikalam has been good.  Last week's teaching session was on the thyroid.  The health care workers were interactive, curious and delightful - as usual.  Though poverty and other unforeseen sadnesses have limited study, the young ladies are coming along very nicely in the medical arena.

We Skyped with both boys last week and that was fabulous.  It was time to reconnect with the family.

I have to stop.

Unw -

R