90 patients

In one photo is Sarah Downs applying fluoride to an Ecuadorian child's teeth. The other shows Dr. Mary Holley with a patient.


Today we saw 90 people – a few mothers, but mostly children. Adding the ones we saw yesterday brings the total to 151 for two days.
Here’s a typical situation: 6-year-old Ana brought her three younger siblings, Santi, Willi and Gladis, to the clinic. She checked them in, telling us about their medical problems, and then shepherded them through the line to the doctors and to the pharmacy. She acted just like a little mother. She is only 6.
Brooke had a surprise. An 18-year-old mother, a new Christian, started talking to Brook, the translator, while Dr. Robbie examined the 8-month old baby. The young mother seemed to find a friend in Brooke. She asked her to be the godmother of the baby.
“I said, ‘Of course I would,’” Brooke said.
Seeing 90 people in one day, you know that we’re working quickly, but that doesn’t mean we run folks through the clinic like cattle. There is always time to stop and say hello, ask how they are, learn their names, and start friendships. Often by the time they have made their way through all the stations – photo, check-in, doctor, fluoride, and pharmacy – we will have played with the children and gotten hugs and smiles.
Each afternoon we ride back to the hotel talking about one child or adult who particularly touched our hearts. Each day we get back to the hotel with a greater desire to get back to the clinic the next morning.
Please pray for Edwin Contreras, the construction supervisor at Mama Yoli’s. He is the brother of Dr. Roberto Contreras, the head of SIFAT in Ecuador. Edwin has been in the hospital since we’ve been here. I can’t tell you the exact diagnosis, but I believe it’s a nerve problem. He’s getting treatment. Dr. Roberto said this morning (Tuesday) that Edwin still had a problem with trembling in his arms, but he is improving.
Thanks so much for your prayers and support.