Time to Say “Adios”

Today (Friday) was our last full day here. Roxanne, George, and Tommy served 92 children this morning, providing antiparasitic medicine, dental hygiene, and fluoride treatment at the Milpa Arada Elementary school. Our dental team once again exceeded expectations, treating about 25 patients in a full, 10-hour work day. Overall, our team has had a great experience. Below, they have described it in their own words.

I've really enjoyed this trip. I was lucky enough to jump in on this particular medical trip last year and was chomping at the bit to get back this year. I love the small team we have had and our ability to see many different villages and function as a small unit. George is our Captain, keeping our ship running. Tommy is the Photo and Toy man, always able to get the kids smiling. Roxanne is the team busy-body and detail checker, never letting a detail pass her by (or trying at least). I'm just the young muscle and and all-around Gofer ('Go for' this or 'Go for' that). And of course the Dentists + Karen are the working clinic slaves. They toil away in the clinic salt mine till all is done. ;-) I've really enjoyed this chance to work for the Lord and help these children see the love of Christ, as well as help ourselves see it among each other.
- Dane

What a wonderful week this has been! It has touched and changed my life in so many ways. I came with a little hesitation and left Honduras blessed by God! God is truly doing his work through this organization. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve God.
- Kevin

Another great trip with a small team that did more with less. The dentists were wonderful, and we witnessed a miracle at the Tejeras feeding on Wednesday evening. It doesn’t get any better than that. Praise God for His awesome power!
- George

Even after six years, God continues to bless the missionaries by allowing us to witness His grace and love for His people in need. My heart was touched by the children at Tejeras as we fed them and I saw the gratitude and thankfulness in their eyes. What a wonderful mission. We on the dental tam are so lucky to be able to provide help for the children of Quimistan and the surrounding villages. The addition of a third dentist this year was great! Looking forward to returning next year. God bless.
- Charlie

Once again, I must say goodbye to my Honduran friends and 'family'. It doesn't get any easier with time, in fact, it may be more difficult as I do not know when I will return due to my mother's health. But what I do know is that until I return I will cherish the memory of each child I was able to hug; each time when I asked if they understood what I was telling them about how much Jesus loves them in my Spanglish and they responded they did; the servant's heart of my team mates; the hospitality of Dona Martha; the beauty of the flora and mountains; and the love of our Lord Jesus given in return for the privilege of coming as His hands and feet. Until next time, bendiciones a Dios!
- Roxanne

Why do I keep coming back to Quimistan, Honduras? The 1000+ pictures that I have snapped over the past 10 days does not begin to describe the beautiful surroundings, the wonderful hospitality, the fun of playing ball or blowing bubbles with the kids, the expressions of gratitude, and the friendliness of the people.  It is awesome to experience so much faith from a people with so little material possessions, as I attempt, in my small way, to witness my faith to them.

To serve here is truly a privilege. As this team has worked together to make life a little easier for the people of Honduras in many different ways, I am once again reminded that you can’t outgive God.
I cherish every smiling face I have seen (and I have seen a lot of them here), every “Gracias” I have heard, and every “Bendiciones a Dios” that has been earnestly bestowed on us during this trip. I look forward to returning soon.

Until next time, “Adios, amigos”.
- Tommy

Dental Update

On the way to the dental clinic about 7:45 a.m. for , we ran into some “Quimistan rush hour” traffic. 

Once at the hospital, the dentists maintained their rapid pace today by adding about 20 to the growing list of patients served, bringing the total to about 50 thus far, with one more day to go.  Below are a few of the highlights of the day.

Say, "Ahhhhhhh".

Look Ma, no cavities!

This will hurt me more than it does you. (And it does!)

After this shot, this 8-year-old had 4 extractions and 1 filling.

One pulling and 3 pulling for her.

Even greater than the dentist's technical skill, used here under less than ideal conditions, is the compassion with which it is performed.  When the kids cry, we all cry a little, even when we know it is for the best.  So it is with God in our lives.  Sometimes we wonder why He allows bad things to happen, or does not seem to be listening to our prayers.  But we must trust that God's Plan is in our own best interest, and that it will be accomplished on His own time schedule, and not ours.

Tommy

Visit to El Pinal School

This morning, after getting the dental team delivered to the hospital, two team members, Dane and George, plus Stanley went to the Escuela Republica de Canada in El Pinal  to provide de-worming medication, dental hygiene training, and fluoride treatment to 68 students there.  The school was not open today, but most of the children were in uniform waiting for us at the entrance to town as we arrived.  A young man had the key and unlocked the gate and classrooms for us. Dane explained that we were there because Jesus had sent us to Honduras to share His love with them. 

Besides the children, we also provided de-worming medication to about a dozen adults. On the way up to El Pinal we picked up two walkers and gave them a ride to town saving them each at least an hour-long walk up the mountain.  On the return trip we provided rides for three ladies who were coming to Quimistan to shop.

Though these hygiene trips are mostly the same routine, each of them is a little different. As we plan to serve God in one way, we never know what else He may have in mind for us to do along the way.

George

Visit to Santa Clara School

This morning, after getting the dental team delivered to the hospital, three team members, Roxanne, Tommy and George, plus our interpreter Stanley, went to the Santa Clara School.  We provided de-worming medication, dental hygiene training, and fluoride treatment to 79 students there. We actually had to go to three different school buildings to find all of the kindergarten and elementary students.

Roxanne explained that we were there because Jesus had sent us to Honduras to share His love with them. 

A good time was had by all of us, and I think the the children especially enjoyed spitting the fluoride after their 30 seconds of swishing it around in their mouths.

George 

Miracle at Tejeras

I just witnessed a remarkable event.

About 65-70 children were fed who would have otherwise gone hungry. And then a true miracle happened. A few clothes had been donated to these children who have nothing. I was really sad because I knew there wasn’t enough to go around. To my amazement, as each child came forward, there was a new piece of clothing for them.

Once again, the Lord had provided and overcome my doubt.

Randy

Hit the Ground Running

That’s what the dental team did today.

After a tiring, nearly 12-hour trip from Aiken to Quimistan, Karen, Charlie, Randy, and Kevin took about one hour to unload, unpack, eat lunch, and change clothes. By 3:30 today, they were setting up and seeing patients. Ten young people were treated today in four hours, ranging from simple cleanings to multiple fillings and extractions.

We praise God for their safe arrival and for the good, compassionate work that was done today.  No one will need to rock them to sleep tonight.

Tommy

Dental Team Has Arrived!

The dental team, consisting of Kevin, Randy, Karen, and Charlie arrived at the ranch at 2:20 p.m. today.

We thank God for their safe arrival and know that they have a busy 4 days ahead of them. Please join us in prayer for their work to be completed safely and effectively, as they are truly the hands of Christ in action as we serve the people of Honduras.

Tommy

Visits to SC & LM

Yesterday (Monday) we visited 2 villages. In the morning, at the White Dove bi-lingual school in Santa Clara we were greeted with “Good morning!” from pre-K through 2nd-graders, 34 in all. Classrooms continue to be built and dedicated teachers are able to share the love of God with these young students through help from our many HAF supporters. Education is a vital step to the success of these small, impoverished communities.

In the afternoon, we drove to La Montanita, armed with Bibles, kindergarten materials and blackboard paint.  The teacher was excited to see all the new supplies.  We explained to her that these gifts were from the St. John’s Pre-school, and that they wanted to continue their support on an on-going basis.  She will let us know of specific needs.

We repainted the blackboards in 2 classrooms, doubling the size of the one in the kindergarten room.

 

Later, we took the Bibles and some other supplies to Reina’s home, where we enjoyed great coffee and pastries!  Dane and I kept the kids busy, while George and Roxanne talked “business” with Reina and Vilma, the local evangelism coordinator.

Back in Quimistan, we sterilized instruments and brought in tables, in preparation for the dentists’ arrival tomorrow.

 

Tommy