Ahhhh...again

I still have not blogged in a long while but when we arrive in Singapore I am going to spend the day at an internet cafe doing nothing but blogging and down-loading photos for you all to see. So, please don't abandon me in frustration because there is nothing new to read and just keep checking to see if I am able to add anything new. I want to tell you about the people of Cambodia, just briefly. I thought I loved the people of Vietnam but I love Cambodia even more. The society appears healthier, mentally and physically. They were warm, kind and made me feel very comfortable around them. The children are taught English beginning first grade and some were very fluent which really surprised me. The fold their hands as in prayers when they want to thank you and then they bow, saying 'ah kune'. It is a very humble gesture and I learned to do it in return out of respect to them, especially the elderly. I cried when our transators left because they had been with us from the first day in PACU. I have so many photos I want to share with you and we will arrive in Singapore in two days so please check for some new information from me. And....thanks for reading and traveling with me.

Your friend....Dolores

Ahhhhhhhh

Dear friends....We are so busy in Cambodia that I have not blogged in about 10 days and I apologize. We are doing 30 surgeries each day with no days off. And....this internet connection is so slow it takes me about 2 hours to do one blog, with only about 2 photos per blog. As soon as I get break I will send more. Thank you so much for followiing me as I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful work."A Marvelous Work and a Wonder".

Your friend....Dolores

GOODBYE VIETNAM !!!!

I will never see your shores again...your happy, smiling people,...your laughing children. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would actually walk your streets, eat your food, smell your air, bathe in your water, care for your citizens, meet you in a time of peace. Goodbye Vietnam....

I forgot to tell you guys...

About the Japanese ship that I visited. To begin with, since my Dad served in this area and fought the Japanese, it was surreal to imagine that I was actually walking around their ship. They were extremely nice and many of them spoke English. I actually know three Japanese words...hello, thank you and goodbye and I used them frequently. Their sushi was laid out like art. It was beautiful. I ate snail, pork and raw fish wrapped in rice and seaweed. And...the saki was flowing but I drank coke like a good girl. The Kendo (a martial art) national champion performed for us and that was interesting. I know I keep saying this but I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE.

Love you all....

A 4 Star Admiral...

I guess its a big deal to people in the military but to me, just a lowly citizen, meeting Admiral and Mrs. Robert F. Willard was just another handshake between two people. I understand he is in charge of the entire Navy Pacific Fleet and hangs out with the big guys. But, he used to live in Florida (my home state) and his sister-in-law lives in Ovieda, Florida so he is just a 'good-ol-boy. Apparently, it is the going thing to receive coins from important people (the President has his own coin) and I did receive one from the Admiral so, here is a pic. Now, ya'll have a nice day.

Love.....Dolores

Santa Claus in Vietnam

Yep...you heard m the right. This little boy was so unhappy following his surgery but the minute he laid eyes on Santa (one of the merchant marines on board) his entire attitude changed and he became a 'good boy'.

I have a boyfriend!!!

Well, at least I almost did. He is the cutest 95 year-old I have ever seen. But he decided that the relationship probably wouldn't work because we live so far apart. But, he kissed me on the cheek and asked if I would kiss his cheek and, of course, I did. The Vietnamese are amazing people, so resilient, humble and I am enjoying getting to understand their culture. We did our first cleft palate and he is so tiny and precious. I am so grateful for this experience. I am so blessed.

Love you all.....Dolores

Vietnam pics

VIETNAM

June 1, 2010

We are finally here in Vietnam and our first day of surgery. However, I found out late last night that I had a shore duty with the ship Chaplin to go to a pediatric hospital, and was that ever an eye opener. An 80 bed hospital with 110 patients under the age of 15. We played games, blew bubbles, kicked a ball, painted toe nails and placed stickers on just about each child. Many were very sick and couldn't participate but they smiled if they could and so did their parents. They are an amazing people...very small and petite....and beautiful. I took 132 photos of the kids and wish I could post them all but the internet is too slow here on the ship. I am so blessed to be on this mission and love and miss you all.

God Bless.....Dolores