Bintan Mission

To many of us caught in the hustle bustle of city life and running the rat race, Bintan is a place for weekend getaways on her golf clubs, stretchy beaches, and resort offering spas and yummylicious barbeques. Ruth's 1st trip to Bintan gave her an interesting insight to life and the joy .. of being able to sow into the life of another.. to see the expression on a child's face upon receiving a lil present.. to receive a sincere word of gratitude.. to work hard and knock out but ready to do the same thing the next day.. to work with a dedicated team who are all there for a purpose because they know the need is there, to see that people whom i've never met before can become a colleague in a matter of hours. Nuff said, lets let pictures do the talking. :)

Health Education

An important aspect of health: Education and Prevention of disease.


The approach, staffing and information package was a roaring success! Kudos to the team!


Touching the lives of little ones..


Medical Side



Sterilisation Unit
One of those pots 'exploded'. We heard it, looked up and saw something 'free-fall', stared at each other for 5seconds, and got buried back at work. Drama-mania!


Set Up
Old bird at work.


SaunaDental work area on Day 1, 21st June.


Sterile instrument area set up in the middle of joined classroom. Desks overlaid with clean disposable white plastic sheets.


Instrument galore!!! (Look at xxx's damn shagged out face ion the left)


Cons area at the start of the day 1..


Midway pasar malam at cons area.


And the we-know-we-are-messy cons department..

Day 2 instrument common-pool at corridor.


Prostho Team
The trio at work.

Fabricating cold-cure dentures on the spot-produce most satisfying results. It brings back smiles and function, hence improve the lives of another. I love!




Oral Surgery Dept
How to smile so genuinely when faced with a crying kid? Ask her.




"And of course, we have successfully disproved the myth that you must have an oral surgeon on duty. Just need some experienced GPs that all."


Welfare
Lil pleasures life has in store admist the fatigue.



Not complaining but there being no proper handwashing facilities, most of us had lunch with powdered hands/semi-powdered not-very-clean-water washed hands.
Home made lunch by the villagers was yumminess to the max! There were loads of keropok and it reminded me of how NellyBoo and I used to go crazy over papadum.


Here's our lodging for the night. Service apartments well equipped with TV, air conditioning, hot water for bath and a kitchen! My darling junior found a roach the size of my middle finger-i decided to totally ignore her statement for fear of a sleepless night! On day 2, I woke up to the sounds of rain hitting on my window. Tired and wanting to sleep in, yet energized to embark on a fresh new day!


Here are photos of who else but MYSELF.. and some other lovely folks that brought more than sunshine to my weekend.


Siti's got Ruth charmed! She's so pretty i called her AiNi (part of her name, but to Ruth it means LoveYou)


2 juniors who are always full of positive vibe.


Cant you see she's so damn bubbly.



I couldnt emphasize how small the world gets.. (Isnt it obvious we're totally drained and not camera-ready)


Prettiest Lady On Board

This undergrad has a wealth of knowledge-really nice person to talk to during the choppy ride back to Sg.

My 1st instinct brought me to assisting..

Then Organiser reminded me of why i was there..


There's no point growing up if we loose the kid in us..


The 5th Teletubby. "Whatever keeps him dry" I hereby conclude, animation for kids bring about buckets of fun and jokes.. Mere 2 weeks and there're jokes bout Thomas the chuchu-train, TMNT, and now, teletubby!


My ex lecturer who can go on and on(literally), both in classroom and outfield. I love listening to him talk(for the 1st time).. Sometimes it tickles. Sometimes it brings messages of love and lessons life has taught.

"They are dirty, so what? They dont even have water to drink, you think they'd use it to bathe?" Adapted from a bus-ride-story-telling-session. I'm a cleanliness/hygiene freak but this line has changed my perspective.



His NYP students and graduate.


Kids playing in the sun and sand has, for the 1st time, brought a smile that cracked my hardened hard.






There's alot of people to thank for, and i have decided not to post their photos and my way-too-personal thoughts. I brought home with me bags of joy and wonderful memories and am ready for more hard work and good times. For this purpose, i want to be the best i know how and get invited back for more life changing trips.




Not exactly done with this post...