Thank you, congratulations, farewell -- closing ceremony

With the post-op clinic behind us there was nothing to do with the rest of the day except fill the time with shopping, sight-seeing, or in my case, napping to catch up on last night’s deficit. The evening ahead would be another late one with the closing ceremony and some time to say our goodbyes.

This one's for my dad (no, I didn't eat any part of this animal; I don't
eat pork). What shocking way to be displayed post mortem! :)

The hotel conference rooms were opened up and decorated with nice linens and yellow-bowed chair wraps. Two roasted pigs, a Filipino tradition for celebratory feasts, were perched on a table. A few opening words from the Cebu Port Center Rotary Club president and the buffet was open for business.

Following dinner, there were a few speeches praising our collective efforts and the overall success of the mission despite the tragic loss of one patient. It was communicated that the father of the deceased boy, while extremely upset, had chosen not to take his sentiments to the press concerned that it might prevent the mission from serving other needy children. Even in his grief, he managed in his own way to give back and allow the mission to continue unhindered.

Certificates of appreciation were handed out and a video of our mission was shared. I’ll try to figure out how to post it when I get back. It’s great. Then it was time to say goodbye. Many people were leaving early in the morning and we’d not get the chance to see them off. I was leaving for some R&R around noon while the rest of the team headed to the airport shortly after that, so I knew this was my last shot. And it was over. 

Exchanging a club flag with the Cebu Port Center
Club president. I'll carry this back to my Club as
a token of our mutual interests and friendship.



Two weeks ago, a team of 26 people descended on San Francisco from all over the country and even the world – Australia, Canada, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Arizona, New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, and my home state of Washington. Many of us strangers but with a common goal. We worked hard and became a family. But as quickly as we assembled and got to work, we dispersed in all directions to go back to our lives. No matter where we go and what we do, only this group will share the personal and life-changing experiences of this mission—the highs and the lows, the laughs and the cries. This group of veritable strangers is bonded forever in service.

Last goodbyes -- with Carolyn (head nurse and my mission mother) and Frank (her
husband and the mission's medical director) -- two of the most amazing servant
people I've ever met.