1987 09 05 Sat RWR to folks Floods typewriter paper cursive

Dear Mom & Dad

Appreciate your letter (50^th anniversary note received Sept 2/mailed Aug 24(?).

We have had 3 rains/flood since arriving-weather is cooling some.

My predecessor, Dr. Rogere Beasley, leaves tomorrow for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. 3 days ago he had acute urinary retention from prostate problems. He has been catheterized repeatedly due to blockages and is in the infirmary bed at US Embassy. After 5 years in India, an ignominious departure-but he’s spunky & cheerful and I’m confident he’ll recover. He and his wife “Trink” introduced us to church/Bible/study here.

Suzette was ill last night/fever 103 deg/sore throat. Doing better today. Several American friends ill with acute respiratory infections or diarrhea (amoebae/Shigella dysentery). We’re getting moderate exposure to infectious disease!

David spent last night at a friend’s house-he’s considering joining scouts (!)

Mel stayed home last night to take care of Suzette while Susan and I went to a dinner at the Indian Institute of Immunology-the Director-Dr Prem Talhar has been a bit of a

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controversial figure because he has developed a vaccine against pregnancy. His wife teaches Melanie “Indian studies” at the American Embassy School.

This morning Melanie took the taxi alone (1/2 hr trip) to the school where she teaches younger children to swim. Last night she showed us a thick book and said she had to develop her “lesson plans”.

I think for the children-and their development-the move to India was excellent. Susan is enjoying having servants-actually it’s hard for us to adapt to a servant answering the doorbell, answering the phone, of making coffee in the morning-followed by pancakes-washing dishes, clothes, floor, etc. We will get spoiled!

Only my job remains a question. Can I do something worthwhile to justify my existence? Do I need to??

Sep 21-24 I fly to Madras in Tamil Nadu state-you’ll need to look at a map! (so do I) [Chennai = Madras. See above]

Let us know when you want to visit! Love ya, Roger

P.S. What finally happened at 733 Newell??