Mission Dominican Republic: January 2012 Trip


Last day of the Dental Clinic		  
Dr. Arnie and Hygienist Midge Shaw from Peace Lutheran in Plymouth		   Saturday, January 28
Very successful week. The dental team is starting to see the longer term impact in the area. Last year the majority of the cases were extractions due to the absence of any ongoing education and dental treatment. This year we're starting to see a slight shift toward restorations (fillings) vs. extractions. The Team treated 200 patients, and performed 220 extractions and 176 fillings. Additionally they fabricated and fitted four treatment partials. Lives were impacted and the gospel message was shared through loving service!
         
    Friday, January 27
Dr. Agnes and Assistant/Fiancé Kevin hard at work. 
 		    
         
        Thursday, January 26
The team used red tablets to show the kids where the plaque build up was in their mouth. Afterward they practiced brushing their red teeth clean. 
 
         
        Thursday, January 26
Left photo - Dr. Arnie instructing on proper tooth brushing methods. 
Right photo - Clean white teeth after proper brushing.
         
        Wednesday, January 25
Left photo - A local dentist works with the American team each day. Dr. FarLinda is treating patients today and tomorrow.
Right photo - Monday and Tuesday the dental team treated almost 100 patients. Restorations, extractions, and cleanings. They even made a prosthetic tooth for a patient. We have 4 complete dental stations with dental chairs and all the equipment needed.
         
        Wednesday, January 25
Dominican Republic baseball team playing in the river bed 
         
    Tuesday, January 24
Waiting room at 8am (far left). Local World Servants staff and community leaders arrange for 20-25 patients each morning and each afternoon. They wait patiently for their turn in the dental chair.

Hygiene Training is an important part of the dental program. Lisa McCarty will be bringing the dental team to the local schools this week for a training program.
    Monday, January 23

The dental team started their day with devotional and prayer.  The community leaders and local reps have set up appointments for 50 of the most urgent and severe dental cases. 25 of those patients were waiting outside for the morning case appointments.
 

Sunday, January 22

The dental team arrived late Saturday and spent today getting ready for a week of dental service. We worshipped with Pastor Carlos' church tonight. We plan to see 50 dental patients tomorrow. 
  Saturday, January 21

Here is Katie Hanson from Lord of Life delivering one of the 200 LOL backpacks with school supplies.
   

Over 200 kids received a LOL backpack full of school supplies. Here Mike Winegar, Karen Hanson, Katie Hanson and Dave McCarty from LOL helped distribute this day, and Lisa and Laura McCarty and Joe Wenker from LOL helped the previous day with the afternoon classes.
    Friday, January 20

The team had a great end of the week. Completed the walls at the house and the Center. Women's Ministry was joined by 40+ women from the region. We also delivered backpacks full of school supplies to the children of the local school. At left is a picture of the morning session students. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
       

Thursday, January 19

Julian and his family and friends building a new house, and we are helping make it a reality for this family of 11!

Pretty great day. Almost finished the walls for the house. Got to know the family. Kids Club was beyond amazing as usual. Gave backpacks and school supplies to all the students - thanks to donations back home.
   

 		  

Wednesday, January 18

Joy of Giving - thanks!

These are some of the backpacks filled with school supplies thanks to the generous giving of Lord of Life members. We will be giving a backpack to each student at the school tomorrow. 200+ kids!

 

 
         
         
         

 

   Monday, January 16
Monday morning and all hands are working in the building. Block work and lots of cement. Eventually this will be the home to a dormitory on top of the community center that serves 7 villages for clinic and vocational school.

Lord of Life members Katie Hanson and Karen Hanson (in photo at left) hard at work on the construction site Monday morning. 
     
    Sunday, January 15

The team worshiped at Pastor Juan Amador's church tonight. The Word of God was shared and new friends were made. It seems the world got a bit smaller and God got bigger as we sang in one voice but two languages. 

 
     
   

Friday, January 13
The team has arrived in the DR! Here's a picture of a portion of the group having dinner in town. Everyone is tired after a long day. Tomorrow we visit the school in the city and than travel to our work site in the mountain region of San Cristobal.