Article written by Desiree Kudela My passport, no more than 10 pounds of luggage and plenty of cash were about all that Dr. Fenderson recommended that I bring as we were about to embark on what would be my first trip to Mexico with the Flying Doctors....
I really had no idea what to expect from the next three days...I do like an adventure - add a little mystery to it, and I'm really having fun. For the first time, in my adult life, I was actually looking forward to Thursday, April 15, as we were to head to Mexico to do dentistry in the small Sonoran town of Nacori Chico (named after the prickly pears that grow abundantly in the area). I had no idea where this was and had no time to try to figure it out. All I knew was that one of my greatest dreams was about to be realized...the stars were finally lined up just right and I was able to take my first "Mission Trip".
Our first pilot had to cancel, and we were actually at risk of having to reschedule the trip. It would have been a first in 30 years, for Adrian Fenderson, who is a 30 year veteran of the Flying Doctors.
"I do it because I love to do dentistry and this is pure - dentistry", he explained this with a glimmer in his eye that spoke passion for what has become a lifestyle for him and a blessing for many. "At home we have many layers to go through before we actually get down to the dentistry. Here, there are no appointments, no treatment plans, no payment arrangements - just dentistry and I love it!"
It was about 7 a.m. when we met Randall Sosnick, the pilot, at his hangar in the Oakland Airport. Randall has been flying with the group for about 10 years and this time brought his girlfriend Sherrie Siegle, who also be making her first trip with the Flying Doctors.
Sherrie, a model and hair designer wanted to play an active roll as well. She was prepared to clean instruments and offer haircuts to anyone who was interested.
So we set off...a great chemistry and excitement is felt between the newborn team of four and we head across California and deep into Mexico. A quick stop to refuel in Thermal and were hopping across the border to be greeted by the Federalies who sported automatic weapons and an insatiable curiosity for what we had on board...
I do admit, our cargo was very questionable looking. The Doctor had to pull out the portable x-ray machine - which raised every eyebrow. It was great to watch these young, camo clad, armed soldiers cock their heads to the side as the Doctor pulls what looks like a weapon straight out of a sci-fi movie to explain and convince them that it was to take pictures of teeth...they looked as if they were wondering if they should just keep the gun for good measure...then there was the portable work station - stainless steel, bottles, hoses...more concerned looks, but still, they were baffled into submission and let us continue.
They did however draw the line at the our banana and peach...
Finally, we are back in the air and traveling deeper and deeper into Mexico. The terrain changed from barren and rocky to lush and green. We landed on a dirt runway and are greeted by the Nacori Chico police. They were expecting us and gladly helped load our luggage into the backs of their pick-up and deliver us to our a small inn where we would be staying. We were greeted by Guadalupe, a wonderful woman who served as our hostess, and chef. She showed us to our rooms and invited us to come and eat in her small restaurant on the street corner.
We unloaded our luggage at our rooms and brought the gear to the clinic where we were to transform an OB GYN room into a dental office. The key holder had gone to the next town, so we were sitting outside for quite some time, trying to size things up and hoping that we would be able to gain access before long.
Being the practical, proactive person that Dr. Fenderson is, he decided that he should probably use the lag time to go and scope out the air compressor availability. The compressor did not work and looked like it had not been maintained in quite some time. He set out to find a new compressor and within a short period of time, and the help of the police, had a mechanic and another compressor - we were in business!
That evening, after dinner, we all set out on a walk. We heard loud music and narration and thought that there must be something going on in the town square. It turned out that what were hearing was the local announcements over a loudspeaker that is used to communicate with the whole town. There were announcing a shoe sale and the presence of Los Medicos Voladores - the Flying Doctors.
Walking through these streets, I was amazed at how clean and meticulous Nacori Chico is. The people were polite and friendly and town felt very safe. There were neatly kept homes and yards with beautiful flowers and trees. It was clear that this was a very special place.
Morning came quickly and upon arriving at the clinic, we had a full house of people wanting to have their teeth filled, pulled or cleaned. There were far more than we could handle, so we did a triage of sorts and narrowed the day down to those who were in pain and those teeth that we could save with a restoration.
We hooked up a boombox and popped in the Forrest Gump sound track which set a great tempo and mood - the next thing you know, we were tackling one problem after the next as quickly and efficiently as we could. Each patient thanked us warmly for "fixing" their various dental problems. These were some of the kindest, sweetest people I had ever come in contact with.
The hours flew by and my heart was warmed. We were blessed to be able to fulfill a need among such wonderful people. Their nearest dentist was about and hour and a half away in Montezuma or several hours away in Hermasillo. Dealing with dental problems was a hardship for this village, so they really appreciated us bringing dentistry not only free of cost, but right to their own clinic.
That night, Guadalupe made us another wonderful dinner and then we set out on a stroll through the town square, which was home to the beautiful cathedral that was what seemed to be, their only church in town.
We were in awe of how nice the town was and noted that it is "dry" town (meaning that selling alcohol is against the law).
We watched a portion of a soccer game for a while - which was played on a basketball court before deciding that we should get some sleep to get ready for Saturday. We were to pick up where we left off.
With a full reception area, a patient under treatment and another on deck, Sherrie decided lighten the mood of those waiting by asking if anyone would like a haircut. At first there were no takers, but once person accepted, it changed everything.
Randall walked out to an empty reception area wondering what had happened. We peek out our window and saw that Sherrie has someone in the chair getting a haircut and the rest of our patients standing and observing. They were having a great time!
Imagine for a moment, the Doctor, performing dentistry to his favorite tunes from the late 60's-early 70's - tapping his toes, singing along. Outside, an amazingly beautiful and charming American model has captivated a corner of the village with her make shift hair salon in the backyard of the clinic...it brought tears to my eyes. It was truly surreal.
There was one point when we had people dancing in the operatory, children playing, laughing and occasionally helping us while were filling and pulling teeth! There was an ironic joy that was clearly what makes these trips so rewarding.
It was evident that these trips are not just about providing free and convenient dentistry to those in need. It was and exchange of love that I will never forget.
I know that this was my first experience, but I have to believe that this was a very exceptional village with extraordinarily wonderful people.
All the while that we were working, the plane was being guarded to insure that it did not get stolen or damaged. Our guard by day was a woman sitting in her car with her baby, and at night, she was relieved by her husband.
As the working part of trip came to a close, we treated the most critical patients and headed back the plane. Our next stop would be in Kino Bay for night of relaxation before heading home.
The contrast was amazing. From a small agricultural town to a fishing village on the Sea of Cortez. The landscape was different, but the people were just as wonderful and exchange continued.
I look forward to another venture with the Flying Doctors in the future. What a wonderful organization and worthy cause - for all of us.
