NepalAbility doctors visit

The medical rehabilitation team from the NepalAbility group in Toronto arrived last Friday. The weekend was spent doing touristy things with them in Lakeside. I didn't end up paragliding after all, although the rest of them did, as the weather wasn't really clear (and I can wait for a better day). I did go kayaking on the lake on Sat, and then on a great hike up to the Peace Pagoda on Sunday. The latter requires a boat ride across the lake, then a 45min hike up to the pagoda, with beautiful views of the lake behind you. You hike down past hundreds of prayer flags, then down to a Tibetan refugee camp on the other side. There we saw a monastery, and some women weaving carpets. It was all finished off by a lunch at a Lakeside restaurant. All in all, a lovely day, and I've posted the pictures from it here.

Only two of the team, Joy and Leslie, stayed on for the week at Green Pastures, the others headed home after 2 weeks of teaching at another hospital in Tansen, Nepal. On Monday, we were able to go visit two spinal cord injured patients in their homes in the villages. This was an amazing opportunity, and I've written more about that in the previous blog posting. That night, Joy and Leslie came for dinner, which was by candlelight due to the regularly scheduled power outages.

Tuesday was my first chance to experience full rounds for the rehabilitation patients (since last Tuesday was a holiday). Representatives from all of the departments got together and discussed each of the rehab patients, and their treatment, then afterwards saw them all. It was really interesting, and happened in English because of the visiting Canadian doctors, which I certainly appreciated.

Wed. and Thurs. Joy and Leslie were giving a course on issues of sexuality after a spinal cord injury, something which the staff had requested education on. Sexuality is not talked about in Nepali culture, and it's an indication of people's level of concern about it that they would raise it with the hospital staff at all. It seemed like the education was well received, and there was enthusiasm for education on other topics when the next NepalAbility team visits again in May or June.

Friday we visited the shop that the hospital uses to build some devices, and modify wheelchairs when necessary. It was really interesting to see what things they have done in the past, and helpful for me to see what kinds of tools and materials they have available. In the afternoon I finally had a meeting with Manoj (the director of occupational therapy) and Iain (the medical director) about what they need me to do while I'm here. That was really helpful, and I'm starting to feel like I have some ideas about what is needed, and how I can contribute.

Saturday was a busy day. Joy and Leslie timed their visit well, and we all had breakfast with the Canadian Ambassador to India (who also covers Nepal) and the rest of the Canadian community in Pokhara. There were about 15 of us there, and it was neat to meet other Canadians living and working in Pokhara. Joy and Leslie then flew off to Kathmandu on their way home, and I got back just in time for Church. After church I went to visit the Nepali family/orphanage that have befriended me – it's great, the girls all sit around me at Church, and regularly help me figure out which hymn we are singing, and what bible passage is being read. Then in the evening most of the INF staff went to Lakeside for dinner together. Today I had a much more relaxing day, which was what I needed. I did get to play guitar for the monthly English church service tonight, something which I will be doing more of when the guy who has been leading music leaves town.