Villa de los ninos (VNOS) Dental Screenings

At the beginning of each school year three Latter-day Saint doctors and three assistants visit several schools and complete dental screenings of new students that have just arrived.  Many are from distant areas within Guatemala and come to the school to get an education.  They still see their families during long breaks.  Some are orphans, some are indigent and some are disadvantaged.  During one morning we screened 250 students.

Entrance gate. Had to give up our passport copies that we carry in order to enter the complex.

The school was built in 2009 through the generosity of Monsignor Schwartz of New York. Approximately 2500 boys live and attend school here.  These are two of several large buildings.

We were given a tour through classrooms, food preparation areas, washing areas and sleeping areas.

These women are making tortillas for lunch.  The dough is made by a machine and then pressed.

Workers pat the dough to form its shape and then it is cooked on a "comal" for a short time.

The bakers are making dinner rolls.  The dough is made by machine.  Here they are pulling pieces.  Below are perfectly shaped rounds that will be proofed and then baked just before dinner.

The boys can wash their sports clothes and towels here in individual "pilas."  Gary remembers seeing these all over his mission.  He never had a chance to try that hard concrete since they had hired women to wash their clothes.

Clothes drying racks

The dormitorio where the boys sleep.  My child advocate side tells me these are too close but it must work.

Love the blanket and sheet colors!

Typical classroom

Found in the breakfast room

Sister Ana of the Philippine order de las Hermanas de Maria. They have responsibility to run the school.

Dony was one of the students here.  Now he accompanies students that come to Tio Juan Clinic and we've become good friends.

Leidi is Mi Casa secretary and schedules all patients.  She and Gary have a good thing going on "WhatsApp."

Part of the 250 students waiting.

Seeing Wilbur

Seeing Oscar

Smiling Michael. A fitting way to end a fun morning.