Yesterday was my first day in the office here at SWI. I am working in the Health and Immunization Section with a young woman named Monasi. She is very nice and also very intelligent. She has her Master's degree in Social Work. I assisted in reading over and editing a completion report for a Polio Eradication Program. It was very impressive and very well done. It was all in English so I was able to read over it and learn a great deal about the program they implemented here in West Bengal. Polio was very prevalent here a few years ago and after implementing their program they had increased awareness and education about proper vaccination procedures among children ages 0-5. The program was extremely successful and last year there were no reported cases in the districts where it was implemented. It was just like the programs I learned to develop last year in school, even the format, components and terminology were the same. It makes me very excited to be able to use my Community Health background and knowledge to assist in projects here. I also helped with some documentation work yesterday. I created an excel document of a bunch of different names and information of people from Germany who would like help SWI.

Today is a festival, so we didn't have to work in the office. Instead we went back to the Missionaries of Charity (MCs) - the Home for the sick, malnourished and abandoned children. We got to spend about 3 hours there with the children. I spent most of my time there with the youngest ones. I think at one point I had about 6 or 7 children on and around my lap that were all within the range of probably 4 months to a year and a half. And when they got off my lap, I looked down to find my skirt was soaking wet on the floor. Haha. One of the Sisters told me it is only because they love me so much. :) It is funny because I didn't even notice when it happened! I also held a little girl who was I think just a few weeks old. Scott and Andrea taught the older ones Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and got them to sing along. Of course we all really enjoyed spending time with them and making them smile. A few of them in particular just couldn't stop smiling and it was the cutest thing. I know we will be going back there whenever we have the chance. It is heartbreaking to see how sick and malnourished some of the children are, but at the same time it is extremely rewarding to spend time with them and care for them.

Andrea and I have decided as roommates to do a little reflection/prayer time each night before bed in order to help each other process this experience. It has been really nice to get a chance to chat and share what we're feeling and even more, what we are really struggling with. Last night we talked about how humbled we have been in all the little daily events that have occurred. We are learning so much here. Father takes every little event as a teaching opportunity. I can't believe we've only been here for a few days. We have experienced so much already! I can't imagine after 3 months! Hope all is well at home! :)