by AfS Photographer Glenn Parry
Day 3 was the second full day of surgeries for the team.
Our dental hygienists, Mary and Andrea H., traveled to the local community center Social Action for Guaranda, where many patients and their families stayed. It’s a beautiful place. They have many professionals serving kids in early development as well as social and community services such as physiotherapy, social work, chess club, a garden, a cafe with lunch for $1, and a sports facility. It was originally a high school that was later abandoned. The Mayor of Guaranda Inti Yumbay made it a priority to repair and renovate the facility and in 2023 it was re-opened as a community center.
To our friends at Fundación El Cielo Para Los Niños de Ecuador,
Thank you for making this possible!
Anesthesiologist Mack proudly holding his two-year-old patient after surgery 
A warm welcome from the community for the dental hygiene team 
The community center Social Action for Guaranda, where many patients were staying. 
The mission team posing for a group photo in central Guaranda 
A mother embracing her daughter in preparation of today’s surgery.