And now some more from Michelle on her Guatemalan adventure....

When we arrived at clinic Monday morning, there was a line of patients waiting to be seen by our team. We remained steady throughout that day. Although our team was exhausted at the end of the day, each volunteer left the clinic with a smile from ear to ear, happy with the success of the day. Our team leader warned us, that day two usually draws an even bigger crowd than the first. On our way into clinic on Tuesday we were all discussing the prior days events/appointments in anticipation for the day ahead. However, nothing could have prepared us for the volume of people waiting for our arrival Tuesday morning. We were unable to take the left turn down the street the clinic was on due to the number of patients standing in line. Our van immediately became quiet at the sight. We each became overwhelmed and concerned that we weren't going to be able to provide all that was needed. Did we have enough supplies? How could we possibly see all these people? Are we going to have to turn people away? Were all thoughts running through each on of our heads. I got the chills thinking about the amount of people who were in need of our care, and it was at that moment, that this trip/experience took a different turn and became more meaningful for me. We each got out of the van, got straight to work, and everything went smoothly. Wednesday was another successful day, and went off without a hitch. I came into this experience, willing to help out in any way that I could. Little did I know, that meant I would be extracting teeth the whole time. I was slightly nervous at first, but as the week went on and seeing the relief on people's faces after a procedure, helped boost my confidence. I have to thank the dentist on my team, who were encouraging, patient, and taught me a lot while on this trip. This experience changed me personally and professionally and I am looking forward to volunteering in other parts of the world in need of care.