We returned to our PIO orphanage site and easily saw the remaining 100 or so patients. We were used to the routine by now, and returning to the same site made set-up a breeze. Yet we all could feel it, exhaustion diluted by fulfillment and a growing sadness that we would soon leave our patients, friends and the confusing, frustrating and intriguing country of Cambodia.
I can't go any further without delivering the appropriate thanks to Bob Renner and Purobi Philips, who literally are, KiDS International dental services. Their absolute commitment to nurturing their 'baby' has not only produced a program that enriches children's lives throughout the world, it also delivers the highest level of professional satisfaction to those willing to step out of their everyday life and donate their time. I'm usually not at a loss for words, but nothing I say can ever express my thanks to them.
I talked to another team member, Ev, who described that despite the language barrier he needed to make his patients feel safe and well cared for. Doing so made his trip worthwhile. He used his limited time off from his Air Force stationing in Japan to attend the mission. Sherry, took a day off from the mission to deliver solar powered lanterns to a small village that didn't have electricity. She and her daughter had felt this was necessary so that the children could do their homework at night. Rich, our team leader is a young dentist beginning his career and a new marriage. Yet he found time to take on the responsibility of leading and managing our dental team. I could go on.... Suffice it to say that these people have discovered that opportunities like this mission bring out the best in us. Stop thinking about it........... Do it.
Our Site for the Last Two Days of the Trip
Mom Waits While We Treat the Two Older Children
Intrigued by the Dental Visit that Awaits Them
No comments:
Post a Comment