Day 9: Pokhara Workday

This morning started off the same way as the previous couple, breakfast at the hospital cafeteria. After some tea, coffee, eggs, and toast, we were ready to start our work day. We got to the shop at 8am to start on our tasks. Bethany headed up the metal cutting, Blake was on welding duty, Travis was finishing parts for the wheelchair, Thomas was angle grinding parts, Dr. Giraldo was continuing on the drill press, Dr. Van Dyke did some shopping and some painting, and I was pipe bending and polishing parts. The team “landed the plane” around 12:30pm and headed back to the cafeteria to get some lunch. After a great Nepali meal and a couple of midday teas, we were ready to hit the shop again. It was a productive afternoon, nearly finishing the frame of the prone trolley and prepping the wheelchair to be welded. During the afternoon shift I found myself thinking about what task to do next with a Sharpie in my hand. Travis was in my line of vision and an idea came instantly to mind. No longer did I see his blank white tee shirt as a shirt, but as a blank canvas.

We wrapped up in the shop, freshened up, and decided to hit the streets to look for a good place to grab a bite. After about a mile walk up the road, we stumbled across Crunchy, Fried & Sweet, which was American food with a Nepali twist. Travis and I ordered a large combo meal that came with nuggets, chicken burgers, several fried chicken legs, and a 1.5L coke. Midway through our dinner, we realized that we had been eating the burgers with all the toppings on it: onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Dr. Van Dyke had previously warned us about not eating food that has not been cooked, since it would most likely be washed in water. The water can be a problem for foreigners and the potential to make one really sick. So, pray for Travis and I while we wait and see if we get upset stomachs or not lol.

We wrapped up our night walking back and taking a pit stop in our favorite supermarket for some snacks and water bottles. Once back at the hospital, since we had a full day, we all agreed that team devos could be doubled up for the next day. Thomas is on deck with Isaiah 41:10! That was it for today, thanks for reading!

Pictures: Blake miswelded the prone trolley handel and Travis is showing off his custom shirt