Friday, October 3, 2008

October 3, 2008 Last day of Clinic

We ended clinic with 2052 people visiting for a total of 24, 890 over the eight days we were open.

Some of the thoughts and experiences of our mission team members:

"Best experience in Thailand, meeting everyone! Making friends, learning how to speak Thai. I can say this in my sleep: 'Ya die when song lein me, hah' (do you want bifocals?) Ha ha! That was so fun when the patients were amazed knowing/thinking I can speak Thai!! Best memorable moment was dispensing a pair of of glasses for a 7 year old girl, -8.00 and never had glasses before. When I put them on the little girls face, what made me cry was not the smile on her face, it was the expression on her mom's face. Her mom was the one who had the bigger smile. I loved every moment of Thailand and I will miss everyone here a lot." - Dr. Victoria Feng

" The leadership team led us through all situations allowing the talent and determination of the whole team to make it happen! The organization of the clinic and and spirit was the best ever. Our host, in the Thai people made this a most unforgettable experience. This will be the destination of choice for future missions. Thank you Thailand and GOS!!" - Charlie Wolfe, IMS Team Leader

" The last day of clinic, a day of mixed emotions. Looking forward to going home, but hating to leave. I made so many friends here it is really tough to say good bye. It feels so good in my heart to be able to help so many people. They are all so gracious and appreciative and this will be a mission I will never forget." - Steve Bristol, Permastelisa vendor partner

Last day of the Thailand 2008 mission and all the dispensing areas were so fun. The volunteers are all keeping us fun and light & laughing. Dancing and singing and lots of fun hats. Many amazing pictures to remember everyone we exchanged email addresses with the teachers so we can share some of the photos. If we could take the volunteers home, imagine how fun the stores would be!" -Steve, Mission Manager

"Clinic day #8. Everyone looks fantastic and festive wearing their crazy hats. We have been blessed to have helped over 24,000 Thai people. They are very kind to all of us. Each day seemed to get better and better. Our team is most amazing. A couple of people go sick for various reasons and everyone was gracious.. picked up the slack and cared for the sick.
We laughed, sang karaoke, cried and just plain bonded like a team should. It was a pleasure serving this particular team. I made lots of lasting friends and got to know more of those I already know. Thank you Thailand 2008. I will think about my experience here always."- May Thomas, Mission Technical Leader

The evening of the 3rd the team returned to the clinic site where a transformation took place and the hall was beautifully decorated for a dinner and entertainment celebration. We were entertained by the very talented kids who helped translate and assisted us in clinic. They were very talented in singing in English and dancing. There were speeches and we presented some cash from our silent auction for helping referral patients with eye care. The celebration was an outpouring of gratitude and well wishes for our safe return. Everyone left with a gift or two, or three from the Health Ministry, Lions, and the students. Tomorrow, Saturday, we will begin our journey home. -Alan Greggo

1 comment:

Eu said...

Back home, we still have this warm feeling about having contribute just a little bit for a better life for those people,
incredible experience,
and as I said before (I forgot to sign, the anonymous comment is mine), one of the most beautiful things that I bring home, is how grateful and generous is the thai people...
have a good week,back home,
Milena