In our first day back in the clinic after our mid week break full of fun and adventure, we saw a whopping 136 patients!!
That total includes 71 cleanings, 45 fillings, and 20 extractions. We have nearly tripled our productivity from our first day in clinic. Included in the patients we saw today was a bus load of young children from a nearby foster home. These children were full of life and brought so much joy and happiness to the clinic. We ended the day with small group devotions that allowed us time to reflect with each other on our past week in the Dominican Republic. It is bittersweet knowing that the trip is coming to an end but so fulfilling to see the positive impacts that we have had the opportunity to make on the people of Santiago. We are so thankful for this opportunity and experience, and look forward to a successful and final day in clinic tomorrow. Today we had the opportunity to be tourists and enjoy the wonders of the Dominican Republic! We separated into two groups, those who visited the Puerto Plata beach and those who visited the famous 27 Charcos "27 Waterfalls". As one of the students who attended the 27 Waterfalls I can truly say that it was the experience of a lifetime. From the beautiful scenery, challenging hiking and climbing, to the extreme currents, and 25 foot waterfalls this was truly something I know that those who participated will never forget.
The students that visited the Puerto Plata beach also enjoyed their time as they described it as one of the most beautiful beaches they had ever seen. It is safe to say that both groups of students thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the Dominican Republic. We ended the night with another home cooked Dominican dinner that included rice, beans, meatballs, and vegetables. Our devotional for the night was centered on love. We focused on all types of love, in several different relationships, and what the manifestation of that love looks like when we live a life led by Christ. We are looking forward to getting back to work in the clinic tomorrow and sharing God's love through our testimony and work. Our second day in the clinic in Santiago, Dominican Republic was a major success! We saw 84 patients total including 50 cleanings, 14 fillings, and 20 extractions. All of the students are increasing in their speed and the D1 students have completed many firsts: first injections, first extractions, first cleanings, and first sutures! Mark Abere and Collena Robertson (D2s) worked in evangelism with Chris Posey (CMMA Rep) and brought the Word of God to several people, including two people who committed and gave their life over to Christ! We are so proud of everyone's effort and hard work. Dental students, dentists, dental wives, CMMA reps, missionaries, and locals have all played major roles in making our work with the people of Santiago so successful. Tomorrow we will have a day of fun as the group will separate to either visit the famous 27 Charcos (27 Waterfalls) or ride cable cars and visit the Puerto Plata beach. Our work continues on Thursday..
This morning we started off with breakfast and a brief round of praise and worship before heading to the clinic for our first day doing dentistry in the DR! We saw a total of 58 patients who received care ranging from extractions, cleanings, and restorations. There was also an evangelical station set up in the clinic so that patients could receive the Gospel. We are so proud of the effort of all of the students who are learning and growing as dentists and women and men of God. We look forward to another successful and productive day in the clinic tomorrow. Please keep us in your prayers!
On Saturday we traveled from Birmingham, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia and finally to the Dominican Republic! The plane ride was smooth and quick lasting only about 3 hours, and our time through immigration and customs was easy and painless. After leaving the airport we traveled by van to our home for the week. It is a beautiful tropical area in Santiago, Dominican Republic. It is called Jardin Secreto, which translates to the secret garden. The area is so peaceful and serene, full of beautiful trees, flowers, birds, and plants. Our afternoon was filled with unpacking, eating a tasty and authentic Dominican dinner cooked by locals, exploring the secret garden, and resting up for a Sunday full of praise, worship, and preparation for the week.
On Sunday, we woke up to another great meal with eggs, croissants, papayas, pineapples, bananas, and watermelon. We then traveled by bus to church where 2 dental students, Nathan Gray (D3) and Mark Abere (D2) participated in praise and worship doing a wonderful Spanish and English rendition of How Great is Our God. After church we went up to the mountains where we ate a restaurant on a horse ranch that was also all you can eat! (the guys loved it). After lunch we traveled to the clinic to set up for all of the patients we plan to see this week. The D1 students received an injection instruction and tutorial by Dr. Williams, 1975 graduate of UAB School of Dentistry. After set up, we headed back to the Secret Garden to close the night with dinner and devotional. We had sancocho which is a stew with potatoes, chicken, plantains, vegetables, white rice and avocado on the side. We closed out the night with praise and worship, and small group devotions where we were able to get to know each other better and come closer to Christ. We are all looking forward to a great week in the clinic providing dental care and spiritual guidance to the beautiful people of Santiago! Stay tuned... |
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