A sad goodbye.

As we end our week here in Cave Valley, emotions are running high. Knowing that we will not see our new friends again, for at least a year, is hard for us all to swallow. My friend, Tashawna skipped school today to be with us all day. It is truly amazing how these people who are so culturally different from us has touched our hearts so deeply. At the beginning of the week, so many return volunteers told us newbie’s that we will be rewarded ten fold for what we are giving. They were so right! I am so extremely thankful to have had the chance to come to Jamaica on this project. Sharing this with my two best friends has been priceless. We have grown individually and together in a way that is indescribable. Unable to use our cell phones all week, we realized how much time is wasted with technology, and relationships are superficial when conducted over electronic devices. Nothing compares to a smile, a touch, and a hug. Brett and I had a patient today who was a seventy year old blind man who farms for a living. John was a wonderfully kind and trusting man. His wife stood by his side, while we surgically extracted three teeth. John had high blood pressure, and lost a lot of blood during the surgery. I went over the post-op instructions with his wife two or three times. I kept telling her to be sure John took it easy today, make sure he drinks lots of fluids and rested. John and his wife lived about five miles down the road, and of course, had to walk to the clinic. A couple of hours after his appointment, a child came into our room and told Mrs. Wright that John had passed out and fell. By the time the child got to our clinic, John was sitting in bed and talking, but we were so worried about him. On our way home, we asked our bus driver to stop at his house. Brett and I got off the bus and went into his home, he was sleeping and said he felt fine. He woke up to give us a hug and thank us for helping him. As we were leaving, his wife rushed up to us and gave us a hug, with tears streaming down her face, she thanked us over and over. She asked God to bless us, as she has been blessed by us.

Packing up our equipment at the end of our day, there is a sense of relief mixed with sadness. Our little friends wondered around behind us as we hustled around the clinic assuring we didn’t leave anything behind. There will be another group of volunteers arriving next Monday, and we want the clinic to be ready for them to operate. The kids are quiet today, and their eyes speak volumes. With the arrival of our bus, we all finally stop to realize we are leaving. Tears begin to flow as we say our goodbye’s to these wonderful giving people. Holding the babies for the last time, I felt panic at leaving them. We truly felt like we were abandoning our family. As our bus was readying to leave, the kids hung on our windows and cried while holding our hands and blowing kisses.

At the beginning of the trip, I said I wouldn’t bring my kids to Jamaica, because I didn’t feel safe. Pulling out of Cave Valley, I realized I couldn’t wait to bring my kids to meet these people. I know that we are all family at this point, and all of the people in the community would protect me and mine to the death if the need arose. With sad hearts, we leave Jamaica, with the promise to come back next year. As the plane takes off, we look down behind us, and know that a piece of our hearts is still there, high in the mountains, encased within those that touched us.

Almost finished....

Almost finished….

Today was a much easier day, as far as surgeries go. Brett and I saw twenty-six patients and extracted 44 teeth! Just the two of us! Shannon has been a rock star in the sterilization area. She is set up in a small kitchen, and all of the windows have metal slats that work like blinds. There is no glass or screens, so many people and children come up to her window to talk to her, and reach their hands in hoping for some goodies! She had one such gentleman come up and say to her “I have crush on you”! This same guy just happens to be the guy who set up a table outside last year and proceeded to cut up a bunch of marijuana plants. Coincidentally, he could be found most days smoking a huge joint. It was so odd that everyday the same people would be at the clinic and stand around all day long just to watch! We were the biggest thing that has happened to them all year! Kinda like the circus coming to town! J

Brett and I had twenty patients scheduled every day, and if we had time, we could see the people who came and were on a “stand-by” list. Today was a day we got to the stand by people. Our last patient of the day, Esther, a forty something year old lady, came in and sat down. She told me she had a tooth ache, and had been waiting all day to get in. Then she said to me “Look at my breast, they so heavy to feed my baby, I been here all day, and no nursing”, she then lifted her shirt, lifted her breast, and squirted milk out to prove her point! Luckily this happened before Brett came in the room, because I don’t think he would’ve known quite what to do with that! However, we extracted her tooth, and she was happy. As a matter of fact, she hugged us both and the next day brought us gifts for what we did for her. She said she slept for the first time in months because the painful tooth was gone. When we left she told us she loved us and wanted God to bless us much. Such is the way of Jamaicans. They are SO giving and are all family with each other.

I also had my first true Rastafarian. For those who don’t know what a Rasty is, you should look it up. It’s kind of a religion, kind of a cult, kind of a way of life. They are vegetarians, and they live solely off the land. They usually don’t believe in modern medicine, which made it surprising to me that I had a Rastarfarian patient. This gentleman had his dread locks wrapped up in a turban on top of his head. As he came into the room, he grinned a huge toothless grin. (He had three teeth, and we took out two!) He said to me “you a pretty lady, you marry me”, I grinned at him and told him I was already married. He was disappointed, but rebounded quickly enough to ask me if I had a sister! I then introduced him to Shannon. She was so excited to meet himJ At any rate, he was a wonderfully kind man, and made for an interesting conversation!

Halfway point.

Wednesday, the hardest day. We’ve been away from our families now for 6 days, and I think the distance is taking the toll on us! Spending 8 hours working, on our feet, in very hot and primitive conditions, has certainly been a test. When we arrive at our clinic, we have to start the generators, which are hooked up with suction equipment before we can begin our day. By the time our first patient is seated, we already have sweat dripping! The first day I went into the restroom, a huge bat flew down from the ceiling and swooped through the door! Needless to say, when I couldn’t avoid using it again, I was extremely cautious when walking through the door!

Every patient Brett and I had on Wednesday, was a surgical extraction. When the Jamaican’s have a loose tooth, they say there “tooth be shaky”. We had no shaky teeth that day! Our dental chair was sitting on a piece of plywood, the light would fall down 2 minutes after we would push it up (causing us to constantly hit our head), and I had to stand on a stool that we fashioned from a piece of foam topped with a piece of plastic that rocked like a surfboard. So, add in the heat, and you get a very stressful situation when a tooth breaks into a hundred pieces and has to be fished out. Also, the Jamaican people have bone that I believe may have been borne from stone. The bone density is incredible among these people! Brett had to use quite a bit of force to remove the “non-shaky” teeth. By 4 pm we had extracted 38 teeth.

The friendships we have formed are so special to us, already. It’s remarkable how well we have worked with our team. Ten complete strangers in these conditions, and we got along phenomenally! The children in our area have touched our hearts so deeply, I’m not sure how we will leave them. There are two such children here that I have come to love. I truly want to take them home with me. We were advised not to ever say something like “I’ll just take you home with me” because in past years, a volunteer said that, and the next day the mother was at the hotel with her child and all of the child’s belongings ready to send it with them! The poverty level is that extreme, mothers are willing to give their child to an American to allow them a chance, where in Jamaica, there is none. There are only 3 colleges on the island, and most kids leave school by age 14. We met a great guy while on our tour of Mayfield Falls, Michael. He was telling us that the average Jamaican brings home $40 a week for income, and that is not cash. Most employers in Jamaica pay by a credit system. Therefore, the prevalent way to make money is…..Marijuana. The people who have decent homes, and cash in hand are selling drugs, either to tourists, or shipping it overseas. Michael said that if you are caught you will go to prison, as drugs are illegal in Jamaica, but it is a chance that many have to take. Marijuana was found everywhere we went. While working in our clinic, many men would light up a joint while waiting in line. We eventually had to ask them to take the smoke outside because we were all getting a contact high. One evening we went to a dance club, called the Jungle. Wow…what an education that was!!! Pot everywhere, and prostitutes working the floor!!! When walking up to the security gate to get in, many Jamaican Rastafarians stood lined up along the walkway selling sex, Ganja, Cocaine, and Jerk Chicken!! A big old Rasta mon sat down next to Brett and casually passed him the joint and asked him if we would like to share! They aren’t pushy, once you say no, they leave you alone, but it is such a different culture than we are used to. A person who smokes in Jamaica isn’t labeled as a “pot head” as those in America are, it is simply a way of life! I guess if I had to chose between selling drugs and my children not eating, I would probably take the chance of going to prison also!

A day in the life..

We are quickly becoming accustomed to our schedule here in Jamaica. The alarm goes off at 6:30 am, we are expected downstairs at 7:30. There we meet with the entire group of Great Shape and discuss what is needed and what is expected for the day. Then we break into our teams and gather any supplies that are needed. The great people here at Sandals pack us lunches and drinks for the day! HUGE kuddos to Sandals who allows us to stay here free during our time with Great Shape, as well as feeding us all day and night! We then board our buses for the trek up the mountain. Arriving at the clinic, we are greeted by dozens of locals, all ready to help us carry our supplies inside. Once we are ready, the work begins!

In our clinic, we have 2 doctors (including Brett) and 2 hygienists. Most of our patients are children, for preventative care. Brett and I see all adults for surgeries, or extractions. There is no Xray here, so sometimes these extractions can get very interesting. For example, we had an impacted wisdom tooth that we had to remove, once we began working, we saw that the nerve was wrapped around the root. At home, we would've seen this on an xray. Today Brett and I saw 17 people and extracted 33 teeth, all but one was surgical. Many of these people have never been to the dentist. The clinic we are in, is a prenatal and pediatric clinic every other time of the year. Today was baby check up day! There were babies everywhere!!!! We have a 9 month old baby that Shannon and I pass back and forth, her name is Kierra and she is SO pretty! The clinic is a block away from the school, so the students are brought down by class at different times of the day. The hygienists and the other Dr take care of these kids.

Today when we arrived at our clinic, a local man named Augustus (pronounced AhGOOstss). He is approximately 60 years old, with shoulder length dreadlocks and a long beard. He had a bag full of jewelry that he was selling. Wooden beads, Bamboo beads, and stone were strewn together to make beautiful creations! We all bought some souvenirs from Augustus! Brett and I have a dental nurse, Mrs. Karene Wright, who assist us throughout the day. Mrs. Wright is delightful! She is gruff and no nonsense, and she will straighten out the orneriest of patients, and I absolutely love her! Today she told me she didn't want me to go home with my husband, she said "Mrs. Brett, you stay with me, and we go fast at my clinic, you stay here!".

At lunch, (Which we got to have at 2pm for a half an hour), we walked down to the school to hand out the balls that we brought with us! The school.....wow, how can I describe it. I will attach pictures, but I don't know that it will show the full effect. I was reminded of a hog barn. But the children were so excited to see us! And when they got the balls, oh my, they were thrilled! Immediately they began arguing over who got to hold the ball. The girls decided to form a circle and toss the ball, the boys were doing something that involved physical aggression!

For those who thought this would be a vacation, let me set the record straight! We are working in 100 degree heat, in a stone building with a tin roof. We do not stop, we do not sit down. I have been on the beach for about 10 minutes total. We get to eat dinner at around 8pm. To make matters worse, our beds have bugs in them that are making a meal out of my legs! I look like I've been on Survivor!

However, this experience has been so joyful! I'm looking forward to coming back next year to see the same people. I am already sad at the thought of waiting an entire year to see them. I have collected addresses and plan to write and send gifts as often as I can! It is so obvious that we are making a real difference in these people's lives. These people have nothing. To come and have these teeth taken care of, that have clearly been infected for years, and then to be handed a bag with a toothbrush and paste, everyone is so thankful! They give hugs at the end of their appointment!

Introduction to Cave Valley

Welcome to Cave Valley! After spending an hour or so collecting supplies, we set off to our clinic. About a 30 minute ride into the mountains, Cave Valley is a small cement building set in a small community 2 blocks from a school. While unloading our supplies from the bus, Nanny, our Jamaican neighbor walked across the road to greet us. As she was talking, she reached into her pocket and produced a ring full of skeleton keys. The clinic is normally used as a prenatal health center, and Nanny was given the keys to give us when we arrived! Such is the communities of Jamaica. Everyone is a friend, and very willing to lend a hand. Nanny owns the little restaurant on the other side of the road. Brett tells me she serves boiled cow hoof, and chicken neck....might have to skip Nanny's cafe! We did not have the doors open for 5 minutes, and we had company!

I met a delightful 12 year old girl, Tashawna. I have already fallen in love with her! After we were all set up, and waiting for the equipment repairman, Tashawna invited me to come see her home. She and her 4 brothers and sisters, mama, and stepfather live in a 2 room home. It was amazing to me! She proudly showed me her garden she planted, and the fruit trees, and mint plants they have on their land. By now, there are a dozen children following us around. As I walked back to the clinic, I was surrounded by these amazing kids. They were so excited to see us! Another little girl, Georgette, wanted to take Shannon to see her dogs! She had 5 dogs, one named Pink Panther!! While they were visiting her dogs, Georgette's entire family came outside to great their new friend! The people of Jamaica are so welcoming to us! We have been asked 4 or 5 times outside of the resort if we can help with a "shaky" (loose) tooth. There is no dental care in Jamaica at all. Each parish has 1 health clinic that is ran by a Nurse and an assistant. The dental nurse does all of the dental care, however, dental care in Jamaica is very expensive, and insurance isn't an option.

As we left, the children gave hugs, excited to see us again tomorrow! I must say, I'm probably more excited to see them! I already know that I will come back next year, just to see Tashawna again! She plans to bring me her address tomorrow so that we can keep in touch!

The clinic itself, is more modern than one might expect. It is a stone building, with one big area, and several smaller rooms connecting. We have one general dentist and 2 hygienist in the great room, with Brett and I in a back room by ourselves. The DDS and hygienist will be seeing many kids, and we want to protect them from the sight of the adults getting extractions. The sterilization area is in a kitchen area. As of right now, we have no autoclave, but other than that, we are not lacking any other equipment. We brought all of our own instruments and shipped all supplies ahead of us. Everything will be powered by a generator and we do have running water that is contained in a large reservoir outside with plumbing into the clinic.

Tomorrow will begin bright and early, and we are so anxious to start! We know it will be very hard, hot work (air conditioning is obviously non-existent), but the reward will be priceless!

New family, new friends.

Wa Gwon!! (What's up?)

Our first two days in Jamaica have been very eventful! When we arrived on Friday, we were so tired after 12 hours of traveling, we basically ate dinner and fell asleep as soon as our heads hit our pillows! Saturday dawned cloudy, rainy, and extremely humid. Arriving on Friday allowed us to have one day to be "tourists". Taking advantage of our free time, we boarded a "taxi"(which was actually a minivan) and drove an hour into the mountains to a place called Mayfield Falls. The drive itself was such an education! We saw so many of the rural areas of Jamaica, that solidified the decision to come and offer ourselves to these people. The poverty level here is profound, and according to our taxi driver, Keith, the unemployment rate is about 40%. The larger homes are 2 rooms, the smaller the size of a closet. There is a lot of trash littering the roads, and fields. Further into the mountains, there is no running water or electricity. Some of the "larger" homes had huge tanks beside the homes that contained water, open at the top to collect rain water. We noticed many of the homes had graves (in tropical areas, graves are cement vaults above ground since the earth is made of sand). We asked Keith why this was, and he said that people "bury their dead in their land" to save money. All of the poverty aside, the country is absolutely breathtaking. The foliage and the landscape is a sight to behold! Climbing higher into the "bush", looking across swaying sugar cane fields and an occasional glimpse of a natural spring, this land is a testament to the glory of God!

Once we reached the Mayfield Falls, we walked down a huge hill into a small community where we were assigned a guide. Our guide, Michael, walked us over a bridge made of a few bamboo shoots thrown across the river about 20 feet in the air! We walked through the forest and sugar cane, and then entered the river. The water was SO COLD! It was mineral water, which is natural cold. We climbed 14 waterfalls and swam in 9 pools. The falls made natural spas and would massage your shoulders if you sat just right! When we were walking back to our taxi, Michael showed us many of the native plants and vegetation. One especially cool plant was the "shy lady", a small fern-like plant that folds itself when touched. If you ever come to visit Negril, be sure to experience this adventure!

Later Saturday evening, we had our Great Shape! orientation. We were finally able to meet all of the people who we will be working with! There are approximately 40 volunteers joining us this week. Jamaica is divided into parishes, like our states, and there are 4 clinics set up within this parish. We are at Cave Valley! We have a great crew working with us and are so excited to get started!

More soon.....Suse

Our journey begins...

We have arrived at Indianapolis Airport and made it through security fairly quickly! We are now enjoying a breakfast at Champs , (Brett has the breakfast burrito, Shannon has Potatoes, and I am eating eggs and bacon---Brett thought everyone might want to know that ;) Anyway, we came with only 6 suitcases, and had to repack only two of them to get under weight, one of them was so far over there wasn't any hope of reducing! We spent 2 hours last night packing and repacking trying to get all of the toothbrushes, toothpastes, and instruments safely packaged. A huge thank you goes out to those who donated supplies and made monetary donations! The kids are going to be so excited to receive new toothbrushes!

Our kids are beginning their days with grandmas and grandpas, and we are ready to begin this journey. We hope that we are able to touch lives, and I'm sure our lives will be touched in return. What a blessing it is for us to be fortunate enough to give of ourselves. I truly feel that God has graced me with so many blessings, that it is my duty to return the favor in any small way I can. While discussing with the kids why we were taking this trip, and why I had to be away from them for a week, Trevor worded the deeds very eloquently. He said "When sometimes you are sitting there and you hear a voice in your head, sometimes you really should listen because that's Jesus telling you to do something!" Well said. Trevor and Katie ran to their rooms yesterday and brought out hands full of toys and said for me to give them to a little kid in Jamaica who is really good while I pull their tooth out:)

So while I miss my kids already, and I hate to be away from them for any amount of time, what a great example we are showing them! It is so important to teach our kids to be kind and giving, they are our future and we must pave the road for them to become successful and contributing.

I challenge you to do something unexpected and kind today. Look someone in the eye and smile saying "Hi, how are you?" , help an elderly lady to her car with her groceries, entertain a toddler while it's exhausted mother tries to check out at WalMart...anything. Every little bit helps! I know I'm not going to change the world by pulling the teeth, but I'd bet that pulling teeth might change someone else's world.

God bless everyone,

Have a great day!

Suse :)