 |
View from my seat!
|
Departure on Sept. 17th on a "mini" plane. Seats for 19 passengers. I sat in the seat directly behind the cockpit and got to watch the pilots and their instruments the whole way! I also felt like, if I could open the windows on each side, my arm would be cut off by the propellors. (It was that close!)
We were heading to five remote villages in Sarawak to conduct health screenings/clinics with the Seventh-day Adventist heath care team, consisting of 8 doctors, 14 nurses, 8 non-medical volunteers (including the two of us), and 7 pastors.
 |
| First stop- Rumah Dauh, Selanggau |
 |
| Medical team at work. |
Typical long house where clinics were held.
 |
| Health clinic in Community Center, Belingan |
 |
| Dental work in a lawn chair, using Craig's head lamp |
Elder Wilson checking height & weight.
The picture at the right is a member of the LDS Church, Mukah Branch that we met at the clinic. He was baptized only four years ago and has been to the Manilla Temple twice with his family. His name was Brother Bangit.
This picture to the right shows the Karada Scan machine purchased by LDS Charities. It calculated the BMI, body weight and percentage of fat. Then it also calculate an individual's "age" based on the factors measured. Note: Heavier people (with higher body fat percentage) usually were calculated "older" than their actual age.
Long House Clinic at Stulan. Estimated long houses down the hall, estimated around 80!
 |
| Dr. consultations |
Cultural dancing from the Dayak tribes 
This morning in our travels around town we happened to see this statue in the distance and thought we should check it out. It turned out to be a wonderful historical park commemorating the China / Malaysia relationship going back to the 1300's! It also had separate monuments for each of the 13 states in Malaysia. Our mission responsibilities are in two of these states: Sarawak and Sabah (both on the island of Borneo, which is East Malaysia). It was very interesting to learn more about the history of this nation. During the day, when we stopped, it was quiet and peaceful as there were not many people here other than the workers around the grounds. However, we have since learned that it is a very popular park at night where Malaysians gather after their work day is completed to socialize. We are grateful that we missed the crowds!
It brought back memories to me to see Raj's mother get so emotional when he opened his call. I remember the feelings I had when my daughter and son were called on their missions. You are both happy and sad at the same time. It is hard to let them go!
