La Republica Dominicana 3/08

A 10 day adventure in the Dominican Republic with organizations Smiles for Life and Esperanza. Most of the team were dentists, hygienists, and assistants that set up dental clinics in small villages.  A doctor, one other nurse and I visited some of the hospitals to teach new moms about infant care.  I'm planning to go back in September and hope to train medical personnel and nurses more about neonatal resuscitation.  Most of the time we were at the dental clinics pulling together small groups to teach about AIDS, nutrition and whatever else they wanted to learn about.  And, of course, a lot of time was spent playing with and loving the kids.  We all had an incredible experience and met some great people!!

While the rest of the team was working hard, 

       pulling and cleaning teeth, I played with kids!!

         Learning to jump rope! (me, not the little boy)

Cute boy I met at the pediatric hospital.  He loved his new blanket!

Our group---made up of dentists, hygenists, assistants, 

students from the DR, a doctor and 2 nurses.

A little "Down by the Banks" while waiting to see the dentist

My boys!
Teaching new moms about infant nutrition, dehydration, 

sanitation...

We visited a school where the founder, Milan, participated

in the mirco-loan program with Esperanza 7 years ago and will now be able to open a new school for 200 children that she has recruited from the streets, orphanages and underprivileged communities.

Triage

The kids LOVED Jenni!

My new-found instrument..el wido.

La Republica Dominicana 3/08

Triathlon

Not knowing how to do much more than stay afloat, I swam the entire distance backstroke.  Yes, it is very difficult to swim in a straight line when the sky is your guide!!  Gratefully, there were many kayakers there to guide me back on course.

Gordon's Jump

Kristi's Jump

Dusty's Jump

Mark Crow's Jump

Our fearless friend who decided to go first and show us how it's done!!!!