The Smiles Say It All!

A few weeks ago, we had a 33-year old patient who needed surgery. We spoke with her about the importance of having the surgery. She did not want to miss work. She was concerned that she would lose her job. It would be best if she waited until June. Dr. Tha, Piseth, and I tried to explain to her that she really couldn't wait that long. Waiting would most likely mean serious health issues - possibly death.

What is in your cup?

WARNING: Contents are hot, and considered politically incorrect to many. Consume at your own risk.

We often think we can’t live without that morning cup of Joe. Or, the mid-morning coffee to push us through the a.m. slump. A great fast lunch could be a mocha-frappe-soy-latte-no whip, with two Splendas. A nice iced coffee is guaranteed to make it over the afternoon hump. And, what dinner is complete without a nice flavored decaf?

Coffee has become an integral part of our life. Many would give Starbucks the credit [blame] for that. Maybe, rightfully so. For many people, there is definitely a loving relationship with the green girl on the white cup. I know people who judge a city by the number and/or convenient locations of the Pacific Northwest coffee vendor. Even though I don’t particularly care the taste of Starbuck’s coffee, I have to admit I get a little excited when I see the easily identifiable bold green lettering, while I am abroad. I even go in and buy a cup, for the familiar experience. It is a piece of home.

Little do they know!

When we first arrived in Koh Chin, Debbie and I put Reggie on the leash and took a long walk. We checked out our local pagoda. We walked to the market. We wandered to a neighboring pagoda. Next, we cruised the high school.

It was a dark and dreary morning

Since the beginning of 2012, we have been working along the Tonle Sap River, in the Kandal Province. This is the first time the ship has visited these villages. In the past, we have only worked the Mekong River. The people are eager to see the doctor and dentist!

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!