‘I hope kids will stop running from me now’

Nourn Chourn displaying his handicraft

February 11, 2010

Sister Sonoda said that she is often called to homes of the sick in Cambodia, though often proper treatment comes late, if at all. The poor people of the area usually cannot afford a visit to the hospital.

“There are many times that we can’t really do anything, except say ‘Why don’t we pray together?’ Though they aren’t Christians, praying together brings them peace. Families told us afterward that they were able to fall asleep with calm in their hearts. Just days later, the suffering person may pass away.”

TOKYO (UCAN) — Cambodian Nourn Chourn, 23, lost his lower jaw when he was hit by a stray bullet at the age of 12. In 2008, he underwent plastic surgery at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo before briefly returning to Cambodia.

Now he has returned, spending a great deal of his time in Japan since September of last year at Tsukiji Church, a Catholic parish near the hospital, making crafts using beads and knitted material.

Before the surgery, Chourn had great difficulty eating. Food fell from his mouth and he was unable to control his drooling. Though he lived in a household of nine, he had to eat alone.

Last year, he underwent a 21-hour operation in which bone from his leg, skin from his abdomen, and a tendon from his hand were all transplanted to his face. Last December, his right hand was secured to his jaw as part of an effort to restore his lips.

Upon the success of the operation, Chourn said, “Because of the hard work of so many people, I can look forward to eating with everyone.”

He added in a softer voice, “I hope kids will stop running from me now.”

One of his main benefactors has been Sister Kuniko Sonoda of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus of Chauffailles, who met Chourn through her work in Cambodia.

In 2002, the nuns, in association with the Japan Lay Missionary Movement, established a literacy and children’s health center for poor families in Siem Riep, which lies near the ruins of Angkor Wat.

Japanese organizations provided assistance

The center regularly receives workers from Luke Japan, a volunteer group associated with St. Luke’s International Hospital. Through that connection, Chourn was able to receive intensive assistance from the doctors.

Once it was decided that Chourn would come to Japan for treatment, many organizations and individuals throughout Japan with ties to the sisters, including parishes throughout the nation and caregivers at St. Luke’s, contributed money that made the treatment possible.

Chourn’s housing on the grounds of the Jodo temple in Minato ward was provided free of charge by a charity that helps children with incurable diseases and their families.

Unable to go to high school before, Chourn often expresses his desire to return to Cambodia soon, to his house in the forest where he can work as a farmer.

Sister Sonoda said that she is often called to homes of the sick in Cambodia, though often proper treatment comes late, if at all. The poor people of the area usually cannot afford a visit to the hospital.

“There are many times that we can’t really do anything, except say ‘Why don’t we pray together?’ Though they aren’t Christians, praying together brings them peace. Families told us afterward that they were able to fall asleep with calm in their hearts. Just days later, the suffering person may pass away.”

She continued, “I feel we’re called to spend time with them at the end. The poor have no choice but to accept their reality. In a way, we say theirs is a quiet strength. Here, too, we vividly experience the presence of Christ.”