Hygiene In Honduras, by Dagmar Settle, RDH

Mountains, lush vegetation, heat, humidity, and people waiting. My first experience driving up to the church building in Jaitique, which would serve as our clinic for the day, was truly one of overwhelming awe. A cross section of generations were present to greet us-smiling, willing to lend a hand unloading and patiently waiting for their turn to be treated by a dentist or doctor. For someone not used to the confusion, slight chaos and noise, I was wondering if I had made the right decision.

After graduation I had hoped to be able to increase access to dental care to those in need, but Honduras was certainly not where I expected to provide my services. Hearing such positive reports about previous trips I felt a compelling drive to offer my talents. Amidst all the adversity these Hondurans face daily, I did wonder if my dental hygiene services would justly be of any benefit. But after just one morning of seeing people, most for their first cleaning visit, I realized that the giving of my time and offer to help was enabling God to show his glory. And that is what it is all about!

Even as we refined our techniques to streamline the procedures, there were always more people to be seen than time. It was difficult to convey we were finished for the day when there were still people waiting. Yet they willingly aided us in packing up the equipment onto the pickups. It seemed that everyone wanted to carry something.

Honduras gave me the experience to work outside of my comfort zone-dealing with dogs wondering through the clinic, sharing an outhouse with a roosting chicken; struggling through the language barrier; and making do with limited instruments available. I learned that our God is multicultural and that I could bend without breaking. The Hondurans reciprocated their brotherly Christian love by graciously inviting us into homes to share a meal.

As many others have previously expressed, going to Honduras will change you. These people live with the bare necessities. Yet their unconditional giving of themselves makes them richly blessed. I thank God for the opportunity to be able to share in their culture and pray that he will continue to work through me and others to uphold a constant flow of his glory