by AfS Photographer Glenn Parry
Day 2 is the first day of surgeries for the team here in Guaranda.
The first day of surgery is always one of the most exciting. A team of virtual strangers come together from around the world to work together (often) for the first time in a new place. Not only does the team need to learn to work together quickly, but also to work with the local hospital team and with the local patients and families. Thankfully we had local volunteers assisting with translation for the team.
Many patients traveled several days via buses to come to the hospital. The long travel was worthwhile for the dream to be free of the issues of cleft. The dream to be free from bullying at school, and free from the difficulty of eating, drinking, and speaking.
To our friends at Fundación El Cielo Para Los Niños de Ecuador,
Thank you for making this possible!
Mack, Parth, and Avani (Anesthesia) preparing for the day 
Chris Zarella (Surgeon) connecting with a patient and the proud father 
Sarah (OR Nurse) and Sunny (Mission Director) coordinating plans 
Cool little guy getting his teeth cleaned by Andrea (Dental Hygienist) 
Paula (Pediatrician) with one of our patients and his mother 
The AfS team starting off the first day of surgeries with a team safety meeting