Thanksgiving

This is my final posting before I actually depart on my mission and adventure.  As I leave Los Angeles I would like to thank all the folks that have been so wonderful in allowing me to make this trip.  I of course want to thank my dear wife, Mary Lou, for all her support and understanding that makes me free to go and assist in Njinikom, Cameroon.  My associate, Dr. Sheila Phillips, for holding down the fort at the office while I jet away to distant lands.  Elise Frederick at Mission Doctors Association (MDA) and the Board for their support.  And all the fantastic individuals who have contributed to my mission, which is allowing me to take some much needed medicines and medical supplies.  And of course to all my dear friends who have wished me well and hosted and toasted me before I depart.    

On the other end of my journey I wish to thank Dr. Jim Hake and his wife Terry for hosting me at the Mission Hospital and Sister Xaveria for extending the invitation for my mission.

And thank you to all my patients and their families for their enthusiastic interest and encouragement. Patients, Sophia and Stevie share a parting song below.

And thanks, Jessica, in the MDA office for establishing and maintaining this blog site
 
Next Stop...Cameroon!!

My Prepartions

It is now just four weeks from tomorrow that I leave on my medical mission to Cameroon.  My travel immunizations(ouch..just kidding) are in progress, only 2 more injections to go.  I attended a weekend retreat with Mission Doctors Association last week and heard a wonderful talk by Dr. Joe Llwellyn from Alaska who had been to the same hospital as I will be attending.  Trials and tribulations of being in a remote hospital but with many rewards from the work one can do.  I am taking a mantra with me: 'work from the mind and not the heart' as one of the Sisters at the hospital reminded Dr. Joe following a difficult case.  My heart will be my driving force, but I will remember to WORK from the mind.