We had along with us a dentist (Dave) and a dermatologist (Denise). Together, their mission was to connect to the community and lead people to the church. So on Monday, they had set up a clinic to serve the police and family members who wanted to talk to a doctor or get their teeth checked. Dave mainly check for serious concerns, cavities, possible needs for extractions, etc. (pictures in DR Getting Things Started Montage). Denise also did some screening. From there, they set up appointments for Tuesday through Friday to see them at the clinic set up at the church/community center.

I helped Micki organize and prepare lunch for the team on Monday. Our guides for the day were Rick and Suzanne, the missionaries. We ended up spending a couple of hours at the police station mainly observing and waiting to meet up with some others before we could move on. Everyone was very nice and friendly. Although it was very different to be around policemen armed with rifles all the time.

We were stopped at the front door by one and it really gave me the heebee-geebee's! Rick hardly paid any attention to them, walked up talking on his cell phone while the guard was standing there waiting. Ha!! Then, when he was finished talking on the phone, he walked right up the steps and into the door!! Micki and I looked at eachother, looked at the guard, and said we're with him!?!?  Surprisingly, he just laughed and waved us by. (Apparently, they knew who we were anyway!!)

Tuesday was the only day I ended up working at the clinic. I was there all day with Dave, Linda, Lynn and Wendy. Linda, Lynn and I were the assistants and Wendy was the interpreter. Actually, I don't think I contributed much...maybe some moral support...and I helped Lynn a few times to get the tools set up for the next patient. But they by far, had a pretty good system going already =] I'm sure I was funny to watch though.

It was amazing to see how a dentist works...in a whole new perspective. I've never actually seen teeth being pulled and cavities filled before. I even got to hold a hand for one sweet little gal who was a little nervous.  What we did learn was that alot of Dominican's drink pop (probably because the water is so bad, I guess). So as a result, I think everyone that came in, adult and children, had atleast two cavities. By the end of the week, I think Dave saw over 30 patients, did somewhere in the ballpark of 50some fillings, and extracted over a dozen teeth. I was thoroughly impressed with the teamwork between he, Linda and Lynn...and especially his willing heart to work straight through, seeing as many as he could, hardly ever taking a break, and always giving each person his personal encouragement and feedback.

During the week, many people came from the police station -- police officers and their family, people from the church, and people who just walked in off the street. Some told nightmarish stories of the kind of dental and medical services they'd  received there in the Dominican. If I'd been any one of them, I don't think I'd be too crazy about seeing a dentist at all. But, they came. And they swallowed their fears, and had the work done that needed to be done. They were all so grateful. And it was such a huge blessing to know that a substantial impact was made in their lives. We praised God for each new opportunity to let His light shine.

Denise, our doctor/dermotologist, was one of our "veteran" short-termers; this being her 6th trip to the DR. I really enjoyed and was touched to hear how God had worked in her life and led her to a place to want to go and reach out to the world with her God-given talents and abilities. Her genuine heart for the people, constant smile, and positive, uplifting attitude towards everyone she came into contact with, I know made an impact and helped strongly to fulfill our mission there. It was a real joy to hear her wise tips for relating and communicating with the locals. And I was impressed with how efficient she was with her personal mission for reaching the people. She'd learned through experience that she need not buy a thing before she got there. It didn't prepare her anymore then if she had not.

I think she made a trip to the pharmacy almost everyday. She would see her patients. Diagnose them. Let them know her prescribed plan for aiding them. And ask them to return the next day for the medication they would need. A well oiled machine, she was!! I got such joy from watching her work the couple of times I did. She was a wonderful blessing.

Well, more to come this week on the trip. And I will be starting new pictures by Tuesday, keeping the present montage link available to go back to. I pray you are enjoying!

Have a Wonderfully Wintery Week!!

~ Deborah D