So we’re packing up and movin out today. Vietnam has been an incredible experience, but really hard as well. The people are so kind and good, but the government needs a lot of work. I don’t think I’m supposed to say that but its true. We are all reminding ourselves though that we are making baby steps and each year that projects like the Mercy visits, we’re allowed to do more things from the government. Its just going to have to take time. We didn’t do as many surgeries or help as much as we hoped for.
Pediatrics has been really fun. I love it because language doesn’t matter as much, kids just like to play. I got to blow bubbles, draw, and hold babies. Its been pretty great. There were lots of cleft palate surgeries and its amazing to see how good all the little kids look when they get out of the OR. Within 2 days they’re discharged and they look so good! That’s a happy thing. The parents have been so sweet and grateful too. One mom gave me her business card and wants me to e-mail her! yeah...we're definitly not helping the people you see in commercials asking for money. But in Cambodia, we will really get started in helping those in poverty.
ANYWAY…on to more positive news. Many of the parents were very grateful and we really connected with a lot of the people who came into our ward. One father stayed for 4 days and didn’t get much sleep because he was always holding his little son. Over time, the little boy let us hold him too. At the end of his stay Dad told Lizzie he trusted her because she cared for his son as if she was his mother. We all loved him and Dad. I was touched at how loving and selfless the father was as he cared for his little baby.
I’m still working on getting the Vietnamese squat down. Everyone here squats with their heels flat on the ground. Its amazing. They do it for hours! It kills my calves but I’ll have it by the end of this journey. It really is a goal of mine, they look so comfortable. Someday, someday.
Last week was really cool. Doctors, dentists, and random people like me got to go out in rural Vietnam/ Quy Nhon and set up a clinic called a “Medcap”. We set up at this old middle school and hundreds of people were there waiting, ready to be seen by the medical team. I have never EVER seen such small people in my life. Little old ladies were there in traditional Vietnam clothes with their little cone straw hats. They were probably 4 feet to 4 ½ ft tall. Some of them were so bent over, that as they climbed steps, they had to lean forward and use their hands for stability on the steps as they climbed up. About 600 people were seen on my day but other medcaps see about 1000. Oh- I ate my first and hopefully last MRE- “Meals ready to EAT”. They are about 2000 calories and meant to fuel army men for the day. You stick whatever you got in this bag, add water, and after about 10 mins, boom, LUNCH. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be…but it still wasn’t Wendy’s. I got the “beef patty” bag and it was tolerable. But cool! It comes with bread, a snack, gum, a little bottle of tobasco sauce (gee thanks) and tropical fruit punch powder.
Ok last night was awesome. The ship held a “closing ceremony” and invited the Vietnamese local government to participate. Only a few people from each dpt. were invited. I didn’t make the list. That’s ok becaaaaaause…after, they opened up the party for everyone!!! It was a magical sight. Up on the flight deck under the stars, they had nice tables and super good food out. They even had carved watermelons and fancy pants ice sculptures. The Navy band was playing and they are top notch. Quality music. Earlier that night I was running on the treadmill, listening to my music wanting to dance and not fulfilling that desire. THEN, what happens? A party was waiting for me and I got to dance up on the flight deck! It was pretty cool, there was hardly anyone dancing at first except for me, Georgia, taylor, and about 3 Navy people. Soon, there were tons of people dancing and gettin down. I’m not saying we started it, but we helped it! Not that that matters…
Great week. Totally ready for CAMBODIA.
No comments:
Post a Comment