By early afternoon most our team of Dentists had arrived to Antigua. We headed over to our Antigua Rotary sponsored storage unit that they graciously allow us to use, and began the arduous task of unloading, and dusting, and packing up the trucks.
We headed up a surprisingly short drive to a new town called Guardenia el Hato. There we began unloading the trucks and general set up of the dental clinic and physical therapy clinic. Like every year, it’s always a time for us to do inventory and account for what things we need to get or replace. One issue that we discovered is that the dental sterilizer does not seem to be functioning properly. Without this critical piece of eqiupment, the dental clinic is under uncertain circumstances. Not to fear, we do believe there may be a hero to this situation. Rumor has it that Dr. Allen Methven, who will arrive later this evening, has in tow a newly donated sterilizer. Even though he hasn’t been able to come the last two years, he had the foresight to realize that a new sterilizer was needed. Our back up plan is to contact another local dentist Dr. Oscar Garcia we know to see if he might be able to support us in locating a sterilizer. Either way, it’s not feeling like much of a setback. Si, podemos!
It never fails to amaze me to see how the saying “Many hands make light work” really comes to life in moments like these. All the veteran volunteers lead the way in instructing how the clinic layout should look like and the new volunteers learned quickly how to set up the chairs and dental units. We also had locals helping us unload the many boxes of dental supplies and bring us tables from seemingly nowhere. The last thing they brought us were two fresh lilies for our window. What a kind gesture! We look forward to serving the community of Guardenia el Hato!
Guatemala Community Service Project 
Dear Auggie and team, congrats on your first day of another year of services. I am gravely disturbed by the behavior of members of the Antigua Rotary Club, this is not the first time their behavior has been less than is expected by Rotarians. We have not been the only program to be subjected to such un Rotarian behavior.
Since our program is a disabilities organization and half of the volunteers who showed up to help are disabled, I find the behavior of the Antigua members discriminatory toward a class of people, disabled Guatemalans.
I want you to know that this event will be documented and presented to both the past and present district governor of D 4250. As a past member of the Antigua Club, and an Honorary Member of the Westport Sunrise Club, I take personal offense as a Rotarian and direct offense as the founder of Transitions, a Disabilities Foundation.
The behavior exhibited today is uncalled for, and those directly involved should answer for their behavior. Rotary is an International Organization, not a local boys club. Behavior of Rotarians as you know is guided and monitored by those in the district office and RI. Behavior such as that today reflects upon all Rotarians.
This was a sad day for Rotary, although a great day of service on behave of D 5100. As the founder of the Dental Clinic in El Hato, I appreciate your ongoing annual visits.
Sincerely, Service Before Self
John Bell