The excitement began as we drove through sugar cane and banana plantations, then entered and drove for over a mile in a mostly dry river bed. We had never commuted to work in a wet river bed before… and David from Arizona understood how an arroyo becomes dangerous with flood waters. 
Suddenly, two small boys came running over from where their mother was on the river bank. Banging on the side of our truck, they told our driver we had missed Exit 27-B, "the safe road" to Laberger.[ Signaling the lead truck, we turned and found a gentle slope from which to climb from the river bed. Crossing a field, we next faced a narrow path, traveled only by foot and, perhaps, by a very occasional "moto" (small motor bike).
Our drivers skillfully maneuvered this incredibly difficult terrain and we finally broke through the wooded area into a clearing, surrounded by unbelievably beautiful hills and distant views. We parked, unloaded our five large duffels and suitcases, then trecked up about 150 feet on a 45 degree path to a shaded area where, awaiting us was a number of hand-hewn tables, covered with table cloths. We met the most delightful people and treated over 100, some 17 of whom needed dental work from Dr. Emmanuel, a most compassionate and skilled dentist, well-beloved by the locals. About 1:00 pm it started to rain. With dozens of people yet to see and prescriptions to fill, silently, we all prayed that the clouds would pass and the rain hold off. Another prayer answered as the clouds suddenly lifted and the sun returned!
At the top of the ridge just a few feet above our medical camp on the foundations of ruined buildings was a spectacular vista that looked over ‘mountains beyond mountains.’
Breaking camp at 5:02 p.m. we mounted our vehicles, only to find that the large truck battery had died. It was locked in a cage and it took a while to find the key. Making some adjustments - no luck! Fortunately because we were on a hillside, the men pushed the truck and after its washboard descent on the wavy terrain, it fired up and we were on our way home, tired, hot, but elated at the wonderful experience.-Mary Provo
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