Getting Ready for India

July 8th, 2009 by Deborah Ash

Little did I know how much work it takes to go to a third world country. The visa, police check, vaccinations for just about everything except Yellow Fever.  I need a first aid kit loaded with needles and syringes in case of an emergency (hospitals don’t necessarily use clean syringes – yuck).  I’m loaded up with Antibiotics for diarrhea and salt tablets for dehydration. I have my Malaria meds and my face mask (the swine flu is starting to rise in India right now). I had to get a water purifier. I will need to learn how to use a squat toilet and not use my left hand (which is my dominate hand) for exchanging items or eating since the left hand is for cleaning yourself after the toilet (they don’t use toilet paper either).

As I prepare for this trip I’m grateful for living in the USA. I don’t have to worry about the water I drink, the food I eat or the multitude of diseases that are lurking around in India. I even appreciate the fact that in the summer I can wear sleeve less shirts and I don’t have to cover my head. I will be covering myself from head to toe in order to respect the culture in which I will be visiting. I especially appreciate the fact that we use toilet paper!!

As with anything I do, I take the hardest route. I’m going in August the hottest month of the year with highs in the 115’s and lows in the 90’s with no A/C and high humidity. The conditions will probably be the worst I’ve ever encountered  with 50% of the population in poverty, but the chance to help children and women far exceeds any discomfort I will endure.

I’m attempting to learn Bengali but can’t seem to get it right. Some how I need to hear how it is pronounced before it sinks into my brain. Once I’m there I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I also have to remember that women are not equal in India. I am going to have to bite my tongue and it’s going to be quite humbling I’m sure.

Global Volunteer Network has been great helping me prepare for this endeavor. They have even given me tools to raise money for this trip. I’m currently unemployed and every penny counts. I have received some money and it is greatly appreciated.  Three weeks and I’m taking off on 7/29 arriving two days later.  I’m not sure if I will have internet access while I’m there so I’ll keep a journal and update it when I get back.

Last 5 posts by Deborah Ash

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 at 9:17 am and is filed under India.

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