My third week

A few pictures.  1st is the front gate of my building.  The second is a side street (nice to walk) and the last two are the street in front of the apartment.  The picture was taken when the traffic was light but it can be crowded and VERY noisy.  Honking is a constant annoyance but it's everywhere.

On Sunday I got together with Melinda to see her new apartment in GK1 area.  There were quite a few more Westerners in her area that I see in CR Park.  It's about a 15 minute walk to her place which is very reasonable.  I have located  a few Yoga studios within walking distance from my apartment.  Looking forward to getting involved with the community.  Vishwa, from the office offered to drive me to locate the yoga studios.  That's really nice!  He told me a lot about his culture and how the family bond is really strong. As a child he was always taught to help others and do what he can to be a good person.  He says that he was hesitant to offer his help to me as I was "an elder" and a scientist, which he said was intimidating.  I assured him that even though I am a scientist I am not any different from anyone else and that we are all equals.  Now, that elder comment...  No worries, he is only 34.

Anyway I appreciated his assistance, it takes some of the stresses out of finding the places as it's not easy to find streets and locations here.  Google maps are not very good nor detailed for this area. I went to two places.  The first sounded better but it was new and there wasn't anyone in the studio when I arrived and there should have been a class.  It was quite nice for things here.  No AC though, but lots of fans!  The next place was closer to my apartment.  There were people in class and one of the reasons for joining is to have human contact.  I decided to try this one this morning.  It was only a 10 minute walk.   I went to the 7 am class.  I was the only one!  Had a personal lesson.  Not very relaxing Yoga, more calisthenics, and short stretching.  No AC.  He actually helped me get in a few positions, which I think I am paying for that now!  He believes that back bends are good for achy backs so we did lots of these and a few sun salutations, quickly.  As I said it wasn't realizing nor great stretching, but I have been saying that I should start doing exercises, and this might be what is planned for me.  Of course, I will be careful.  I joined for a month to see how it goes.  I will probably attend the evening class at 7:30 so the sun will not be so strong at that time to lessen the heat of the day.

The high today was 120 degrees and now at 10 pm it is 106.  I just downloaded a weather app on the ipad and it displays all the time the current temperature.  Wow- that ipad!
Tomorrow I head to Agra (Taj Mahal) and Jaipur with Melinda and JC.  We will leave at 2 pm and return on Sunday evening.  Should be a good weekend.  I'll let you know all about it!

May 26, 2012

Today I headed out on my  own.  Prem, the driver picked me up at 9.  My plans - to visit the Qatar minar , Prem would wait for me and then to Select City mall. I went to Qatar minar, a historic site, see pics above.  The site was an entire living complex.  The tower was started in 1193 and not completed until 1368.  It is 90% original - absolutly amazing.  Also what I loved was the building in which I am standing in front- it is the Alai-darwaza built iin 1311 with Islamic architecture.  The building is white marble and red sandstone - all natural, it is beautiful to imagine the architecture back in the 1100's.
It was hot outside, but not too bad.  I am glad I went.

My plans to go to a mall-  the reasoning is that it will be over 110F and I want to go to a cool place that is not my apartment. I saw the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in English, filmed in India.  It was OK.  After that walked around the mall, many of the stores were what we have at home.  The only thing I purchased was lite cocunut milk needed for making my Thai curry mix- a hard product to find.  No good coffee :-(  I ate at a nice place in the mall.  Had the buffet.  Delicious.  They had everything from roast lamb- it was fabulous, to my other highlight a- goan fish curry - oh so good and ended off with a double expresso.  Prem picked me up at a 4.  Went back to my apartment and was a bit restless.  Went out for a walk to the markets.  Found that I can walk around in the side streets with lots less traffic, so that was a great accomplishment.  Bought a few items.  Came home, feeling lonely and then my sister Jennifer skyped me - that was nice to talk and have contact with home.  I realize how important my family and friends are to me. Thanks to all of you!  I miss my friends and being relaxed and happy. I miss home with Eric, doing chores, gardening and my Miss Marcy.  I don't think I have smiled or laughed since I have been here. 
Still adapting but I miss you all!!!

At work I am not feeling very productive. I know what my project is, to train community health workers, CHW and dedicated project staff, DPS. The problem is that I don't know if they have been hired or even if they will be paid. There are three partners in this project and PH has not meet with the different partners so there is a lot to be done. Hopefully next week I will learn a bit more about the different partners. I have been learning about the healthcare system in India which is quite different than in the US. There are a few public hospitals, facilities not very good, and then the private hospitals where all patients must pay there own way or have private insurance. I am not sure if corporations offer private healthcare.  It has only been two weeks but I am getting an idea of what I need to do.

Dominos pizza delivered

Pizza for dinner last night It was delivered to the door and delicious!  Who would have thought that you could get Dominos pizza delivered in Delhi. I have a washing machine on the roof top.  No dryer but you don't need one as the clothes are dry in about one hour on the line.   There is a simple pleasure on doing domestic chores. It is mango season here and I just bought two different ones to do a side by side tasting.  One was delicious, maybe the best I have ever had, the other had a different taste.  What fun!  Things are pretty inexpensive.  I bought vegetables for a meal and they all cost about two dollars.  I have purchased a few clothes and each are under ten dollars, a bargain!   If I buy items not manufactured in India they are expensive, but most things I can get locally.  I might go to a mall this weekend to get out of the heat and be in air conditioning.  Not exactly what I would choose but under the circumstances....  A liter of water is about 20 cents.  That is what a bottle of water should cost. I am feeling a bit lonely.  After work I am usually alone and find that I am not doing anything fun.  I will try to find enjoyable things to do.   I enjoy everyone's comments please keep them coming this way I can stay connected.

It's hot outside

I just found this on the Internet: "New Delhi is a landlocked city, and hence, has an extreme climate.  Summers, which last from April to June, are unbearably hot and make for very poor sightseeing.  It’s a dry kind of heat, and to make matters worse, dust storms from Rajasthan blow in frequently and with unimaginable fury.  Temperatures can easily cross 45 C (113 F), and if you do find yourself in Delhi during this time, take precautions before stepping, out especially in the afternoon" In the morning I go from my air conditioned home to outside and I am miserable.  If I want to walk when I get home from work I need to wait until around 7pm when the sun settles down below the horizon.  At the same time, it is best not to go out on my own after dark.  This doesn't leave a lot of comfortable time for being outside.   This is hard for me as I like to walk.  Ah yes, I will adapt!  Now I am home from work, I immediately turn on the air conditioners, change into shorts and a tee, sit on the couch and usually turn on the TV.  Today I thought I'd write and let you know how I am feeling.  Our drivers car air conditioner broke, rather miserable.  I asked when it would be fixed and there is no answer. I find the people here do not like to say anything unpleasant which means Prem our driver will not say anything about the air conditioner. Great! it is 42C today which is 108F.  Yes it is dry but not pleasant. Today was a challenge as I had to register with the FRRO, India foreign registry.  What a nightmare, almost as bad as obtaining my Visa.  On the bright side Vishwa, PH HR person was with me.  I cannot imagine doing it on my own.  I needed to show proof of residency at my apartment, needed a lot of documents which Vishwa supplied.  It took three visits to get me registered, but we were successful.  Now I can come and go from india for up to a year. I thought I would have lots of down time to exercise, read and do Yoga.  I don't know what happens to the time!  My daily schedule is greatly different than home.  Here I start out to work at 9:30 and get home @ 6 ish.  Go to bed at 11-12 and up at 8.  The heat zaps lots of my energy.  I have been watching some tv to relax but just as at home there is only garbage on tv and most of the movies are violent and I don't like to see violence.  But for some reasoning I find myself turning it on.  I have exercised a couple of days in my place.  Found some good apps for exercise routines on the iPad.  Have I said how much I am enjoying the iPad?  I think I mention it every time!  I have music, games, Internet, email and the best is the FaceTime and Skype so I can see my loved ones.  I don't feel so far away.  The other day I face timed with Eric and he was outside, how beautiful green the field looked and the garden.  I am not use to seeing lush green grass.  I have cooked a few meals, green curry with vegetables, omelets and simple cheese and crackers.  Cheese is a difficult product to find.  JC took me to the Natures Basket, an upscale store that had many foreign products and a wonderful cheese display.  Good find! If I am cooking I will go to the market to pick up fresh vegetables that day.   That's fun to have food available so close to home.    If this weekend is still unbearably hot, I will head to a market by rickshaw or taxi early.  Maybe even join the gym down the road, but I said that last week.  I need to remember that I have only been in India for a little less than two weeks and its ok not to do everything right away.

Work trip to BD for diabetes training

Saturday work day!  Hope this doesn't become the norm.
One of the projects PH has is to train shop workers at BD plant on diabetes prevention and management.  Cheena, from the office, and Tina a nutritionist are training 10 volunteer workers to be "ambassadors" as diabetes go to people. The plant is 2-3 hours away, depending on traffic and training starts at 9:30 am.  We started out at 6:15am - early!
The drive was interesting.  Not too much traffic as it was early but even so it took about 2 1/2 hours.  The craziest part was on the 3 lane highway traveling at 40-50mph we came to a complete stop as there were vehicles that cut ACROSS the road to get to the other side.  Bridges would have been a good idea, they are in progress....  I saw cows, pigs, and dogs roaming the streets.  The most unusual was a camel pulling a cart.  I think that I will see many more things that will astound me during my 6 months here.  An experience....
The training appeared to be good with the trainers really engaging the workers. I say appeared as it was in Hindi and I have not yet caught onto the language.  We had two breaks, one for tea and then lunch at the cafeteria.  Food was great. The best things so far has been the food during lunch.  It was a long day, we didn't leave there until 5:30 and didn't get home until 9pm. 

Exploring the center of Delhi

When I travel away from my apartment area to the tourist sites I need to refer to it as the center of town. I am living on the outskirts in South Delhi in more of a residential area.  I was accompanied by JC and Melinda. We are the three GHF in India.  Nice to do things all together.  We started out around 11am. In retrospect this wasn't the best time as it was HOT!!!  Prem, the driver from Project Hope, (PH for all future postings)  drove us to Sacred Heart Church were we dropped JC off and then Melinda and I wandered around by ourselves for awhile.  We headed towards Connought Place. Many of the shops closed on Sunday, but we did find a place selling clothes and both Melinda and I purchased a few items.  Saw Bangla Sahib Grudwara, Sikh house of worship.  We did not go in, but it looked really nice.Crowded.  Met JC for lunch at a really nice hotel with great airconditioning, ate a burger which is the  first time I have eaten animal product since being in India.  Took a taxi to the Red Fort. It was crazy around the Red Fort, street flea market that was really crowded and entering the Red Fort grounds. Built in the 1600s.  If you are a tourist you don't have to wait on the local line to purchase tickets.  The local line was really long, so it was good that JC had some tourist knowledge.  It's 250 rupees for foreigners and only 10 rupees for Indians.  250 rupees is equivalent to 5 USD.  Pic above is me in the red fort area.  A large area with many buildings.  The most striking aspect is the marble buildings with decorative inlay of flowers.  Once I download my pics I can send the link to you for more pictures. We spent a little time here but it was hot walking around.  Once you get inside the red fort not so many people, as you can see from above.  A curious event is that young men want to take pictures with us.  Not sure why, I need to do a bit of research on this, but a little annoying.  I don't want to be rude, but I don't want to be bothered.  Usually I ignore them.  While walking around on the streets we were approached buy a few beggars, mostly children asking for ice cream.  Again, we ignored them.  Took a rickshaw home which cost about 4 USD. Very inexpensive for a 30 minute drive.  It was nice to get inside and take a shower as I was sweating most of the day due to the dry heat.  I was relaxing in the apt and I heard music outside.  Went to explore, it is an Indian concert in the neighborhood.  Stayed for a few songs, but not my cup of tea (yet).  I am tired from a busy day and I had a long day yesterday. That will be a different posting. Today was a good day and I am happy that I am getting out to see the sights and learning the best way to get around.  Melinda and I seem to be comfortable with each other and a good team, it's nice to have friends here.  Facetime is also wonderful as I know I have my friends at home whom I can see!!

Thursday eve

Waiting for birds to fly into the berry tree.  Got a picture but not anything that I can send as its not magnified.  I have to do a presentation tonight on my goals while working on this project.  I have only been here for a week how am I supposed to know! Technology is wonderful.  I am hundreds of miles away but still connected with all of you.  Made dinner last night.  Bought a green curry mix in the store with lite coconut milk.  I was really surprised to see the lite version.  I bet if I look hard enough I can find anything.  My quest will be for good coffee.  I don't have high hopes but I still hove some hope.  As long as I have hope I can get through anything!   For dinner I had the Curry mix and then went to the street vegetable cart vendor and brought lots of veggies, eggplant, squash, garlic, ginger, cauliflower, peas in the pod-what a nuisance getting the peas out of the pod!  They threw in some hot chilies so I added some to the mix.  Not a good idea as the green curry mix was already very hot, not like the mixes at home.  Anyway it was good.  Oh, I also found brown rice which was a pleasant surprise.  I am doing well! It's been really nice as I have FaceTimed with Eric and Christine a few times.   It's very comforting to chat so easily and face to face. Also I love the comments on the blog.  Thanks Steve Jobs

View from the apt roof

View from the apt roof.  See all those trees????

Below is the busy road in front of the complex.  In the distance you can see more buildings.  Right in front is a berry tree that the birds enjoy, so I can be with a bit of nature.

It's not bad. Much, much better than I thought.

I'm adapting

Sunday was a good day.  Went shopping for cleaning supplies. It's hard to find everything I need as the stores are very specialized, no big shopping stores here.  It is surprising how quickly the days go by.  Watched a bit of TV, played games on my iPad, cleaned, cooked eggs, gouda cheese, peppers and onions for dinner.  The house supplies are scarce in the apt.  As I am going to be here for a few months I will need a few good knives, pots, pans and storage containers.  Haven't seen where I will buy but I will ask at work and I am sure they can direct me.  Got a map! Yea.  Did walk around a bit and took a few pics with my camera.  As soon as I get my computer I will be able to upload some of the photos to give you a look at the area. Monday at work I was given an introduction to the projects project HOPE, PH,  is involved with.  Mostly training health professionals as Diabetes educators.  I will get my computer and cell phone tomorrow.  My "supervisor" is in Bangalore.  There are four employees of PH India, three in Delhi where I am and one, Ciju, in Bangalore.  He works out of his home.  The project that was described to me in December is starting in june and i will be involved.  I will have to work out in what capacity, but it sounds good.  The study sites will be in two rural locations, Sonepat and Vizag.  I don't know anything about them (yet) but I will start to do some research.  The project is starting in June so I'll be involved in some of the planning.  Sounds challenging but will be a learning experience.  I probably will be traveling to these areas.  So much newness in less than a week! I find that I am feeling more comfortable with living here, eating and sleeping.  I have been exercising with my exercise bands and trying to do ab work.  Nothing too strenuous yet.  I heard there is a yoga studio in the next town.  I might be able to take a rickshaw there.  To use a rickshaw I need to know the area to ensure the driver doesn't take me off the beaten track.  Maybe by next week. Melinda and I decided to go to the Red Fort on Sunday.  It is a massive fort built by the Mughal in the 17th century. Lots of history.  I hope that I learn about the metro system as that is a good way to get around.  The metro is fairly new, the first two cars are for women only.  I have heard stories about the men in crowded situations.  It is easier to be more adventurous if I'm not alone.   Don't worry, I am being very careful and aware. After work today I got a visit to the center of Delhi as Prem, the driver dropped JC at a cricket game.  Still looked safe and not crowded.  Maybe Delhi is not as crowded as other cities that have overcrowding.  That's great for me! The only place I can peacefully go outside is on the roof.  The apt has three floors.  I have taken some pics from the roof so you can see my surroundings and how many trees there are.  Yesterday evening I was there and two parakeet type green birds came to eat on the berry tree.  Nice to see nature.  There are quite a few nice birds.  Maybe I can find a chair to put up there so I can sit and wait to take a picture of  birds with my iPad.

What life has been for the past few days

It has been hard to write about my first impressions of Delhi.  Visibly it is not as bad as I thought it would be.  I thought I would see a lot of poverty, dirt and streets filled with people and beggars but I haven't.  I am located in south Delhi where it is more residential  than a tourist city.  There aren't many temples nor sightseeing places around me.  I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the apartment is.  A few roaches, but have killed a few.  I guess ts goes with apt living. The worst part of India are the streets and walking.  There are no sidewalks.  People do drive on the opposite side of the street so i must be sure I look in the correct direction.  Walking is a challenge because of traffic, no sidewalks, cars parked all over the side of the roads In all directions, head on, front, back... There is no uniformity.  Besides for the traffic, the streets are dirty and dusty, construction materials force you to look at every step.  I am most comfortable in hiking boots, but they don't go with most of my clothes.  There are trees, parks and many open dirt fields which don't seem to be used for anything.  Beauty would not be a word that I would use to describe this place.  Saw a few birds one of them was a pigeon?  I guess they're worldwide!  The markets consist of many stalls next to each other selling fruits, veges, water,juices, breads,  clothes, fish, ice ream, take out.  Mostly they are dirty and crowded.   What have I been doing? Today slept until 9 am!  JC came by and said he was going to the market in Gk-2 at 11.  Ok.  The market was much nicer with "real" stores.  We visited a coffee place very similar to a Starbucks.  Coffee wasn't as good, but nice atmosphere.  Had pizza there.  Oh yes about eating out.  I am told Don't eat on the street at least for a month until my belly builds up some sort of resistance, make sure the staff preparing food use gloves and that the place is clean or recommended. Been ok so far. Got back to room around 1 pm.  JC wasn't feeling well and had to prepare for a work project meeting today.  Usually work mon thru Friday, but sometimes need to work weekends.   I'm bored.  Not used to being on my own with nothing to do.  Not too comfortable to walk around long distances yet.   Been trying to get a map but haven't succeeded yet.  Some say there are Delhi maps others say not.  I'll keep trying but not sure where to look.  Don't think there are Barnes and nobles. Been watching tv and reading.  Reviewed my India book for things in the area. I have dinner plans tonight with melinda, another GHF from Canada working with a different organization, CARE. I should have arrived the same day that she did, April 28 but as you well know I didn't leave then. Saw a restaurant in my tour book in N-Block, about 15 minutes drive.  Need a taxi to get there as its dangerous to walk the streets because of traffic.   If I had a map I would know where to go.  I asked the building manager to call a taxi.  It was decided that the taxi would pick me up, get Melinda, drive us to the restaurant and pick us up and take us home.  Two hours cost $10.  Bargain.   Didn't make it to the restaurant I wanted to go, so I was back at the section I was during the day.  We ate at a place called Rubys which must be related to ruby Tuesdays.  Had Indian food, good.

Apartment

4 room apartment.  Very roomy.This is my place, pretty nice.  Who would know I am in India.

Title 1

GOT IT!

First day of work

Needed to repost as I deleted last one It is a small office.  Dr .Prasanta was the only one in the office today.  There are two office staff that clean and cook.  My highlight today was lunch consisting of dal, rice, okra with mixed veges and chapatti, it was delicious!  Dr.prasanta says I'll learn the ropes but today was just to get used to the office and stay healthy.  He is very cautious about safety in regards to food, drink, washing hands, getting money from ATM and traffic.  Allis well so far.  Had the wifi at work so updated you there but still no wifi in apartment.  Hopefully it does work eventually as I want to look at the area, yoga, and general sense of my where abouts. Took a nap at work after lunch, now I can get into that!  I was tired as I didn't sleep well last night.  Prim, our driver took us to the market to buy household items to supply my home. Not sure what to do with myself as the traffic is bad for walking. Two other employees are in the office,  Vishwa and Cheena.  I will meet them tomorrow.

Arrived Delhi 09 Apr 2012

Arrived safely The flight was fine.  In business class I was able to lay down - slept for about 7 hours.  Felt fine on arrival.  JC, another Pfizer global health fellow and driver met me at the airpot for the 30 minute drive to my home for 6 months.   It was dark when I arrived so I don't have any messages to reveal about India at this time.  JC took me to the market to buy water and told me a lot about how to get around.  The market is outdoors, similar to a flea market at home.  My apartment is nice. I unpacked and now ready for bed.  The bummer is that I can't get Internet service with my iPad in the apartment.  There is wifi so I don't know why it's not working. I am a little stressed as I want to talk with Eric to say all is fine.  Tomorrow. The pollution is pretty bad.  If you look up at the street lamps it looks like its a hazy day but I believe it is just all the smog in the air.  I wished I had bought same face masks to protect my lungs.  Something to do tomorrow or one of these days. Good night Well I can't sleep it's 4 in the morning.   It's hard to be here and not know how things work, I guess I'm just impatient. One thing I definitely want is the Internet so I can keep in touch. I'm at work now so have Internet...

Departing Tuesday May 8th

Bye my friends.  I am leaving today for my 6 month leave.  It's hard to say goodbye for so long, but I will be back with lots of stories to tell. I hope to continue the blog.  Having trouble uploading photos from my ipad onto the blog.  Hopefully I will conquer this and can share my sights with you.  With a heavy heart I'll say -see everyone again in November/ December.
Stay well.
So long USA!
Big hug to you all!!!

VISA APPROVED

YAAAAYYYYYY!!!! Now the planning starts...

No Visa today!!

Who would have thought that it would take over one month to obtain a visa. OK maybe my visa is not the usual tourist visa but still ONE month? I initially applied April 3 today is May 3. Feelings are: frustration, anger, intolerant of of incompetent people/systems. Well I will not get a plane ticket until I have my Passport/visa in my hand. Knowing how this has been going, I would not be too surprised if my passport got lost in the mail! I have been thinking I should take my blood pressure. Let me do that right now! 134/87 FYI I am on blood pressure medication and it's still that! There have been many instances during these past few days that my head feels like it is going to explode due to pressure. I should take my blood pressure at that point! Travisa website allows me to track my visa application. It has been at the Indain consulate since yesterday afternoon. Just approve it already, I want to start helping their fellow Indians with understanding their diabetes. The positive about being home is that I get to enjoy the garden. Eric and I put down mulch in the flower garden and covered the vegetable garden with black plastic to prevent the weeds from using all the nutrients in the fresh soil I got last year. I get to spend these last few days with Eric and cuddle with Marcy. Time is not all wasted. Just took my blood pressure again 119/76. I just can't think of the visa. I'll let you know tomorrow. Stay tuned.....

Obtaining a India Visa

01 May 2012
On the train into NYC to go for the third time to India visa center.  Who would have thought it would be so difficult to get a visa.  The first difficulty was the need to get an employment visa which is stated clearly on the India visa web site.  If one is volunteering with an NGO then one is required to get an employment visa.  You might think the same as I did but I am not going to be employed by the NGO.  So what information do I need?  Good question and even the visa outsourcing place didn't know.  So, I'm here for the third time.  Wish me luck!

I am trying to stay calm and believe that for some reason I was not meant to start at Project HOPE on May 1st.  OK, it is what it is and all I can do is keep trying.

I have sort of packed for my six months.  The temperature in New Delhi will be around 100 degrees.  My fellow Indians at work think that I will need to dress conservatively in the office.  Seema suggested that I just buy clothes over there, long sleeve tops and leggings.  That sounds good to me as I like the thin cotton Indian clothes.  I'll come home with a new wardrobe. Most of the items in my suitcase are consumables such as hard to get items, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries.  

My greatest fear is the crowds in the city and the smells.  I have heard some horror stories about people defecating on the streets-not good.  Imagine the smells heightened by the heat, crowds and I haven't even talked about the monsoon season which starts in June and runs into July!  

When I applied for the GHF program I had hoped to be based in Africa.  When we apply, the GHF program matches you with the NGO, so we don't get to choose.  This is pushing me bit more out of my comfort zone.  When I think about this I am reminded of the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.  The story is about a boy trying to find a treasure and only until he has gone through some very difficult situations is he able to find that his treasure is in his back yard.  Often we are searching for happiness but can't find it because we are not ready. Having experiences/adventures enhances our life and we can become more content with what we have and find that happiness has been there all along. Often, only when we change how we think, from experiences can we be content.

 I go through life and try to make the best of it.  I have wonderful friends and family who love me and care about me and a good home. I have visited some wonderful places and along the way have accomplished two Masters degrees.  Am I still searching for happiness or am I trying to make the best of what the world has to offer.  This is what I believe is true and I have a good life.

GHF program background

01 May 2012
Pfizer global health fellow, GHF, program.

Pfizer's corporate responsibility program is where they donate their talent, the employees to volunteer with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) for three to six months.  My company,then Wyeth, was bought by Pfizer in 2010.  Soon after, I heard about their GHF program. I applied last year but didn't get accepted.  The position was in Nambiia where I really want to visit, I'll have to do it on my own dollar. This year we didn't choose the position but applied and the program decided the best match.   The program I was selected to work with is Project HOPE in New Delhi India for six months involved with their diabetes education program.  I will be assisting in training community health workers about diabetes prevention and management so they can go back to their communities and teach the community members.  This is the most sustainable way to help, giving the people the tools to help themselves and pass on their knowledge to each other.  

Another plus that has come from this program was an interview by NYMC alumni magazine for an article in the Chironian alumni magazine about this opportunity and how it relates to my MPH degree in International health.  How perfect.  When it comes out I will I forward or include the article for all to see.  I am  proud of myself!