Time flies, it is near the end of mission without much notice. It’s a strange feeling to be in a hard environment for the population there then within 33 hours I will be back in a comfort environment of my place where people have all sort of welfare and they just want more, sorry to say without gratitude for some of them. Education, basic medical care, nutritious food, clean and safe water supply, good sanitary system, electricity; all seems unreachable and luxurious in this poor country; but these are the things we have take in for granted in my place.

Photo source: Ryan KO

I don’t expect there are still so many victims from the earthquake that happen 6 months ago and not treated or treatment not completed in this mission. Some of them just suffer so much and do not know when are the ends of these tortures. Some just have limbs amputated and start to learn a new life without it. Of course I see a lot of patients injured from road accidents and some gun fight as well. I see tragedy that the initial treatment was neglected or badly done that end up with amputation that could be avoided if they have proper medical care at the very beginning. Of course we have many patients recovered with no or limited disability despite their serious injury and I am just feel so happy for them.

Photo source: Ryan KO

The team I worked with is wonderful, my project coordinator, both new and old are so enthusiastic and energetic about this project, one can see the sparks in their eyes when they are talking, planning and improving the project. Our orthopedic surgeon is already 68 years old and he has more than 15 years experience with MSF and are still not tired of it. He was just so concern about how much he can do for the patients even to the last day before he left. So is our nurse who is 70 and work with MSF for 25 years with 20+ missions. I just can hold my admiration to these wonderful people that do so much for the needy without feeling tired and still fill with so much energy in them. I make many friends with the locals, staffs, patients and their relatives. It’s a bit surprising to me as I don’t speak their language. But I think one can always make friends if one respect, care for and being sincere with them. On the whole this is a fruitful mission for me and I am reluctant to say goodbye so soon. I will miss them and wish them all good luck and recover soon. As for my teammates I really want to meet them again some where in the world on my next mission. They are just wonderful.
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