PENANG: It was a joyous reunion for former Miss Malaysia Mabel Ng and the missionary doctor who delivered her 25 years ago at the Penang Adventist Hospital.
While Ng was excited at being able to meet up with Dr Effie Ketting, the latter was equally proud that one of her “babies” had grown up to become one of Malaysia’s most beautiful women.
“I’m glad I had the chance to meet up with Dr Effie,” said Ng after meeting Dr Effie on her return to the hospital yesterday for Christmas after leaving the place for 22 years with her husband Dr Samuel Ketting.
Ng, who was born in the hospital in 1978, was one of the 17,000 babies delivered by Dr Effie, then the hospital’s obstetrician and gynaecologist, between 1967 and 1981.
Dr Samuel, 76, was then the hospital’s chief executive officer and chief surgeon from 1967 to 1981.
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JOYOUS REUNION: Former Miss Malaysia Mabel Ng embracing Dr Effie Ketting while thanking her at the Penang Adventist Hospital Wednesday. |
The couple had served as volunteer doctors in primitive places such as Jamaica, Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria and Solomon Islands after their retirement in 1996 in the United States.
Ng said: “I’m sure if only my mother knew about Dr Effie’s visit, she would have come along with me as well.”
“I am sure all the other babies whom you had delivered are proud of you as well,” she told Dr Effie after giving her a hug.
Dr Effie,78, said she was proud of Ng’s achievements, especially in having won a Miss Malaysia title and was now a successful businesswoman.”
Before coming to Penang, the Kettings had returned to their home in Washington, after serving for four months in Africa.
Dr Effie said they would continue with the missionary work as long as they could.
“We will go back to studying to renew our missionary licences in the Noma Linda University, California, after Christmas so that we can continue to help people,” she said.
Dr Samuel said they would also visit the Phuket Adventist Hospital, which they help build in 1961, before returning to the US.
“We are happy to help people and the love and care that we give our patients are our secret to happiness,” he said.
A reunion reception for the Kettings and their former patients will be held from 2pm to 4pm tomorrow at the hospital’s cafeteria.
The Kettings will be leaving for their hometown on Saturday.
Those interested, please call 04-2261133 ext 1356, 1312 or 1322.
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