Editor’s note:

I have had the privilege of knowing John Sanburg and his family for over ten years and every year (even when the Maoist guerrilla uprising was in full cry) he has organised a team of surgeons and nursing staff to go to Nepal and offer free of charge cranio-facial reconstruction surgery for children with hare lips and cleft palates and plastic surgery for burns victims .  The latter are more common than you might imagine because of accidents caused by indoor cooking over open fires and heating against the severe cold.   Burns injuries can cause severe and very debilitating skin contractions – preventing the use of limbs.   The surgeons train local doctors and other international volunteers as well.

Their work is truly amazing and a wonderful and generous act.

So I would ask patrons of the Pig’s Arms to support John and his family in their new venture into Cambodia.  The smallest contribution will be very much appreciated – to each their own ability.

Thanks,

Emm.

Sept 26, 2012

Photos and Story by John Sanburg

There’s nothing quite like seeing someone else worse off to give perspective.

Research has shown that we are healthier if we own a pet.
…..So what do both these pieces of wisdom have in common??

In this era of looking after number one, I think we’re actually happier when we take the focus off ourselves.

To be brutally honest, I need a dose of this on an annual basis.

Years ago, as the head nurse of a busy surgical ward, I was invited to take part in a medical program in Nepal. It involved a team of surgeons & nurses who donated their time, and pay their way to operate on those who, by no fault of their own, were born with facial deformities. The event quickly became a regular fixture on my calendar.

That was in 1994. By 2005 I found myself leading the team. In close to two decades the team has provided life-changing surgery to over 1,000 Nepalese, as a free gift.

But don’t think for one minute that I’m some kind a hero. Those of you who volunteer to serve others will know what I’m talking about. It’s we who are blessed. It’s we who get to give, simply because we can, and are healthy enough to do so.

The team has always maintained a “no family” policy. That is, you can only bring them if they can offer clinical benefit. I guess I’m blessed on that front too, as my wife like me, is a registered nurse. Until our son arrived 8 years ago she accompanied me, to the little town of Banepa, an hour from Kathmandu where the team would operate on up to 80 people over 2 weeks.

The decision to lead the team was made after consulting the right people, well the wife in particular.  I often think of “Sliding Doors” and reflect on how one small decision can have a huge outcome…. she had her chance to say no in 2005. Our baby was only 12 months old after all. She knew what lay ahead. There would be months of preparations before each trip, meetings, fund-raisers, and the risk. (In 1997 the Maoists bombed us, thinking we were Americans).

The ripple effect of these things is intriguing. Our team visits the local orphanage near the end of each trip. This year, an anaesthetist from the north shore of Sydney struck up a friendship with a young teen who had a passion for soccer. Realising this orphan played in bare feet Tony now sponsors this kid to attend school. A few weeks ago, a photo of a teenage soccer player arrived in my in-box. I showed my wife the photo….”Just think honey, if you had said no in 2005, this kid wouldn’t be wearing soccer boots now!!”

Jacob, my son is now 8 years old. Ok, he has a dog, but he, like his Dad needs a dose of perspective. Can’t take him with me to Nepal, but in a few months our family visit Cambodia, as part of ICC. Jacob, and my step-daughter, and wife will be part of a team making a small difference in the Light of Hope Children’s Village (a nicer term than orphanage). He’ll get a chance to make friends with 150 kids, help build a house for a refugee family and hopefully come home thinking how blessed we are to live in this awesome country.

This venture is part of small group from Central Coast Community Church, known as CCCC. But if you’re attracted to stained glass windows and pews you’d better steer clear of it!! Located in the struggling suburb of Wyong we meet at the Salvation Army Oasis building every Saturday.

A diverse range of people flock there every weekend. Many have been burned by religion. Recently I found myself praying with a methadone user, who has been struggling with his alcoholic Dad. What did he want me to pray for? His pet snake, “Rastus” was sick.

I guess you could say Cambodia for us will be a family vacation with a difference…… Disneyland can wait!!

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/sanburg_family

http://cccc.org.au/