Last clinic day! The morning started with Dr. Boyles and Brenda in surgery with a 4 year old. That surgery went quickly, and we saw 20 patients before lunch. Dr. Franklin's "high" came when we restored the smile of an older gentleman. After lunch we packed our supplies, deciding what to bring back home and what to leave in Guatemala for our next trip, in about 8 weeks.
Brent was not as busy as he would like to be. We were told by someone who comes frequently with Refuge that it was unusual for the podiatrist not be be swamped with patients, since they don't often get a podiatrist to come.
Weather today has been cool - it felt to be in the low 70s by afternoon. We walked into town after we had finished packing. Most people are very friendly, smiling when you smile at them and saying 'hello' in English. Several of the kids asked for 'candy' - using the English word. We told them we were dentists and candy was bad for your teeth!
It's been a great trip - we've made a lot of new friends and there have been some very interesting stories to hear. Our team has worked really well together and we are still friends. :-) It's been a blessing to see relationships continue to grow.
But...we are all ready to be back home! Iced drinks, our own beds and pillows, and tap water we can drink. Oh, and being able to flush toilet paper. It's the small things.
Thanks for praying for us and for following our journey!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Day Four
I know you've heard this before - but it was another busy day at the clinic! We thought we would be taking a little girl to surgery, but the family never showed. David started the day with fillings and extractions on a special-needs child. It seemed to be pediatric day today - we saw a LOT of kids. One set of twins, Benjamin and Noah. They were 4. And they both had a set of lungs!!!
The highlight of my day was getting to assist Brent in surgery. He did a plantar fasciotomy and removal of a heel spur. Getting to assist my own son was a tremendous blessing and probably not something I'll be able to do again - especially in the states!
We saw a total of 64 patients in dental today - not quite as many as yesterday, but many of the patients we had today took a long time - either screaming kids or patients who had difficult extractions, or had a lot of work to do. We finished at almost 6 today - an hour longer than any of the other days so far. We worked hard today!
Tomorrow will be a short clinic day. We'll stop about 2 and pack up our supplies and equipment, then head for Antigua Friday morning.
We are spending time tonight playing games before showers and bed. We've been sleeping well, but we all miss home and family. Keep the prayers going up!
The highlight of my day was getting to assist Brent in surgery. He did a plantar fasciotomy and removal of a heel spur. Getting to assist my own son was a tremendous blessing and probably not something I'll be able to do again - especially in the states!
We saw a total of 64 patients in dental today - not quite as many as yesterday, but many of the patients we had today took a long time - either screaming kids or patients who had difficult extractions, or had a lot of work to do. We finished at almost 6 today - an hour longer than any of the other days so far. We worked hard today!
Tomorrow will be a short clinic day. We'll stop about 2 and pack up our supplies and equipment, then head for Antigua Friday morning.
We are spending time tonight playing games before showers and bed. We've been sleeping well, but we all miss home and family. Keep the prayers going up!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Day Three
Another crazy day in Guatemala! At this point, your prayers for energy and stamina are greatly appreciated! Today was another busy day. We started the morning having a 4 year old sedated in our clinic room again. He also needed 6 teeth extracted. After some slightly anxiety-provoking moments, extractions were completed and he was taken to post-op to recuperate. Tomorrow we have yet another child to take to the OR - this time a three-year-old
Total patients we saw today was 68 - 22 of these were cleanings, the rest fillings and/or extractions. Brent had 3 surgeries today, and has another scheduled for tomorrow. So far, there have been 27 surgeries, the medical clinic has seen over 300 patients, and we have seen 188. Now you know why we need your prayers!!!
Total patients we saw today was 68 - 22 of these were cleanings, the rest fillings and/or extractions. Brent had 3 surgeries today, and has another scheduled for tomorrow. So far, there have been 27 surgeries, the medical clinic has seen over 300 patients, and we have seen 188. Now you know why we need your prayers!!!
Monday, February 22, 2016
Day Two
What a day!!! This morning we saw dental patients non-stop until lunch. The afternoon was a bit slower. We thought we had the day wrapped up and were going to enjoy a little downtime before dinner. Until we had a mom stop by and ask if we were going to be able to help her 6-year old daughter, a tiny little girl with pink plastic glasses. The little girl's name was Ashley, and she is a sweetheart. Because of a diet consisting of a great deal of sugarcane, she needed 6 teeth extracted and some fillings done. With the extent of work she needed, Dr. Franklin and Dr. Boyles decided to see if we could take her to the O.R. and have her sedated. O.R. agreed, and we got everything ready on our part. Dr. Franklin was working on her, and I (Jody) was assisting.
There were some issues in O.R. so it was decided to sedate her in our clinic room and work there. Now. Working in the clinic here is nothing like working in a U.S. Dental office, or even at HOPE Clinic. We have to bring in everything we need, and we often have to improvise. Ashley was not completely out, and even though she was given a local anesthetic, she was awake enough to be trying to put her hands up, and moving her head around. We had some difficulties keeping her suctioned, but Dr. Franklin was able to get all 6 teeth extracted and the 2 fillings done.
Tomorrow, Dr. Boyles and Brenda will be treating a 4 year old in the same situation. It should be an exciting start to the morning!
Brent had a much busier day today than yesterday, and will be taking a patient to surgery tomorrow.
Weather continues to be beautiful, and we continue to be well-fed. Prayers are still appreciated for good rest, energy and stamina...and that we continue to feel the presence of God here.
We miss our family - and love you all!
There were some issues in O.R. so it was decided to sedate her in our clinic room and work there. Now. Working in the clinic here is nothing like working in a U.S. Dental office, or even at HOPE Clinic. We have to bring in everything we need, and we often have to improvise. Ashley was not completely out, and even though she was given a local anesthetic, she was awake enough to be trying to put her hands up, and moving her head around. We had some difficulties keeping her suctioned, but Dr. Franklin was able to get all 6 teeth extracted and the 2 fillings done.
Tomorrow, Dr. Boyles and Brenda will be treating a 4 year old in the same situation. It should be an exciting start to the morning!
Brent had a much busier day today than yesterday, and will be taking a patient to surgery tomorrow.
Weather continues to be beautiful, and we continue to be well-fed. Prayers are still appreciated for good rest, energy and stamina...and that we continue to feel the presence of God here.
We miss our family - and love you all!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Day One
Everyone arrived at the compound safely - Dallas group (including Brent and Dr. Elbert Franklin, the other dentist on this trip) made it Friday evening, and we arrived to the compound about 3 PM. It was a LONG bus ride!!! It was good to see some of the same people we've met on previous trips - and lots of new people!
Today was our first clinic day. We worked with a Guatemalan dentist who is working as our translator. She was very helpful! Between operative and hygiene, we saw about 65 patients; most of them were indigenous Mayan. We saw some kids; some of them were very calm and relaxed. Some of them were the complete opposite!
Brent saw 6 patients, and already has one scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. We're hoping word gets out and he is much busier tomorrow. It's not common to have a podiatrist here, so most of the local population does not know that is an option.
Nights are cool. When we got here Saturday, they said it was the coolest it had been in a long time - in the 40's. Daytime is warm, about mid-70s and the sky has been clear and gorgeous.
Please remember to pray for us - today was not difficult, but we know that as word gets out, we will have more and more patients. Pray for strength and energy. Pray, too that we will be a reflection of God not just to the people we are treating, but also to the others serving here.
And don't worry about us not getting enough to eat - the food is absolutely delicious!!!
Today was our first clinic day. We worked with a Guatemalan dentist who is working as our translator. She was very helpful! Between operative and hygiene, we saw about 65 patients; most of them were indigenous Mayan. We saw some kids; some of them were very calm and relaxed. Some of them were the complete opposite!
Brent saw 6 patients, and already has one scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. We're hoping word gets out and he is much busier tomorrow. It's not common to have a podiatrist here, so most of the local population does not know that is an option.
Nights are cool. When we got here Saturday, they said it was the coolest it had been in a long time - in the 40's. Daytime is warm, about mid-70s and the sky has been clear and gorgeous.
Please remember to pray for us - today was not difficult, but we know that as word gets out, we will have more and more patients. Pray for strength and energy. Pray, too that we will be a reflection of God not just to the people we are treating, but also to the others serving here.
And don't worry about us not getting enough to eat - the food is absolutely delicious!!!
Friday, February 19, 2016
Treating Guatemalans from Teeth to Toe
It's that time again! Dr. David Boyles, Karen Davenport, Brenda Schibi, and I (Jody Banks) will be heading to the big airport in Houston tomorrow at 6 AM, flying out to Guatemala City. From there, we will take a two hour bus ride up into the mountains to the village of San Raymundo. This is our 4th year at this particular compound where we will provide the dental component to a medical mission.
Last year, David's daughter, Dr. Regan Prewitt, came and provided dental care. This year, I am blessed to have my son, Brent, join us. Brent is a podiatrist in Ft. Worth and will be caring for Guatemalans who walk many, many miles; often barefoot.
Please be praying for safe travel. Almost all the medical team flew in from Dallas; their flight arrived safely and right now they are making their way to the compound. We should arrive in Guatemala a little after noon, and at the compound in San Raymundo a couple of hours later. We will spend the afternoon getting our equipment uncrated and set up to begin treatment.
Pray for our energy levels to remain high tomorrow, and for the patients who will be coming in Sunday morning. While most of you are worshipping in a church, we'll be worshipping in a hospital. :-) We have seen God work in many ways in the past while here, and we are excited to be a part of His work.
I'll try to update daily...but no promises! :-)
Last year, David's daughter, Dr. Regan Prewitt, came and provided dental care. This year, I am blessed to have my son, Brent, join us. Brent is a podiatrist in Ft. Worth and will be caring for Guatemalans who walk many, many miles; often barefoot.
Please be praying for safe travel. Almost all the medical team flew in from Dallas; their flight arrived safely and right now they are making their way to the compound. We should arrive in Guatemala a little after noon, and at the compound in San Raymundo a couple of hours later. We will spend the afternoon getting our equipment uncrated and set up to begin treatment.
Pray for our energy levels to remain high tomorrow, and for the patients who will be coming in Sunday morning. While most of you are worshipping in a church, we'll be worshipping in a hospital. :-) We have seen God work in many ways in the past while here, and we are excited to be a part of His work.
I'll try to update daily...but no promises! :-)
Friday, June 27, 2014
Uganda - Friday
Uganda Friday
Well we finished up clinics with a very busy day! Some of the highlights were a very difficult lower third molar extraction (hardest one of the week), a woman who brought out her "mammary gland" to feed while extracting her tooth and some fillings that saved a few more teeth. I also learned that each culture has its own translation, for instance, if you call someone "dude", it means "butt". oops :-)
This morning, we were able to attend the "devotional" time with the workers (about 60). Their passion is an inspiration, even at 7:30 am. Not all of the workers are believers, so it is a good outreach. Our ladies have been a great asset to the ministry in their abilities to minister to the children and teach the ladies. I have been blessed to be a part of this group!
We concluded the day with a service with the kids - awesome!!! Close to the "high" for the week!! Their sincere praise to God was so inspiring. Then the McPhee family came and sang their famous hippo song for us.
As we finish our "ministry" part of the trip, we are all tired but very content. We look forward to "winding down" in the next few days. There is a safari lodge that we will be taking some tours with, so that is going to be a treat! I hope to be uploading some pictures soon.
RG has a great network of support, volunteers and workers, they all become like family. So there are some tears as we say goodbye.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support
David
Well we finished up clinics with a very busy day! Some of the highlights were a very difficult lower third molar extraction (hardest one of the week), a woman who brought out her "mammary gland" to feed while extracting her tooth and some fillings that saved a few more teeth. I also learned that each culture has its own translation, for instance, if you call someone "dude", it means "butt". oops :-)
This morning, we were able to attend the "devotional" time with the workers (about 60). Their passion is an inspiration, even at 7:30 am. Not all of the workers are believers, so it is a good outreach. Our ladies have been a great asset to the ministry in their abilities to minister to the children and teach the ladies. I have been blessed to be a part of this group!
We concluded the day with a service with the kids - awesome!!! Close to the "high" for the week!! Their sincere praise to God was so inspiring. Then the McPhee family came and sang their famous hippo song for us.
As we finish our "ministry" part of the trip, we are all tired but very content. We look forward to "winding down" in the next few days. There is a safari lodge that we will be taking some tours with, so that is going to be a treat! I hope to be uploading some pictures soon.
RG has a great network of support, volunteers and workers, they all become like family. So there are some tears as we say goodbye.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support
David
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Uganda - Thursday
Uganda Thursday
Well, today was our last day open to the public, tomorrow we will see a lot of the workers here at RG. Many of them are paid a salary (Ugandans) which affects/supports their families (up to nine in a family). The missionaries that work here are required to find their support from elsewhere (RG does not provide that for them). Most have "home churches" that provide their financial needs.
Today, there was a 4 year old boy that was brought in with his mother, crying before I ever laid a hand on him! It took four to hold him down while I removed a tooth. He and his family will sleep much better tonight.
Today, Shaun (dentist from Waco) helped train David (Ugandan dentist) on how to do molar root canals. Though we have not seen the masses, we are "equipping" the Ugandans to use resources and talents to bring others to Christ and to be served in the love of Jesus.
I would like to recommend another book for you (now that you have read "Radical" :-) ). Here is a little bit about it:
"When Helping hurts"
The average American lives on more than $90/ day, approx 1 billion live on less than $1/!day (that would be Uganda); 2.6 billion (40% of world population) live on less than $2/ day. There is not place in the Bible that indicates that poverty is a desirable state or that material things are evil. The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches that human beings primary purpose is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever". So what motivates you? Why do you want to help the poor? Is it my "felt need" to accomplish something worthwhile with my life, to be a person of significance, to feel like a pursued noble cause . . to be a bit like God? Sometimes, I unintentionally reduce poor people to objects that I use to fulfill my own need to accomplish something.
Things I have learned,
I do not have to know what the weather is doing every hour
I do not have to be on facebook
I have not missed TV
I have missed my family!
I do miss my hot showers
I will not miss rice and beans for a while
I find that I am not anxious because I "missed" a sports event (like World Cup)
- (I am still interested in it though)
I see God working in other places besides Texas - changing hearts, bringing restoration
I am glad I do not have to mow the grass with a machete
Pray that we finish well, that we can be a "drop in the bucket" and for our families left back home.
Well, today was our last day open to the public, tomorrow we will see a lot of the workers here at RG. Many of them are paid a salary (Ugandans) which affects/supports their families (up to nine in a family). The missionaries that work here are required to find their support from elsewhere (RG does not provide that for them). Most have "home churches" that provide their financial needs.
Today, there was a 4 year old boy that was brought in with his mother, crying before I ever laid a hand on him! It took four to hold him down while I removed a tooth. He and his family will sleep much better tonight.
Today, Shaun (dentist from Waco) helped train David (Ugandan dentist) on how to do molar root canals. Though we have not seen the masses, we are "equipping" the Ugandans to use resources and talents to bring others to Christ and to be served in the love of Jesus.
I would like to recommend another book for you (now that you have read "Radical" :-) ). Here is a little bit about it:
"When Helping hurts"
The average American lives on more than $90/ day, approx 1 billion live on less than $1/!day (that would be Uganda); 2.6 billion (40% of world population) live on less than $2/ day. There is not place in the Bible that indicates that poverty is a desirable state or that material things are evil. The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches that human beings primary purpose is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever". So what motivates you? Why do you want to help the poor? Is it my "felt need" to accomplish something worthwhile with my life, to be a person of significance, to feel like a pursued noble cause . . to be a bit like God? Sometimes, I unintentionally reduce poor people to objects that I use to fulfill my own need to accomplish something.
Things I have learned,
I do not have to know what the weather is doing every hour
I do not have to be on facebook
I have not missed TV
I have missed my family!
I do miss my hot showers
I will not miss rice and beans for a while
I find that I am not anxious because I "missed" a sports event (like World Cup)
- (I am still interested in it though)
I see God working in other places besides Texas - changing hearts, bringing restoration
I am glad I do not have to mow the grass with a machete
Pray that we finish well, that we can be a "drop in the bucket" and for our families left back home.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Uganda Wednesday
Ok, clinic was on a better flow today, we were able to help a lot of people, doing fillings, extractions and root canals. I removed two 6 year molars on a nine year old boy this morning who came to see me in a suit (not the tie). It was a big deal to the family. If you go into town, teeth are extracted with an "anvil" and no anesthetic. Getting to know the people who serve here is a treat. Let me tell you of one couple.
Story of Janna and Dave
On the field here, they have 3 children. Last summer, Janna delivered a beautiful girl and they named her Selah. That means to "pause", in the psalms we see it to pause and savor our God is sufficient. Everything was going well. At about 30 days of life, she became ill and was found to be septic. They rushed her to Kampala, and determined that she had a hole in her heart. Selah recieved great care, even was in contact with a specialist pedo cadiologist, who was in Canada. They were getting ready to fly her out for treatment when she experienced a heart attack. The Lord took her home at 34 days of life on this earth. As expected, it rock the whole community of RG. Selah is buried here by the Nile. Her parents are convinced that God is still in control. Dave wrote a song for her and you can look in up on youtube under so thankful by Janna McPhee.
Pam, Susan and Ann went back into Karuma to visit with Sharon and the other ladies. They met in this courtyard to meet about 47 women and 30 children. Ann and Susan had childrens church and Pam taught the ladies about the woman and the well. Some of the impressions were broken hearted at looking at some of the "young girls" and the joy gone from their faces. The rest of the other children had a very engaging time. They talked how Jesus talked about her salvation before confronting her sin. There was talk on how to develop something how to delivered.
The whole discussion among us is the "Sunday school" answer to the question is there always hope in Christ. But many here in Uganda, there is none to be seen! Even at home, many are trapped into hopelessness. The message is still the same at home as it is here- Jesus delivers.
Stay focused my friends
Pray that we finish strong in clinics and ministry and stay sensitive to what God is leading us to do.
David
Story of Janna and Dave
On the field here, they have 3 children. Last summer, Janna delivered a beautiful girl and they named her Selah. That means to "pause", in the psalms we see it to pause and savor our God is sufficient. Everything was going well. At about 30 days of life, she became ill and was found to be septic. They rushed her to Kampala, and determined that she had a hole in her heart. Selah recieved great care, even was in contact with a specialist pedo cadiologist, who was in Canada. They were getting ready to fly her out for treatment when she experienced a heart attack. The Lord took her home at 34 days of life on this earth. As expected, it rock the whole community of RG. Selah is buried here by the Nile. Her parents are convinced that God is still in control. Dave wrote a song for her and you can look in up on youtube under so thankful by Janna McPhee.
Pam, Susan and Ann went back into Karuma to visit with Sharon and the other ladies. They met in this courtyard to meet about 47 women and 30 children. Ann and Susan had childrens church and Pam taught the ladies about the woman and the well. Some of the impressions were broken hearted at looking at some of the "young girls" and the joy gone from their faces. The rest of the other children had a very engaging time. They talked how Jesus talked about her salvation before confronting her sin. There was talk on how to develop something how to delivered.
The whole discussion among us is the "Sunday school" answer to the question is there always hope in Christ. But many here in Uganda, there is none to be seen! Even at home, many are trapped into hopelessness. The message is still the same at home as it is here- Jesus delivers.
Stay focused my friends
Pray that we finish strong in clinics and ministry and stay sensitive to what God is leading us to do.
David
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Uganda Tuesday
Uganda Tuesday
Another day on the African Nile :-). Lots of ministry still going on. I almost erred in sounding like an Aggie - as soon as the cold water from the shower hits my back, I yell "whoop", it is shocking :-) . We are trying to see how many ways that you can eat rice and beans. (no whining, just informing)
The ladies had a good visit from the ladies from the village last night. One of the ladies was Sharon - a beautiful young lady who was orphaned and then abandoned from her husband with a child and forced to find work to survive. With no job skills, prostitution became her trade. It is not a place she chose nor desired but is trapped and without hope in her eyes. Our ladies shared the hope of Christ, but she still related how to escape from this. So true love would be to accept her and develop a trade skill to have her a "way out". Christ can change her heart, but He can use us to provide avenues to escape.
Something I learned for RADICAL = Will we risk everything - our comfort, our possessions, our safety, our very lives- to make the gospel known among the unreached peoples?
The reward of the American dream is safety, security and success found in more comfort, better stuff and greater prosperity. But the reward of Christ trumps all these things!
Jim Elliot: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Pray that we may stay focused on the task. Africa time is like going on the freeway at 80 mph and then they post a "new" limit at 25 mph!! Most of you who know me, a little more for me to learn :-) pray for me!
blessings and may God bless you richly
Another day on the African Nile :-). Lots of ministry still going on. I almost erred in sounding like an Aggie - as soon as the cold water from the shower hits my back, I yell "whoop", it is shocking :-) . We are trying to see how many ways that you can eat rice and beans. (no whining, just informing)
The ladies had a good visit from the ladies from the village last night. One of the ladies was Sharon - a beautiful young lady who was orphaned and then abandoned from her husband with a child and forced to find work to survive. With no job skills, prostitution became her trade. It is not a place she chose nor desired but is trapped and without hope in her eyes. Our ladies shared the hope of Christ, but she still related how to escape from this. So true love would be to accept her and develop a trade skill to have her a "way out". Christ can change her heart, but He can use us to provide avenues to escape.
Something I learned for RADICAL = Will we risk everything - our comfort, our possessions, our safety, our very lives- to make the gospel known among the unreached peoples?
The reward of the American dream is safety, security and success found in more comfort, better stuff and greater prosperity. But the reward of Christ trumps all these things!
Jim Elliot: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Pray that we may stay focused on the task. Africa time is like going on the freeway at 80 mph and then they post a "new" limit at 25 mph!! Most of you who know me, a little more for me to learn :-) pray for me!
blessings and may God bless you richly
Monday, June 23, 2014
Uganda Monday
Monday in Uganda
Ok, well prayers are working. Things went pretty smooth (even though I am missing my usual dental team!) We were able to see several patients and pray with them. The clinic is the finest I have ever seen on the mission field, God has truly provided. We have been eating lunch with some of the orphans in their house, what a blessing!! They sing songs for us and I get to teach them "head and shoulders, knees and toes" - oh the benefits of being a grandpa :-). Visited with the head master of the school here and was amazed at how God saved him and the stories from escaping with 9 children for the revolution army (LRA) several years ago. He has started a church and they had 30 professions of faith last week.
The ladies (Pam, Ann and Susan) are going into the nearby town to minister with the commercial sex trade women. They are excited and apprehensive all at once. A new group of 20 youth and sponsors from Waco arrived today and they are excited as well. Also a group from San Antonio arrived (6)
Looks like we will be busy all week at the clinic!
Most of the dorm moms are either widowed or abandoned, so truly we are ministering to the widows and orphans.
So far, our health is holding up great, we miss you all and covet your prayers.
Ok, well prayers are working. Things went pretty smooth (even though I am missing my usual dental team!) We were able to see several patients and pray with them. The clinic is the finest I have ever seen on the mission field, God has truly provided. We have been eating lunch with some of the orphans in their house, what a blessing!! They sing songs for us and I get to teach them "head and shoulders, knees and toes" - oh the benefits of being a grandpa :-). Visited with the head master of the school here and was amazed at how God saved him and the stories from escaping with 9 children for the revolution army (LRA) several years ago. He has started a church and they had 30 professions of faith last week.
The ladies (Pam, Ann and Susan) are going into the nearby town to minister with the commercial sex trade women. They are excited and apprehensive all at once. A new group of 20 youth and sponsors from Waco arrived today and they are excited as well. Also a group from San Antonio arrived (6)
Looks like we will be busy all week at the clinic!
Most of the dorm moms are either widowed or abandoned, so truly we are ministering to the widows and orphans.
So far, our health is holding up great, we miss you all and covet your prayers.
Because of low wifi, unable to send pics. Sorry, but there are some good ones so far :-)
David
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Uganda Sunday
Saturday
Today, we had a great day. We were able to get a flight from MAF (missionary aviation fellowship) that made the trip so much easier. They are a ministry that has been helping missionaries for years. Our pilot was Dave and has just returned from being on furlough. As we landed, we saw out the plane elephants, giraffes, hippos and lots of monkeys (no I was not looking in the mirror). Tim and Janice McCall picked us up and we made it to Restoration Gateway - amazing. One story is that in the neighboring village, which is basically a truck stop, there are many prostitutes. A visiting group contacted them and invited them to church. They said that they do not want to continue in that "profession" but feel trapped. Pray that many will come to hear the good news of redemption and that they can be liberated.
RG - has only been here for about 7 years but it has 21 houses for orphans and so much more. They build their own bricks for the houses. It is awesome to see God working here, there are about 20 people (americans) that are ministering here, from OGBYN to facilitators, to teaching. Thank you for your prayers and lifting us up.
Sunday
We were able to worship with the people here at RG. The lesson was by one of the dorm "moms" who taught on forgiveness. She did a great job. Such a joy to see the people worship The Lord and such a happiness that shows in their faces. We then took a tour with Dr Tim McCall of how God brought RG to being- all started with a vision and provisions. Tim had a vision of 800 acres and todate there is 700 acres, on the Nile River. His initial vision was a medical clinic, but along the way God showed him the need for orphan help. So there are many houses (21)that hold 8 children each but not all are filled yet.
Our lunch was rice and bean (which will be our normal staple for the week) which we ate in one of the orphan houses. Getting to meet them and have fun with them.
Then Dr Jody Yarbro and I went to the dental clinic to start setting up. We spent almost 3 hours doing that and we shall see tomorrow how things will go with the patient care.
Please pray for stamina, for safety, for receptivity to the gospel, for our families back home.
love to all
Today, we had a great day. We were able to get a flight from MAF (missionary aviation fellowship) that made the trip so much easier. They are a ministry that has been helping missionaries for years. Our pilot was Dave and has just returned from being on furlough. As we landed, we saw out the plane elephants, giraffes, hippos and lots of monkeys (no I was not looking in the mirror). Tim and Janice McCall picked us up and we made it to Restoration Gateway - amazing. One story is that in the neighboring village, which is basically a truck stop, there are many prostitutes. A visiting group contacted them and invited them to church. They said that they do not want to continue in that "profession" but feel trapped. Pray that many will come to hear the good news of redemption and that they can be liberated.
RG - has only been here for about 7 years but it has 21 houses for orphans and so much more. They build their own bricks for the houses. It is awesome to see God working here, there are about 20 people (americans) that are ministering here, from OGBYN to facilitators, to teaching. Thank you for your prayers and lifting us up.
Sunday
We were able to worship with the people here at RG. The lesson was by one of the dorm "moms" who taught on forgiveness. She did a great job. Such a joy to see the people worship The Lord and such a happiness that shows in their faces. We then took a tour with Dr Tim McCall of how God brought RG to being- all started with a vision and provisions. Tim had a vision of 800 acres and todate there is 700 acres, on the Nile River. His initial vision was a medical clinic, but along the way God showed him the need for orphan help. So there are many houses (21)that hold 8 children each but not all are filled yet.
Our lunch was rice and bean (which will be our normal staple for the week) which we ate in one of the orphan houses. Getting to meet them and have fun with them.
Then Dr Jody Yarbro and I went to the dental clinic to start setting up. We spent almost 3 hours doing that and we shall see tomorrow how things will go with the patient care.
Please pray for stamina, for safety, for receptivity to the gospel, for our families back home.
love to all
Friday, June 20, 2014
Saturday - I think
Well, we made it through the toughest day - 24 hours of travel and little sleep. The upside is a great sleep night! I feel like we are ready to "hit" it now. We traveled by plane for 16 hours and 5 hour layover in London. Really, all in all, no problems.
Read David Platt's book - Radical - if you have not read that - I challenge you to get inspired on what the church is doing (or not doing)! We are in a "guest" house and leave later for Restoration Gateway later today.
Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming, God is working here in Uganda just like at home. You do not have to be far from home to encounter people who need Jesus - a purpose for living. But while I am here, I pray that God will reveal how to make a difference in this part of the world. I wish that I could be accompanied by so many of you and miss you!
love to all
David
Read David Platt's book - Radical - if you have not read that - I challenge you to get inspired on what the church is doing (or not doing)! We are in a "guest" house and leave later for Restoration Gateway later today.
Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming, God is working here in Uganda just like at home. You do not have to be far from home to encounter people who need Jesus - a purpose for living. But while I am here, I pray that God will reveal how to make a difference in this part of the world. I wish that I could be accompanied by so many of you and miss you!
love to all
David
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Departure day
Ok, it is finally here and I am excited to see what The Lord has in store this time. I have a feeling that it is going to be much different than other trips that I have been on - however I say that about each of the others as well. So, pray that I will remain flexible and patient and enduring to the culture and to those who have gone before me. It is not my job to change things, but that The Lord word through me.
Here is a little about where I am going, Restoration Gateway - the vision is to develop a Christ-centered model community that will foster God's heart for physical and spiritual restoration among the people of war-torn Uganda. It is on 700 acres of land overlooking the Nile River and has developed into
-=orphan care
= medical and dental care
=empowerment of Ugandans
= ministry to the church of Uganda
and so much more.
It was birthed in 2004 when 7 Ugandan men began meeting to pray under a tree presently held by the project. God answered the call by sending Dr Tim and Janice McCall in early 2005. They moved onto the land in 2007 and God had blessed it ever since.
I am excited to see what God is doing there and joining in for support
Here is a little about where I am going, Restoration Gateway - the vision is to develop a Christ-centered model community that will foster God's heart for physical and spiritual restoration among the people of war-torn Uganda. It is on 700 acres of land overlooking the Nile River and has developed into
-=orphan care
= medical and dental care
=empowerment of Ugandans
= ministry to the church of Uganda
and so much more.
It was birthed in 2004 when 7 Ugandan men began meeting to pray under a tree presently held by the project. God answered the call by sending Dr Tim and Janice McCall in early 2005. They moved onto the land in 2007 and God had blessed it ever since.
I am excited to see what God is doing there and joining in for support
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Uganda 2014
Ok, I am practicing my blog writing. So it is Tuesday evening as I write this. My plane leaves for Uganda Thursday afternoon and I am already thinking a bit about packing. I will meet the rest of my team in London and we will fly together to Entebbe, Uganda from there. Please be praying for the following:
safety in travel, team bonding, the patients and people we will be working with, for Jill as I leave her for a while, for Kim as she is left keeping the office (also being 6 months pregnant), for spiritual insight of being on mission for Him there, for good health, for patience in a different culture and for a joy in The Lord that will be contagious.
Thanks for holding all these up
Serving Him together
David
safety in travel, team bonding, the patients and people we will be working with, for Jill as I leave her for a while, for Kim as she is left keeping the office (also being 6 months pregnant), for spiritual insight of being on mission for Him there, for good health, for patience in a different culture and for a joy in The Lord that will be contagious.
Thanks for holding all these up
Serving Him together
David
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Guatemala Photos!
Some of our photos...
Dremel tool we used as a titrilator to shake our composite for a filling.
Dental Team working hard!
Sunset over the McDonald tomato fields across the road from the hospital/compound. All tomatoes used at McDonald's restaurants in Central America are grown here.
View from the rooftop. Behind the compound (foreground) are some very, very humble homes.
Dr. David with Misael, a 'celebrity' who had come to the U.S. for orthopedic surgery in Dallas.
Our friend Karen, from New York's Long Island.
Guatemalan traditional dress. Last photo is Brenda, who went as part of the dental team
but was drafted to the Operating Room!
Dremel tool to the rescue once again! We were pouring up a model to replace
a missing tooth for our interpreter.
a missing tooth for our interpreter.
More to come soon!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Guatemala, Day Eight
I know, I skipped yesterday. :-) Yesterday, we arrived in the beautiful city of Antigua. Antigua means "ancient" and it is. There are cobblestone streets lined with old, old buildings. Lots of cathedrals and ruins, and so many interesting people.
There are 3 active volcanoes surrounding Antigua. One of them, Volcán de Fuego or "Volcano of Fire" has spit smoke while we were here. Antigua was at one time the capital of Guatemala, but in 1776, after a series of earthquakes, the capital was moved to Guatemala City.
God has blessed us with some incredible weather and scenery, but the greatest blessing we have had has been this whole mission trip. There have been low points, but very few. We've had many, many more highs. We have met some interesting people, and we pray that we have planted some seeds in those who don't know the Lord.
We cannot wait to see our families. We're thankful for your prayers while we've been gone, and our prayer is that reading about our experiences will encourage you to try a mission trip yourself.
See you in America!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Guatemala, Day Six
Our last clinic day. It's always a little bittersweet - it has been a great experience and we've helped a lot of people so it's a little sad to see it end, but we are so ready to be home and see our family. And no more communal showers!
For a mission trip, accommodations have been really nice. We have hot showers (even if there is very little privacy). We sleep in dorm rooms, one for women and one for men. Bunk beds, no a/c or heat but there are ceiling fans and blankets. We've already raved about the food. And there is dessert with both lunch and dinner.
The hospital where we are working is not your typical American hospital. It is only open when there are groups coming to serve. I've never been in a hospital in a third world country, but this one has sinks that leak, dust all over the place (as in we have to clean off surfaces in the rooms every morning because they have a layer of dirt/dust), lights that spark when you plug them in, no x-ray equipment, no a/c (except in the Operating Room). But people come from miles and miles away to get care when there is a group here. We know of one lady who walked 4 hours with 5 of her neighborhood kids to get dental care. One family drove 8 hours for a member to get surgery.
When a patient has surgery and is unable to return home, they are able to stay overnight. There have been hysterectomies, gall bladder surgeries, hernia repairs, some orthopedic cases, and a burn case. The work the medical team has done has been amazing.
We had a half-day of clinic today, then packed up our supplies. Tomorrow morning we head to Antigua, an ancient city with ruins and cobblestone streets. And shopping! We're staying in a hotel, and if wif-fi is available I'll try to upload some pictures.
Thanks for following our journey! It has been a trip we've been blessed to be a part of.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Guatemala, Day Five
Loooooooong day today! We started at 8:00 this morning, stopped briefly for lunch, then finished up about 6:00. We saw a total of 53 patients, and several of those were difficult cases. David is getting some experience as a pediatric oral surgeon - he did another case with the anesthesiologist! This makes 3 total so far.
We also once again made use of the Dremel tool yesterday. We worked on our interpreter, and he was missing a front tooth so David decided to make him a provisional partial. To make this, you need equipment that shakes the stone you use to make a model. We did not have that, so we improvised with the all-purpose Dremel. Success! This afternoon we needed to make another partial, and the Dremel was not available. So we used the compressor that runs some of the dental equipment. The ability to improvise is a must on the mission field!
When Dr. Mike (an oral surgeon) was planning on coming, he was bringing his two assistants with him. Even though he did not get to come, Jamey and Brenda came with us. Though they are dental, they have both been recruited to the O.R. and we have not seen much of them, they stay so busy in surgery.
Tomorrow, we have a half-day of clinic, then will begin packing up. It has been interesting seeing the people of Guatemala, and we hope to see more of the country when we leave for Antigua on Friday. God has truly blessed us with new friendships on this trip, and though we have had a great time, it will be good to get back home!
Keep praying for us!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Guatemala, Day Four
Wow, what a day! Once again, there was a line of patients waiting for us. We had quite a few interesting patients today. One of the first patients we saw was a 3 year old girl that needed several extractions. The really good thing about this venue is the availability of anesthesia and operating rooms. The little girl was taken to surgery (after a several-hour wait). This was a first for David - extractions in an operating room! He took out 10 teeth.
One high point of the day was the huge difference David made in a 13-year old girl's smile. She was missing one of her central incisors, and her lateral (the tooth to the side of the center one) shifted, so she had a side-ways tooth and a big gap. After David finished with her, she looked amazing and was so happy to be smiling!
We are all healthy, eating *really* well, and sleeping well. Lights are out at 10 PM and on at 6 AM. Breakfast follows, and clinic starts quickly after. Lunch is whenever we can get a break, and then we get going again, stopping around 6. Then we sterilize instruments, have dinner, and visit with others.
Tomorrow, the photojournalism group from Cal State Fullerton is leaving early in the morning. We will miss them - but one thing we will *not* miss is the constant photo-taking while we're trying to work. Now we know how celebrities feel!
Keep praying for us - two more clinic days. Pray as we minister to those we see tomorrow and the next day. We love you!
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