This last weekend, starting on Friday I volunteered at the free dental clinic, IMOM (Iowa Mission of Mercy). I worked a split shift on Thursday and Friday I worked until 10:30 so I could go home and let the dogs out. David had been in Dubuque at a conference and was arriving home later in the day.
Unfortunately it had been raining a lot, it was miserable, we do need the rain so I was happy it was raining but by the time I got inside the convention center where they were hosting the program, I was soaked and I had a raincoat and hat. My feet were completely soaked. And here I was complaining about it until I talked to some of the people who I was interpreting for, they got there at 4 or 5 in the morning, many of them drove for an hour or longer, had to wait in line while it was raining and cold. Then, they had to be inside waiting and got done between 4 and 5 and maybe 6 in the evening. At least Saturday wasn’t raining. But I tell you, it was a rewarding thing to do but it breaks my heart to see so many people to go through so much just to get some dental work. Sad. And I’m thankful for the dental professionals who donated their time, they saw so many people, and with so many foreigners I know there were some things lost in translation because sometimes we weren’t around possibly because we were helping someone else.
Friday I was exhausted and my feet hurt. I was in bed sleeping before 9pm. Saturday I was only supposed to go from noon until 5:30 but I went earlier in the morning and left a bit before 5:30 but by then they didn’t have many Spanish people anymore and there were others who spoke the language. I did wear sneakers instead of Toms shoes, I mean, Toms are good until you have to be on your feet for long hours walking on concrete.
Next year they’ll host it in Sioux City so I guess I will not be volunteering, it’s too far away.