Photos of Clinic-Day 3

Suzy and Meghan having way too much fun with the giant toothbrush

This guy was joking around with his friends while they colored and I caught him in the act

The giant teeth and toothbrush was a hit today

Blain showing off his mad drum skills

???...To me it look like a leprechaun, to me. Who all seen the leprechaun say Yeah!

Controlled Chaos is how Dr. Wilson described our dental clinic.

I was given the task to hold the baby while his mother had her procedure

Coloring has been a hit this week

Blain teaching how to prophy

Ecuador-Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Day three of clinic….check! God is working in so many ways here in Quito. I am taken back by not only the amount of strength and bravery that the people of Quito display, but also by the amount of appreciation that each of them express. I am so blessed to be here and witness God working and moving in so many different ways. I knew when I decided to listen to God and commit to taking this trip that I would have a chance to touch the lives of many people, however I never realized how much these people would be touching me.

The clinic is almost indescribable. 120+ people flow through our clinic doors each day. Today I spent the majority of my time in the “triage” area where I had the opportunity to give injection after injection. I could not trade anything for this experience. One little girl was especially one to remember. In the process of trying to give her an injection, she closes down, and my finger just happened to be in the way. That little girl never did calm down enough for a procedure to be done, but despite that girl’s traumatic experience, the look of hope that was left in her eyes will never be forgotten.

Today was also especially special because we had the opportunity to really experience the city of Quito. First, our translator Nani took us around to little shops near our clinic. Being that I was one of the eight who did not receive luggage, I was able to purchase some much-needed new kicks as well as some very unique Ecuadorean souvenirs. Then for dinner tonight, a group of us ate an authentic Ecuadorean buffet. They had everything from cow tongue and blood clots to green ball banana soup. Then to top it off, there was a dessert bar that ran the length of a wall with the tastiest being this caramel goodness served in a shot glass. It was muy bien.

All and all, I am having a blast here in Quito. I have to say though that this trip would not be what it is if it was not for the people I am sharing these experiences with. I could not ask for two better teachers that Dr. Forster and Dr. Wilson. Also, from everything from the bus rides, to the days and clinic, to the time we spend together after dinner, there is nothing more rewarding than growing in the Lord with each of these brothers and sisters in Christ each day. God is definitely working and moving in the city of Quite, and I am so happy that I am able to be a part of it. Praise be to God.

By Ashley, 2nd year Dental student

I felt like today was a "reflecting" type of day. You know... one of those days where you have really been able to just take in all that is around you. I see how adorable those kids are as they walk in our makeshift clinic. And how welcoming Suzy, Lindsay, Meghan, and Maureen are as they walk in with pictures and coloring books and smiles and simply with the open arms of Christ. And how appreciative the pastor and his wife are as they smile in such gratitude... Just as Bryan has said, a smile has no language barrier. And I see the dentists-- Dr Wilson, Dr. Darren, Hunter, and Matt, as well as Brent, and Blain as they use their talents and abilities for the glory of God. And I know that He has placed me here for a reason... to learn and grow as a Christian and in my professional path in becoming a dentist. And then I look at my classmates and think of how much we have been through together already, and how much we will continue to grow together in the rest of this week and the years to come.

I am honored and humbled to be a part of this experience in Quito. I pray that we have made as much of an impact on the people of Ecuador, just as they have on us.

By Laura, 2nd year Dental student

I have been working in the photography/welcome station for the most part, and I would have to say today was the smoothest day we have had so far. Suzy, Lindsay, Meghan and I have perfected the process of welcoming a child, taking their picture, printing the picture, and decorating the picture frame. The part we have not perfected is the conversation. We are limited to asking the children how many brothers/sisters they have and how old they are, but we are learning more everyday. Lindsay got some laughs today when she asked two older boys if they had girlfriends, but at least she has stopped asking children if they have a cat (tienes un gato?). Although the language barrier is tough, I have learned that a smile or a hug is universal. Some children are all smiles when they walk through the door, and their friendly smiles truly warm my heart. Others are more reserved and frightened and I realize that God is asking me to show them love and compassion so they will be more at ease.

I signed up for this trip only knowing the other three pharmacy students and was not sure how we would fit into this team, but I could not be more pleased with the relationships I have made in the past few days. We have gone from barely knowing each others names to sharing clothes, blow dryers, socks, and mascara. Bryan spoke tonight after our devotion period about how well our group has gotten along and how much fun we have all had together and I was quickly reminded of one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis.

"In friendship we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years difference in the dates of our birth, a few more miles between certain houses, any of these chanced might have kept us apart. But for a Christian there are no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. The friendship is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauty of others."-C.S. Lewis

I am so thankful for this team and all of the hard work everyone has put into every aspect of the mission this week. Without any single member, I am not sure how we would have functioned as successfully as we have this week.

By Maureen, 2nd year Pharmacy student

Hunter's Highlights

• 7:00-8:00- Wake up call
• 8:00-9:00- Bus ride
• 9:00-10:30- Fillings with Nick
• 10:30-12:30- Fillings with Laura
• 12:30-1:30ish- Lunch (mushroom gravy, chicken, and rice)
• 1:ish-3:??- Extractions with Corey
• 3:??-End of Clinic- Triage with Anne Marie
• End of Clinic-5:15- Bus ride
• Evening hours: 1)Trip to market to haggle, then pay full price when storekeepers "play the game." (Matt bought the ugliest alpaca sweater hoodie jacket ever) 2)Buffet dinner at Hilton Hotel. SO GOOD!! Menu included beef tongue, blood sausage and caramel shots with Matt. 3)Brent's devotional about discipleship.
• After the devotional- Bed

Hunter's Final Thoughts

Attempting to capture specific highlights was extremely hard because this entire week has been a highlight. In everything this group does, you can see the joy and happiness that comes from serving Christ with like-minded brothers and sisters. The fellowship and encouragement from everyone's positive attitudes have triumphed over all adversity sent our way. Perhaps the greatest blessing of this trip is seeing the grateful faces of our patients. Even through the language barrier, it's easy to connect with them without saying a word. They know we came to help them and share God's love with them. I'm confident that our joy from serving will continue to bring smiles to our own faces as well as the local folks we have been working with.

By Hunter, 2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC

Ecuador-McDonald's visit

The most interesting McDonald's EVER

Ecuador-Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Leesa and Amanda's video blog post. We are in a van, so it is a little bumpy.

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