Today we head off to saving smiles again. This is great, as we enter the building, people begin to great us, and they all remember us from a couple of days ago. This is like visiting with old friends. We are told that we will be doing the same jobs that we had previously, which makes for a certain comfort level for us all. The last time we were at saving smiles they saw over 250 kids. This time they tell is it will be over 350! Their goal for the week is over 1,400 children will get dental examines, education and sealing of their teeth.
Our uniforms for saving smailes
This day was much like the last. I however seem to have more energy than previously and I am having even more fun than before. Some of the other volunteers think maybe I need a shot of something to slow me down, maybe a chill pill or two. At the end of the day, Travis is seen by one of the dentist to give a second opinion to something that was told to him over the summer. We now get to enjoy a nice burrito lunch and move on to the next mission time.
When we arrive at Harbor Light Salvation Army ministry, we are greeted very warmly. The staff is excited to see us and we exchange greetings. Now it is time to get busy. Andy and I are assigned to kitchen cleanup with one of the staff members. The staff member, who I will call Steve, found himself without a job and ended up going to the Harbor Lights for assistance.
During our conversation over kitchen cleanup, Steve tells us that after the initial 8 days stay, he was able to apply for a 3-month program, where they feed him and provide shelter. During this time, he has been able to get state aid and has been saving his money. His goal is to buy his dream truck, a Ford F-150. Andy and I glance at each other upon this revelation. This is the first time in all the people we encounter, that it sounds like someone trying to take advantage of the system in place to assist them. I am not real comfortable with the idea of giving aid for the purpose of purchasing a truck. I hope that he will use this for employment at some time in the future.
The others this afternoon are serving food, cleaning up, hospitality out on the dining floor and whatever is needed. This is another great opportunity to serve a community in need. Before we leave, one of the staff asks to pray with us. As the prayers for the Lord are being said, I could feel the Spirit moving in and out, around and in each of us. My knees are beginning to get week and I am wondering if maybe I just might fall. The experience is awesome and the prayer is moving not only by the Sprit being present but that the prayers are said for our mission and us.
It is now time to head out to Laredo Taqueria, a local Mexican restaurant. The food is the best Mexican food I can recall in some time. The food is hot, fast and tasty. Now it is time to head back to debrief and hit the sack so we can do it all again tomorrow.
