Mission Trip to Paztun, Corpus Cristi August 2025

I arrived in Patzun Corpus Cristi on August 29-31. It is always great coming back and be with the children and the Franciscan Sisters. I was able to bring a Dental Ultrasonic machine to help clean dirty dental instruments. At this visit, we also provided dental supplies that I had shipped a few months before I arrived.

Mother Esmeralda and Dr. Marlon Maczul, who is a dentist, were grateful for all the good things they received from the visit, including baby diapers, baby cream for rash, hats, and scarves. During this mission, Dr. Marlon and I provided dental services to 200 people, including children and the Franciscan Sisters.

I was sad to meet a boy who was about 3 years old; he was abandoned by his biological mother in their backyard, tied with metal wire. Neighbors who lived a little distance away heard the boy crying and found him. It was a scandal in the village of Patzun, and the police got involved. In the meantime, the boy was transferred to the home at Corpus Christi. Since then, the boy has remained at the orphanage, while his mother is in jail. The judge will make a decision about the boy's future. He has been traumatized, and it took a while for him to smile and talk.

During the dental mission, I found that a few of the Sisters needed crowns, bridges, and X-rays.

Doctor Marlon Maczul played a video during the mission to educate the children and adults on how to brush and take care of their mouths. It was very valuable. We enjoyed a piñata and pizza for dinner; the children had a good time.

If I come back next year, the clinic will need a new Cavitron Machine and dental supplies.

Thank you all so much for your support!

Susana Scarlet Sandoval