Finally home in my comfy bed feeling relaxed and blessed. Managed to take a short nap before checking my messages. Just an insight from our medical mission in Lebanon: 15 volunteers (5 pediatric surgeons, 5 anesthesiologist and 5 nurses) wholeheartedly offered free service to the children of Lebanon. In a span of one week, we managed to perform 10 major surgeries and more than 20 minor surgeries. Thank God all were successful despite the lack of equipment there. It was my first time to travel to an Arab country, slept in a tent braving the humid weather. Managed to eat for the first time authentic Lebanese dishes which I have forgotten the names already! Food wasnt too bad...only too strong, the flavor, for me. People were friendly. They were trying to reach out and say probably thank you even if they dont speak English at all. It was hard not knowing what they wanted when our interpreter wasnt around. The language people speak is not important, there is language of love which can be shown through actions and gestures. I realized how lucky I am having what I have. The material things you have are nothing if you dont share what you can share with others. Ive seen the poorest of the poor, the unfortunate children of Damascus and Beirut. I hope people who have more would share somehow. Thank you to the people of Lebanon for guiding us while we were there. Now, Im more fulfilled as a pediatric surgeon. I felt happier giving service to the poor children in Lebanon than giving service to the rich kids in Manhattan. Its just different. No word can describe how I felt. I really thank God for this experience. We are made to share our talents with other people.xxx Back to reality tomorrow. Ive missed my family. Glad to be back home. Thank you to my colleagues who have made sacrifices for this mission to be a successful one. We will be back, we promise! xxx
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:55:45 +0000