Super Volunteers

In a previous blog I wrote a bit about the dentists who did such an incredible job for us. Three dentists, and parts of their family, came to spend a week improving the dental hygiene and health of our children. They ended up seeing every child in the school (hostel and village), plus the housemothers and our cook Padmini. They did root canals, filled teeth, removed teeth, and cleaned and scraped every little mouth. It took all six days that they were here. One of our boys, 10 year old Aron, had his beautiful new front teeth broken off this spring. They were bonded by the dentists and now look just like new. He was so thrilled. The only break they had was to go to a very distant colony, late one afternoon, and do some teeth extractions. The colony they visited has only 7 members still living. They have no real means of getting in to see dentists and doctors, so they rely on the mobile medical van/doctor visits, and in this instance, the visit of the dentists. They were so grateful. Last week when our group was there they were showing off their mouths minus the teeth that were giving them trouble. They were very proud of their dental work!

In the group, in addition to the three dentists, were two wives, one son, and five daughters. All of them assisted at least two days in the dental clinic as well as going out with all the activities of the mobile medical, anthropology, and tutoring programs. Playtime and family evening were on their schedule, as well as a great water balloon toss, with an amazing balloon launcher. They not only did a great service for the Rising Star population, but they were so much fun. Thank you McGavin's, Astle's, and VandenBerghe's--I'm sure you saved a lot of teeth for our beautiful children.

Arriving almost simultaneously with our family, were A'lissa and Mark Olson and their two beautiful daughters, Tracy and Veronica. They came equipped with cameras (a great gift from them), soft ware, expertise and again willingness to teach a photography clinic to some of our older children each day. They participated in the full program here, including mural painting in the children's rooms in the hostels. They conducted two 45 minute sessions with a group of 10 in each, from 4:30 to 6:00 daily. It was a beginning, and the children loved it! We had a powerpoint showing one evening of photographs taken by the children, as well as by the Olsons. A photography club will be formed, so that we might continue the enthusiasm engendered. Matt Goodell and his sister, who will be coming in August, will head this up. It's remarkable the talent and the willingness of the people who come to bless Rising Star. We feel lucky to be here to witness it all.

Pictures: Aron, before and after bonding on broken teeth; Dr. Astle teaching proper brushing in Family Evening; massive water balloon toss; Dentists and families (joined by a few friends) preparing to leave; A'lissa Olson and daughter Taylor painting mural on wall; showing of children's pictures on power point.