Welcome 2017- a year much anticipated!

I watched about a dozen students of our college create this mosaic of colour from flower petals! In that two hours they spent doing this, I listened to their conversation of intent! They created it to look artistically elegant and visually appealing! They joined the flower petals together creatively with a design in mind!

Let me leave that thought with us as we usher in the new year!

It is in and through our togetherness we shall arrive at a brilliant and promising outcome! What we do together then shall become art of beauty and service of altruism! 

As health care workers, I know now, the best gift we can be to each other is to be a co-worker! That is the way we become collaborators and creators of surprising outcomes!

M.C.Mathew

Pottery Art!

Earthen vessels over pebbles of stones! This is a recent addition in the lawn of a historic building I visit often!

The pot and jar symbolise water in many rural household! I find this in some remote villages even in Kerala, where living conditions are better when compared to rural parts in some northern states!

The pot stores water and the jar is used to pour water into a tumbler when a person asks for a drink!

Someone fills the pot with water; the pot cools the water and the pot gives it away for others to quench the thirst! 

This is the cycle of receiving and giving!

We are told by Jesus of Nazareth, 'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal'(Mat.6:20).

One of the meditation thoughts during the year end reflection for Anna and myself was on our habit of giving! We are still on our journey to make it as a way of our living!

M.C. Mathew (text and photo)

Living freely and fully!

I am more than glad when I am able to capture tiny birds during their hurricane movements between twigs and branches. 

As I watched this bird, it broke all the laws of gravity with ease!

I found it gripping on to the plant in different positions confidently and staying fully balanced!

Jesus of Nazareth said, 'Look at the birds of the air....' The context in which He referred to them was to indicate how God provides for them even when they do not sow or reap!

In another sense, this involves the dimension of living with ease and freedom! It chooses its own movements and travel! Its wings are conditioned to negotiate the air pressure and cut across the air current. 

As I reflect over the last six months, I realise how the pressure of the circumstances reduced that freedom for me! The strength to live well amidst pressures of life springs from the awareness of our inner strength- who we are and Whose we are!

Following the demonetisation of the 500 and 1000 rupee notes, there is a considerable struggle to get cash form the ATMs and bank counters as there isn't enough cash in circulation!

It is a pressure that is imposed upon us! 

I heard a small trader telling me that he is able to manage to some extent and continue his trade as most of his co-traders give him freedom to pay as when he has cash! 

It is when we care for others, we can lessen the fear of living- 'what shall we eat, what shall we put on or where we shall live', which is what Jesus of Nazareth reminded us in his message in the sermon on the Mount!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

A mid morning lake view!

On a foggy morning, this is the hue of the lake and the mountain at Idukki! Even the clouds leave a shadow on the surface of the water! A colourful sight!

As I look back over 2016, the year has brought many colourful experiences. Both Anna and I conclude this year gratefully remembering God of our journey path, our children and grandchildren, mentors and friends, our home and its surroundings...and the different experiences of each day!

It is a time to look forward to 2017!

Between the mountain and the lake, there is an edge of soil all around with less vegetation! Is it not surprising that it is like a barren space inspite of being at the edge of the water ! 

There are certain things in life which would always be a suspense or beyond logic!

So the year 2017 would also be a year of glad tidings and suspenses!

The sun shall shine although it can be misty! God is a giver of all good things. It is to this 'Hill, from whom comes our help'  we  we shall look upto as we enter 2017!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

12. Memorable photographs-2016-visitor

Visit of Dr. Gordon Thomas, Paediatric and transplant surgeon, working at Children's hospital Sydney, whom Anna and I have known for about 20 years.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

11.Memorable photographs-2016-Beginning

The opening of the Family Life Centre at the Developmental Paediatrics department, MOSC Medical College, with Caren and Anjali who helped in decorating the facility!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

10. Memorable photographs-2016- A new home!

The inaugural occasion of College of Nursing, CMC, Vellore.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

9. Memorable photographs-2016- cheerful and inspirational!

Some young consultants in conversation at a get-together at CMC Vellore...leaders in the making!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

8. Memorable photographs-2016- a summer event!

Children during a basket ball coaching camp!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

7.Memorable photographs-2016-bountiful provision!

Jackfruits in our garden. Since we trimmed the tree after this, there is no fruit this year...!

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)

6. Memorable photographs-2016- a delightful addition!

Arrival of Dulcey, a companion at home and for Daffney!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

5. Memorable photographs-2016- young leaders!

Three Alumni of CMC Vellore, working in three different places in India!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

4. Memorable photographs-2016-surprise !

Morning scene in our garden !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

3. Memorable photographs-2016-Reunion

With Joy and Grace, along with their friends! Anna and I have Hoy and Grace for over twenty years. Joy is a consultant in Maternal Foetal Medicine in Brisbane.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

2. Memorable photographs-2016-expereince

First pre-internship clinical orientation for a month !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

1.Memorable photographs-2016-Nature

A happy occasion!

Anna and I were invited for a birthday party of one of the students...They sang, played games and made even Anna and I join in for their celebration!

Every time we return after a time with students, we feel encouraged by their calibre, conduct and openness!

Anna and I have been able to form a foster family group. We met on three occasions recently. It is a new beginning  for us to establish closer ties with some of them!

Anna and and I are grateful for the friendly and affirming touch the students bring to our lives! 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)

In favour of women!

This was a poster made by women students of MOSC medical college, to give an expression of their affirming attitude towards womenfolk! This was displayed during the Christmas cheer badminton matches. 

Anna and I have often wondered whether women live a subdued life in the culture where we live!

In persoanl conversations we have explored this!

Women do feel stifled and fortunately there is a healthy dialogue on this matter.

The majority of students in the Medical college where we work are ladies and this gives them an identity to think about themselves and their role. 

The college union president is a lady student, which has helped in creating a new consciousness about their role in college life!

Anna has had the experience of many women students taking interest in doing student research projects and getting recognised by receiving awards and prizes at national and international events! 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

    

Student friendly chaplains!

I have come across a new level of communication between the chaplaincy department and the student community in the last one year, thanks to the initiative of the chaplains! They take time to be with students individually and when they meet in small groups. 

Recently when we saw them come to play badminton, I realise that hey have a youthful spirit which connects well with students!

One immediate outcome of this is that the students have faithful companions with whom they can open a conversation at a personal level! How encouraging it is for students to have men tors who receive them warmly! Students need accompaniment  for their formative development!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Homegrown fruits !

We have had a collection of pineapples frOm our garden in the last three weeks. This is th first crop of pineapples we have had since we planted them about two years back. We provided organic manure for the plants. 

Among our attempts to grow fruits, we have had some good returns only with banana, papaya, custard apple and pineapple. 

In a conversation with an agricultural scientist during a christmas get together we realised that the soil chemistry is a deciding factor. It needs a planned manuring and tending approach!

It was a reminder to us, that in 'subduing' the earth as it was committed to Adam and Eve in the Genesis description, there is an accompanying responsibility of stewardship! 

While we are users of the land and its produce, we ought to become keepers of the land!

M.C.Mathew( text and photo)

Announcing the season of Mangoes!

Although mango trees are in blossom, we heard yesterday from farmer that the flowering season has been delayed due to paucity of rains. This started a conversation which disturbed me... all the woes because of change of climate!

The farmers are dependent on the weather for all their produce. Since the climatic conditions have changed with the day temperature and humidity going up, most farmers are weary of good produce!

In the place where Anna and I live, vast areas of farm land remains uncultivated because of adverse climatic conditions, non-avialbility of farm labourers, and high cost of production!

Those who used to depend upon agricultural income are no more comfortable economically!

There is always something that reminds us of the needs of others!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

In gratitude !

It was Anna who introduced me to start writing a blog five years back! I had no idea of the new role of social media at that time and the new style of mass communication from one's computer to the rest of the world!

Thanks to her encouragement and expression of her confidence in me to keep at blogging!

With over 1000 photo blog pieces, I am myself surprised how it has been possible!

I have grown in the art of thinking and connecting with my inner consciousness through the exercise of reflection and writing!

Among all the things that I am grateful for in the last five years, this particular experience is among the special experiences! 

 M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Winter Joys!

From the time we have been living in our cottage, our attention has been on having flowering plants around the courtyard! Only some plants have grown to give us flowers!

During this Christmas season, it is a good time to recollect all that we are to be grateful for!

Anna and I completed five years since we came to live here! We are surprised and moved by the safety and wellness we have had amidst several changes we have had to adjust to!

It has been a season of much joy and discovering the mission of our presence here! We came to live here as retired people, but we are discovering new frontiers of purposeful living!

Life is a song of joy and gratitude.... we have a glimpse of it already...!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo) 

An Arch Dam !

Anna and I visited the Idukki Dam yesterday,  built across two tall mountains! For the engineering necessity, it was built as an arch with layers of concrete to give added strength to the dam!

Everything about this is rather unusual! It was the tribals who lived in this region in the fifties who made it known to the local government authorities of this large lake spread over several kilometres, which receives copious water supply from a river. With water level nearing 100 feet in the lake since the dam was built, the tall mountains fortify the dam!

On one side of the dam is a wild life sanctuary! it is a home for flora and fauna which is rich in diversity. 

It is a place of considerable eco-friendliness unlike what we have seen in other touristic places!

 Nature is the lasting tribute to the mystery of creation and God's order in nature!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Smart cities!

I heard Mr. Davidar IAS, who co-ordinates the planning process of making some cities in Tamil Nadu to become smart cities, talk about this project n a meeting at CMC Vellore. 

He seems to indicate that a lot is needed to transform our cities into cities that can function well! He mentioned that creating infrastructure is a challenge. 

A greater challenge is impacting human behaviour. How are we to change attitudes and practices that people have held as th away of life for years together!

Mentioning about garbage disposal, he said that to get the garbage separated into different categories for easy disposal is a challenge which would happen only with change in human behaviour!

Every time I drive on the road, I get reminded of his concern- how can we help each other to be sober in thinking, considerate in our response and feel the awareness of other's needs or rights!

I thought of this further while visiting a hill station! Every road side eatery, which had a garbage container, did not help enough...plastic cups and plates were thrown around it and not inside!

'All change can start with me..' That is how Mr. Davidar concluded. I saw that in his behaviour. He spoke for twenty minutes and used the ten minutes allowed to him to interact! He was fully aware that it is in listening to others he would create value for others and their opinions!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Sights on the flowers!

I look for sights on the flowers! It is often fascinating and captivating!

Remembering the beginning!

Dr. P Zachariah, former professor of Physiology at Christian Medical College was the one who conceived the idea of having an international consultation at CMC Vellore once in ten years for strategic thinking and collective engagement on priorities for the institution. 

The four such consultations have guided the institution through its different stages of development in the last four decades. 

At the fifth consultation which was held in October, Dr. Ajit Bhatt who was one of his students, while presenting a momento, said this of  his mentor, 'there are only a few people who walk with you all the way... Dr. Zac is one such rare mentors'!

I thought that was an apt tribute to him. While working at CMC, I was a regular visitor to his home. Those conversations and reflections gave a lot of insight into the early years of  mission of CMC! Dr. Zac is brilliant in generating thoughts that are wholesome, creative and pathfinding. He is active and is connected to realities as before. He writes in newspapers to create a dialogue!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

They came back to celebrate again!

This final year batch of students with whom Anna was actively involved in guiding and co-ordianting their research, surprised us last week on the last day of their formal classes, before they begin their examination season! They wanted Anna and me to be present with them for cutting a cake! It was one occasion when I did not have my camera with me. I am still getting used to the camera in the i-phone! So I do not have a picture of the occasion.

Anna tells me that all of them found their way on their own and she had to do little to help them, that too only in the beginning! But their gratitude is disproportionate to her expectation or what she seems to deserve! 

I too feel moved by such acts of kindness. On enquiry about the reason for this celebration, one of them said, 'we want to end the days in the college by sharing our joy with some special people..'

Anna and I feel touched and uplifted by such acts of generous kindness and appreciation!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Students did it!

The logo for the Christmas cheer was designed by a first year medical student, whose entry was chosen from among twenty-five entries. The T-shirts were printed with it. 

Dr Rex Thomas, dean of the college released it and that same evening, I found students wearing them admirably!

The logo of 'moving together' has some appealing aspects because of its colour, design and the caption, 'you and me'! Reeba who designed is has agreed to meet with us to share her thought process. That would be an interesting discovery! 

I like the way the logo was made personal with its caption, 'you and me'! There is an emotional nearness the caption announces! No person is an island, but connected inherently to each other! It is this realisation  that has to become a reality in relationships!

M.C.Mathew

Advocacy gives a message!

This poster which the students made and displayed during the Christmas Cheer functions made most of us pause and reflect!

The  butterflies have brave wings although not strong ones!

It is a message pregnant with much meaning!

A mother who lost her first child with dysmorphic condition and with the second one having a similar condition appeared brave when e are discussing the recent set back the second has had!

She felt disturbed and conveyed her anguish! 

As she was  about to leave, she said, ' I need to be brave...such occasions are times when I must b willing to be challenged..'

I hardly could believe that she could have such inner strength!

There are times when those who appeared to be weak are those who give us courage to face difficult situations... her visit was soon after my visit to the cardiologist, who felt that I need to have a higher dose of a medicine! I was still recovering from my anxiety, when the message from this family had a tone of inner strength and hope!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Finishers !

These were some of those who finished well in the badminton matches held for the faculty and students last month in connection with the Christmas Cheer 2016. It was good to see six teams in three different categories, reaching the final stage and getting their due recognition for the display of their skills and endurance! Each of the participant received a photograph of the two teams, the individual teams  and an action picture of oneself!

At the end of the season of festivity, a friend mentioned to me that that it was a time to be together! About two hundred students and faculty spent about three hours each day in the evenings. 

It is necessary to create opportunities to be together when we are naturally drawn into our private space and engagement!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

A new initiative at CMC Vellore

The Christian Medical College, Vellore is now in its 116th year of service! The college would enter into its hundredth year in medical education in 2018.

The architect's drawing of the new hospital complex shown here would have facilities for over 1000 in-patients. Hopefully the hospital would be ready for occupation in 2018, all being well.

At the 'turning of the sod' function I heard different people mention about this project as a sign of 'God's gift to CMC'!

It continues to amaze me every time I visit CMC, as how much what happens in the college campus is a smooth flow of caring provided by many inspite of the daily attendance of about 8000 patients in the out-patient departments. The current hospital complex is highly congested. It was Dr. George Chandy, when he was the director who foresaw this need twelve years back. The current director Dr. Sunil Chandy took this forward to facilitate the commencement of its construction!

CMC Vellore is in transition and I believe that the latter years would be even better for CMC!

Tinu, always ready to welcome!

Tinu was appointed tooth department even before the department started functioning four years back. She has grown with the department, taking charge of many responsibilities in the office and the other ever-growing activities in the department.

Tinu received a commendation from the human resource department of the college for her cordial conversations while responding to the telephone calls. There are different demands on her as families call her whenever they need an appointment or have some questions to ask! Tinu responds to all of them warmly!

There are some additional responsibilities which come upon her when we have some functions or special activities. She copes easily and leisurely ! She brings a pleasant and cheerful ambience in the department!

The developmental Paediatrics department is what it is because of the lead role Tinu plays in extending hospitality and welcome to all those who come!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo) 

Shanthi surprised us!

About hundred bags, stitched by Shanthi during her spare time over a period of two months. The bags were an attraction at the Christmas Cheer sale!

Shanthi did this for the last year's sale!

Shanthi has lot of work on account of her responsibility at the Early Learning Centre! And yet, to have been willing to do this has amazed me! Every time, I reached out to complement her, she would receive the complement gracefully and offer to do even more help!

Shanthi although has had some formal training tailoring, it is now she has been encouraged to do it confidently! 

I feel grateful to Susan, psychologist in the department who originally thought of making the bags for Christmas cheer. Shanthi responded to this initiative proactively!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Sally and Paulose!

Sally works in the developmental paediatrics department for the last four years. Her enthusiasm, sense of responsibility and willingness to do whatever is necessary is outstanding. Whether it is welcoming children and families or keeping the place physically and aesthetically in order or joining in to participate in the different events, Sally does all of them wholeheartedly. I have often felt touched by her kinds and thoughtfulness. 

Her husband Paulose, who also works in the hospital is an equally generous person with his mindfulness. We were struggling to have the earthen pots given a primary coat of paint before we could give them for others to decorate them. It was Paulose who did all of that in two evenings. We were surprised by the professional touch he gave to it. 

One of the joys of working at MOSC Medical College is to have found some unusual people who lives and works from the heart level!

Friendship and collaboration!

It was fascinating sight to watch these two students discuss and consult to plan for the painting of the earthen posts for the Christmas cheer sale!

What emerged at the end of their efforts was something special! As they spent the morning doing this, they discovered their creativity and imaginative skills. They felt at home doing this. 

While I watched and talked with them, I realised that they enjoyed it even more, because they were doing it for a cause. 

The scores of people who volunteered to help the developmental paediatrics department during the last four years in its efforts to establish itself, have done so because they too wanted to reach out to the differently able children and participate in making life better for them!   

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Shade and Shadow!

As I stayed watching this rose flower, I realised that this flower was mostly under the shade of a tree above it and subdued by the shadow of its own petals !

The whole flower had a dull and diminished look. It looked awfully different from what it is, had it not been for the shade and shadow! 

There are shadows we carry in our lives! I read a biography yesterday while the car was being serviced, of an outstanding industrialist. He grew up in the shade of his father who did not permit him to start a business of his own. So he left home to start the business and it became successful. Although he returned home after his father welcomed him back, this had cast a shadow in his life for a long time, till at one point in time in his early thirties, he came to his own sense and said, 'I am myself and I am free.. '.

Later came the time when the industrialist became a shadow for his children. Fortunately, he allowed them to grow up without capturing them to remain in his shadow. It was not easy... the biography contributed by his children and grandchildren gave me a glimpse of the shades we carry in our lives and the shadows we cast on others. 

 St Ireneus once said, 'the glory of God is man fully alive'!

M.C. Mathew(text and photo) 

The in-between time!

This flower is neither a bud nor is fully open. This in-between stage is a transition time!

I have had time during this week to look back at some of the in-between times in my life!

The in-between time I specially meditated is the time of courtship when Anna and I were preparing ourselves for marriage. A year of the in-between time from the time we felt called to be together and the wedding day was an unusual time of growing in intimacy. 

The mid seventies were a time in india, where access to telephones was limited and long distance calls were even more difficult. So we trusted the Indian postal service to carry our daily letters to each other. Each letter was long and on some days we wrote more than one letter- more than 400 letters in total! 

Those letters were the means for us to share from our hearts and feel connected with our stories and  journey experiences of life. 

The intimacy in every relationship in marriage begins when there is a growing self disclosure in mutual trust and appreciation! This in between time is more than just planning together or sharing social conversations. It is for communicating trust and appreciation to foster each other's growth 'to become one'!

It is a desirable practice to have a good space of this in-between time and make courtship a season for growing in desire for each other!

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)  

  

A chapel elegant and serene!

The exterior ambience in this chapel drew me into interior silence in an unusual way! It is a chapel in a monastery, where an abbot with few others live their lives in the service of the community. They live from the produce of their cattle farm.

The three inner spaces of this chapel might have something special for those who are used to the interior of jewish synagogues- from the outer to the inner and and to the holy of holies!

Each of us during our prayer times usually make a journey from the world of our thoughts to God consciousness and then to inner silence when we remain open towards God and His presence!

That is how the outer space helps us to create an inner sanctuary where we can be in communion with God!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Fifteen varieties of Hibiscus!

Some gardens have some special focus!

This garden we visited recently had different types of Hibiscus plants with all of them in bloom!

Somehow flowers bring a gentleness to one's outlook! At least that is how I feel every time when I am in a garden with different flowers!

We see hue of colours, each distinct and pretty!

This helps me to be on a learning journey to see others in their hues of behaviour, communication, attitude to life.... they are people whose lives touch ours!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo) 

Behind the cup of tea!

Every time we have our cup of tea, it is good to feel grateful for those who pluck and process the leaves.

During our recent visit to a tea garden, we noticed that these women do not carry the bags on their back while picking. Instead they rest the bag on the bush itself! A novel and practical way! They lessen their burden in a creative way!

It is a delight to watch how their hands move artistically and delicately!

They work for about one hundred days in a year and live rest of the year on what they earn! Their struggles are too many to believe!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)  

Hidden or subdued!

While looking at these flowers, I noticed that all of the three are hidden! Their full views are hidden to us!

We too are hidden to ourselves and others in some dimensions of our lives!

Do our hiddenness subdue us from the fullness of life we are called to live!

This is a mystery!

Do we live to make ourselves known or accept the hiddenness as a gift we treasure!

All of us live as a mystery and that is how it shall be! But it is good to make ourselves known differently to different people so that we grow through our self-disclosure! 

Jesus of Nazareth revealed Himself progressively although he was a mystery even to his intimate friends!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)