EDUCATION is KEY!  Today was our day to see Middle School Kids.  I truly feel and believe that education about Preventive Dentistry is what is going to help change what's happening to the Tongan's oral health.  Today was all about education and screening these kids.  We saw about 80 kids today, and our kids (Logan, Makayla, Maddison, Braden, and Ella) were able to help educate these kids about oral hygiene and diet.  We hope that these programs are helping to make a difference for these kids.  If we can even touch a few lives to help them start a new cycle of health, we've accomplished our goal and mission.  This may be the first time some of them have even seen a Dentist.  It may be the first time they've even seen what floss is and know how to use it.

Oh, the picture up above was from our run this morning.  It was incredible to see the sun coming up through the palm trees.  What an amazing view!  The views of the sunrises, sunsets, and the stars at night are like no other.  What an incredible, beautiful country this is.  Nothing can be as amazing as God's creation.  I'm not sure why there are people out there that don't believe there is a God.  Just look around wherever you are, and you will find his presence there.  I think that is why the Tongan people are so happy and so close to their creator.  You can feel his spirit all around you here.

The kids getting ready this morning to educate the "school kids" (Ages 11-13) about oral hygiene, diet, and their overall health.  I love the picture of Makayla helping Ella!  Great Sisters!

"Tell, Show, Do"  That's what we told our kids to do.  Also, we use a good ol' Scout Method - EDGE.  Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable.  We had our kids Explain the principles of oral hygiene, Demonstrate it to them, and then helped guide them through it, and hopefully, it will enable them to go forward with better oral hygiene skills.  It really seems like Liahona students are understanding and grasping the importance and value of it.  We have students in the chair going through our protocol, students assisting them, and students watching at the foot of the chairs.  So, they are going through the process a few times.  They say that people have to hear things 3-4 times before it really sticks.  That's our hope - We hope it "sticks".  :)  We need them to take action for their benefit!

Line up of the kids!  Great looking bunch!

Here's another group with Elder and Sister Johns.  Elder and Sister Johns are so incredible and give so much to these people!  They both are like energizer bunnies.  They keep going, and going, and going, and GOING!  We love them so much and they have become like family.  Great people doing great things!

Braden learning how to take x-rays.

When we had some down time, we tried to educate, educate, educate.  We tried to make it fun and enjoyable for them so they will remember and know that doing the things we taught will help them in the long run.  In down time, we also played a little "thumb wrestling", "rock-paper-scissors", and "slap-game with the hands".  This is a fun age and they made the day with their smiles and laughter.

Great picture of part of the crew and the kids.  This is where we did the screenings.  

Another Great Day!  Po'uli a Mohe a   (Good Night)