Today we traveled to the top of the world! The village was called Pulah Panzak. When we arrived, there were many children in uniforms gathered in a group in front of the school waiting for us. They performed the Honduran national anthem, another sweet children's song, and finally a Honduran prayer from memory with such passion and conviction. What a gift!

While Paul delivered a sermon, we set up clinics. As patients began to enter, we soon recognized how respectful Hondurans are by allowing the elderly to go first. It didn't matter how sick others were, the elders went first. Our sweet Issac who was working in the pharmacy, noticed a little girl following him around everywhere. He went looking for his cross necklace and decided to give it to her. Issac held her hands and asked God to protect her and her people always. He soon found out that her name in Spanish meant "flower."

As the week progresses the dental clinic is quickly finding out how strong and brave Hondurans are. We all know life doesn't come easy for any of them. Seventy-two teeth were pulled throughout the day. Most of the patients never complained. Jim shared with us about the last young lady of the day who had 12 teeth pulled. It was not an easy process. Both Jim and Betsy were astounded at the woman's pain tolerance. She never moved or complained for even a minute! What an example of the strength of these beautiful people!

Speaking of teeth, the first two patients approached a nurses' station to be seen. The two sat next to one another during the entire exam and interview. When the process was complete, Nurse Cherie gave them their medications along with toothbrushes and toothpaste. She asked if they could share the toothpaste because the clinic was running low. Both looked at her and exclaimed, "We don't even know each other!" Lesson learned!

The team in the eye clinic was able to support a man in a way in which they never dreamed. He walked in with a cane. And they quickly realized that he was completely blind. They looked at each other and thought, "What can we ever do for this man?" The four team members gathered around the man, holding hands and prayed a long prayer. This alone built strength like no medicine ever will!

What a day! After a long day of giving fluoride treatments and weighing all the pediatric patients, our youngest team members found a ton of brothers they never knew they had! They wrestled, played chase, bonded and connected in ways where language was no barrier. Unspoken language is more powerful than words will ever be!

Friends, help us to pray for these communities! Sometimes we feel

it is all we have to give to them...many times, it is all that they really need.

Erica Vaughan RN BSN

Doris Fredricksen

Betsy Reid

Sharon Chandler

Jim Young

Schafer Wymond

Gary Gibson

Teri Baker

Fay Painter

Issac Wolfe

Kelly Bailey

Jennifer Cassell (via computer)

Cherie King

Sammy Cash

Paul Bird