Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Day 7 Thursday November 10, 2011

It has been an amazing week of service. On Saturday night I didn't think I was going to make it for another four days -- honestly. Sitting in my bed Saturday night and pondering about repeating what we just did four more times seemed like a task that I was not up to, but as each day came the energy and motivation seemed to grow. We couldn't take everyone as a patient this week, but we treated those we saw the best we could -- hoping to not just help teeth, but improve people's lives.

Dr. Dale Behner reminded us today, in our morning huddle, that for those of us who have been given much -- much is required. It is our duty to share our talents with those who are less fortunate then us. A great author once wrote, "Some are tested by poor health, some by a body that is deformed. Some suffer disappointment in marriage, family problems; others live in poverty and obscurity. Some (perhaps this is the hardest test) find ease and luxury. All are part of the test, and there is more equality in this testing than sometimes we suspect."

It has been an honor sharing our talents and serving the people of the Dominican Republic -- thank you to everyone who has supported us this past week.


Mark Willes and his daughter re-bulit this man an old denture that he was holding in with his tongue.
No CAVITIES!










Handing out bracelets and goodies to the local school that was right next to our clinic today.
The whole team jumped in the pool to "swim" when we got back to the hotel. Although most of the hotel guests assumed that our swimming was really bathing. We were so rowdy the hotel security kicked us out of the pool. It was a great ending to the day.

Day 6 Wednesday November 9, 2011

The weather here is PERFECT! Just hot enough to make the sweat as soon as you step off the bus. We worked in a small village about an hour from the hotel. The village had been worked by our humanitarian team in March of 2011 - so when the village caught wind that we would be coming back today they invited all of their friends to be there when we showed up.

Abby Gertsner is an amazing young girl. She never complains, and does everything she can to make the kids at the clinic have a fun day. She is 7 years old and is always playing ball, painting nails and coloring with the Dominican kids.
Bubble blowing around the clinic helps keep the mood light and the young kids distracted from the strange dental instruments that go into their mouths.
Mother and daughter.
Our clinic was outside today -- which caused some confusion with the crowd that showed up, but it also allowed us to enjoy the breeze and fresh air.
Father and Son (Paul and Allen Thomas)


Each morning we are blessed to hear from an Esperanza Associate who is running a business using a micro-loan. The micro-loans are managed by Esperanza International who also works to care for the health of their associates through our dental clinics.
Willes family and the local pastor and his wife.
Paty Thomas speaks fluent Spanish. We were each challenged to spend five minutes today having "fun" -- so Paty spent her fun to teaching the Dominican kids "Itsy Bitsy Spider" in Spanish.
LUNCH!
Paul Thomas spent a little time at lunch cleaning up spiders in the clinic.



Although this women didn't have any teeth it was still nice to have her hanging around us all day.
The heart and energy of the clinic -- The Generator.

Day 5 Tuesday November 8, 2011






New smile compliments of the Hammond Team -- I could have taken 5 of these pictures today. Every person Roy got his hands on today got a new smile.
Shane (from Esperanza) working the front desk -- checking people in and out of the clinic is a HUGE job.
Dr. Youmans and Nichole after a emotional restorative case for one of the local associates.

Andres and Jamie, from Dr. Debra King's office, enjoying a little break in the afternoon.


Father and daughter -- Dale and Robin
Hopedale Dental wearing their Canada flags proudly.


Newborn kit give-a-way team.
Giving away more of our newborn kits to the local health clinic.

Kind-a dark here, but that is Nick and Tamarraw Vitangelli after doing a bunch of restorative work on one of the workers that packs and unpacks or bus each day.
Last patient of the day -- she got two new front teeth!