Photos of Clinic-Day 2

Amanda and "her" baby

Meghan cleaning dental instruments

Matt from the view of our clinic

Rebekah and Anne Marie at our delicious lunch

Dr. Darren observes as Brent and Jessi extract one of four teeth on this elderly man

Laura and one of our wonderful translators, Pamela

Ashley giving an intense injection

Suzy decorating the picture frames with the love of God, and foam letters, and crayons...there might be glitter too. Just sayin.

Maureen cleaning teeth

Dr. Wilson observing Leesa give an injection, also intense

Nick cleaning teeth

Amanda doing her first filling!

Hunter sanria-ing for the camera

Dr. Darren helps Blain with an injection

Charlie, Leesa, and Ashley watch as Dr. Wilson gives an injection

Corey cleaning teeth

Lindsay helping at the children's ministry station

Ecuador-Tuesday, May 31, 2011

 It is amazing what can be done when a group of people come together with a common goal. The last 24 hours were exhausting but with a little "shake and bake" we prevailed. If you walked into our clinic there weren't dental students, pharmacy student, and medical students working separately. There was just a single body of servants working for the Lord with a smile on their face.        

  Dental work today was priceless. Literally, I think I got more experience today than a whole month of dental school (a $6000 value). All morning I did injections in the "triage" area. Basically we would diagnose what treatment they needed and send them on their way. Lunch today was epic to say the least. Today was steak, avocados, potatoes, rice, & ice cream.

 This afternoon was a small step for man but a huge leap for Blain Reynolds. When Dr Wilson asked me to go do some fillings I about soiled my only pair of underwear, but I jumped in there and got it done. (shake and bake) I did a few fillings before the big dogs (ie Dr Wilson and Dr Darren) had to jump in and speed things up. On a more serious note I did about 5 fillings this afternoon and it was a day I will never forget.

  124, that's how many lives were changed today by our group. Maureen, Meghan, Lindsay, and Suzy thank you for being the first smiling faces the kids see. If it was me they would all run away. I thank God for this opportunity and the gifts that I can use to serve. 

P.S. Delta please send our luggage & gear

By Blain, 3rd year Dental student

As the second day of the clinic began, I was feeling a little more prepared as I felt like I knew what to expect for the day. If there is one thing I should have learned on the other mission trips I've been on it is that you should never think you know how your day is going to turn out. By the end of our day I got the opportunity to print many, many pictures, clean dental instruments, and even clean teeth.

The day did begin in a similar fashion as yesterday with all the pharmacy girls greeting the kids when they arrived. We took a photo of each patient, placed it in a frame, and then helped each one decorate their frame with their name and "God is love" in Spanish. By the end of the morning set of patients, we were working like a well-oiled machine. Working and talking with the kids was such a rewarding experience as we get to see them smile and get excited over seeing their finished frame and trying on their new pair of sunglasses we gave them. Unfortunately, these smiles didn't last long as their next step was the dental chair...a tad scarier than the crafts table.

Once the afternoon rolled around it was time for this pharmacy girl to get a little experience in the dental world. I began with the baby steps of cleaning the dental instruments and eventually graduated up to cleaning some teeth. While the first patient I saw probably wondered why someone who looked like they had no clue what they were doing was working in their mouth, I eventually got the hang of it and even had fun. Even though I've learned more about dentistry than I ever expected to, seeing a couple extractions and injections assured me that pharmacy is where I belong.

Overall, I would say that this trip has been excellent! With the exception of some missing luggage, I could not imagine this trip running any smoother. I can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of the week.

By Meghan, 2nd year Pharmacy student

When Bryan asked me to write for today’s blog, I began to consider different aspects of the trip so far that have been funny, or awe-inspiring, or humbling, and already several different instances started coming to mind. From the breath-taking mountain views and the city that seems to literally never end, to the moments in the clinic or on the bus when everyone is laughing so hard at an off the wall comment someone says or something crazy that happened in clinic. But no matter what came to mind, it’s as if all I could see in my mind were faces. Because the people behind each of the faces I’ve seen this week are who have helped to make this trip one that I will never forget.

Some of the faces are of these amazing people I’m fortunate enough to work with each day. Bryan said earlier this week that he hasn’t seen a lazy bone yet in our group and I believe it. Everyone is willing to help and rotate positions in the clinic, even when it means just scrubbing blood off instruments for a while. We all share laughs and stories, but also continue to work hard and help out where needed, and the way the clinic has been flowing is a reflection of how well we work together. I’ve been fortunate enough to gain far more dental practice in two days than I ever expected before coming on the trip., including not only injections, but also drilling, extractions, and cleanings. The doctors and older dental students have been SO patient, even when I know I probably didn’t drill something perfectly, or they have to reposition the syringe yet again. Their patience only helps to show that they have huge hearts and desire for us younger students to gain knowledge and confidence, along with helping the people of Ecuador. Their current and future patients are very lucky, and I’m so thankful to have an entire week to learn from these men, and make stronger friendships with everyone on the team.

We’ve also been fortunate to have amazing translators helping us in the clinic for the past two days. I worked with a 22 yr. old named Daniella most of Monday morning at the tooth cleaning station, which is a GREAT station because the children aren’t scared of you; cleanings don’t hurt! Getting to know her story and talking with the other translators during the breaks has just given me a glimpse into some of the unbelievably huge hearts God is using here in Ecuador. It’s only the middle of the week, but I feel I’ve already made a lasting friend in Dani, and the pastors and community leaders we’ve met seem just as friendly, kind-hearted, and extremely generous.

Now I know this will probably seem cliché’, but the faces I will remember most are those of the children. I was reminded today that God planned in advance for each and every one of those children to walk through the door of the clinic, and it is not by chance. We may not know their circumstances or their backgrounds, but we are given the opportunity to use gifts given to us to minister to them, and if anything just show love to them for the brief time they are there. What an unbelievable opportunity! It may be the photo of themselves they get to take home, or the chance to sit and color for a while, or the tooth we saved them from losing, or even pain we helped take away, but no matter what that child takes away from the experience I hope they see the love of God through it somehow. Because listening to the Ecuadorian pastor on Sunday I realized that God truly is so much bigger than we know. He is here in Ecuador as much as he is in the US , and He knows the names of each of those children, and their circumstances, as well as their hearts. And He loves each person we pass on the street, see at the hotel, or meet in the clinic as much as He loves me.

I may not understand why we still don’t have luggage, or why God allows one person to be born in Ecuador, and others in places like America, but God has reminded me this week that He is bigger than any circumstance, or human plan, or human need. And His love is greater than I could ever know. So I look forward to sharing more stories and laughter with this fun and amazing group of people the rest of this week, but even more I look forward to seeing God in countless more faces.

By Anne Marie, 2nd year Dental student

"Trust me, I'm a doctor."

Photos of Clinic-Day 1

2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC, Matt and 2nd year dental student, Anne Marie extracting a tooth

Charlie, a 2nd year medical student, assisting 4th year dental student, Brent with filling a cavity

2nd year Pharmacy student, Maureen and one of the many children we saw today

Brent filling another cavity

Dr. Wilson, BCM (BSU) Alum of UTHSC, teaching 2nd year students, Corey and Rebekah how to fill a cavity

Nani, our translator and Quito guide, and 2nd year dental students, Jessi and Ashley, pose with a patient at our triage table

Rebekah, Corey, and Leesa

Anne Marie, Laura, and Amanda

Nick and Charlie showing that you can look cool in an apron...kinda

2nd year Pharmacy students, Meghan, Maureen, Lindsay, and Suzy worked with the children, photography station, and coloring station

BCM Director, Bryan, polishing teeth. (She's really not in as much pain as she looks...trust me.)

2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC, Hunter, helps 3rd year student, Blane give an injection

Suzy displaying the toothbrushes we gave out to each child along with tooth paste, a pair of sunglasses and a photograph of themselves

Amanda

The photography and children's station

2nd year dental student, Amanda assisting Matt with a filling

Rebekah, Ashley, Dr. Wilson, Anne Marie and one of our translators, Dani

Charlie, Brent, Laura, and Jessi at our instrument sterilization station

Nick, Blane, and BCM Alum of UTHSC, Darren

Ecuador-Monday, May 30, 2011

Today was our first day in clinic. I wasn’t sure what to expect on the ride over, but as soon as we stepped off the bus we were greeted by tons of excited kids. After only one year of dental school under my belt, I hadn’t had a lot of hands-on experience. By the end of the day, I had extracted several teeth, learned how to administer anesthesia, and realized that my Spanish speaking ability is horrible. I did make some strides in breaking through the language barrier by spending some time conversing with a little girl named Gema. She did her best to teach me some good stuff. My goal by the end of the week is to be fluent so Gema will no longer giggle at me when I talk to her.

Anyone that knows me well knows that I love to eat. With that being said, lunch was definitely a highlight. The local church provided us with an awesome spread of chicken patties, rice, veggies, and cake. They encouraged us to eat as much as our hearts desired, so…lets just say I took them at their word.

It’s crazy that you come all this way to provide help and support, but your heart is the one that is actually changed. That is so true for me. I have been completely amazed at how incredible the people are here. I received a huge blessing by getting to interact with the people of Ecuador today. God is once again humbling me and reminding me to put things in the right perspective. Overall, today was definitely a ten. I’m having a blast with the team we have here. Everyone certainly worked hard and left it all out there today. I am so thankful to God that I am here.

Ps. Blane—Nick and I would really enjoy a full nights rest without interruption. We really need to reevaluate who keeps the master key. Thanks, Corey

By Corey, 2nd year Dental student

A picture is truly worth a thousand words. After spending one day at our mission site, I have never found an old saying to be so true as a pharmacy student on a primarily dental based trip, I wasn’t exactly sure what I would be doing or where our place would fall. We were told we would be spending time with the children waiting to get their dental work done, conducting eye exams and doing photography-a job I never thought would be so rewarding.

The children flied in the room one by one with looks of apprehension and fear on their faces. With overly excited American grad students “oo-ing and ah-ing” at how precious they were, large black dental chairs/tables awaiting them, and the continuous sound of drilling from dental equipment, I can’t say I blame them. The photography station was each child’s first stop, some accompanied by their mother or family members, and others were all alone. We greeted each child with a “como te llamas” (meaning “what is your name” for those who, like most of us, need help with translation” and encouraged them to smile with the word “Sonrei” or by simply using hand gestures. Although some of the children were shyer than others, I quickly realized how easily a warm smile or gentle tone could put a child at ease. Words cannot describe some of the children’s reactions when they saw their face on the photo, most grinning from ear to ear. It’s funny how something we so easily take for granted, such as taking a picture, can be so remarkable to someone else.

After today, I realized I do not need a specific “place” or duty to serve others in honor of God to make a difference. Whether it be holding the hand of a scared child, taking what may be the first and only photograph a mother will have of her child, cleaning teeth of children at the clinic, (or “prophy” as the dental students say), or simply praying for these children, their families, the church and this country; I know it is the exact place I am supposed to be. Although it took a total of about 2 minutes to take the picture and print it off and decorate a black cardboard picture frame with Spanish quotes of “God is love,” and “God loves you,” the looks on these children’s faces and their parents receiving these masterpieces, will remain in our hearts for a lifetime.

By Lindsay, 2nd year Pharmacy student

Breaking through the clouds above Quito in the cover of dark, we began our decent into the city that we call home for this one week. I had prepared for months. Supplies. Spanish lessons. This was what I had waited for. Little did I know, that that breathing decent over the mountains would only be an introduction.

This is my first international trip. I knew I would learn. I knew I would help. And most of all, I knew I would be ready. Yeah, right. Being one of 2.2 million people traversing the bustling streets of the capital city puts things in perspective real quick. I mean, real quick.

As you’ve read, we spent our first day in-country traveling the city. It’s a funny feeling driving 45 minutes from Quito to…Quito. I can’t accurately explain where we are in the city at any given time because at any given time, we are still somewhere in that same city. Again, humbling.

But the one thing that makes Ecuador so special is its people. Being in a foreign place with a foreign language, I assumed this group would remain self-contained with little outside influence. Yeah, right. There are very special people here that have shown us tremendous love before even stepping foot into the clinic. But that’s what we’re here for, right?

I don’t think I have all the answers, and I know each day I am constantly reminded of that. However, I know that our God works through love. He is seen in our love. And he will always be love. We are here to provide healthcare to those who wouldn’t otherwise have it, but what if we were here for more? What if we were here to be reminded of God’s love that transcends language, country, and circumstances? What if seeing a child smile after receiving sunglasses or holding their hand while in the dental chair wasn’t meant for their benefit, but ours? Tonight, I go to bed thankful to serve a God bigger than my wildest dreams and anxious to make the drive back to that small piece of this vast city so I can experience what love really is.

Ps. Blane--I agree with Corey. Thanks, Nick

By Nick, 2nd year Dental Student

Day one at the clinic in Quito.

Ecuador-Sunday, May 29, 2011

Traveling was an adventure…I got to Ecuador, but not my luggage, not so much. That’s just a little aside, but the epic nature of the adventure started in the airport. Walking out after going through customs, we were met by a crowd of thousands of Ecuadorians. All of their faces anxiously awaited a loved one with signs, banners, and balloons. The exhilaration came when I noticed that I could see over everyone. I am huge over here! (just kidding)

As we drove around Sunday, the buildings seemed to echo the same tired spirit I saw in the people’s eyes at the airport. The further up the side of the mountain we went, the more worn the houses became. In America, these houses would have million dollar views; however, the poorer people live in the higher elevations in Quito. The Andes Mountains are known for their high peaks and deep crevices, but along every angle, cinder blocks were laid. The houses were quite literally stacked on top of each other.

Quito has a population of 2.2 million people. The communities stretch over every hill as far as I can see. Kids play soccer in dirt fields, there is no space between the road and the shops. Houses and shops share the same area. Clothes hang drying from every building. I’m praying God opens my eyes to needs not necessarily seen on the surface. And that medicine can somehow be a passage in to more than physical healing.

By Charlie, 2nd year Medical Student

As with every story in life, there are three sides: my side, your side, and the truth. Today we visited two locations claiming to be the middle of the world, or 00.00,00.00. Both locations displayed fantastic evidence for their claims intermingled with stories, arts, and crafts of Ecuador’s rich culture, so everyone won.

At the first location we experienced a thorough tour of the site, from the tribes of Ecuador and their way of life, to the recipe for how to shrink your enemy’s head…per the ancient practices of Ecuadorian tribes. Our tour guide, Andreas, showed us a sun guide and gave a demonstration of the clockwise and counterclockwise movement of water when it drains based on its relation to the equator. Andreas earned some cool points when he balanced an egg on a nail as a demonstration of the effects of the earth’s gravity at the equator. Everyone tried to balance the egg, but we all failed. At the end of our tour, we were shown the ancient trade of weaving and witnessed a man weaving upside down. I immediately regressed to my 3^rd grade self and bought my friend a brightly woven friendship bracelet. I said goodbye to the sheep I’d made friends with and then we headed to the next location.

The second location was more of a museum style. There were several shops there, which sold everything from hammocks to coasters. Our group bought both and everything in between.

The thrill of being in the middle(s) of the world is indescribable. As we get older, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle at everyday life, so it was amazing to experience something almost magical again.

By Suzy, 2nd year Pharmacy student

This afternoon we left Tambo Real, our hotel in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, for a church service at Inglesia Methodista, “Agua de Vida.” I honestly pictured a small white building off a main road in central Quito with metal chairs and the typical layout of any American service, but in Spanish. What I found was quite different. If you’ve ever experienced a large passenger bus sliding around high-elevation dirt/mud roads that are only wide enough for a compact car, much less a bus, you’ve experienced our trip to and from the church. And if you’ve ever experienced a moving and humbling Spanish-spoken service overlooking a vas city with mountains and clouds in the not-so-far-off distance, you’ve experienced our service.

But what really made this experience so special to me was the people. Despite the poverty of this area, every member of our group was given a rose, proving that hospitality and kindness is possible whatever one’s circumstance. Despite continuing technical issues, the service proceeded proving determination is the key requirement for success. And finally, despite the language barrier, I found Dr. Ramerro Balseca’s message to be extremely personal and uplifting, proving, once again, that God truly is everywhere, and if you listen, he will be there to comfort and encourage you when you least expect it.

By Jessi, 2nd year Dental student

This is our group standing on the equator at the Middle of the World.

Made it!

We arrived safely in Quito last night around 10 pm. However, half our luggage did not. No worries though, we should have it by tonight when the next Delta flight comes in. After we got here we went straight to bed. Check back throughout the week for updates and photos.

Going to Ecuador!

The BCM is going on a health field mission trip to Ecuador tomorrow, May 28th-June 4th. Keep us in your prayers as we travel. Check back all this week as this blog will be updated periodically. We'll have photos and videos a plenty.