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!
Monday, February 22, 2016
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
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