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
I've really started to enjoy blogging- and I love reading others' blogs! It helps me feel like I know what's going on in the lives of friends and family who are both far away and those who are close. For those of you who don't know, Don has finished his first year of dental school! I am so proud of him. He is now working for a dentist for the summer and doing projects around the house like this big one of cleaning and fixing the kitchen. I'm still in school. I have about four weeks left! We are enjoying the low-stress summer so far. We also love hanging out with our family and friends, nieces and nephews and getting to know our new baby niece Kate. Thanks for letting us steal her sometimes Jill! 
