Honduran Experience, by Rob Kamminga D.D.S.

Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time, even if you really didn't know why? On Friday evening, January 14th, I left Grand Haven after a typical busy week of work and family activities. I thought I had an obligation to use my gifts to help out those less fortunate than me, but soon realized there was a greater purpose for my trip to Honduras. I was there to experience life outside this small reality we call West Michigan.

Through my near-sighted eyes, Honduras was a land of contradiction. The lush vegetarian and green mountain tops were a thing of beauty to see, but the remote villages of 1 room cement block houses were much easier to turn away from. Dirt, two-track roads led to each of the four villages we visited. Life was abundant, but not so well fed. Dogs, with their exposed ribs, wandered the streets looking for food scraps. The people curiously watched our activities; many with their favorite candy bar in hand- a stalk of sugar cane.

After loading the truck with the equipment (and sometimes up to 8 people) we began the process of setting up our unique dental office in the local village church or school room. Hundreds of Hondurans were actually brave enough to enter. By the end of the week, over 600 teeth had been extracted, and several fillings and cleanings had been done. They left with packets including tooth-brushes, soap, shampoo, toys, blankets, and bibles, but they left me with so much more. Some Hondurans came along to help in translating or just to hold the hand of a child experiencing dental treatment for the first time. They are such genuine and kind people, some of whom I feel closer to than people I've known all my life. I even thought I was learning to communicate with them in Spanish until I asked a lady at the market in San Pedro Sula, "cuantos anos tiene?"

It became clear that, unlike me, God has no language or cultural limitations. The newly established churches in these small villages of Honduras were so on fire for the Lord. This experience has changed me. I still rely on the many material belongings that I so often take for granted, but I have come to realize how richly blessed the Hondurans are- with only the bare minimum to survive. There is nothing superficial with them and no competition for things. All they have to give is of themselves, and they give freely- friendship, a hug, or a simple smile (the Spanish lessons were also quite helpful). I thought I came to heal but received much more healing in return

Thanks to the DeWitts for this opportunity and to
the First Reformed Church and all other Donors for their support!