Reflections

LAOS - We had great meetings with government officials in Laos and are beginning to get a picture of the needs of the disabled there. There is no one advocating for the elderly at this point, although a national committee has been established to evaluate their needs. Mentally and physically disabled cared for and housed behind/under a stadium is indelibly imprinted on our minds. Deaf education stops at 8th grade in Laos. Surely there is someone out there who can help with high school deaf curriculum. After all, the sign language is universal. Laos seems primed for improved care for the elderly and other disabled people. They have requested a copy of our Vietnam Conference DVD. We need guidance in how we are to proceed in working there.

VIETNAM - Thanks to Dr. Nguyen accompanying us, this trip gave us a much better understanding of healthcare overall in the country. We experienced so much, visiting hospitals, medical school, nutrition institute and facilities for the disabled that were painful to see. We had meetings with significant Vietnamese influencers. The enthusiastic response to the Caring for the Elderly Conference and subsequent training was inspiring. Much of the work in Vietnam was physically and emotionally draining. Visiting SS3 on our final day was a blessing as we saw first hand results from some of our efforts and were welcomed as family members there. We were humbled that their staff paid a half day's salary or more ($2.50) for our lunch. It was also humbling that when we gave a little money to be spread among the staff in the Executive Lounge of the hotel for their excellent service, the supervisor initially didn't want to accept it, saying we should give it to the poor people we were there serving (he was aware of our work)...his employees make about $200/month.

OTHER THOUGHTS - Folks at home praying for us, as well as praying for the people we were there to serve...the building of our faith as we did things we hadn't done before, frequently being called upon to give a speech or even TV interview without advance notice. Gifts of medical supplies, transfer vests, toys, teddy bears, and unexpected financial contributions warmed our hearts and made a difference in the lives of others. An attitude of gratitude for family, friends and our way of life. Respect and deepening friendship for our co-workers who went above and beyond any reasonable expectation. While we were taking vacation time, to consider it a vacation would require a significant re-definition. Perspective about what is really important. Serving others...Friendship. Divine appointments. Our dependence on Divine guidance... This isn't about us.

Most of you reading this know someone on our team...you can be assured that they represented their God, their country and their profession well on this trip.