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Charity Anywhere and Costner Medial Expeditions May 2004
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“In the jungle anything is
possible”. This motto of La Selva Lodge not only applies to adventures of self
discovery tied to the wildlife and plants of the jungle, but to the many other
possibilities including service. The Charity Anywhere Foundation had the
opportunity to serve the people of the Rainforest accompanying Costner Medical
Missions. Our local team of five, joined with the Costner crew of seventeen
creating a super team. This included four dentists, an oral suregeon,
opthamologist, three medical doctors, and a nurse, not to mention the incredible
help of the other volunteers. Our adventure began Monday morning, as we
travelled by plane, boat and canoe to La Selva Lodge, tucked peacefully within
the jungle. Our first day was spent hiking, and becoming familiar with the area.
Tuesday we travelled by boat, half an hour to Sandisla, where we served
approximately 340 pčople from 8am – 4pm. Our medical crew diagnosed four people
with malaria, and even saved the life of a two year old high with a fever. The
people of Sandisla were friendly and truly sweet people. Wednesday we boated
down the other end of the Napo River and served approximately 320 people in the
village of Pilche. One of our success stories was performed by our oral surgeon.
He was able to fix the problem of a “twisted tongue” in an infant. On Thursday,
we took the opportunity to serve the wonderful employees of La Selva Lodge,
including minor surgery performed by one of our doctors. Everyone worked hard,
whether it was filling cavities, taking temperatures or making the children
smile.
After three long days of working hard in the heat, we spent the remainder of our
Thursday to hike and canoe. We were lucky enough to see arrow frogs, squirrel
monkeys, marching hornets, and countless species of plants and trees to name a
few. It was simply breathtaking.
Many thanks to the employees of La Selva lodge for the great hospitality and
assistance, and to all those involved. It was an experience of a lifetime, that
I am sure will be carried in the hearts of many for years to come.
