Thursday, April 24, 2008

Dental Mission to Peru


We were very blessed to be able to go to Peru during spring break for a dental service mission. We went with some of Don's classmates through the CMMA (The Christian Medical Ministry of Alabama). It was a life-changing experience. Here are some pictures...(more info to come!)

We wanted to share a little about our trip, the experiences we had, and the things we learned. First, I want to thank everyone who helped to allow this mission to take place. Thank you for your contributions of time, monetary support and prayers.

The first thing I want to say is our trip was a success in more ways than one. Our group was able to help so many (I did not count) people. We had clinics open for about eight hours each day Monday through Friday. In theses clinics we provided basic oral hygiene instruction and extractions for those with abscessed or otherwise permanently compromised teeth. We worked with children and adults of all ages.

While Mindi and I were expecting to help others and make a difference in their lives, we were surprised at the impact that the Peruvians had on us. Even though it was difficult at times to communicate, they were very trusting; and we could tell how much they appreciated what we were doing. While at church on our last day in Peru, one of the members of the congregation came up to me and continually thanked us for the service we provided to her.

While riding in our bus on the streets of Peru, I couldn't help but compare the life I live in the United States to the lives of those I was interacting with. You can see some of the homes from our slide show. So many of these people have so little compared to what we enjoy here. However, they seem to be so happy. There joy is a testimony to me that true happiness comes from things that money cannot buy.

Thank you for taking the time to look at this post on our blog. We hope you can feel of the joy we experienced from serving these people.

Once again, we thank those who made this trip possible:

Cameron and Cindy McEwen
Robert and Pam Norris
Dr. Benjamin Ingram
Dr. Thomas Dudney
Dr. Kenneth Friday
Dr. Jennifer Morrissey-Patton
Dr. Thomas Barnes
Dr. Bruce Cunningham
Dr. Keith Dillard
Dr. James Finley
Dr. Lara Beth Davis
Dr. Bill Roe
Dr. Robert Sanderson
Eunice Huntress
Dr. Byron Ketcham
Dr. John Nelson
Dr. Robert Ramsay
Dr. Cass Klimcak
Dr. and Mrs. John T. Raspberry
Dr. Cary Adams
Dr. Ivey Davis Rutledge

10 comments:

barbaraence said...

How neat. Good for you guys! I'm so glad to see that you both got to go too.

Michelle said...

I LOVED seeing what you guys did while you were gone. What a special opportunity-we are so proud of you, and are thankful for people like you!

Jeni said...

I go to church with Stephen and Jill and was doing a bit of blog-stalking (because, you know, with a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old, I have nothing better to do!) and discovered your blog. These pictures of your trip brought tears to my eyes. Good, good for you guys for spending your spring break in such a great way. :)

Kent and Kate said...

That must have been the trip of a life time! Your pictures are awesome.

Lori and Matt said...

What an amazing opportunity! Thanks for sharing!

Cameron and Cindy said...

What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!

Cameron and Cindy said...

Okay, I didn't see what the person before me wrote until it posted - - so, anyways. . I am glad that y'all had such a memorable time, and it was fun to see all of the pictures, and hear the stories,etc. :)

Kyssell said...

That looks like you guys had a blast! I was going to say it looked like that was an amazing experience, but it looks like that line was already taken :) Hope you guys are having fun out in Alabama.

Sarah Robins said...

ok guys, time to update the blog! it's been over a month now! do you want some kitten pictures to put up?

Unknown said...

Are you LDS? I googled the name Eunice Huntress and found your blog. I don't know if it's the same lady, but I'm in a hospital in Chico, California and a lady is in the bed next to my mom. Her sister is Eunice Huntress from Alabama. This lady is in for surgery on her hip and can't remember her sisters number in case of something happening. Do you think Eunice (on your blog) is her sister? She would sure like to speak with her. She is at Enloe Hospital, Chico, CA in room 306B. Thanks...