Dear Friends of DCF,
A team of 14 returned from a wonderful week of serving once again in the little town of Pisac, Peru in January. This was 7th year in a row that we have traveled to this particular site. Even though the ‘19 team was smaller in number, we ended up treating more patients than on any previous visit.
What was the most different aspect of the 2019 team was the ease of travel. Some of you will remember the unusually heavy snow that fell on South Carolina during January last year. The Charleston airport was closed for days and after much uncertainty, we caravanned to Atlanta in order to meet our international flight connection.
Pisac is a community of great natural beauty, located in what’s called the sacred valley between two Andean peaks. Remains of the Inca empire are all around. The population is quite diverse being made up of both indigenous Quechua people as well Hispanics. There are many wonderful artisans in the area and the Pisac market is second to none for those interested in helping the Peruvian economy.
The clinic was never slow with hundreds of dental procedures being performed. In addition, reading and sunglasses were very popular items for the optical patients. Daniel Duke and family served as great hosts. Two of their kids became great chair-side assistants by the end of the week.
Special thanks go to each of the teammates for choosing to commit to serving those less fortunate. Five senior students got a chance to hone their dental skills, 3 graduate dentists did a great job of mentoring, and each of the helpers were essential. The Bible says in several places about how important that each part of the body is to the functioning of the whole, and this is never more true than on a short term mission trip.
To those who prayed for the team both before and during our time in Peru, please know of our most sincere appreciation. God’s guiding hand was evident throughout the trip.
