Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery and Dental Trip Mar 20-29,2009

A full month of HIM trips visiting Guatemala was wrapped up with the Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery and Dental trip. With a whopping 69 volunteers from the states it was a remarkable week! Close to half of the crowd were new faces to HIM. It was a busy week with a gammot of projects happening.

The focus of construction this week was the orphanage. Given the prep from the previous trips, we were set to pour the floor for the second story of the building. With no water in the city of Gualan that day, and temperatures in the high 90s, the troops pressed on and the floor was successfully poured! A big hand to all those involved, it was no easy feat!

General and Dental clinics were held at Finca Carrizal, Gualan, Barranco Colorado, La Union and La Iguana. With large teams, there was a lot of activity at each clinic. As the week progressed, temperatures rose, yet the group rose to the occasion! Totals for the week included...

1143 General medical patients seen

325 Dental patients seen

665 Tooth Extractions
512 Teeth Cleanings
95 Eyeglasses fit

55 Surgeries

We were blessed to have the presence of three skilled plastic surgeons this week. The hospital team of doctors, nurses, surgical techs, etc were able to complete an amazing 55 surgeries!

Bomberos come to the rescue to provide us with water!

Assembly line concrete pouring.

Some of the girls showing off their muscles and skills!
Inside the Nutrition Center, volunteers hard at work rectifying our courtyard weed problem.

Clinic set up at Barranco Colorado

Teeth varnishing at clinics

Extracting teeth

Seeing patients at general medical clinics

Volunteers and locals mingle as HIM is welcomed to La Union by the Mayor and a Marimba band. It was a beautiful day with a light hearted feel thanks to the music of Guatemala's national instrument.

Clothing hand out at the garbage dump.

Thanks again to all who made this an extremely successful month for HIM! You did make a difference in the lives of countless Guatemalans and volunteers from the states. An immeasureable number of smiles, hugs, and new friendships Cheers to putting our hearts in motion!