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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
