February 24, 2008
So Long, But Not Good-bye
We said goodbye to Chiang Rai today, the 1st leg of our journey. Last night, some went the night bazaar, others went to Swenson’s (the local hang out for the team), and some at the internet café. A few souvenirs for fun, but mostly fond memories are what we take home. Our hosts Luka and Ghan were unbelievable with the arrangements that they made and the food that she cooked for us, nearly 30 people each time. We are going to miss the food and water. We had our last breakfast at the Golden Triangle Inn. There was a bottle of water that we were given in the last few days: Yellow Surprise. Gail tasted it and said it tastes a little funny. Surprise! (Why do you think they call it Yellow?)
Reflections of Passion…Yanni
Our last meal was a time of devotion and reflection of the first week. We patted ourselves on the back for treating nearly 1200 patients. We are a Mean Team Machine. The following is the best accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Dr. Chinn expressed his appreciation of Dr. Tajiri’s lens making machine and universal frames. Without it, it wouldn’t have turned out as good. “New eyes, what a gift.”
Andy Alejo felt that the trip was extraordinary. He expected to work (and he did) and enjoyed it. He felt everyone did his or her part. He said that we are like the body of Christ, like a body and the parts, are all necessary to work efficiently together. He gave a “2 thumbs up!”
Dr. Tajiri felt that “Pastor was a slave driver (and he is)” and chuckled. LOL. He felt that it was a wonderful experience and gratifying. He was grateful to be able to test his theory and invention in an actual setting. He never quit and hung in there. His stamina put a lot of younger members to shame.
Cindy Wu expressing herself with tears of joy felt that the children and the family live a simple life, yet are happy. They play and love each other and are happy. (What more do you need?)
Richard Bruce felt that he was not a significant part of the team since he didn’t have a health care background (a roar filled the air, commotion “That’s not true”, “You are equally equal”, “You’re our security.” See Andy above about body.)
Pastor Jack felt that we were here to serve the Lord. We were here not just for the physical healing but our presence and caring was equally important. We used skill, compassion and professionalism.
The dentists felt it was amazing how they, especially, the children were able to trust the dentists (considering the vulnerability they experience along with the painful injections).
Gail Ho said we served so many people and she was nervous not knowing if she could help since she was out of practice for so long. The fellowship was good.
Dr. Obregon felt that we had a great team to work with. We work well together.
CHURCH IN SESSION
We packed our bags and piled them into Mark’s room for convenience to pack later. I think that they were boxing me in on purpose. We headed to the Akha church that we worked previously in the week. We were greeted by the patients and the members of the church. Thank God, I mean it, thank God we did not have to sing this time. Pastor gave a nice sermon in which Luka translated. Sometimes it looked like Luka was giving his own sermon. Since there was a translation we had to sit through Pastor’s sermon TWICE! Brutal. The women gave their roses to the church and placed them in front, like Laura Lum used to do. After the service we went out and witnessed 6 baptisms. 1 girl and 5 boys, I think. The pastor was standing there in his own clothes that he wore to preach in this cement pool about 8’ by 6’ The baptismee kneeled in their regular clothes and the pastor prayed and then suddenly dunked. One after the others were baptized all the while the congregation was singing. It was quite an emotional sight. Then the Akha gave us another gift a gourd which we added to the collection of a cup made out of bamboo. Gi gave a cd of their Akha music that they recorded so that other Akha throughout the land could learn the music. Correction, there is no Akha in the Philippines that Luka knows of but the music is sent to the Philippines and broadcast out of their to Ahka populations. My betel nut partying partner gave me a bracelet that she made from shells from the river.
We made our long good-byes and hugs and well wishes. I took a picture with “A” and said good bye. I didn’t hug her because I don’t know if that would be forward. But as we were walking down the hill she reached out and she hugged me. That was some show of gratitude. Some of the team will be returning in the summer (Lucky Bill). The team headed back to town for a final lunch with Luka and Ghan. I was surprised that Luka was accompanying us to Vientiane. He wants to extend his ministry and get to know some of the people in Laos.
We loaded the trucks and said good-bye after a slight delay. Our flight route had to be from Chiang Rai to Bangkok to Vientiane. Delays and more delays. Going through customs was fairly easy. Dr. Patton got held up in the security check. He had his personal medication with him lined in a row of bottles. “Are you carrying drugs?”, the guard asked Jack. “Yes these are for personal use.” (I was thinking-you should see what we checked through). The young girl with authority seriously asked “Do you have Viagra?” We all kind of chuckled since she didn’t look like she needed it. Dr. Patton said “No.” Then she discovered 4 pocket knives. “Ahah! You can’t bring these onto the plane!” Scary since they already made it through one security check. These were Dr. Tajiri’s as he was using them for gifts. They confiscated them. We only wonder whether or not we could have got the knives through if we had the Viagra to barter with. We finally arrived at the hotel around 11:00 pm. We are at the Douang Duene Hotel. You did good Bill. One of the members pointed out that it reminded him of his name: DOU(g owyY)ANG. That was Laosy.
The days seem to get longer. It takes awhile to get the rooms settled and the 50 boxes and luggage organized. “All here!” says Richard. Bill assigns the rooms.
Good News! Andy and I are back together. (I knew he and Dr. O wouldn’t last). He has taken me back for a roommate. Funny, we went up to our hotel room and found a king sized-bed. We looked at each other and said, “Let’s take this slow.” So we exchanged rooms to a two full-sized beds. Later that evening, I hear a knock. I peek around the door, half naked, and see Pastor. I say “Yes?” “Oh, this is not working. “I’m looking for my wife!, he said with intimidating and suspicious eyes that were about to explode in a jealous rage (temper temper Pastor. Remember Commandment 6: Though shall not kill). I sheepishly pointed across the room (she’s the one we switched with) and whispered, “She’s over there.” “Oh.” Come on Pastor, I know Commandment 7: Do not commit adultery. Good night, Pastor, sweet dreams.
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