Sunday, October 25, 2009

We've Arrived!


After 26 hours of travel, 1 long plane ride, a shorter bus ride through the winding country side and one 20 minute boat ride, we arrived on the Ilha do Araujo.

After a hot showers and a meal, the team was down for the night.

An early wake up, a hearty breakfast and a walk down up and down the trail, the team reached the school and clinic where they would be working. In the first day, our small but might team, screened 40 patients and treated 19. A majority of the children when asked, replied that this was their first dental visit. That's a good thing - they don't know to be fearful.

Throughout the day, children began showing up with mom or dad or siblings in tow. All received oral hygiene instruction and left with a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss - their "badge of honor". Several requests for extra toothbrushes for those at home were politely refused. They are an incentive to get the unwilling to come for a visit.

We'll see what tomorrow brings!