I messaged Stephanie, the missionary in charge of the special needs individuals at the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. I asked how the kids I worked on were healing and behaving now after their dental work. I cannot begin to tell you how much working on special needs kids taught me.
Stephanie told me they are all doing great and amazingly, Emma, who has cerebral palsy is sleeping through the night! Before the dental team extracted her tooth, she would wake up at night crying. Because she is not able to speak to tell us where it hurts or that she is in pain, we had to assess her dental health and determine the most likely cause of pain or infection. I am completely humbled and in awe that with the help of my dental team, we were able to get this sweet girl out of pain!
While dental school is very stressful, rigorous, and frustrating at times, opportunities to make a difference in someone's life make it worth it. If I would have gone to Haiti last year there is no way I would have been able to perform the procedures I did. I expect that I will be able to do even more next year. Allowing God to use me in this field is indescribable. I am so glad I was able to go to Haiti, and even if I was only able to help sweet Emma, it is all worth it.
I cannot wait to go back next year! I don't know how I'm going to make it this entire year without visiting my new favorite place.
