dhamtariindia

Spring 1948, Rev Arnold & Wilmetta (Weaver) Dietzel arrived in India, & traveled to Landour, Misoorie for language study. On October 8, 1949 they took up their appointment at the Shantipur Home for Lepers located 4 miles southwest of Dhamtari. Rev Dietzel was the Official Representative of The Mission to Lepers out of London in the capacity of Superintendent (per MBMC Annual Meeting report published summer 1950). Wilmetta, a registered nurse, was responsible for the dispensary at Shantipur. Spring 1953, the Dietzels (my parents) returned Stateside with their 3 children.

Caption: Ruth studied at Goshen College and served as dietitian at the Canton (OH) Hospital, Presently she is a teacher in Balodgahan/Dhamtari.

Caption: The wives and children sat on opposite side behind red and white--stripped curtains to seclude them from the gaze of passerby on the busy street. Many of these children were born in the old dilapidated O.B. Ward. Their mothers will enjoy the comforts of new ward during future confinements. The twelve private rooms for affluent women, and the large sixteen-bed ward have large ceiling fans above each bed, a real boom in the hot weather. All patients receive the same loving service of Christian nurses and doctors.