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."