Saigon Culture

After many days of long, yet rewarding hours, our team got a chance to enjoy a night out in Saigon. Thanks to the planning of Hung, Chi's nephew, we attended a theater show. The show resembled Cirque de Solei entertainment, describing life in Vietnam, from the country-side to the big city and everything in between. Not only was the talent very impressive, but the entire theater company really seemed to enjoy performing for us!!!

Great Job!!!

Final day of clinic portion of the mission

We wrap up the medical clinic mission portion of our journey today. For the second straight year, we have had tremendous success achieving our goals. Many early mornings, many late evenings, many tears, many smiles, alot of sweat, alot of muscle power, alot of communication (body language etc..).

All of these components brought us all together to achieve the following results:

4 Medical Clinics: Can Tho, Vinh Long, Tra On and Tam Binh!

Registered Medical Patients treated: Over 1600

Unregistered Medical Patients treated: Over 400

Prosthetics fit: Over 260

Drugs: $13,000 of prescription and OTC medications

Donations: 50 walkers, 25 pairs of crutches, Other (books, food, money etc.....)

Man-Hours: Incalculable!!!!!!

Lives Changed: All of the above and ALL OF OURS!!!!!!!!!!!

More minor surgery

This patient presented a few days ago with a severe cellulitis infection of her leg. I was told about this case during my sick day, and shown a very graphic video of the debridemnet. This infection has spread very deep into the tissue and we are concerned that without proper treatment she could become one of our next years amputees.

After a few days of antibiotics that we supplied, she returned for a follow-up debridment. I was able to assist in the procedure this time. The healthcare offered to her in Vietnam will be subpar, with just periodic antibiotics and no follow-up or surgical treatment what-so-ever! We will give this woman enough antibiotics to hopefully cure this infection.

Another one of our hopeful success stories, saving this woman's leg from further damage and possible amputation!

Minor miracles can be seen here at clinic everyday, and I am fortunate to be able to play such a small role in them!!!

Pilgrimage for peaceful answers

Vietnam is home to one of the most popular pilgrimage sights for members of all religions. People travel very long distances to visit the resting place of Father Truong Buu Diep, an early 20th Century Catholic Martyr. Father Truong Buu Diep resisted suppression of his Catholic Church, and ultimately offered up his own life to save the members of his congregation. Making a pilgrimage to this sight has been an answer to many prayers of those in need, including some of our own team members who have made this journey several times in the past.

Entering the Holy Chapel brings a new, rejuvenated sense of Peace and Closeness to God! There are very few places in the world that provides the serenity to speak directly to God through the image of a Martyr.

Father Truong Buu Diep has been recognized by the Catholic Church and is the process of becoming the next Saint. There is something very special about visiting the resting place of a future Saint of the Catholic Church.

I have prayed to God, through Father Truong Buu Diep, for a special request. I have Faith that my prayers have been heard, and whatever the answer may be, I know it  will be the best possible outcome, no matter what!!!

I should have visited you sooner!

I pray that everyone get an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to a special Holy location, to understand what it feels like to be as close to God, through a Saint, as possible!!

Back in WiFi reach!!!

Its been a few days since I have had access to a working WiFi signal, and thus the posts have been delayed! The rural areas are very unpredictable when it comes to internet access. My apologies, and now I continue!!!

Scrub UP!!!!!

This mission is never short of surprise roles that need to be played. From translation,  physical assessment,  differential diagnosing, prescribing, physical therapy, dispensing, and prosthetics!! Well today was another first for me in the clinic. This patient presented with what looked liked a basal cell carcinoma. Upon examination, Bac Si Ha decided it would only take 10 minutes to surgically remove the lesion and asked for my assistance. Without hesitation I accepted the challenge and began to take the proper steps to make our environment as sterile as possible. It would be my job to sterilize the equipment, provide sterile materials during the procedure, and assist with the closing of the wound with cutting of the sutures. Well the procedure took a bit longer than 10 minutes, and the heat was becoming unbearable. As I perspired profusely, the team took notice and made sure I was doing ok. After a cold drink of water, I continued with my assistance until the completion of the surgery. These patients have very little access to quality medical care, and without the bravery of Bac Si Ha and our team, this young man's lesion may have spread beyond treatment.

It goes to show that each day brings one surprise after another. As for the little part I played in today's procedure, I am proud to have assisted in possibly helping to save this young man from further damage down the road.

Energy back, enough for TWO

After one full days rest, I returned to our newest clinic in Tam Binh, Vinh Long. One of the first patients that was waiting to be seen in our clinic could not ambulate on her own. She was an 87 year old woman who suffered with pain from lumbar bones spurs and calcium deficiency. Her relative drove her up to the clinic on a motor bike and carried her into the waiting area to be seated while we attended to other patients. When it was her turn to be seen, I took full responsibility for the transport, triage, work-up, treatment plan, medication regimen, and discharge. Of course my job was not complete until I was sure she was safely back with her relative. This meant transporting her through the waiting crowds, through the parking lot, and onto the rear of the motor bike.

I prayed for the physical strength to continue with our mission today, and it seems that I received enough strength for both of us!!!!

I have come to care for these patients as if they were my own family.

I pray that this woman receives the strength it takes to go on and live each day forward!!