Trip Dates for 2008: Mark your Calendars

Here are the trip dates for 2008:

June 21st

Sept 6th

December 13th

Please note that the March trip has been canceled, due to some organizational changes which we need more time to digest. As Latrice is no longer with us, we will be signing up in a different way for all future trips. Stay tuned for more information as it is made available to us. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you all in June. --Vu Le, DDS

PS this is a great opportunity to get your passport taken care of. Having a passport opens not only the door to Independencia, but to all other PEACE trip opportunities around the world.

Dental Clinic Success on Jan 19th

Congratulations to the dental clinic team for their awesome team performance on this January trip. Despite freezing cold temperatures, we saw forty patients, producing over $10,000 in free dentistry. Thanks to Lyn, Ellen, Angie, Linda, and Drs. Fowler and Eli for their help. There are so many other people I need to thank for their help, not the least of which is the tireless Rich Kofron--the real man in charge. Photographs of the trip are on display at Saddlebackpics.com. For a bit less clicking, watch the slideshow. Even more pictures are posted at MSI, our non-profit partner in this ministry.

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INDEPENDENCIA

On our last trip January 19th, we were approached by the family of Hilario Canedo to help fund the cost of an arthroscopic gall bladder surgery that he needs. As many of you know, Hilario is a 35 year old man who was struck with Juvenile Arthritis at age 15. He has spent virtually all of the last 20 years in a bed due to his arthritis. Due to his poor condition, the family refused a conventional gall bladder surgery, but instead chose a much less invasive arthroscopic procedure.

We were able to help fund the operation with donated cash. We now are in a position to accept contributions to help fund projects in Independencia, including the Clinic Property. The clinic needs to have it's roof sealed, the storage shed needs a complete makeover, and we would like to build permanent tables and seating for crafts, cooking and triage. Your contributions will help us to be more effective on our clinic trips, also we would hope to expand our presence in the community, schools, and at the Santa Catarina Reservation.

Saddleback Church is our sponsor on our clinic trips, however the Clinic Property is wholly owned by Medical Support International (MSI) and is the more appropriate organization for making contributions to our efforts. Many of you had a chance to meet Rodger Barnett (President) and Clint Mayers (Vice President) of MSI on our last trip. In addition, Thom Nitta is a member at large of MSI's board of directors.

We ask that your send your tax deductible contributions to:

Medical Support International
c/o Thom Nitta
2450 Herndon, Apt. 104
Clovis, CA 93611

Thom will ensure that you receive a proper receipt and that the monies are credited to be used only in Independencia. If you have any questions, please contact Thom Nitta at (559) 326-7177.

We thank you for your past support and prayers for the clinic.

Respectfully,


Thom Nitta