Thailand Journal 9 – Aug. 31, 2019

It is Sabbath here in Thailand, and for the last 12 years we have join with the AIU School of Nursing, Mission Hospital, and the Southeast Asia Union Mission (in particular its president, Pastor Somchai, who has been the driving force behind this for many years) to conduct a community health/mobile clinic day in one of the villages. They know that this is an important dimension of our

trip, and they have been kind enough to schedule it on the second Saturday after we arrive. There were two doctors from the hospital (including Dr. Nick [and his wife Fay is such a delight to have]), and the head of dentistry and an assistant. The local student nurses were involved in many aspects of nursing including education and nutrition. Our team members were fully engaged as assistants to the doctors, the pharmacy, dentist, glucose testing, etc. Many said that this event inspired them to be involved in mission and community health care. We always look forward to seeing Mr Udom the owner and chairman of Ramkhamhaeng

Advent International School (RAIS) in Bangkok. He wasn’t there today, but he sent a van with hundreds of towels and bath soaps to give the villagers. In times past they have given away cash as well…. Now, to the big adventure: Many of you know that I don’t do water or roller-coaster rides. Well, the trip to Koh Samed island this evening was exhilarating to the team and a nightmare for me. The boat that we usually take was cancelled because of rough and

high waves. So we went to another pier and booked a speed boat – Got it? Speed boat on high and rough sea! For some of the team it was one of the highlight of the trip! For Deanna and myself it was another story! The island and the beach are beautiful, however. Somporn got us a great resort on the beach. The atmosphere on the beach for dinner was fantastic. But we all agreed that we are spoiled by the food at the Blue Restaurant. Everything else pales in comparison. I’m here sitting overlooking the ocean and enjoying the very cool breeze; the team is gone walking and watching fireworks and other fire shows on the beach. They deserve it after a hard but wonderful week of work.