DAY 5: DESTINATION-HUISAN AKHA VILLAGE

February 18, 2008

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Be careful of what you say, it’ll show up in the journal”

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Our bodies and souls are suffering big time jet lag but our enthusiasm is what drives us as we tap our energy reserves. Sometimes our bodies don’t know if they are coming or going. We wake up in the middle of the night and don’t know if we should be going to back to sleep or not. The pitch black darkness says closes your eyes. I woke up at 2:30 and guess what I was doing. At 4:30 pm Bill was out jogging and someone was loading something. A few can be heard snoring thru these thin walls and windows. But most of the time there is a peaceful calm now that the hectic part of the journey is over. 6:00 am arrives and the rooster crows like clockwork so we roll out of bed. I think we’ll be acclimated to the time zone today.

DUMPED (read to the theme of “Love Story”)

I have a bit of bad news to start the day. Brace yourself. Rumor has it that Andy left me for another man. Well, sadly it’s true but at least it was for an older man. We had just gotten together and were looking forward to being roommates for the next two weeks. I don’t blame him. The other guy IS better looking, affluent, experienced, likes to travel, and is financially secure. (He has a lot, I mean, A LOT more gray hairs than I do.) And we were getting along so well. Lena warned him about my messiness but I think I scared away Andy. I tried, I really tried. I even was straightening my bins and getting organized. He did comment that I left my underwear around but I was using them to dry my feet; I was willing to share them. We even started sharing DEET together. He was so cute he bought me water when we first arrived. Maybe it was my hacking and coughing in our tiny room that threatened him. I told him I was tested and I was “POSITIVE” for “HIV (Humor In Verse)”; I was truthful and this the thanks I get. HE was wearing the face mask and not me; I feel so guilty. I don’t know. As an ER nurse, I thought he is used to kids coughing, gagging, and stooling on him. He wasn’t specific, but I think it was the germs. Now I am beginning to be a little paranoid. I sense I am feeling quarantined, all alone. Either I am diseased or they don’t want to be journaled. People just don’t want to be around me. I don’t want to be like Typhoid Mary so maybe it’s for the better. Anyway he abandoned me and left me with the room to myself. His last words were, “It doesn’t matter now, you can make as big a mess as you want… you, you hacker!” It’s not a virus I told him, but bacteria. He just wouldn’t listen. His new roommate is you guessed it, Dr. Pedro Obregon, extraordinaire, head honcho. How do I compete with HIM. He’s a living legend, and icon. I thought Andy liked Chinese food! Maybe it was my Oriental orientation. They are both Filipino and I’m sure that they’ll have a lot more in common to talk about. It’s not unusual for doctors and nurses to get together. I just didn’t see it coming. They’ll make a cute couple. I have no animosity and I blame myself. I am happy for you Andy but if there is someway we can get back together; well, I’d like that. I’ll try to get back into shape and I know I let myself go. I look pitiful. With Laos, there’s still hope. Now he sits at the far end of the table from me, with I can’t say it, Dr. “O.” (Why do they call him Dr. O? J. And I don’t even have Jennifer here to console me because of you-know-who! Sigh! Thank you for letting me use this journal to vent; I feel better now that this stuff is off my chest. I just wanted to clear the air.

DÉJÀ VU

After a brief breakfast of culinary delight we packed up our bags and loaded the trucks and vans. Richard is our main (PAC) MAN. He’s da beast. Don’t get in his way. Not bad shape for an old…uh…Not bad shape, that Richard, must have been born Year of the OX. Luka tricked us and gave us a smaller truck but we just adjusted. We were all in our blue Smurf uniforms. Who picked that color anyway? It’s common to see Dr. Patton wearing his fishing vest. He’s a fisher of men, you know. Ben and Gerry took pictures in an old bicycle rickshaw. Those newlyweds are always so playful. As a proud American, I was wearing my Red, White, and Blue Harley Davidson dew rag (it looks like a surgical cap). I hope I don’t get shot. We loaded up in the vans which were quite comfortable. Last time we were like packed sardines. We headed to the Huisan Akha Village, Luka’s home town. Déjà vu. We visited this village the last time. The roads were familiar but not as treacherous since the dirt roads were relatively dry, albeit, still bumpy. If there was snow on them they would be challenging moguls. Last time was during monsoon season so now it was a lot drier and safer. We did approach this lake with two boats apparently pole fishing. This lake turned into a river that crossed our path. Again, we crossed carefully because to the left of us there was the drop off. Hey it looks just like an infinity pool! We waved at the villagers as they saw Luka’s all familiar truck and caravan approach the church where we were setting up clinic.

The ride was uneventful and when we arrived at the church, again, it was unforgettable. We saw many new and familiar faces. The patients with big grins displaying their crooked red beetle-bug-juice teeth greeted us with anticipation. There were dozens of patients already in line to for medical, dental, and eye care. Luka introduced us while Dr. Obregon addressed the people explaining that we were a team from Fresno who traveled all this way to provide free medical care. We were a group of Christians that wanted to serve God with our talents and efforts unconditionally. He wanted to teach by example. We cleared out the sancturary to set up clinic. While the sanctuary may be felt as sacred and taboo to work in, it was fitting that this is what God provided to these people and what better place to be working in a temple of God?

NOW, MEET THE DREAM TEAM

Pastor Danny Jack, Dr.Psch. has been out to pastor for 37 years, no bull! He is our spiritual leader and psychological counselor. He makes sure we are accountable to God. That is why we are here on this mission. It is our duty to God. Can’t you see Him smiling. Pastor is our commissioner. We are to go forth to all nations (Is Thailand a nation?) and be witnesses and spread the Good News. Pastor keeps us humble. We thank God for the talents in which we are blessed so that we can contribute to the success of this mission and give praise to God. He is the bouncer at the front door and no one gets by him unless he wants to. He let’s everyone through. His motto is, “What have you done for God lately? Well then, get off of your Blessed Assurance!”

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING…andre agassi

Richard Bruce is in a class by himself. Not only is he our general helper but he is a specialist in efficiency. He’s the traffic cop directing traffic so that the team will run smoothly like a well-oiled machine. “Stop! Okay, Go!” He’s our brawn because who really likes manual labor? It would be hard to do this trip without Richard. We try to stay out of his way. He is part of the dental team. He earned his DDS (doctor of dental support) last year and cleans instruments so that the dentists can have that production line. He really does smile and really he is a nice guy but don’t let on you know. His motto is “Help me, don’t hinder me.”

TURNING A BLIND EYE

The optometrists, Dr. Chinn and Tajiri set up shop center stage. It looked like a workshop with Dr. Tajiri grinding away with his invention. He’s quite an inventor of many things. This one being a machine that can make accurate lenses and frames in the field in 15, yes 15 minutes! This is sort of the trial run to see how it can apply to helping indigent populations in mass quantities with limited time. He started a foundation to help the indigent. Kudos to Dr. Akiri Tajiri! Before, old glasses were given out and one eye might be good but not the other or people picked glasses, not for the prescription, but rather for the style of frames. Don’t we do that too? Our very own Dr. Chinn needs no introduction. He’s been practicing optometry for 55 years treating many of us. He uses this “gun”, the PAR or portable automatic refractor aimed at the eye and like a marksman is able to determine the necessary correction. He’s yelling out numbers “-.75 left eye, -.5 right eye, circle 9, etc.” during the eye exam. A veteran on mission trips he helps Dr. Tajiri give the gift of sight. The prescription is taken to Dr. TJ and the lenses are carved out carefully. One after another it is a production line. With Dr. Tajiri’s experience together they have provided over 111 years of optometric care and are still going! Many of the patients are so pleased the patients grab at the team and shake their hands with newly found enthusiasm and new sight. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. They’re team players since there is no “I” in optometry. Even at 81 years old Dr. Tajiri’s dexterity is great even though his fingers have been cramping up. He also huddles over his grinding wheel which cramps his neck. He’s one of the first to receive a Thai massage this trip. We don’t know if there was a “happy ending.” Their motto is “I once was blind but now can see!”…sing it baby!

STEPFORD NURSES

Gerry Wu, RN was a clinic nurse for three years before she became a wet nurse raising three children. Gerry does a lot of the recordings and help fit the glasses. When she’s not flirting with Ben (those newlyweds!), she’s all over the place wherever the need arise. She works in many departments such as triage and optometry. She was on the first Thailand mission where the steamy romance between Ben and Gerry definitely melted more than ice cream. Gail Ho, RN is Mrs. Team Leader. Make no mistake of her loyalty to her husband (even though she said it’s too bad that Jennifer isn’t here). She’s Bill right hand woman and his rock of Gibraltar. Gail does the eye chart exams and always has that caring smile even when a patient might say “What chart?” Cindy’s practicing the sign language they developed to check the eyesight to dodge the language barrier. They use three fingers pointing north=W, to the right=E, to the left=backwards E, down=M. You get the picture. She also helps with triage collecting vital signs. Andy Alejo, RN is usually at the front of the line receiving patients and leans the docs toward the diagnosis. It makes it easier to direct which patient to the appropriate medical or surgical doc. This is the first time Andy’s been out of the continent and his first medical mission trip. He fulfilled the male quoto for the RN staff. It is a well known fact that Arlene Jack, RN wears the pants in the family. Her leadership is well appreciated and is an asset on the team. It is a privilege to have her be my first assistant in surgery. Although we do not expect any obstetric emergencies we’ll help HER deliver the babies. Ming Chong, RN (15 years) is our very own mental health nurse and our main guide in Thailand. It’s a little known fact that Ming is a big shot in Thailand, at least that’s what Ming says. He is the Thailand Connection and makes the trips run smoothly making arrangements far in advance. He keeps us out of trouble by informing us of Thai’s custom so we don’t embarrass ourselves or him. The nurses are always smiling no matter what occurs. Their motto is “Don’t worry, this won’t hurt a bit!”

DRUGS Rx US

The unsung heroes in the medical dept. are our pharmacists. Sure the docs can call on their diagnostic skills and medical acumen to diagnose the most exotic and unusual diseases from a tse tse fly infection to pneumonoultramicroscopicsilico volcanoconiosis (Fact: longest word in the English language). But what use is it if we can’t treat it. If we don’t have the meds, “Good Luck” doesn’t carry much weight. Dr. Ben Jue has been semi-retired with 52 years peddling drugs. Gerry says he’s not retired. I believe that, how could he, he has an expensive wife. Gerry, while opened her mouth and then slowly closed it, offered not rebuttal. Ain’t that the truth! Dr. David Chow (37 years, no not his age, look at him), whom I’m finding has a dry sense of humor (I kind of like him) has be dealing drugs since he was a teenager. His first job was in a drug store as a youth. Together they have amassed a collection of tens of thousands of pills, which they have to sort, count, bag, and label to distribute to the patients as they walk out of the clinic. And still, we are only giving partial treatment to help their ailments. What they don’t have or what we need they hit the streets and buy more drugs to maintain an adequate inventory. “We give what we can” is their motto. Their work is definitely addicting.

DR. MARCUS WELBY WOULD BE PROUD

The medical doctors are an eclectic group of fleas. We are the last to get off of a dying dog. Dr. Patton (37 years) recently came out of retirement to go on this trip. His years of dedication in Family Practice is invaluable to the treatment of youth and old alike. His gentle approach with the patients and soft spoken words of compassion comfort each of his patients. I might try that; I kind of like that. In this corner we have Dr. Doug Owyang (32 years), noted kung-fu master is well experienced in martial and marital arts. He always finds a way to defeat his opponent: disease with laughter and humility. He had one young lady that recently gained weight, complained of abdominal pain, and nausea in the morning. Oh yes, she also missed her period. He did not want to alarm her with the surprise. The diagnosis was lost in translation, however. “I think I know what the problem is. You’re Estimated Date of Confinement is September 15^th.” She didn’t understand. “The rabbit died.” So, Dr. Owyang loosened his kung grip around her arm and said “You’re with child.” “No, I’m a newlywed”, she replies. In America at least they understand “You’re knocked up, do you know who the father is?” He gently said, “You’re pregnant.” Surprise, surprise, surprise. She’s going to name the child, Doug, if it’s a boy. Dr. Obregon has been practicing medicine for 48 years primarily general surgery. In 1994 he retired as a surgeon but has been working with MMI (Medical Ministry International) by volunteering his services for medical missions since 1986. He is now full time with MMI
even at 78 years old he has worked up to12 missions per year! This is his 117^th medical mission and he has been our team leader for the past two missions to Thailand. His vast experience in medical and surgical allows him to treat a diversity of illness and we welcome his expertise. Dr. Mark Chin, plastic surgeon (15 years), like him or not has been on the last two missions to Thailand. Admittedly he is a vain doctor, and people pay him good money to be one. It has been questioned on his value to the team since if he spends so much time writing ejournals, what else does he do? Like a vampire, he likes the sight of blood and his motto is “Have scalpel will travel.” Just tell me when to show up.

A TOOTH FAIRY’S WORSE NIGHTMARE

The dentists are in a league of their own. They are in the major league and make a major contribution to the team, all without steroids. They are the BLUE Collar workers, that’s why they picked blue scrubs I guess. They produce and produce. While they do primarily extractions, the do restorative dentistry as well, that is, restoring the patients dental health, self esteem, and hygiene. Bill Ho, DDS (27 years) is the leader of the pack. While currently between jobs (since he is a self-made guzillionaire) his humbleness is beyond comparison. While it isn’t easy to be in charge and diplomatic, he makes decision in a congenial manner and in a respectful and thoughtful way. I respect that. Some decisions are hard to make but he has wisdom and foresight beyond the comprehension of some doting fathers. It’s great to have someone plan things out and tell you where to show up. Thanks Bill for inviting me along for the ride. Larry Lowe, DDS (27 years) is a jolly ole guy. He is a great helper and does not have a mean bone in his body. Larry’s a reliable guy and can tackle anything you throw at him. He does amazing things with those patients balanced one one or two legs of the chairs and contorts his body to get that last cavity or diseased tooth out. Lester Lowe, DDS (25 years) is the 2^nd body of the tag team. The Lowes are always in sync and know how to keep things flowing. You can throw any tooth there way and the pile them up for the tooth fairy. You have to stay alert for Lester’s humor or it might just go over your head. He’s responsible for that great DVD last trip and I have no doubt that he is planning another one just as great as last. We look forward to the sequel. And last but not least is Rachel Jack, DDS (rookie) whose daddy must be really proud of having a doctor in the family. She holds her own next to the old farts bringing new energy and vigor and eyesight and the lastest techniques in tooth extraction abandoning the antiquated ways of the 20^th century (i.e. dental floss around the door knob technique.) She may not see pathology as bad as it is here compared to the States but rest assured that she is ready and willing to tackle anything that comes her way.

There you have the lineup for this years FCBC Medical Mission Team. Today we collectively treated 60 patients (or 120 eyes) many who received glasses, 80 medical patients with a few surgeries, and 40 dental patients who had multiple problems in many different teeth. Most of the patients received some type of treatment and a handful of patients did not require actual medical care. We all felt that we had a good day.

INTO THE SUNSET

We wrapped it and the team dinner congregating in the hotel restaurant. Pastor led us with some singing, which we are not proud of, and we had a devotion from the book that he had prepared for us. The lesson was on witness, serving, and sacrifice. We had Thai food and for dessert we had a special treat: Birthday Cake! Who’s birthday you may ask? We celebrated Jack’s birthday which arrived today and Cindy’s is on the 23^rd of February. They’re at the stage where you don’t ask them how old you are. It’s just better to tell someone your age or they will find out another way anyway. We had 2 ice cream cakes. We will celebrate Cindy’s soon with a Thai tradition. They also believe in spanking on birthdays (no one brought it up for Dr. Patton.) So 18 members times her age adds up to a load of spanking which will take a lot time. But we don’t mind getting a little behind.

Bill felt that the day went great. Mark’s Motto: “If Bill’s happy, we’re all happy!”

FINE