I still remember my first day at work very clearly. I was excited and full of anticipation. Accompanied by Rachel and Jan, I made my way to Kantha Bopha Hospital Jayavarman VII. From afar, we could already see the cluster of people, including the directors of the hospital in Siem Reap, waiting patiently for the Swiss group (consisting of doctors and nursing staff who are on assignment for a week every year), the members of the Kantha Bopha Hospitals Foundation Board and us. On the way, the Swiss group joined us.
When we arrived in front of the hospital, we were greeted warmly and everyone was given a stick of incense to place in front of Beat Richner's memorial. Countless photos were taken of us all to share this moment with everyone who couldn't be there. We were even presented with gifts afterwards.
As “only” a sub-assistant, I didn't understand this attention that was also paid to us at the time. We weren't on a mission to help, support and teach them like the others. We were just students who were at the bottom of the medical food chain and couldn't give much back yet. But after two months and countless conversations with all kinds of people, I gained an insight into their culture and also understood that this warmth towards us was a kind of thank you: a way of giving back to us Swiss, whoever we were, for the work that Beat Richner had done for this hospital.
During an evening conversation, one person confided to me why she would like to visit Switzerland one day. Not for her own pleasure, but to pay tribute to Beat Richner and visit his home town. The people who work here have a pure heart, free from greed and self-interest. A doctor told me that if someone didn't have this attitude, they wouldn't work here.
And that was also transferred to the lessons. There was so much enthusiasm and I was infected by it too. Every day I went into that hospital with a smile on my face and I left with the same. So much knowledge and skill was passed on to me. From dengue fever to the birth of a child.
Not only for these reasons am I very grateful that I had the opportunity to come here, but also for the friendships I was able to make here. The people at the hospital welcomed me with open arms and integrated me into their lives. We ate together, danced traditional Khmer dances, watched sunsets, celebrated birthdays and weddings, cooked, visited temples and laughed a lot. I can't put into words how grateful I am for this experience.
I will carry this time in my heart forever and hope very much that I can come back soon. អរគុណច្រើន, my new Kantha Bopha family! And a lot of fun to the upcoming sub-assistants!
With best regards
Morgane
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