First Work Day In Peru
Posted by Julie Koriakin
on Aug 19, 2010
Saludos ( greetings) my Rotarian friends!
All is well in Arequipa, Peru. I arrived safely a few days ago and met up with the project team.
All is well in Arequipa, Peru. I arrived safely a few days ago and met up with the project team.
The group is made up of several Rotarian and non-Rotarian folks from around the world. Five dentists, one nurse, five assistants ,five people on the fluoride treatment team and me, the translator. Communication has been interesting as there are 5 different countries represented in the group. Thankfully they all speak varying degrees of English. Work starts at the clinic by 9:00 AM daily. The clinic is just a short walk from our hotel but the term "short" is relative considering the altitude, hilsl and steps in Arequipa.
We've treated over 130 patients already, all children, some as young as age 4. It is sad to see such tooth decay in such tiny little mouths. I am happy to report that the beanie babies, matchbox cars and other stuffed animals are all being put to good use. We are serving the poorest of the poor at the clinic daily. So poor that some kids are sent to school with a mayonaise packets for their lunch. Yes, the kind you would get from a fast food resturant, certainly not a meal and definately not enough to sustain a child.
Our first day at the clinic was a local holiday and most of the children who arrived for came alone or with a neighbor. All were greatful to recieve the treatment even if it meant walking away with a sore mouth and swollen cheeks from the novicane. All the Dentists present are wonderful caring people who are very good at their craft. What a blessing it is to have people like them in Rotary and what a wonderful way to partake in vocational service. I feel honored to be in such great company.
Enjoy the pictures! I will tell you more about the Peru Dental Mission team and the good work we are doing in a later entry.
Please visit the club photo section of the website to see some pictures.
We've treated over 130 patients already, all children, some as young as age 4. It is sad to see such tooth decay in such tiny little mouths. I am happy to report that the beanie babies, matchbox cars and other stuffed animals are all being put to good use. We are serving the poorest of the poor at the clinic daily. So poor that some kids are sent to school with a mayonaise packets for their lunch. Yes, the kind you would get from a fast food resturant, certainly not a meal and definately not enough to sustain a child.
Our first day at the clinic was a local holiday and most of the children who arrived for came alone or with a neighbor. All were greatful to recieve the treatment even if it meant walking away with a sore mouth and swollen cheeks from the novicane. All the Dentists present are wonderful caring people who are very good at their craft. What a blessing it is to have people like them in Rotary and what a wonderful way to partake in vocational service. I feel honored to be in such great company.
Enjoy the pictures! I will tell you more about the Peru Dental Mission team and the good work we are doing in a later entry.
Please visit the club photo section of the website to see some pictures.