Thai ’08 Journal 20

This week will be packed with events and ceremonies and thank-you events. Thai people are so appreciative and generous. This morning I went to a ceremony at the elementary school where the nursing team has been doing much of their work. It was put on mostly by the Mission College nursing students. It included a number of aerobic dances done by both MC and WWU nursing students. I have some brief videos on the photo site. There was also a speech by the Health Director of the Province, and lots of presentations. The MC nursing students also put on a health poster-board display.

I then went to the farm and put in an hour’s work picking sweet sop. I know that some of the guys are a little tired of picking; but they realize that that is what needs to be done. Many of the fruit are already ripening on the tree. We can’t pick fast enough! They told me today that had we not been there it would take them a month to do what we are doing. We really feel that we are making a difference. Yesterday and today we had coconut water. Kyle Balk was in heaven! He loved the coconut water; cutting open the coconut; cutting a spoon from the husk; and cutting out and eating the jelly!

The other major project today was the dental cleaning for the MC staff and faculty. There were 33 signed up, but Kim was only able to do 13. Normally the dentist office do 8 for the day. So you know she was really working. Scott took the day off from the farm to assist her.

Lindsey picked up something over the weekend and was not kicking it. So the school nurse and the entire nursing faculty that are here from both MC and WWU came to see her and recommended that she go to the hospital. She is staying overnight, and they are hydrating her and giving her antibiotic treatments. I just spoke to her by phone and she is already feeling better.

Tonight we went to another village where Theresa and Mel gave PowerPoint presentation. It was a smaller group; but a very attentive group.

A few blogs ago I copied a visitors impression of what we were doing at the English Camp. Kevin responded to her. I’m copying his extensive and passionate response below (but here is the link: http://dsuffix.blogspot.com/2008/08/muak-lek-high-school-mission-college.html)

kevin said...

This is Kevin by the way.
I just read your "opinion" on how our short term mission trip was more for our own personal gain than to really help people.
I find that quite offensive personally, I acknowledge that you are entitled to your opinion but to state online that we basically are here for ourselves and not doing anything for those around us is quite absurd (in MY opinion).
To come to that conclusion about us as a group after being with us for what?... a half day? is that really a judgment that you are able to make? You talked with me personally for maybe a total of five to ten minutes do you really think you are able to know the kind of person i am and how i have interacted with the kids on this trip? You've seen me on my first day of teaching and you can just assume that we've done nothing for those kids. I Love those kids and just cause i havent spent months with them as you have with your Cambodian kids, doesnt make your love for your kids any stronger than mine.
yeah our mission trip is only for about 2 and a half weeks, but some of us are not called by the Lord to spend years in a foreign land. You may be one of those few who God wants to stay here in Thailand or Cambodia. But can you honestly say that God wants EVEYRONE to do that? No that would not be correct.
I can not speak for everyone else but as for me, I came on this trip to try and help someone and do soem good this summer. If i can affect at least one person's life for the positive way i would be completely satisfied with the work i've done on this trip. I came on this "SHORT" mission trip because i am still in school and dont have the luxury of being able to spend that money and time to stay in a foreign country for years as you have been able to do.
To say that this trip isnt for others and for ourselves is very self righteous of you (in MY opinion). It really seems as if you feel that you have the right to judge us and what we're doing just because you've spent more than two weeks in Cambodia. I'm not going to get into a Bible verse battle with you (cause im sure you'd win), but i am pretty sure that no one is in a position judge anyone.

Your statement basically says that what we are doing is pointless, but did you ask the kids personally if we're doing a good job? Now i am in no position to say that I'm the GREATEST teacher of all time and that im doing an Spectacular job, but i received an email from one girl in particular who told me that she loves english but doesnt get a lot of chances to practice and has really enjoyed us being there because she is able to learn a little bit more each day she was with us. Now i cant say that all the kids feel the same, but if what that girl told me is true than i feel that we've already done a great job.
But just how i am not trying to speak for the kids, you should not either. you do not know if our work has or has not made a difference in their lives so in MY opinion maybe you should think about what you are blogging about before you actually press that save button.