Dental Mission Haiti/DR Feb. 2, 2012

The dental team flew into Port Au Prince and Scott and I met them in Fonds Parisen a small Haitian village just across the Dominican border. There was plenty of work for the dental team and they put Scott and I to work as well. Scott cleaning instruments and myself helping Marika triage the incoming patients. The days were long standing on the concrete porch where we set up our mobile clinic. The patients were orderly and patient with us and so very happy to see a dentist! We were able to relieve a lot of pain and suffering.

We left Haiti after helping over 200 patients and drove across the border in the Dominican. We set up the clinic in a poor barrio in a small town called Cabral. We worked in a yard under a tree for shade. The people were thankful for our out reach to them and invited us back next year. It was hot and dusty, but all the team members were troopers, serving everyone that came in with a smile. I estimate we saw 50 patients there before moving on to Habanero.

Habanero is our home base and everyone was happy to see the Americanos arrive. We spent the evening having dinner of rice and chicken and catching up with old friends. The dental team had time to visit some of the homes of students. This was the dental team’s fifth trip to Habanero but the first that allowed time for visiting.

Three of Evergreen4kids’ Board Members were on the dental team. I was happy there was finally time for them to see the entire village. The mission house where we stay is in the wealthiest area of Habanero, with cement block homes that even have toilets inside. The rest of the village is much poorer, they live in wooden houses with tin roof and shared outhouses. We went to Josue’s house, which is one of the children we provide monthly assistance to. The children are used to visits from Scott and I, but were very shy with the entire group being there. Still it was a treat for them to know the Americans care enough to come to their home. And I think it was an eye opener for those who'd never been outside the school or mission house.

I can see the impact Evergreen4kids has had on this small village over the last few years.
The people are much more industrious, there are vendors on the street and fruit trees producing food for the table and I believe the people have a glimpse of their own potential and hope for the future. Change is slow and our consistent presence is necessary. We are impacting this
next generation of children. Slowly, but surely I see Habanero blooming………
Thanks to all the many hands that help plant the seeds…….