Mission Trip to Laredo

I’d like to thank Dr. Erik Garcia for keeping after me until I agreed to go on a mission trip with the Medical Missionaries of Devine Mercy. It was a wonderful experience and a chance to give back a little. Every November a  group from St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land makes their annual trip to Laredo and in cooperation with San Luis Rey Church and Catholic Charities provides dental, vision and medical services for those in need in Laredo.
On Sunday I helped Daniel Alvarez, Scott Walker and other set up for the mission. We went from an empty cafeteria to a seven chair dental clinic in about four hours. Daniel has this figured out after having set up so many times previously! Later that evening we met with Linda Barron to review the systems would follow we would follow to treat patients. I met so many people it's hard to recall all the names.
Monday, doctors Erik Garcia, Kauser Bari and John Cardwell of Rosenberg, Wayne Ley of Needville, Quynh Nguyen of Sugar Land, and myself saw patients needing treatment ranging from cleanings to extractions. I got to work with Esme, one of Dr. Nguyen’s dental assistants from home in Sugar Land. She was great! The support staff kept us running with sterile instruments and the assistants helped us treat patients efficiently.
On Tuesday, Bishop Tamayo and the Mayor of Laredo, Pete Saenz, both made appearances and greeted both the volunteers and the participants. The number of people that volunteer to make these mission trips a success is heartening. Many of the volunteers make this an annual commitment.
This year I had only planned on the three days (Sunday Monday and Tuesday), hopefully next year I can stay longer. Most of the dentists are in one doctor practices, so it is difficult to take time away. I’d like to recognize Dr. Bari as the only dentist that stayed the full week. Her commitment to helping is inspiring. With Thanksgiving coming up soon it’s so important for all of us to recognize how fortunate we have been.