Golden Opportunity

My brother-in-law (Narasimha's older brother) is an Internal Medicine physician in India. He is a great guy - easy to get along with, kind, loving, funny, and one of the smartest guys you'll ever meet. Unfortunately, in the last few months he has had some bad life situations, and is looking for a place to escape for a while and enjoy himself, all the while giving his time to help others in need. Sort of a change of pace.

He came across an organization that places volunteer doctors in underserved areas for a time, and he is considering going toward the Himalayas, in Northern India, to volunteer some of his time for a few weeks to serve this organization and the local people of the region. While he is there he will be able to enjoy the scenery, escape the heat of the Hyderabad hot season, and have some time to reflect on all that is going on in his personal life.

But, there are still details to be worked out before he will be able to commit to going. Please pray that the details would work out quickly and smoothly, and that he will soon be on his way to North India.

Check out the place: http://www.aarohi.org/. I haven't been able to get it to load yet because of our slow internet, but he tells me the pictures are magnificent.

Therapy Dog

Yesterday I went to volunteer orientation at Narasimha's hospital. There are lots of things that look like fun, and I will probably sign up for shifts in a few of them. One of the things that caught my eye as the most unique/fun is the Pet Therapy. I didn't grow up with dogs inside, but now Narasimha and I have 3 inside dogs, and I wouldn't give them up for the world. I just love having them around. And, I have to say, I think that my dogs are some of the sweetest dogs a person could ask for. Especially the two big dogs. They are litter-mates, so they have never really been apart. But their temperament is just the greatest - they are so friendly, and they really honestly want nothing more than to please us. Their breed (Hungarian Pointer, or Vizsla) is by nature very very hyper, but they are great with kids, and are so friendly and gentle, and I just couldn't say enough good things about them. So when I saw that the hospital has a Pet Therapy program, I can't help but think that my dogs would be perfect for it. They will need a fair amount of training, and they have to pass a few tests (on training) and then obviously be well-groomed and current on shots and stuff (which they are anyways). After all that they can go to the hospital and share their love with sick people there. I think the next testing is offered in November in Des Moines, so I am going to start working with them. I will work harder with one of them (Taj) for now, because at this point he is slightly more calm and predictable than his brother (Topper). I also want to work with the little dog (Bella, who is a "Morkie" - half Yorkie, half Maltese), but she is younger so I don't know that she's ready for this kind of a thing yet. I am really excited, and think that this could be a great experience and a lot of fun!