Always time for a cuddle



Happy children after feeding packs
The day began with another Bonitar breakfast of champions, sadly (or not so) to be our last one. We embarked on our journey by tuk tuk, headed for the poorer inner city area of Phnom Penh, bordered on the old tip grounds. Litter lined the pot-hole ridden streets, making for a very bumpy ride. Despite the conditions, the community spirit was high and smiles were worn by all. Upon arrival to the local church building, teams swiftly set up at 4 tables, with pharmacy centre stage. Patients arrived in a timely manor, over 400 seen in total, creating a less chaotic scene than previous clinics. Mr Rith (our trusty tuk tuk driver) took on the role of optometrist, assisting those who needed glasses.

Patients ranged from infant to a fighting fit 87 years of age, and the flavour of the day appeared to be gastro. One case that struck a chord with the team was an 18 month old bub with a particularly severe case of gastro. A case that if presenting to Emergency, staff would swing in to action with fluid bolus' and electrolyte replacement, however we had to remind ourselves of the conditions we were working in. Armed with an array of medications, filling an entire box, Mum went on to tell staff of her hardship, having to take time off her 'job' of scavenging the tip heap to find recyclables to exchange for money; a large portion of her families income, in order to care for her critically ill child. Given fluid replacement, clean water, and education, they were sent on their way. Not far from our thoughts, we trooped on until lunch time; clinic stirring to a halt due to torrential rainfall. Packing up in record time, we headed for lunch at Lucky Burger (the Cambodian Hungry Jacks), and further on to the Russian markets where we all stocked up on new shoes after yesterdays muddy madness.

After being treated to a traditional Cambodian feast for dinner, at Rodney and Cheryl's, armed with gumboots, we returned by tuk tuk to Stung Meanchey to commence the Thursday night feeding program with 440 packs in tow. Split into two teams, we handed out individual feedings packs and bottled water to all the children who popped their heads out of their 'homes', which was an eye opener to us first timers. Greeted by smiles at every window, our hearts were stolen! We dispensed until our bags were empty, sadly some children missing out.

Although the most confronting experience to date, we found it the most rewarding to see the excitement on the childrens faces upon our arrival.

Safely tucked up in bed, we are ready to farewell the Bonitar, with a 4am start tomorrow to continue our adventures.

Bec and Gab

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