Wrap up from Ecuador part 2

Wow! Where do I start? My limited Spanish background has come back to me pretty quick as I realized how important communication is for dentistry. Thanks to our amazing translators, I was able to brush up on at least my dental spanish during this trip. Here is an example of how most of my my time in the dental clinic (church) has been talking with the kids who came to see us...

Me: Hola. ¿Como Estas? (Hello. How are you doing?)

Patient: Bien. (Good) ...typically followed by a shy but sweet smile.

Me:¿Como te llamas? (What is your name?)

Patient: Maria

Me: Me llamo Mateo. ¿Cuanto años Maria? (My name is Matt. How old are you Maria?)

Maria: Siete (Seven)

Me: ¿Te duele algun diente? (Do any of your teeth hurt?)

Maria: Si (Yes) ...and she points to a lower tooth that is badly decayed.

Through an interpreter I explain to her that we can make that tooth stop hurting by doing a filling but first we must ´put the tooth to sleep, and to do so she will feel a small pinch in her mouth for just a second. Maria understands and agrees.

Me: Mira hacia arriba y abre la boca muy grande por favor. (Look up and open your mouth really wide.)

Maria: Tilts her head back despite being a little nervous.

Me: Cierra los ojitos. (Close your eyes.)

I then proceed with ´putting her tooth to sleep´. Once she is numb we finish her filling, say our goodbyes, and start the routine all over again with the next patient. Most kids were like Maria, however we definitely had our fair share of children who didn´t handle the shot (or extraction) as well. For these we simply did the best we could for them through patience, explanation, and love. I think we only had one or two children all week who wouldnt let us finish the dental work they needed.

My highlight of the day had nothing to do with dentistry at all. It came through the beautiful smile of an 8 year old Ecuadorian girl. Her name was Pamela (Pah-mella), and the time I spent with her made the 2,400 mile trip here all the worth while. We taught each other the names of different colors in our own native languages....rojo, azul, verde, amarillo, y naranja for red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. Then, we would test each other and laugh when one of us forgot the name of a color or celebrate when we got them all right. We shared candy, smiles, and hugs. She was a beautiful little girl, and you could tell she really enjoyed having us there. She already knew about Jesus thanks to the preacher there, SIFAT, and Compassion International. It is so great to be a part of a movement that is already impacting lives and spreading the Gospel rather than just providing dental relief.I hope I made as much of an impact on Pamela as she made on me. I definiely had that lump in my throat as she came out of the church to wave goodbye as our bus pulled out for the last time.

Our devotionals have been great this week. Bryan, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Darren, and Brent have all had an overlapping theme of mentorship with the key verse being 2 Timothy 2:2...´´And the things you have heard in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.´´ These are some of the apostle Paul´s last words from prison as he was passing on the torch of Christianity on to one of his disciples Timothy. As Bryan mentioned in devotional tonight, mentoring is very similar to a relay race. There is a time in which the person who started the race carries the baton alone, there is a time in which the baton is being passed (at which point the two are actually running together), and there is a time in which the person who started the race must let go of the baton and let the next in line go ahead alone. As I reflect on my time in dental school and where I am now, I realize I have come to the point at which I must let go of some of the things that were started during my time at the UT Baptist Collegiate Ministries. I must let the younger students carry on the baton and entrust them to continue the race in the way it should be ran. It is suprisingly easy to turn the reigns over to them. Not because of how ready I am to move on, but because of what strong Christians there are in the classes below me. Just like a good relay team saves their best runner for the later part of the race, the younger students I have spent the past week with have the potential for far greater things than I could ever do for the BCM.

As I pass one baton on to the younger students, I feel as if I am in the process of receiving the baton of my next race. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Darren have been great mentors to me, and they are what I want to be professionally...Christians who are dentists, not dentists who are Christians. They both have a heart for the Lord and doing mission work. They have helped instill in me a desire to devote at least a part of each year to mission trips abroad yet have constant awareness of opportunities to show God´s love the other 51 weeks of the year. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to be mentored by these men, and I hope to partner with them and the UT BCM for future mission trip opportunities.

In closing, I would just like to say how amazing it has been to serve with our team under Bryan´s leadership. I have learned so much from Bryan regarding being in a position of leadership, but more importantly how to be a man of God. Thank you Bryan. I want to praise all of the students who went on this trip. This trip wouldnt have been the same without Charlie and the pharmacy ladies. You all have been amazing and I can see your love for God through your care for others. I couldnt be more proud of all the dental students. We did a great thing here in Ecuador for God´s children, and I believe our mission has been accomplished for this trip. We treated over 430 mouths, but hopefully we touched just as many hearts. Lastly, it has been an awesome experience to close out this chapter in my dental career by doing this mission trip alongside my good friend Hunter. Thank you for going on this trip...it wouldn´t have been the same without you. Thank you to all of those reading these blogs and keeping our team and the people of Ecuador in your prayers. SIFAT has been amazing to work with, and they would welcome anyone who wanted to come down here to serve in whatever way God may lead you.

By Matt, D.D.S.; 2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC

´´....Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.´´ Psalm 81:10

Wrap up from Ecuador part 1

Our week is coming to an end and I am blown away by Gods constant hand on our lives. Every missions trip I have been on has always had an incredible group of people. People that God brought together. People that were more acquaintances than close friends. And at the end of every trip, I am always wondering how can it get any better than this. But it always does. God brought a handful of strangers together for His purpose. And we are no longer acquaintances and strangers but close friends. Something only God could do. He knew what needed to happen this week and who needed to be here to accomplish it.

He knew we needed Meghan, Lindsey, Suzy, and Maureen to greet everyone at the door with a smile and something they probably have never had: a picture of themselves. And in between pictures, He knew how important it would be for them to sit there with the children and color with them. Simply spending time with them while also distracting them from what lies ahead in the clinic.

He knew we needed one medical student named Charlie who helped in every area of our ministry with a joyful spirit. His love is big and his joy contagious. Many were touched by him this week including me.

God also knew that we needed nine green D2s: Laura, Leesa, Amanda, Anne Marie, Ashley, Jessi, Nick, Cory, and myself. Each one willing to work anywhere in order to accomplish the daily needs in the dental clinic. God also knew that this would be a great learning experience for us. Not only for us to learn how to give injections, pull teeth, and fill teeth but for us to learn how we can use our skills and resources to make an impact in peoples lives.

God knew we needed Blain on this trip to not only add a lot in the clinic but to bring much laughter and entertainment to all of us throughout the week.

He also knew that we needed Terrah and Jessie to be here to listen to the people of Ecuador who have experienced a loss of a loved one. For them to sit and listen to them talk about and express things that they have never shared with anyone before. Jessie and Terrah both were valuable to this team but mostly to the people they listened to and were able to minister to.

God knew we needed two dentists that graduated last week to help lead this team in a very unselfish way: Matt and Hunter. Both could have come here and used this trip to gain experience and develop their skill. But instead they chose to use this trip as an opportunity to invest in the 11 dental students that came. This trip would not have happened if it weren't for their leadership and involvement in BCM.

God also knew we needed a leader to lead this team. But He knew it had to be Bryan. Someone who not only is fun to be around but someone who is intentional in everything he does. Someone that would be an encouragement to us but also a true servant.

God also knew we needed both Darren and my dad, Nelson, to make this trip really special. Aside from their constant humour, they provided 13 of us the opportunity to practice dentistry here in Quito. They prepared months in advance by gathering supplies, chose to spend a week away from their wives and children, and to spend the week teaching all of us. They could have gone on other trips but they choose to go with the BCM. We needed them to have not only a successful dental clinic but an unforgettable experience. An experience that taught us all ways we can be intentional with our lives and invest in others. They have been blessed much. But they showed us that it is not so they can accumulate but so they can bless others.

Lastly, God wanted Brent here. He knew he would be an asset in the dental clinic. But mostly, he wanted Brent to share with us something that he has been recently learning. And that is the importance of making disciples. Jesus spent 85% of His time on this earth investing in 12 individuals. And Jesus's last words to them contained only one verb: to make disciples. Not to go. But as we go, we are to make disciples. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, need to invest our lives into others. To be intentional in all we do in order to spread the Gospel.

It is amazing to me how involved God is in our lives. He wanted all 23 of us here for a reason: to meet physical and spiritual needs. But to also change us and the way we view His people. The people here probably believe they received the biggest blessing. But I know that we are leaving the most blessed. Blessed by the people of

Ecuador's love and joy despite their circumstances. More than likely, this group will never be together again. But we will always remember each other and what God did through us and in us during our week in Quito together.

By Rebekah, 2nd year Dental student

Amazon Rainforest Zipline...it's like you're there

Here is what it looks like to ride a zipline through the Amazon Rainforest.

Amazon Rainforest Zipline

Bryan, BCM Director, going through the Amazon Rainforest on a Zipline. Our whole group went on the zipline today as part of our free day. It was an amazing experience.

Viva Quito!

Let me start by telling you about our bus driver Lennin. This muchacho is a magician behind the wheel. Known for having the sharpest left turn in Quito, his 20 foot whip commands the road. I told him he had amazing driving skills and he replied, "You hadn't seen nothing yet." I didn't really think about this statement until later in the night. After dinner we were told we had a surprise. We walked around Quito and heard this band playing on the top of a 1960's school bus with no doors. My initial thought was, “Huh, that is pretty interesting.” I look closer and guess who is behind the wheel? It’s Lennin! (this is Lennin's second job).

Turns out this is our surprise, and I wouldn't be more surprised if I woke up with my head sown to the carpet. So, naturally we pile in and cruise the streets of Quito blowing whistles with the band, which played the same chorus over and over at least 100 times. I asked Charlie to comment on the ride and he stated, "viva Quito!" Words can’t describe this ride but I’ll tell you what I've learned about Lennin. One is that he is everywhere. Second he gets me around safely and third and most importantly he knows how to throw a party on a bus.

By Brent, 4th year Dental student

Videos of last day of Clinic 1/16

Bryan, BCM Director, Pastor Flores, and Camilo, one of our translators

Videos of last day of Clinic 2/16

Terrah, Vanderbilt Hospital, and Jessie, St. Jude Hospital

Videos of last day of Clinic 3/16

Matt, 2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC

Videos of last day of Clinic 4/16

Meghan, Lindsay, Suzy, and Maureen, 2nd year Pharmacy students

Videos of last day of Clinic 5/16

Amanda, 2nd year Dental student, and Brent, 4th year Dental student

Videos of last day of Clinic 6/16

Dr. Darren, 2001 BCM Alum of UTHSC

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the BCM.)

Videos of last day of Clinic 7/16

Ashley and Laura, 2nd year dental students

Videos of last day of Clinic 8/16

Hunter, 2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC, and Nick, 2nd year Dental student

Videos of last day of Clinic 9/16

Charlie, 2nd year Medical student, and Meghan, 2nd year Pharmacy student

Videos of last day of Clinic 10/16

Jessi, 2nd year Dental student

Videos of last day of Clinic 11/16

Corey, 2nd year Dental student

Videos of last day of Clinic 12/16

Matt, 2011 BCM Alum of UTHSC, and Dr. Wilson, 1983 BSU Alum of UT Memphis

Videos of last day of Clinic 13/16

Blain, 3rd year Dental student

(it's the last day and we're a little loopy)

Videos of last day of Clinic 14/16

Laura and Leesa, 2nd year Dental students

Videos of last day of Clinic 15/16

Dani, one of our translators, and Corey, 2nd year Dental student

Videos of last day of Clinic 16/16

Anne Marie, 2nd year Dental student

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.