I continue to be astounded at the immense healing and life-changing activity here at Jubilee. Last Friday’s adult dental clinic was no exception. This first round of patients has come mostly from the group of Latino women who rock out in the aerobics class. We had what appeared to be a set back on the day before the clinic because the hygienist who had volunteered cancelled because she had thrown out her back. Tough to bend over to peer into their mouth of a patient when you’ve thrown out your back!
With some scrambling, I was able to cancel and reschedule most patients. Interesting that one of the two dental exam chairs was not working and so God’s timing was again perfect. Normally, only exams, x-rays, cleanings and fillings are provided at the mobile dental van. One patient, however, received a root canal. Who would have thought anyone would be excited to get a root canal, right?!! This root canal spared her from the only other option which was to extract the tooth. Dr. Cho did not want to do an extraction because she is missing several teeth and it would have made it very difficult for her to chew her food. I thank Dr. Cho for his great work and the other volunteers Molly Johnston, assistant; Denise Folk, sterilization and van driver; and George Steirer who’s in training on the van.
George is a Mercer Island city planner for his full-time job and volunteered to help out on the van. He also washed the exterior of the van. That was the biggest "car wash" I've ever seen! I tried to talk him into washing my van, but he wouldn't go for it!
The group of Latino women who were patients on Friday at the dental van has a very obvious strong bond. I’ve been told they did not know each other before coming to Jubilee. They're so loving and helpful to each other with filling out forms and watching children while some had their appointments. I loved watching them interact and seeing the sense of excitement and happiness on their faces as they greet each other. Who would imagine that an aerobics class and visit to the dentist would give them such confidence and a sense of belonging that community gives. One woman had the translator apologize for not being able to speak English to me to say how much she appreciates what was done for her. I apologized for "no habla espanol" and said I am trying to learn Spanish and thanked her for letting me serve her. It is such an honor to serve in this way. The two translators (Martha Valencia and Maria Garcia) who volunteered their time did a great job. Maria is actually a participant in the aerobics class and ESL class. What a wonderful woman and she has such a heart for service. I’m sure many will be excited to hear I now have the Rosetta Stone program to speed up my Spanish learning!
I have a great opportunity to go to a seminar in San Diego on Feb 27th. If you have air miles you would be willing to donate to me, please email me or call me at 425.890.2395. This seminar will give me additional tools to secure grant funds to do more at Jubilee REACH Center. Please check out the letter from Tom Brewer, chaplain at Jubilee REACH Center on behalf of my service here (previous blog posting). May the unconditional, faithful love of our Father bless you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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