Six interpreters worked endless hours to transcribe the diverse dialects of the Guatemalan people. Two afternoons were spent at the nursing school where the oral surgeon, plastic surgeon, speech pathologist, nurse and others on the surgical team expounded on topics of tooth decay, asthma and signs and symptoms of infection following surgery and many pertinent heath related topics. The dental team also held a class emphasizing the benefits of fluoride treatment and gave toothbrushes and dental care tips to elementary students. Many teeth were pulled. It seems that Coke is often put in baby bottles and tooth care is very poor resulting in the premature tooth decay in the young and old alike.

A personal highlight was overseeing a hearing evaluation/speech treatment session for Jamie, a 3-year-old who had cleft lip repair in 2006, palate repair in 2007 and now was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss which could be addressed proactively. As she began to point to pictures in the Spanish version of  "The Ugly Duckling" her speech suddenly poured out and I was enthralled by the interplay of her mom and dad, speech pathologists and one audiologist all speaking in the same beautiful tongue, the language of love.

Our days began at 6 a.m. and rarely ended until 8 or 9 p.m. - a very rigorous schedule indeed. The discovery in scrubbing surgical tools unfolded as I watched how these tools in the hands of a master surgeon brought restoration, healing and a whole lot of hope to a colorful people. Forever this memory will be treasured. We've already signed up for next year's journey.