As the last child was seen in the post-op clinic we were all filled with a sense of satisfaction and joy from helping so many children with cleft anomalies. We will be leaving this delightful city missing the warm friendship of our host Rotarians in Club Guelaguetza. We have high hopes of returning again to complete our unfinished work.
Tears of joy were shed at our final dinner as we viewed a most artistically sensitive photo presentation composed by our photojournalist Jerry Meshulam. A highlight of our final dinner at a former 16th century convent was Dr. Joe Hebert singing along with the local mariachi band. His golden voice serenaded us with Latin love songs.
Not to be upstaged by a pediatrician, plastic surgeon Dr. Wan Ho dedicated his personal rendition of two love songs to his favorite anesthesiologist and partner on the mission, Dr. Kay-Kyoung Kim. The younger crowd went out to dance away what little remained of the night, not minding the 5:00 a.m bus call for some.
Fond farewells were received from our hospital director Dr. Octavio Corres and club president Gladis Castellanos Hérnandez as we departed the airport. Hugs and kisses abounded.
Dr. Frank Leake
Mission Director-Oaxaca 09