A picture is worth a 1,000 words, at least!

We meet so many wonderful people, in our work. Some are young. Some are not so young. The youngest are not always happy to see the big foreigner sticking the thermometer in their ear, but the parents are thankful. The older patients smile, bow, and thank us, as they leave. The children, and some parents, are eager to come back to the ship for a Bible lesson or movie.

Of course, we have a wonderful crew. They take good care of us. They provide a great example as they care for their countrymen. They are upbeat and ready to serve. We are blessed to have the opportunity to study with many of them.

Do I have the vision?

A few weeks ago, we were scheduled to travel to Singapore. There was a QS World MBA Tour event, and I was going to represent Pepperdine’s Graziadio School. I also was scheduled to participate in a doctoral dissertation defense.

As the dissertation defense was on a Wednesday night prior to our Saturday Singapore departure, I went ahead to Siem Reap, leaving Debbie on the ship. On Thursday, I was having a late lunch at The Soup Dragon (great fresh spring rolls and Vietnamese 

pancakes!). The phone rang – it was Deb. She told me that there was a patient who had cataracts. She was unable to see out of one eye and the other was not good. Knowing that we have referred cataract patients to hospitals and assisted with expenses, Debbie asked what we could do. I told her that I could see the Siem Reap Referral Hospital from my lunch spot and that I would walk over to see what could be arranged.

Where should I put my boat?

We have been in the village of Kampung Luong for a week, now. It is a huge place. The village is made up of ethnic Vietnamese and Khmer. I was told there are more than 6,000 people living in this sprawling “aquatropolis.” There are churches, stores, and even karaoke!