The dental and medical clinics in Chihuahua got underway in earnest this morning. We were able to see a total of 64 people on this first day. There was a quite a range in age and need. The doctors saw very small children with coughs, and elderly people with more severe health concerns. The dentists provided an entire range of services for their patients.

Two events stand out to me today. I recall taking dentists to Mexico in past years where all they could was extractions. There were years that they worked outside under a canopy. Running water was not available to use for suction. Dependable electricity was always in question. This year our dentists used portable dental labs that pack up like a suitcase. They roll through an airport with great ease. The portable labs include basic tools for dentistry like a drill, suction, and the like. It was so exciting to see our professionals do the same kind of work that they would do in their practice at home. I can tell you for sure that the needy patients we saw today were treated with the same kindness and dignity that people in the dental practice at home receive.

The second event involves a 16 year old girl. She received a severe burn on her leg as the result of a boiler explosion some time back. I don’t recall the exact time frame that it happened. Her leg looks awful. One of our doctors located the proper kind of medication and also did some wound care for this young lady.
She also prescribed medications that the patient will need to continue to take.
The doctors pointed out to me that a burn of that nature would have been treated quickly in a much different way in our country. We are fortunate to have the level of medical care that we largely take for granted. This girl did not have access to such care. We did the best we could for her under the circumstances today. It reminded of the importance of this effort.

I am grateful tonight for a lot of things. In particular I am thankful for the dentists and doctors who have given up time and money from their practice to serve those who are less fortunate. I am also thankful for our makeshift nurses. We do not have a nurse on the trip this year, so we have two men taking blood pressures and temperatures. More on them tomorrow….They are doing a superb job. I am thankful the hospitality of the ladies who served us traditional Mexican food for lunch today! It was a treat to be in Javier and Fatima Adame’s home for a noon meal. More adventures tomorrow!