Belmont University

Some Thoughts


everyone_sm.jpgWe spent today at the hospital as our last official day of work, as tomorrow we go to help with nursing check-offs and to get ready for our trip to the village on Friday. We have all gotten to see and do so much at the hospital here and its been really interesting to compare it with healthcare in the US. After the hospital, we went to church with Susan's family who flew in on Monday. It's been great getting to know Susan's husband Chas and her two sons. They have made such deep connections with the people here, its really nice to see them reunite with their friends. After church we went to great dinner and discussed our thoughts and feelings about the trip thus far. It's crazy to think it's almost over. We have all learned so much from this trip, its unbelievable. All the things we've seen and people we've met have impacted us and changed us in a way that I can't describe. Cambodia is such a beautiful country and all the people we have met have been so nice and warm and caring.

It is absolutely incomprehensible to think about the state of this country only 30 years ago. Seeing Toul Sleng and the Killing Fields and the horror of torture and genocide and then going to back to work with the same people who lived through all that... I don't even know what to say. I am constantly filled with so many emotions. I feel so lucky to be here and see the country and Angkor Wat and all the beauty, but I hate that such good, hard working, strong people are still suffering and starving because of the war. The resilience of the human spirit is amazing. Absolutely, utterly amazing. Cambodia has come so far so quickly and we are trying to do our part to help, but after meeting the people here I have no doubt in my mind that soon this country will be thriving like it used to.

JuliaI just want to say thank you so much for all your support. My family especially, thank you for being there for me and giving me everything I could ever want or need. I am so grateful to be able to be here and I appreciate your love and prayers more than I could ever say.


Posted by Julia on May 28, 2008 09:02 AM |

Comments

Julia, your thoughts are very moving. My heart and prayers will be with all of you as you head to the village. God speed and may your love and care give the people there a special blessing. We continue to pray for your safety and care.
Chris Algren

Posted by: Chris Algren | May 28, 2008 09:58 AM

To Susan and the team,

I can't tell you how much I look forward each day to reading your reports and seeing the pictures of what you all are experiencing. God doesn't need a lot of time to make a big impact, does he? Thanks so much for sharing your hearts and thoughts in your daily blogs, they are impacting everyone "back home" as well.

It's also great to see Chas and the boys in the picture, as we were praying for their safe travel as well. To Zane and Tyler: Christopher and Scott say "Hi". Zane, Scott says you look like you have a stomach-ache!

Thanks for your posts, and we'll be praying for your time in the village!

Cathy Freiberger

Posted by: Cathy Freiberger | May 28, 2008 09:59 AM

Thank you so much for your very interesting & informative blog. Please, what is the best way for us to help? The mission appears to be two-fold: medical and educational. Is there a direct way for those of us here to offer medical support?

My heart also goes out to the boy who had to stop attending school for lack of $10 monthly. If there is a direct way to help him, please let me know. Without education, there cannot be training for additional medical personnel.
During your trip to Cambodia, I've been reading the inspirational book, Leaving Microsoft to Change the World by John Wood. After seeing the photos of the Cambodian students in this book, I am filled with hope for their future, and will make a donation in your honor, which will go directly to Cambodia.
(To learn more, please visit:
www.roomtoread.org, founded by the author of this book.)
Our best wishes for your village visit and for your safe arrival home to Tennessee
Diane, we miss you. Love, Mom

Posted by: Linda Maynard | May 28, 2008 01:52 PM

Julia Dear,
It is a privilege to be your Mom.
Love and prayers to all.
Paula Mccuaig

Posted by: Paula Mccuaig | May 28, 2008 07:03 PM

Chas, Tyler and Zane, Glad to see you made it! Have a great weekend, we will be praying for you and the rest. I'm sure you will be a blessing to many.

Posted by: dan and kelly | May 28, 2008 09:17 PM

Julia, it's been great being able to keep track of your journey. I can't wait until you come home so I can hear even more. What you are doing is so wonderful, and you truly are an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work!
Lindsay

Posted by: Lindsay Schonborn | May 31, 2008 09:18 PM

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