Dental Work

October 20, 2008 9:30am

 

Greetings,

  Yesterday was a day of relief in one way and an opportunity to dive into some work on the other.  We arrived (finally!) here at the Mercy foundation and with all of the luggage.  My dental equipment made it through airport searches and customs as though it was invisible.  Praise God!  We arrived around ten in the morning after hanging out in the airport all night and made it in time for Sunday morning service.  –In English, yes it was English with a South African accent.  God has recruited people from literally all over the world to meet here for different purposes to reach His people.  –Sound amazing, well it has been already. 

After service we enjoyed an authentic lunch and the work began.  I took a 2-hour nap to recharge my batteries from the lost sleep over the days (literally) of traveling to get here. 

Around 3:30pm we left here to go to one of the local churches for some dentistry.  I had my tackle box full of equipment and so I was ready to go fishing!  –Just not for fish. 

I was able to treat about 16-17 patients in the time I had.  I was able to do some extractions and cleanings for some of the local people and children that were there.  One of the first was a lady who was 64yrs old and could not have been more than 4ft tall (give or take a inches of course).  She let this huge 6’5” 280lbs + American dentist perform a few extractions!  How courageous.  She said it wasn’t that bad given this was the first time she had ever been to a dentist.  I don’t know whether it was grace or being a gentle giant, but nevertheless, Praise the Lord for the opportunity! 

Once 10 o’clock rolled around I finally saw the last patient, got a few photos, and proceeded back to “base camp” for that much sought after bed—Finally.  Overall it has been a phenomenal opportunity and experience and look forward to more in the days to come. 

 

Blessed to be a blessing,

–Dr. Ron

Arriving in Thailand

October 19, 2008 8:30pm

 

 

After what seemed like forever on a plane and in several airports we have finally made it to the Mercy Foundation.  Overall the trip seemed very smooth with no problems or delays.  Kevin had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a Thai gentleman in the Bangkok airport.  The conversation seemed to go well and there was at least a seed planted.  A South African missionary that lives here gave the message in church this morning and then was translated into Thai.  My favorite part of the day though came after lunch when we had a chance to walk around all that goes on and hear a little bit about how it has become what it is today.  It fascinates me that what started with one building has evolved into and orphanage, school, several homes, church, and rooms to house teachers and missionaries.  The impact that this foundation has throught this entire region amazes me.  We visited the orphanage and learned that 3 of the girls just turned 18 and had to move out, they did not want to because this place truly becomes a home to them and one even has stayed to work with the couple that runs the orphanage.  We also had the opportunity to visit a Buddhist Temple this afternoon.  It amazed me to walk around in there and see the things that they believe and the artwork that graphically portrays how they view eternity.  I am so thankful that we have a Savior who has saved us from anything like that through the amazing grace that He extends.  Now after what seems like 2 days of travel and an entire day here it is finally time for some sleep.

 

 

- Shannon