Clare
Today in Zambia a group of 6 girls
and 4 chaperones all went to a remote place where people gather monthly to
receive medical help. I had the honor of working with Doctor Grutzner in the
dentistry area. This experience was inexplicable in the way that hundreds of
women and their children walk to this area in the middle of nowhere to receive
dental and medical care. I was a bit shocked when we first arrived because the
working area for the dental exam was a very small hut with no lighting and two
chairs. At home, I am used to a large office with various utensils used for the
examination, but we made do with a small room.
I had never truly understood the
differences in dental hygiene and physical health of another country until I had
the opportunity to work today. I was shocked with the insane amounts of tooth
decay that occurred with the majority of women and children that came to visit
us today. My eyes were opened to how difficult it truly is living in a country
where the people don’t have a doctor and dentist to go to every time they have
pain.
After staying with Doctor Grutzner,
I left and sat and observed Doctor Sicoli perform medical exams on children. I
was astonished at the amount of respiratory problems these children had. Seeing
the numerous medical issues that every child suffered with, I was able to
realize how lucky I am to have immediate care every time I have the slightest
pain. An obstacle we faced today was the language barriers between us and each
patient. Every woman and child spoke Bemba only, making the exams more difficult
to communicate the problem. Thankfully, both Doctor Sicoli and Doctor Grutzner
had a translator to help them communicate.
Throughout this trip I have
encountered true poverty, and this experience has almost made me embarrassed by the way I live at home. I have a greater appreciation for the mothers that live
here in Zambia who were willing to walk for miles just to seek medical
attention.
Everyone on Team Mutomo worked
incredibly hard today and I am very excited for what will come in the future on
this trip.
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