Philippines 2011

We have gotten off to a good start on our humanatarian mission to repair cleft lips and cleft palates here in Kabankalan, Occidental Negroes, Philippines. After leaving Boise on Friday and traveling to Portland, Tokyo, Manila, Bacolad and a two hour car ride, I arrived at my destination on Sunday evening. On Monday we evaluated about 45 patients and then did one operation on Monday night. This is my 5th trip to the Philippines and my third to this specific hospital, so I feel a lot more comfortable and my anxiety level is not so high. Still it is off the beaten path and there are always challenges to overcome. On Tuesday we did three operations and got back to the hotel by 9:30 PM. That is a bit unusual. I have become accustomed to much later nights. Because of my familiarity with the environment and the process, there are things I can do to improve efficiency throughout the day. I am writing this on Wednesday and we are just about to complete our fourth case today. No major problems with any of the cases so far. I am sharing the work with Kirk Nichols this week. He is a nurse anesthetist from Utah. His journey to the Philippines turned into a saga after he had boarded his connection in Los Angeles. It seems that the luggage people bumped against the plane with their vehicle and knocked a hole in it. I do enjoy the Philippines with its 80 degree temperatures in January and lush green vegetation. The people are wonderful. I even like the little geckos on the lunch room walls. Several people have asked “where is Miss Sandra” and I have to explain that she couldn’t make it this year. Sandra would be amazed that there are even more babies being delivered at this little hospital this year than last and as always the women barely make a sound as they go through labor without an epidural. Sandra would appreciate that Kirk and I rode a “trike” back to the hotel last night. That is a motorcycle with a side car that serves as a taxi. The locals will often get 10 or 12 people on it at one time.