September 28, 2008 Touring Bangkok

On Sunday we toured the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The team had a very hot and fun day. Many great pictures to share when we return. In the afternoon the team visited the Chatuchak market where there are many stalls of local merchants as well as larger stores. The team members had fun bargaining with the shop owners for the best price. "Mai dee Paeng Pai, Paeng Pai" means "Not good, to expensive, to expensive." Lunch was served on a very large boat on the Chao Phraya river. The food was excellent. One thing is for sure, the Lions Clubs and Health Ministry are taking good care of the team and no one is going hungry. We are very grateful to our hosts!

Thoughts From Mission Team Members- Sept.27th Clinic Day

"I'm so impressed by the kindness of this people...really blessing..." Anonymous.

The definition of the word "Team" is being written on this mission. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Thailand 2008 second mission team. It does not matter what the situation, there is someone to help out. The extra care and attention taken by each member is unbelievable and the smiles make it very rewarding. God continues to richly bless this team and the work we are doing with the Thai people." -Ross Sherwood, B.C., Canada

September 27, 2008 Saturday Clinic and GOS Auction

We had another extremely busy day on Saturday with 3300 people helped at clinic and we are steadily approaching our goal of 25,000. In the evening we had dinner and held a silent auction amongst our team to raise money for GOS. We have decided to donate the cash proceeds right here in Thailand to help pay for artificial lenses and care materials to the health ministry so referrals from this mission will get the needed operations. There are many people that have cataracts and other diseases of the eye that blocks their vision and they can not be helped by glasses. I saw one 13 year old girl who was completely blind at the auto refractors. She is one who will need this type of care. We raised over $2200 US to donate to this type of care. Credit and check proceeds will go to the GOS for future mission. Above are a couple of photos from the clinic.

Sunday we will be taking the day to visit Bangkok where we will see the Royal Palace and visit some of the markets.

September 26, 2008, Friday

Clinic was another busy day with close to 2863 people to give the gift of sight to. So far we have helped roughly 8000 people on this mission. Lots of sun and heat each day. That's all for now.

September 25, 2008, Thursday at clinic

Steve Stockton, Mission Manager wrote:
"Lots of children today, yea!! All smiling, having a good time!"

Randy Rushton, Production Leader, dispensed a beautiful pair of glasses in perfect condition to a lady with a -20.0 prespcription. Wow, was she every happy! A minus 20 that is uncorrected was explained by a doctor as seeing only blured colors and shadows. Imagine having gone through many years without seeing clearly until receiving those glasses.

It's day two of clinic and the team has been amazing despite 85% humidity. Everyone is willing and happy to help out anyone they can!

Communication between such different languages is difficult, but in this "land of many smiles" I am reminded that a smile translates into any language. When we Wai (bowing of the head with hands folded prayer style) the message "you are appreciated," is clear. I danced with a little angel Tuesday night at the welcome reception, in her costume of glittering gold and was captivated by how expressive they are with their hands. My goal in coming half way around the world is to use my hands, too, to show care and bring hope. Michelle Fowler, CSC- Eyemed

First day of clinic

It is Wednesday September 24th, 2008 here in Chachengsaou, Thailand and the whole mission team arrived in good health yesterday. Today we completed our first day of clinic and helped 2599 people with dialations, eye health exams and glasses if they were needed. Our hosts, the Thailand Lion's clubs have been fantasic hosts. They have recognized the team many times with a fabulous dinner, traditional dancers, and many speakers from the government and the Lion's club on both days since we have been here. Today the Public Health Minister of Thailand visited the mission for a short ceremony and dedication.

Steve Stockton, Mission Manager wrote that we have had a very successful day with minimal problems. the Lion's club is the best in Thailand. The people are all smiles and very easy to work with. The Military and student translators have been so helpful. We are looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

Here is a photo of some Thai children and they are waiting for the mission to arrive. We are taking a goal to help 26,000 people in our clinic.

Pre-Mission Comments

We are twelve days prior to leaving for the second Thailand Mission. The city we will bring the gift of sight to is Chachoengsao, about 80 kilometers from Bangkok. We are observing the political unrest in Bangkok very closely to make a very confident and informed decision on travel into that region. In the mean time please visit the Thailand Mission team page at
http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?Lang=en-CA&TSID=198570 and please consider a donation in the name of this mission. The Thailand Mission team has taken on a fundraising goal of $10,000 and we have reached just 32% of our goal thus far! Your donations are the fuel behind Gift of Sight missions all over the world. Today's donations will bring eye wear to those in need in months to come.
Thank you