In the summer of 2007 Kathryn Crawford and Jenny Porter spent 6 weeks in Southern India at the Leprosy Mission Hospital in Valdathorasalur.  Here are some reflections from Jenny's medical report of that time

As part of my final year medical degree at Queen's University, Belfast I spent six weeks at The Leprosy Mission (TLM) Community Hospital in Vadathorasalur, Tamil Nadu, India. I was keen to complete my medical elective with a Christian organization in the developing world, as a means of gaining experience of the life of a doctor working in a mission hospital, as well as broadening my clinical experience. In particular, in the field of leprosy, a disease not seen in Ireland, but more commonly associated with Biblical times.

My time spent at Vadathorasalur was enjoyable while providing valuable clinical experience. I saw a wide range of conditions not commonly seen in N. Ireland. It also allowed me to meet patients affected by leprosy and indeed the consequences of the stigma that is attached to the diagnosis, I also saw as the poverty of most people who live in rural India. Although most of the staff spoke some English, patients spoke only Tamil, translation was required for direct interaction with patients. In hindsight it would have been useful to learn some basic Tamil before going.

I enjoyed being part of the TLM community and experiencing life within the hospital. It is a very well managed institution and I count it a privilege to have completed my medical elective there.  I pray that God will continue to bless you all as you continue His work at Vadathorasalur.

'For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.'

 James 2:26