LLU SIMS - Amazon (Outlook

Students for International Mission Service (SIMS)

Amazon, the desire of my heart

by Wanda J. Abreu, junior, School of Medicine

I fearlessly stretched my hand out to touch the smooth skin of a live seven-foot Anaconda.
Okay, so it wasnât in the jungle but instead at a military zoo while the veterinarian held its head÷the point was, I was fearless.

For years I had dreamed of doing missionary work, and last year God granted me the desire of my heart. A group of health professionals and students left this past June from Loma Linda to South Americaâs Brazil. We were there to show Godâs love through the medical and dental care we would provide to people living in relatively inaccessible areas. Our journey consisted of traveling on boats through the tributaries of the worldâs widest river, the Amazon in Brazil.

On the boat the small sleeping quarters were also our food storage and eating quarters, and occasionally served as our work station. Our beds were brightly colored hammocks that spanned from one side of the boat to the other.

Needless to say, our personal space was virtually nonexistent, but our team made the best of it, and we got to know each other well and established friendships. We typically worked in huts of the local villages for about nine hours a day amidst the incredible humidity and heat.

We had no Portuguese translators, but Periza, a second-year dental student and I were fluent in Spanish and were the next best thing. I had originally thought that because I am a dental hygienist I would be on the dental team; however, it worked out that I would be working with the medical team.

What an experience it was! We saw numerous cases of fungal infections, worms, and anemia. We did pelvic exams, breast exams, and other interesting procedures. I had the opportunity to anesthetize and drain a young manâs sebaceous tumor, as well as drain an infected insect bite from an 18-month-old child. I was also able to get some dental hygiene experience in administering anesthesia and assisting in extractions.

Brazilians are a happy and friendly people. The Brazilian pastor who was assigned to our group was one of the most spiritual, fun-loving people Iâve met. All he did was reflect Christâs love.
The villagers were happy to see us, and so grateful for our services that their smiles and words of appreciation penetrated to the core of my being.

Our team had the unique opportunity to see a local village celebrate the "Festival of the Bull" with its traditional dances and costumes.

Nature on the Amazon was breathtaking. We awakened to the sounds of monkeys and parakeets, while in the afternoons we saw mirrored reflections on the river of the most breathtaking sunsets Iâve ever seen.

We were also able to trek through part of the famous Amazon jungle under the thick, lush canopy of trees and exotic plants. Our swims in the river were soothing, except for the first one. We werenât sure the captain understood us when we inquired about the presence of piranhas.

At night, we were tucked into bed with a blanket of stars that seemed to envelop us.

Brazil not only filled me with the joy that comes from service to others, but also allowed me to visit a beautiful country, to become familiar with a different and wonderful culture. I confirmed my desire to be a physician and built strong friendships. I was truly blessed.

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