“…when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are in the service of your God.”  Mosiah 2:17

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been working with the Navy over the last few years in a combined effort aboard their 2 hospital ships the USNS Mercy and the USNS Comfort. I was given the opportunity to participate in this joint effort called “Pacific Pebbles 2012” program. It was named this because we would be serving the countries of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia which are “Pacific” countries.

“Pebbles” refers to the enlarging ripples that are created by even a small pebble just as we were helping people on another side of the world that would have lasting effects on their lives due to our service and talents. I was able to participate for 3.5 weeks aboard the Navy ship USNS Mercy in Cambodia, which was the last port of harbor for the joint 3 month venture.

I lived on board during this time and also doing missions to neighboring schools screening people for surgery and medical attention. I was also able to go to the port town of Sihanoukville and tour the country sponsored hospital with local physicians.

In all, the trip from the Philippines to Cambodia treated 50,000 patients, 7000 animals treated by volunteer veterinarians, over 2000 people screened for surgery and almost 900 surgeries performed, 47,000 dental procedures completed, 28,000 pairs of glasses dispensed, 145 community service projects, and completed 68,000 contact hours in medical. It was a wonderful experience with many long hours and it was very exhausting. But the sacrifice that these volunteers made to give aid to their other “brothers and sisters” on the other side of the world brought into perspective how we are all here to help one another when possible.