-Dentist Part 1.5

I just blogged yesterday about how I went to the dentist.....well, here is the whole story.....We don't have any type of health insurance, and we certainly don't have dental insurance, or money for dental help.  Thomas has four teeth that need serious attention, and I have the one that has been causing me some pain for about five years.  Three weeks ago one of Thomas' teeth got to the point where he was in terrible, constant pain....I mean, seriously bad.  He was taking Advil like they were candy (and this is a man who didn't even take meds when he sprained his back, he is pill-o-phobic!)

I went in search of a dentist who would see him.  I was put in touch with an emergency dental ministry, and the woman told me that once a year they have a dental weekend.  They take the first 250 people who qualify, and provide free dental care!!  That is right, free!!   And this year's even was only a couple of weeks away!

So yesterday, we went early in the morning and filled out paperwork, and got a number.  We left and came back a couple of hours later, armed with our numbers and started waiting.........and waiting........for several hours out in the hot sun (hey it is Florida, we don't get fall down here) but there was no complaining from us!!  Once we went through the final paperwork, we were taken back to see the dentist for the preliminary check and x-rays.  They are going to do a cleaning for Katarina, do a fancy oral debridement and pull my bad tooth (which is beyond saving) and do oral surgery on Thomas to take care of all four teeth!  All for free!!!!  This Sunday morning!  Absolutely unbelievable!

We got home last evening feeling so blessed.  Marveling at the goodness and provision of God.

This dental situation has been an ongoing problem for years that we haven't been able to do anything about.  So, when I saw that my friend, Jenny, was blogging about dentistry too, I was intrigued.  Here is an exerpt of her post;  it is an email that her friend Kristen sent out.

..........If you've seen the news recently, I'm sure you're well aware that more than 130 people died at the hands of suicide bombers in Baghdad, Iraq just over a week ago. As I sat beside a friend and watched some of the footage last Sunday night, I wondered what it would be like to see those images from his perspective. You see, I've never walked the streets of Baghdad, but he has. In fact, Baghdad, Iraq, is the place he calls "home."

H was a professional in the city, and as such, became a prime target for insurgents. On his way home from work one evening, he was abducted, brutally beaten, and eventually left for dead. Through an incredible series of events, he was found by U.S. troops and was able to move with his family to the U.S., where he, his wife, R, and their three young daughters now live as refugees. I can't imagine being forced to leave behind friends and family in exchange for safety, but this is the reality in which they live.

While they are thankful everyday for the opportunity to raise their three little girls here in the United States, they are finding it difficult to make ends meet as he is unable to work due to his injuries, and R serves as his sole caretaker. After living in the States for one year, R is in dire need of dental care which is not covered by Medicaid.

For the next few weeks, I will be selling hand-crafted earring holders to raise the money necessary to cover the dental expense (approx. $2,100). If you or anyone you know is interested in purchasing an earring holder for a suggested donation of $20 (plus shipping if needed), one hundred percent of the proceeds will fund the dental work needed by this family. (If you do know of others who might be interested in your area, it might save on shipping to send a couple together.) The earring holders are beautifully crafted, hand-made, and they make great Christmas gifts!

I will be taking orders for the next few weeks, and will get the holders out in time for the Christmas season. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read and consider this note. If you know of anyone who might be interested in purchasing an earring holder, please feel free to forward this message.

Here is a picture of one of the holders:

If you are interested in purchasing one of these earring holders to assist the family in need, please contact Kristen at kristenhillerATyahooDOTcom to order one (or more) and learn about more ways you can help this particular family.  Frames can be either white, black, or stained wood and Kristen is currently taking requests for ribbon color.

As a person who was so overcome with what a blessing (badly needed) free dental care is, I couldn't just pass by this request without being touched.  Please consider what a blessing you can give to this family for only $20......and you will get a super-cute earring holder in return! (what girl couldn't use one of those!?!)

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