I am where I am meant to be

Today is the first day of surgery! I was able to meet and chat with two HSCV referred patients (and their mothers' today). They will receive heart surgery at no cost! The donated supplies from CardioStart make this possible. This is certainly a big deal for these families with little financial means; consider that the cost for heart surgery is typically $3k.

One child, Hiep was 22 months (left image), is over the top adorable! He has a sweet smile that feels like it is masking a typically mischievous boy. As I interviewed both mothers, they told me about their children living in bad health, having shortness of breath and even fainting spells. They shared that they had debt from years of expenses from hospital visits and medication. Hiep has congenital heart disease, and going without surgery his life expectancy is very short. The surgery is absolutely essential, but still I was anxious for them. I wondered if the children knew what would happen soon. After all, surgery is scary enough for an adult. And when I saw Hiep get strolled into the ICU, I was a bit overwhelmed. It is hard to see him so tiny, with so many wires going in and out of him. Things beeping, monitors flashing. But it was wonderful to see the great care the ICU nurses were giving. Lisa Scott shared that the nurses had made great progress since last year; and of course that's amazing to hear. The mission is not just about making an impact on one person's life, but the great impact it will have on health care received in Vietnam in general.

The best part of the day was when Jim, our biomed (ie equipment extraordinaire) met with

Vu. Vu received life saving surgery last year. Vu's surgery was special for a few reasons. CardioStart worked with CryoLife to get a donated tissue valve, which came from a deceased American. This was historic event because it was the first time this transfer was done in Vietnam. Also special, during last year's mission, Jim had spoken to Vu's father and had learned that both had been Vietnam veterans. But for opposing sides. As they shared details, they found out that they were both fighting during the same exact time frame in the same exact area. Likely shooting ammunition against one another. For Jim, this eye opening experience brought a lot back, a flood of emotions then (when first meeting with Vu) and now, meeting Vu a year later, healthy and smiling. Jim shared with me that for all the bad that came from the war, it means a lot to see something good. For a big man of 67 years, seeing authentic tears from Jim, really shows yet another unique way this mission has had impacted those involved. I'm thrilled to see how much peace it brings to him.

There's so much each day I don't cover, the outreach program, the great work in the O.R., the lectures, the echo room, the tough work of the translators, there is so much else going on, so much good being done. But I will! Keep reading on! Each day brings another story to be told, another element of surprise, and another success.

As I wrap up this post, mosquito chomping at my ankles... it is hard to imagine that there is snow in Minnesota, Christmas shopping, Santa Claus and all the holiday hoopla. It feels as far from Christmas as it could be... But I am happy to be here and wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now!