September 4, 2010

We found out last night that the city was doing construction on the electrical system, and we would be without power for most of the day. Fortunately, Dr. Patterson worked with locals and Sister Maria to procure a generator to power most of our equipment. We expected to do mostly extractions but were hopeful to get other work accomplished.

After the scrumptious french toast breakfast prepared by Jason, Nader, and Fonz, the power went out. Soon afterwards we also found out that electricity controls the pump for the well, and we would be without running water for most of the day as well. We were relatively efficient with the generator in the beginning with 4 fully functional chairs and 1 chair for extractions. Unfortunately, the generator could not supply enough power, and we were reduced to 3 chairs. The generator died about an hour after we started.

Throughout the day, the generator continued to work sporadically. This meant restorative treatment often had to be stopped in the middle of the procedure. The patients were very understanding about our situation and patiently waited for the generator to start again. The portable NOMAD xray unit that we have on loan came in very handy and enabled us to take xrays despite the power outage.

Dr. Jungman and Dr. Arriola were critical in helping with the extractions that we had at this time, most of which were EXTREMELY difficult. The favored instrument of the day was the bone chisel and mallet. One of the patients had 6 teeth extracted including 4 of her upper anteriors in the preparation for a partial denture.

We ended clinic early around 5 pm to join the locals for a game of "futbol" organized by Alexis (one of our new mission friends). We played a 6 vs. 6 game at the local indoor soccer field. Chad, Nader, Fonz, Jason, Robert, Greg, and Carlo put up a good fight, leading the game 4 to 2...yet, the locals beat them 15 to 9.

While we were playing soccer, the mission friends including Sister Maria prepared us an excellent dinner of lasagna (both meat and vegetarian) and garlic bread. It was well received after the long soccer game.Yum, yum!