My elective has started

After 8 grueling weeks in the minor postings, i'm done with my exam (whatever the result will be) and I would like to just put away my medical stuff and get in touch with life again.

Therefore I'm chosen to do community work for 4 weeks. Sounds like holiday, but I would really want to give my best. My idea of doing a mission for elective was faced with many closed doors and I really believe God has directed me here for a reason.

Pusat Berdikari Seremban (PBS) is a non-profit organization that trains those with learning difficulties how to be independant. These people may be born eg. have Down's Syndrome or may have acquired this impairment eg after a high-fever or accident. The center trains them to care for themselves (eg. hygiene, safety) and teach them simple chores (buying groceries, cooking)besides teaching them some skills that may help them generate income (baking, art & craft). Those accepted into the center are between 18-40 years old.

Today, Minoo, Melissa and myself introduced oursleves formally to the staff and people of PBS. It was really exciting after day1 as we felt that our time there wont be put to waste. We have some plans in hand, but we will see how the days will go by. Among the things we'll do
1. Mingle around the special people
2. Education - personal care, personal safety, English etc.
3. Work - packing straws for Vitagen, baking, art & craft (cards for Christmas)
*do you know that Vitagen straws are all packed by special people?*
4. Dance - need to teach them and prepare them for a dance in cojunction with a dinner
5. Fun - exercise
6. Help bring in some income - sell the art & craft, hand-made and good quality

Though I've heard many juicy stories from friends that did their medical electives either at specialized centers or at world-reknown places, I do hope that these next few weeks will be a rewarding experience to my soul, not my mind.