Malaysia to Taipei

Sitting in the airport in Kuala Lumpur waiting for my flight to Taipei. It is hot out side but very comfortable inside. A bit of excitement this morning when I went to the wrong airport and had to taxi about 20 miles to the other on short order. Very lucky that it was Saturday and there was not much traffic. Then when I got to the right airport after using my credit card to pay for the taxi, my credit card would no longer work for checking my luggage! I had not changed much money, dont get to Malaysia very often. Fortunately I carry a back up debit card for larger transactions and getting cash from my account at home, which did work. Luckily I am headed to Taipei where there are friends and it is easy to do the business of setting things straight. Malaysia is very modern, clean, efficient and friendly. Would love to come back and spend more than one day. Over all the trip has been great. Timor is always great because Sierra and Sean are there, they are such a joy to visit. I am a proud father every minute of my time there. I know that Sierra does not see the impacts of all that she does but it is wonderful to see the lives that she has touched and changed. Mostly the staff that work with her. They are transformed and will be the people that carry forward the work of human rights and peace in that nation. They are strong and firm in there resolve and it has been through the constant support that she has provided. Not just the person that comes for a few months but for a substantial part of her life. She too will forever be changed by what she is doing and has done. She is clear and strong and sure of herself... as I said a proud father indeed. I wish that I could have stayed until Matthias arrived everyone there loves him, his energy, his willingness to try to fix anything.

Jhamtse Gatsal was a challenge and joy. It was hard being so sick there and loosing 3 or 4 days. It was a short visit so it had to do double time to get all that I had planned done but the dental clinic is set up and ready to go. All the staff and children got examined and some management plans put in place for the most urgent. Jason, stayed on for a few more days to continue the treatment plans. He was a great help. The kids were healthier than last year and though progress is slow it is wonderful to see the new buildings taking shape and the program growing with new students and staff. Watching the kids get a year older was amazing too. Such a positive place. The new vehicle was what got me the last leg of the trip from Tawang to the school when I was coming down with dengue and took me to the hospital in Tawang a few days later to get tested for malaria, so I appreciate that capacity and am thankful for it being there and being able to take sick folks where they need to go!

Well time to board the plane to Taipei...

one more leg, an easy one! Taipei is always a joy to visit. Everything from the States is there and all of Asia as well.

Frank