Guate by the numbers

Bug bites: 20+
Cups of coffee daily: usually 3
Time in the van each day: 4 hrs
Kids who recieved fluoride in the past 2 days: 750

We've started the medical part of our trip, and so far it's been a fantastic experience. Each day, we visit two schools in and around Chimaltenango, a rural area about an hour outside Guate. The schools are mostly elementary-age, and we come in to give a presentation about dental hygeine, then hand out toothbrushes and apply fluoride. Afterwards, we usually have time to play and talk with the kids. It's also been wonderful to work with Chochy, who is America Latina's doctor and an extremely patient, gentle woman. I have loved getting to talk to her a bit and better understand the medical situation in Guatemala. She's been really encouraging to all 4 of us pre-meds on the team, especially in our desire to serve.

It's wonderful to be able to come in and give these kids health education they've never recieved before. Many of them have never seen a toothbrush and the others tend to be pretty afraid of dental care, but because we are Americans, they recieve what we bring with excitement and thanks. Most of their teeth look like swiss cheese, so hopefully what we tell them about brushing and preventing cavities will stick with them.

It's hard, though, to just sweep in, do some good, play with the kids for a while, and then leave, probably never to see them again. Today, one little girl asked me when we were coming back, and it broke my heart to say that we weren't. I guess we are doing what we can, and I'm thankful that we have the time in the schools to build slightly more continuous relationships with the kids there. Also, it's great to know that America Latina will continue to maintain relationships with these schools and some of the kids long after we have left. Today I gave fluor to a little boy named Jose who had marks all over his face and wouldn't talk at all. He just stood next to me, silent and still, during the whole recess with kids playing all around him. One other boy told me that Jose gets beaten- I don't know whether that is true or not, but either way, he is going to stick with me and I will definitely be praying for him.