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Healthy Smiles for Haiti Providing Preventive Dental Care & Services for the People of Haiti
Healthy Smiles for Haiti - The Beginning
Every day of my life has been blessed. I was raised as an only child in
a loving family. I have had very few trials. Faith was a constant,
never a doubt of God's love. I have been blessed with loving friends, a
wonderful husband and two healthy happy daughters. My career has been
as a dental assistant for 30 years. I view it as a vocation, and see it
as more an opportunity to spread God's love to patients, co-workers and
my employers. For years I had always admired those who did that little
bit more, going beyond the comfort level.
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires. God will satisfy then fully!
My first employer told me how he had provided dentistry in Guatemala. I
wondered if I could ever do such a thing. I wanted to, but had great
fear that I was not strong enough to rise to a challenge such as that.
In 2001 our daughter Andrea, went to the Dominican Republic. She shared
with us about the Haitians working on the Batais. Here they labour at
cutting sugar cane or picking coffee. Their oppression, terrible living
and working conditions, poor wages were not recognized as even existing
by the Government. I wondered how life was so bad that one would choose
to leave Haiti for such a life.
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires: The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them!
In June 2001 we had a talk by Deacon Eugene from Child Care
International. He explained how children needed sponsorship. We decided
as a family to commit, and we requested a girl from Haiti. We chose
Venice, an 8 yr. old from the mountainous area of Les Palmes. I
wondered many times about her, her life and family. In the spring,
while considering returning to the Dominican Republic with Andrea, an
opportunity came to journey to Haiti. After much prayer and discussion
I decided to commit to go. Soon after, Andrea decided to join me. I
wanted to do more than observe life and wanted to make a difference. I
made contact with two Haitian dentists and asked if there were any
dental products that I could bring. They sent me a list of dental
needs. I contacted dental offices, wrote letters and made two
presentations. The result was 150 lb. of donations through the
generosity of many offices.
I was very worried prior to my departure. I fretted about the
food, the water, the traveling conditions, and the accommodations. I
worried about my health and all the serious diseases Haiti was plagued
with. I worried about what I would observe, what I would experience. My
sheltered safe life may now be changed. I would see the darker side of
God's creation. Would my heart become hardened? Would my faith in God
be challenged? I did not ever want to question the will of God. But, I
was going to the poorest country on this side of the world. There was
much praying in the days before our departure, but no answer to all my
concerns.
Our fellow traveling companions were varied in age,
backgrounds and occupations but we gelled as a group very well. We were
greeted at the airport by a warm loving Haitian priest. It was only the
beginning of a wonderful experience. There was danger on the roads,
there was caution with everything I put in my mouth and yes we did see
deplorable living conditions. Prayer was with me every step of the way.
I prayed daily and I felt the power of prayer from all my family and
friends at home. I knew God was with me. There was never a doubt. Was
my heart hardened? No, it was filled with blessings. Yes, there was
poverty but there was happiness and inner peace in the eyes of those I
met. There were smiles from the children who danced and sang for us.
There was deep devotion during the religious celebrations. There was
gratitude by all who received the many gifts we Canadians brought for
the poor. There was peace as we Canadians met each evening to reflect
and share on all we experienced that day.
I expected that a people tormented by decades of war,
dictatorship and extreme poverty would be hardened and angry. Instead
those I met were quiet, respectful people, and very, very patient. God
had not abandoned the Haitian people, He was very much alive. He was
alive in the people trying to make a difference, the medical workers
from all over the world, the religious, the lay missionaries, and the
common ordinary people like me sharing the love of God. This is what I
saw. Faith, Hope and Charity in the true sense was alive and very
apparent in Haiti. This was a great relief - my faith stood strong -
unshaken. Alleluhia!
"Happy are those who work for peace, God will call them his children"
We were given the gift of meeting our sponsor child, Venise. She and
her father walked 3 hours after school to meet us. She stood before me
but hurried to give me a big hug. She sat on my knee touched my face
and hair. Her father just smiled and held out his hand. In his hand was
Venise's school report card. His smile affirmed that we were making a
difference in his daughter's life. It was a very special moment.
"Blessed are those who are merciful to others,God will be merciful them."
Through a Canadian working in Haiti, I made contact with two Haitian
dentists who provided me with a "wish list" of dental products. The
dentists I met were wonderful. There was an instant bond. I learned
that, like I, their faith was very strong. They were so grateful that
strangers from Canada could be so giving. They had nothing to work
with. I could not believe that these well-educated professionals had no
materials to help their fellow Haitians. I knew in my heart this was
only the beginning. I needed to do more. I returned in February 2002,
again with many donations. This time I was returning to be with my
friends, to stay in their home. This time I was able to teach in many
classrooms. Sometimes there were 25 students sometimes there were a 100
children eager to learn. We gave out toothbrushes and brushed together.
We laughed and had fun, and at the end there was always a big smile for
the camera. Prevention is the only hope for these children. There is no
money and no dental materials to help these people. Teeth pain in the
future will come. Knowledge today can only help -I hope!
My third journey took place in October 2002 where I spent a week in Cap-Haitien. With the help of my Haitian friend we visited several schools to teach dental prevention. We visited Fougerole to witness the efforts my fellow Hamiltonians had made into reality. Pastor Mano was not present, but his assistant very kindly gave us a tour and showed us the site of the developing orphanage. I was disappointed not to meet Pastor Mano but was happy to learn him and his wife were coming to Hamilton in a couple of weeks. I was pleased to meet Pastor Mano at the first annual Spaghetti fundraiser at Hillfield Strathallan. Pastor Mano was most enthusiastic at the suggestion that I come to Fougerole to teach the children, during my next trip to Haiti. Through the kind generosity of a gentleman in Men For Missions, two thousand toothbrushes were purchased and shipped in a container to be available to me prior to my most recent trip this February. My journey in February of seventeen days was successful in numerous ways. Much was accomplished; I benefited greatly from the opportunity of reacquainting with friends in Les Palmes in the south of Haiti, and taught at the school where our sponsor child attends. Venise lives in a remote village. We traveled by mule for three hours. It was a beautiful journey, along a narrow winding path through lush tropical vegetation, a very welcomed site to a Canadian in February! I was truly blessed throughout my journey.  Georgina , Venise and Venise's mom - Spring 2003 In Cap-Haitien again we visited many schools including Fougerole. We
had quite a challenge locating Pastor Mano. With no street signs,
directions can be quite a challenge. With the aid of people along the
way, we finally arrived at Pastor Mano's home. We were warmly greeted
into his home where he assured us the toothbrushes had arrived and were
waiting our arrival. As we were preparing to leave, the power went out
as is most common. We laughed and agreed to meet early in the morning.
Pastor Mano was very happy to welcome us first hand to his beloved
school and church. Together we went into each class to teach dental
prevention and distribute toothbrushes to each child.
 The children learn about dental prevention - Spring 2003 The children of all ages were very attentive but also had lots of fun.
I was able to visit the children who would soon be moving into their
new home. Each of the orphaned children sat patiently waiting to begin
eating their rice lunch. As I looked at each face I found it difficult
to conceive that each child had no mother or father to nurture and love
them. I am sure they have experienced more than I could possibly
conceive. Hopefully their new home would be a new beginning for each of
these little children of God.
 Georgina and two friends - Cap Haitien, Haiti - Spring 2003
At the conclusion of the teaching session, Pastor Mano was so excited
to show us the almost completed orphanage. As we walked down the street
there were many little faces watching the "Blanc". Their clothes were
sparse, their tummies distended but their smiles as bright as is
possible. A smile needs no words to be understood, Creole, French, or
English, a smile is what every child should use freely and often!
Pastor Mano was so excited as the gate to the orphanage opened. Many Haitian men were working away, plastering and putting the finishing touches on the cement work.. We went into all the rooms. He was hoping that all would be completed prior to Jim Turnbull"s arrival in three weeks. Haitian time is not as Canadian time. I really did not think that would become reality! I did admire his optimism! It was photo time and then time to depart. Pastor Mano was a gracious host and assured me of his assistance at any time. I know he has had many heartaches, and experienced many hardships. None of this was evident in the man who stood before me. Happy are the pure in heart; They will asee God!
I hope to continue working in Haiti. A desire to share a few dental needs has resulted one and a half years later in a total of over 600 pounds of donations and thousands of toothbrushes through the generosity of many many Canadians. I spent each day in Les Palmes with Dr. Darline in the dental clinic. It is very basic, but functional. We discussed, the possibility to improve what is already there. Together we created a needs lists of equipment, instruments and supplies that would benefit the people of Les Palmes. 
Les Palmes - Haiti
A friend gave me money towards my efforts in dentistry in Haiti. I
decided while in Les Palmes to ask Dr. Darline if she would do
dentistry on selected people. Eight people benefited from his
generosity. We are looking at also providing equipment for a second
clinic in Cap, where an empty room stands waiting for dental supplies,
to facilitate a dental clinic. My friends, Dr. Charles and Dr. Suzelle,
are willing to volunteer their services to this area called Bleu Isle
just outside Cap-Haitien. Pastor Mano and I discussed the possibility
of establishing a dental clinic in Fougerole also.
 Dr. Charles and Dr. Suzelle - Spring 2003 cannot continue any good deed without the generosity of others. It is
not easy to ask for donations. The focus is on the needs of a people
thousands of miles away from Hamilton. That is my commitment to tell
others of a poverty-stricken country in need of our help and to try to
make a difference.
My vision continues to bloom, however where it will lead remains to be seen.
"Thy will be done"
My prayer has changed greatly since those days preparing for my first
visit to Haiti. I now pray for the Haitian people and the difficult
trials they face each day.
Psalm 121:
I pray that I am hearing the call of God. I pray for discernment, humility and a loving heart when others turn a deaf ear to my pleas for help. I pray for patience, and understanding.
I conclude with my Act of Commitment.
Love means deeds, not merely good wishes and tender feelings.
For this reason I commit myself to working for the needs of my brothers and sister I have created a program called "Healthy Smiles for Haiti"
The program is three fold: 1. provide toothbrushes and teaching of preventive dental care and nutrition 2. provide equipment, instruments and sundries for the dental clinics in Les Palmes and Cap-Haitien 3. provide payment to local Haitian dentists for those who can not afford to pay for treatment If you have any questions, would like more information or
would like to donate any items to this program or know of someone who
would, please contact Georgina at smilesforhaiti@hotmail.com.
.Visit www.picturetrail.com/healthysmilesforhaiti for a closer look at my journeys Sincerely Georgina Cosentino |
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