Towards the end of our first week of work, one of our patients fainted while waiting for her medication, likely due to the heat, humidity, and exhaustion.  This gives you an idea of the kinds of conditions our team works in. One of our members notified me that, "one of our patients fainted... oh, and by the way, we can't find a pulse..." My heart almost dropped. The last thing we need to add to a busy clinic day is a code blue. Luckily, we found a pulse and after IV fluid hydration our patient was better. Her EKG and lab tests showed no remarkably concerning findings; she was transferred to the local hospital for further evaluation.

As we were rounding out the week the energy was spent, many members were fatigued; but amazingly, love and kindness never ceased. This is the reason why this mission is so dear to my heart. It is the beautiful people of Vietnam and it is the incredible young volunteers from the US.

And the work continued on as we cared for the patients...

...taught the local doctors how to provide an up-to-date standard of medical care for the patients. No, we are not just doing "medical tourism." We are dedicated to improving the healthcare and the lives of the people of Cao Bang...

by loving them...

and spending time with them...

even if just for a brief moment doing the silliest thing...

Thank God for the amazing kitchen of Mo Tu with a variety of options on the menu. Funny how everything is always "sold out" except for 'mi goi' (instant noodles).

Took a moment to appreciate the majestic beauty of God's creation on the way back on our last day of clinic. God is always giving us little gifts, it is up to us to notice them.