Post Written by Janet
What an amazing second day! It has been wonderful to see how the dental clinic has grown in just 2 and a half years. From our first dental clinic run July 2015 we were only able to do basic cleanings and MULTIPLE extractions. NOW we can do MULTIPLE fillings, cleanings, very few extractions, fluorides, and scalings. Also the blessing to have a dental chair and dental equipment to speed up the process of cleanings the instruments.
What an honor and privilege it is to hold her hand again as I held it 2016. What a blessing to be able to see the child that I had originally met in August 2016. She had multiple extractions. A year and a half later no extractions needed. She only needed one filling! Our Dental providers are such artists that they are able to fill teeth and make them whole again. Restoring smiles and dignity. Praise God that we are able to keep coming and see the change, the transformation of a child, a family and a community.
With a sore back and feet, but with a joyful heart I’m signing off. Thank you for your prayers!
Post Written by Melinda
Wow, I am in Awe of this whole experience and I feel so grateful and blessed to be a part of this amazing team! Today was so joyful, humbling, emotional, and amazing. I had the opportunity to see families in triage at the clinic, which I very much enjoyed. They are beautiful people and I loved seeing so many smiles and I was truly touched by their hugs and kisses. It is such a joy to serve these people, and know that we are making a small difference in their world. I almost cried when an almost 2 year old boy and his 4 year old brother gave me hugs and kissed my cheek as they were telling me “Gracias” for helping them. These kids are so brave, so grateful and so sweet. I got the chance to hold a beautiful little baby today while he slept and his mom was with his siblings were having procedures done. I enjoyed loving on that baby for a while.
But I have to say the most touching experience today was our Community Visit to Jenni’s favorite patient, Berta. This was a humbling, emotional experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity to care for her. We arrived at Bertas home to find her very very sick and in a lot of pain. She had tears of pain and tears of joy to see Jenni and our team. It was so humbling to see their living conditions, and her family and grandchildren playing in the room. We assessed her to determine what supplies we needed to help her. It was very emotional to see Jenni’s genuine love and compassion for her. Before we left to get supplies Jenni prayed for her and I did cry, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. It was a beautiful prayer. Leigh Anna, Jenni and I were able to return with supplies and treat her, starting an IV, giving fluids, antibiotics, and other medications. Many of her family members were there in her tiny 2 bedroom home. They don’t have much but they are so happy. And Berta, she is such a sweet, amazing, strong women. She was so grateful, and so sick. Even while she is laying there in pain and sick she is worried about making us comfortable. Telling her family to get us chairs and have us sit. To see the relationship between Jenni and Berta was very touching. A very very touching experience that I am so grateful I got to be a part of.
God is aware of Berta and Loves her and he will bless her according to his will, he will not leave her comfortless. I pray that she will be able to be healed and when we return on Sunday she will show improvement. God bless Berta. God bless this mission!
Janet, the dental changes you are seeing are amazing! I hope to be able to see them for myself one day. I know the wonderful patients must love seeing you return. A face they recognize must be special.
Melinda, what a beautiful experience! It doesn’t surprise me at all about Jenni. She has such a sweet soul and you can’t help but be drawn to her.
God is ever so present and no doubt you are seeing it. I love all of your updates and will continue praying for your team.
It is so cool to see how God works. Allowing Jenni to be well enough to travel and minister to her ailing friend. Giving Melinda and Janet the opportunity to see the true heart of the Guatemalan people. (They might not have much but they are generous in what they have and are happy.) Growing the dental clinic: transforming the oral health of the community. It’s truly a blessing to see how God is using reach and every one of you. From cradling an infant, flushing out ears, taking vitals, praying in the hall, teaching kids how to properly brush their teeth, restoring smiles, assessing patients, bringing IV fluids to the bedridden, to blowing bubbles with the youth it is all truly amazing. The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40. Sleep well good and faithful servant. May God give you his rest, peace and joy so you will be prepared for the rest of your week. I look forward to hearing how he will stretch you and grow your faith. Love to all, Victoria
Hi Vicki, Corey, And Jenni and all the rest of you!
I love reading about all the amazing things you are doing for the people in Membrillal. Keep up the hard work!! I know that most of the people there are grateful beyond words for what you are doing for them! Oh and Vicki, I love you and i can’t wait for July when i get to see you again and hear about all your crazy adventures down there! Love all of you and praying for you.
Emily
Oh yeah! And tell Tono, Rudy, George, and the rest of the gang i say hi and I’ll see them in July!
Leigh Anna and medical team it looks like you all are doing amazing work!! May God continue to bless your hands, hearts, and minds as you do his work. May He strengthen your every day and bring grace to all you encounter. We love you and are very proud of your good work. Keep it up and we will continue prayers for everyone’s strength and health.
Thanks for the update! Having been on a team that truly was “below ground” (digging ditches for the foundations of the school), it made me quite emotional to:
1) see the school building
2) see the building being used as a clinic
3) to see my favorite daughter serving at the clinic. . .you go girl!
Blessing on the whole team!!!!!!
Janet!! You are such a faithful and devoted servant! I remember all too well that patient, and I couldn’t be happier to hear that, #1 she is actually back to see the dentist again, and #2 only needed one filling :) Wow! Thank you Janet for being so devoted and committed to returning every year to serve as a dental warrior…complete with your ‘shield of fluoride’ and your ‘sword of’…well, we won’t mention any needles here :o)
Melinda, what a great post! I am so happy to hear that you guys were able to visit Berta and from the picture, it looks like she needed your help. I hope she is going to be OK, she is a very special lady. Know that I am thinking about the entire team while you are down there, praying that you have strength when things feel exhausting. I hope you were able to enjoy your Saturday, eat some good food, get to know each other better and see more of this beautiful country!!! (3 exclamation points Corey……no editing :)
What an amazing experience everyone is having in service to the people of Guatemala!!!! It is so clear to see how these moments are such valuable experiences not only for those receiving care, but also for those providing it. I love being able to share with these experiences through this blog, text messages, and the occassional phone call!
Melinda, I LOVE YOU! What a tremendous thing to be a part of and to experience with Berta! You may be providing physical care, but this is definitely a spiritual work that you all are performing!
Thank you to the entire team for being so genuinely full of love for the people of Guatemala! Your Christ-like service cannot be measured!
Janet, I bought lollipops from costco for you to bring next time to reward the kids for being such good dental patients.
How wonderful! I think it’s been 5 years since we both came back to Christ and talked about serving God. Look at you now! I’m in awe of God working in and through you.
We admire your courage and selflessness but mostly, your loving heart.
Proud of being your sister. Enjoy this season. ❤
Melinda, I just realized there were previous posts drone when I was told about this blog! I am so glad I did so I could read your awesome post! What an incredible experience! You are such an example of love and service! Thanks for sharing! ❤️