Answer To Nick´s Question

Do the adults seem more leary of the medical care than the kids? What is the split between adults seen and kids seen? The adults do not seem to be as leary of the medical care. Some have seen a dentist before. It might have been when they were younger. They do have a few dentists around the city of Pucallpa, but the cost is a lot for their monthly income.

The younger kids are very apprehensive. They are nervous when they first approach us. Especially when they see us with gloves and masks. Being unsure of what will happen makes it all the worse. Elizabeth, our translator, helps assure them that everything will o.k. Sometimes we have the opportunity to pray with them before the procedure. John tells them what will happen and that they will feel a little pressure or a pinch, but no pain (mucho presseon - a lot of pressure).

We do see more adults than kids. Adults´ages seem to be between 25- 40s. Most of the kids´ages seem to be between 8-15. More toward the 8 yr. old age. The kids´teeth we saw yesterday looked a lot better than the first place we visited. It seems that they do not drink as much pop and milk, especially before bed. We don´t know if its because they can´t afford it or they prefer water instead. A pop in the city of Pucallpa costs me about 1-2 Soles, which is about $.33 (1 Soles) or $.66 (2 Soles).