Thai ’08 Journal 9

I got just under two hours sleep last night. I was up by 7:00 am to check on any member of the team who had not slept but was pacing the Mission College grounds. But none were up and out and about. However, there was a meeting scheduled for 10:00 with the governor, which was cancelled. But in its place an 8:30 meeting was scheduled with the Nursing faculty, Tresor, Fred and myself. By 9:00 team members began to come out for breakfast – even though we had not gotten to bed until around 4:00 am. The WWU nursing students got to meet the MC nursing students as the latter headed out to the community health service in the villages. We were taken on a tour of a spa and health and wellness center, as well as into one of the villages where the MC Nurses are currently working.

Finally we got to have our general orientation where for the first time all 30 members of the team were present. It’s a good bunch and we’re going to have a great time together!

Vie, Lorraine, Ken, and I took out some time to go to the big supermarket about 30 minutes away – the big Tesco Lotus supermarket (it’s like Walmart) – to pick up supplies like Gatorade for the farm workers and umbrellas for the nurses. It’s amazing the little little things that are needed to make projects like these go smoothly.

Most of the students walked into town this afternoon. A good half-hour walk at least. They then stayed on for the Friday market where the rest of us joined them. An interesting experience for many who had never seen anything like this! For some who are not vegetarians, they felt like this experiences almost persuaded them to never eat meat again.

Tonight many went over to vespers even though they were very tired. After vespers a couple of students came by the house and also it was great to have the Dybdahls come by to visit. They seem to be having a wonderful time here. The children especially are so excited and have made many friends. This is a safe and wonderful neighborhood for families to live in.