UMRI -- CENTRAL TO OUR PURPOSE

POST #22

CENTRAL IN OUR HEARTS. On our "Bicycle India 2007" logo, three locations are pinpointed: NAGERCOIL, our southern India beginning point; NEW DELHI, our anticipated destination to the north; in between is a village that can't be found on most maps--UMRI. This village, located two kilometers off NH7 in the eastern portion of Maharashtra state, is the home of a significant charity hospital, nursing school, youth hostel, and an English medium school. As far as our ride thru India is concerned, UMRI is central in our minds and hearts. That's where we headed today.

APPROACHING UMRI. We pedaled out of Adilabad around 6:45 am this morning. We rode north on NH7 in anticipation of reaching the village of Umri before noon. We easily covered the 60 km / 37 mi by 11:00 am. The six of us rode the last two kilometers in close formation, watching for the Umri Christian Hospital campus to come into view. For Bob, who was born at Umri in 1952, it was to be a long-awaited homecoming. For the rest of the team, it was to be a chance to see firsthand together the hospital for which we have thus far ridden over 1,700 km / 1,054 mi in the past three weeks.

HOMECOMING WELCOME. Near the hospital, we were greeted on the road by children from the youth hostel, students from the Yardy English Medium School, nursing students from the Helen Rose School of Nursing, Umri Christian Hospital staff, church officials and community representatives. Donna Yardy, who had flown from the USA, met Bob in the throng. Bob's brother and sister-in-law, David and Sherrill Yardy, were also in the crowd. In all, about 500 people lined the road and guided us up to a celebration tent pitched close to the hospital. Gracious words and gestures made us all feel so appreciated.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR UCH. In the afternoon, John facilitated two workshops with leaders while other team members toured the UCH facilities. A groundbreaking ceremony for the first wing of the new hospital capped the day's activities. Construction is planned to begin in March, though significantly more funds are needed to complete hospital reconstruction. We are barely halfway to our financial goal. If you have already contributed, thank you! If you have not yet done so, please consider a one-time donation for this very worthy project.


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