One of the things missionary team does not want to encounter is being sick and needing medical care while overseas in a foreign country.
 |
| Bird like Exotic flowers of Panama! |
Unfortunately, Pastor Monica has been experincing some sharp pain in one of her teeth for the past few days.
She tried to put up with it but it was getting too much for her to bear. She called one of the church members and Jenny came this afternoon to take her to a local Panama dentist.
While Pastor Monica was at the dentist, Helena and I took a leisurely stroll in our Penonome church neighbourhood. We came across some beautiful houses, flowers and vegetation. As we stopped to snap a few pictures, we also said Ohla to some of the neighbours. They were all very friendly. 
I laughed becasue I did not know that I looked that old to have a daughter of Helena's age.
Wow! Without my makeup, it can add years to my face!
We met Pastor Monica at Mr. L's store downtown. She felt much better after her visit to the dentist.
She had her roots clean, part of the cracked tooth removed and fixed. All that for U.S. $10.00 including five needles of anesthesia!
Incredible price for an hour and half of dental work indeed!
Pastor Monica was very impressed with the local dental service. He explained everything to her in Spanish clearly step by step.
Fortunately, Pastor Monica had an interpreter with her so that she could understand everything.
The same dental work would have costed me Can. $300 to $500.00 in Canada.
How the Panamanian dentist charged so little for his service?
That was beyond our conprehendsion.
But we thank God that Pastor Monica's tooth problem is gone and she can now focus and enjoy her work here in Panama.
I have included some beautiful flowers and houses we saw on our way to the business district of Penonome.
Hope you'll enjoy them.
R.T.
Penonome, Panama
p.s. A day later, Lily took us to a nice local restaurant and had lunch there and I took pictures of these beautiful flowers.
As I travel with my team to other parts of Panama in the next few days, I will keep updating this entry and add more pictures of flowers as I take them. Stay tuned!
Getting sick in a foreign country is really a challenge, whether you're a tourist or a missionary. However, these are the times when we'll see how hospitable the natives are. They really care to help us find the proper care for our illness. Anyway, how's your pastor's dental visit? I do hope this won't hinder his mission. Take care, guys! And enjoy your new place! :)
ReplyDeleteClinton Zelman @ DougSmithDDS.com
It's hard to continue your mission when you have aching teeth. How's your pastor now? I'm glad to know that he's satisfied with the treatment that was given to him. I think I'll also call for a translator when my dentist has to speak in Spanish. I'm not that good in understanding the language. Hehe! Any update? :)
ReplyDeleteLamar Rios @ WynneWoodDentalArts.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMissionaries always know that their missions may involve getting sick in a foreign place. However, they're faithful enough to believe that somebody will help them in those times. I'm sure your pastor is thankful to the native who took care of him and to the dentist who examined his teeth. Tell him to consult his dentist right away if he's feeling bad again. Well, I do hope you guys will have successful missions in that place. :)
ReplyDeleteFlorence Sparks @ DentistKelowna.ca
Thank you for your comments.
DeleteMy pastor felt much better afterwards. She did go back for a second dental visit in the second week we were there. But she had more complicated problems that needed more work. She was advised to get that done as soon as she got back to Canada. But at least the dentist in Panama helped her to reduce the pain she was experiencing for the two weeks while we were there.