Last week was probably the most challenging week we've had since we've been here. Steve, the leader of this ministry, was in a car accident and spent some time in the hospital for some minor injuries. His wife, Micki is in the U.S. right now caring for her sick mother for a couple months. This left Greg and I to manage things for the past week. Greg stayed in Quito with a medical team, while I left for Rio Bamba for the week with another dental team. Once again, we stayed at the military base at night and worked in the small community of Licto during the days. The town is one of the oldest provinces of Ecuador and is mostly comprised of indigenous people who have never had any dental care in their life. Everyday, adults and children lined up on the streets to wait their turn to see the dentists. I think I've seen enough teeth extracted to last me a lifetime. It wasn't uncommon for a young child to have 5 or 6 teeth pulled because of decay- thankfully they will grow back. I learned a lot about how to manage a team this week, about dental equipment and procedures, how to comfort those who are anxious about their first dental experience, and how Jesus is present in all of this. Here are some pictures of the stunning scenary and magnificant people we encountered. I didnt include any pics of the dental work itself- who wants to see bloody gauze and teeth? You'll notice the pic of the still smoking volcano that made the news a couple months ago. You won't see any pics of Greg and his team because I had the camera for the week! :)
8 comments:
HI THERE - WELL, YOU ARE CERTAINLY THE PHOTOGRAPHER AMY! THESE PICTURES LOOK LIKE THOSE YOU WOULD SEE IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. GOOD JOB! SO GLAD YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP ALL THOSE DENTAL NEEDS AND I'M SURE YOU PROVIDED SOME INTERPRETING. I'M BETTING GREG WAS VERY GLAD TO SEE YOU COME BACK THOUGH! IT WAS QUITE A WEEK - WE HOPE STEVE IS FEELING BETTER AND THAT LEGAL DETAILS ARE BEING TAKEN CARE OF. WE'LL KEEP YOU ALL IN OUR PRAYERS OF COURSE. TAKE CARE AND HAVE A MORE RELAXED WEEK. HUGS TO YOU AND GREG. LOVE, MOM AND DAD B.
I LOVE these pictures Amy. I agree with your folks hands down! Totally magazine worthy. Glad you all can breathe a sigh of relief for the moment. Give us an update on Steve when you get a chance.
Amy! Those pictures are gorgeous, you are such a great photographer. I can only imagine how hectic it must have been, and how grateful they must be to have you there!
Wow what a week you had and how blessed you were to be part of such a challenging experience!! Amazing pictures as well.I think you should take up photography when you come back to the states as a side job.Of course you will never find those kinds of photos here.
WE always look forward to the blog updates. See you soon!! xxoo
Mom & Dad G
Glad things have calmed down a bit and way to go Amy for leading a team all by yourself a good distance from "home". Looking forward to seeing lots more photos of this grand adventure!
Kisses.
I was just wondering how everything worked out. I had prayed as you'd requested numerous time. So grateful everything worked out for Steve and that the Lord gave both of you the grace to get through that tough time and handle all of the responsibilities that were placed in your laps. Known you're thought of with love. Your friend, Chris.
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