Another lesson

We have spent the last 2 days at childrens' orphanages and schools.  Munchkin has been a huge hit and a great teaching aid.  The children demonstrate their brushing techniques on him, and I am sorry to say John that he will be returned to you much loved and showing a little sign of all the love by way of little finger prints.   The standard of dental hygiene has been varable, and the well run projects have children with good tooth brushing habits, and vice versa.   I have included a picture of a child with his pink teeth  - this is residual plaque after tooth brushing.  The children are able to see the pink in a mirror and we can explain why it is there.  A great lesson for them.  Whereever we have visited the staff and children have been 100% grateful and enthusiastic about our lesson plans and donations. 

Before this trip I was a staunch advocate of the concept of "opening peoples eyes to Rotary projects" by visiting them and I believed this was the strength of Lena's dream.   After being on a tour now and pariticipating in several projects I have learnt that the communities do benefit from our efforts.  The first aid training, dental hygiene, painting, assisting repairing wells and teaching english have been really successful and do make a difference.  The staff in the projects engage with us, and ask us for assistance, and also resources from Australia.  As more tours are offered these efforts will be built upon.
We have worked hard on projects by boy we are having fun too!  The first motorcycle ride in my life was a thrill (oops I wasnt going to tell Mark about that!) and our guide Rithy is a great guy who we consider a friend now. He and his driver Suan have got involved in the painting projects and are "part of the team".  Lena has made sure that everything is prepared one step ahead of us all - and individually making us feel very special and cared for.   Thanks Lena - and lead on!!!
Bronwyn