Starting off as usual at 8:30 we opened the dental clinic for the last day, ensuring that 48 AP children were treated along with several siblings and 5 additional children from Texoxintales. We finished treating our last patient at 2:30 and started the processes of cleaning, sanitizing, inventorying, wrapping, and packing everything for long term storage. In total the dental clinic provided 59 cleaning procedures, performed 35 extractions, and filled 76 teeth. We had a surprise dental assistant. Laura, an AP graduate and a 3rd year dental student, joined the dentists to observe and assist for several hours. She was able to observe the full spectrum from examination, cleaning, filling of teeth, to several difficult extractions. Our interpreter Tony endured a difficult hour long extraction. The last time we saw him he was mumbling.
We did take a short break for lunch and a quick visit to the Tejeras feeding operation where we not only served the children their meal but were able to pass out two footlockers full of clothing. The meal and clothing was much appreciated by all.
Charlie, Randy, Karen, and Erin returned to the hospital to finish packing the storage trunks and transport them to “the ranch” for storage till the next dental visit.
At 8:00 p.m. the team hosted a final meal with our gracious hostess Martha, Dr. Tino, Maynor and his wife Jessy, our translators, AP assistants, driver, and the two wonderful ladies who cook and clean for us, dear Gloria and Sandra.
Tomorrow after breakfast we leave for San Pedro Sula airport and home to Aiken. We are exhausted but full of joy to have been able to experience the sharing of God’s love to the children of Honduras. In Christ’s name, Amen.