We moved to Bangalore, India in July 2012. We both individually, and as a couple, have a desire to use the gifts God has given us to serve the poor. We felt God calling us to live and work in India but we were not sure which city. At the GMHC in Louisville in November 2011, we met Dr. Rebekah Naylor, who was a founder of Bangalore Baptist Hospital, and we felt God guiding us to work there. Derick is originally from India but has been away for a long time. He is now a consultant in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, having recently finished his training in UK and a one year fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery in the USA. I (Vivienne) am a dentist from the UK. I'm currently taking a career break, looking after the family, as we recently had our 3rd child (born soon after we arrived in India).
We are settling into life here in Bangalore. It took us a little while to find our way around but now it feels like home. God has been very good to us and we are very thankful for the apartment we are renting from friends, for our health and family.
Bangalore, like most Indian cities, is a place of contrasts - between modern and traditional, rich and poor etc. Many different ethnic and religious groups find their home here. Previously, it was known as the "Garden City" and a quiet place for people to retire to. In recent decades there has been rapid population growth, now at over 8.5 million people. The city has been expanding in all directions due to growth in industries, especially in Information Technology. Getting around the city can be difficult as the roads get very busy.
Our children are getting used to life here and making friends. We know we will face challenges along the way but we continue to rely on God's grace and know that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12v9).
Derick is enjoying working at Bangalore Baptist Hospital and the workload is increasing. He has been treating mostly general plastic surgery and burns patients but hopes to build up the craniofacial service gradually. He is working closely with other surgical specialities also. He has done his first cleft lip/palate operation on a baby from a very poor family. There are many more children and young adults in the surrounding area living with similar and other deformities. The hospital is starting a new Community Health project (Project Asha) to go out to the villages around Bangalore to raise awareness that reconstructive surgery is available for various deformities and this will be free or at a very reduced cost, depending on the family's circumstances. It is in currently in the proposal phase, with applications for grants for funding being submitted.
Please pray for us........
For continued safety and protection whilst travelling.
That we will be faithful witnesses of God's love to those around us.
For Project Asha and for the funding required to provide treatment for those in need.
For updates see our blog:
http://www.mendoncasinbangalore.blogspot.in/
We are settling into life here in Bangalore. It took us a little while to find our way around but now it feels like home. God has been very good to us and we are very thankful for the apartment we are renting from friends, for our health and family.
Bangalore, like most Indian cities, is a place of contrasts - between modern and traditional, rich and poor etc. Many different ethnic and religious groups find their home here. Previously, it was known as the "Garden City" and a quiet place for people to retire to. In recent decades there has been rapid population growth, now at over 8.5 million people. The city has been expanding in all directions due to growth in industries, especially in Information Technology. Getting around the city can be difficult as the roads get very busy.
Our children are getting used to life here and making friends. We know we will face challenges along the way but we continue to rely on God's grace and know that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12v9).
Derick is enjoying working at Bangalore Baptist Hospital and the workload is increasing. He has been treating mostly general plastic surgery and burns patients but hopes to build up the craniofacial service gradually. He is working closely with other surgical specialities also. He has done his first cleft lip/palate operation on a baby from a very poor family. There are many more children and young adults in the surrounding area living with similar and other deformities. The hospital is starting a new Community Health project (Project Asha) to go out to the villages around Bangalore to raise awareness that reconstructive surgery is available for various deformities and this will be free or at a very reduced cost, depending on the family's circumstances. It is in currently in the proposal phase, with applications for grants for funding being submitted.
Please pray for us........
For continued safety and protection whilst travelling.
That we will be faithful witnesses of God's love to those around us.
For Project Asha and for the funding required to provide treatment for those in need.
For updates see our blog:
http://www.mendoncasinbangalore.blogspot.in/
