It Started in January

It was the beginning of January. We met her in Koh Chen.  She lived in the nearby village of Prek Kdam.  I met her cousin, first.  He was a very nice young man who was interested in improving his English.  He and many friends came to the ship, each night.  They just wanted to talk – or, rather, they wanted to hear me talk.

One day, while we were out walking Reggie, we saw her cousin.  We were standing across the road from his house.  His family was working.  They do beautiful carving in brass.  She walked up with a huge smile on her face.  She wanted to meet the “barangs” from the big ship.  She was introduced to us.  I had already met her younger sister. They showed us the beautiful handicrafts they make.

The whirlwind that was March

We spent time with our family and friends in Tennessee, California, and Florida. We had a chance to have dinner with old friends from college. We shared what is going on with the Ship of Life, at two churches. We even squeezed in a couple of doctor visits. We ate our share of BBQ (the west Tennessee kind, thank you), Mexican, home-cookin’, Italian, In-N-Out, sushi, and hot dogs. It was a great trip!

The answer is right in front of "her"

Last week, a 63-year old patient came onboard. She was seeking treatment for an ulcer on her right breast. Our doctor was certain the wound was from cancer. He told her that we would refer her to a hospital, in Phnom Penh, for further evaluation. She told him that she had been to all of the hospitals and they all wanted money for her needed surgery. We suggested that she come back later in the afternoon, to learn what we would recommend.

The doctor came to me, to talk about her options. I consulted with our visiting nurses. They still had funds, from their home congregation, that could be used to help the people. They were willing to help. I contacted the administrator at the Sihanouk Hospital Center for Hope. She agreed on an arrangement similar to previous ones. They would discount their bill and we would pay a small portion of the cost.

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!