Las Margaritas

August 5th

Today we headed up the mountain to the community of Las Margaritas. This is a smaller community of approximately 260 people. This community has been in the Barnabas system for several years. We noticed that the people of this community seem very close knit. The children were well behaved, polite and very good about helping each other. Siblings helping little ones with their shoes and leading them to the next station as well as taking turns during play time.

Amanda had a sweet encounter with a young boy just after we arrived. She gave him a “Little Jesus” and he ran off “to play” or so she thought. In just a little while he returned with a bracelet for her that he had made out of beautiful red flowers! She was so touched by his kind and  generous demeanor that she gave him her cross. She also got a huge hug from him before we left!

Chris had a 4 year old girl at her station with a bad ear infection. Her pain was relieved after a good cleaning.  This has been a reoccurring issue for her so Chris referred her to                     Dra. Moncada. 

Audrey heard a significant heart mummer in a little 3 year old girl. She was also referred to     Dra. Moncada. 

Jan shared the story of a mom of a 25 year old Down Syndrome young lady. The young woman had some other issues as well and the mom was overwhelmed. They talked about opportunities for the young women to be more involved in daily activities. Just sharing her story with Jan was of some relief to the mom.

A little boy told Sharon that he didn’t like to brush his teeth after she asked him to show her how he brushes his teeth using the Tooth Tiger stuffy! She explained to him how important it is to make sure he takes care of his teeth. Sometimes just explaining the importance of good health care can make a difference-at least that is our goal.

The dental clinic had a few fillings, much more extractions and several cleanings. Louisa commented that one young lady of 22 who had never had a cleaning was seen today. Louisa thought she had lots of cavities. However, when Dra. Ondina started cleaning her teeth; it looked like they were breaking apart! Dra said it was just all of the tarter coming off the teeth. Her teeth are now in great shape and she has a beautiful smile!

After a nice stop at the coffee shop in Pena Blanca we rushed back to try to avoid an evening rain storm.  We had a wonderful dinner, shared stories and watched a video about the FOB Health Kids program. We had a great Q&A session with Joseph. Our devotion tonight titled “God’s Treasure in Clay” reminded us that there is a treasure in each of us. We need to take time to look for the hidden gems in everyone we encounter and even in ourselves.

An added blessing was Joseph sitting outside again tonight playing his trumpet! Beautiful music.