HONOURED WITH AN INTERNATIONAL KNIGHTHOOD

In the July, 2009 issue of the Senior Connector, published in Kamloops, B.C., a front page article gives a brief story about Helen Krueger, who spent 52 years in Africa as a teacher, tooth extractor, and international mentor. Her book cover pictures her tooth extraction procedure as the patient sits on a small stool which serves as a dental chair. Huge trees above bring the cool breeze of shade on a hot day. Her patient has been suffering with an infected tooth for days. During the procedure, two of her lady friends look on for comfort since no anaesthetic is provided. A swish of salt water is used as a disinfectant. All three handsome black ladies look lovely in their beautifully patterned robes. Creative artists, the women of the community can weave their own fabric and sew their own clothes. The nearest dentist is 30 miles away but there is no way to travel except walking and no money to pay the dental bill if they could get there.

Helen said that on one occasion the lady was so grateful to finally be relieved of her toothache and the suffering she had endured for days she insisted that she had a little gift for her. She came running back holding an egg. Helen said it was a warm egg so she gave it back to her client and said, "Put this precious gift back under your hen and it will soon give you a cute little chick."

The third picture was taken at the knighthood ceremony shortly before Helen left Africa for her return to Canada. Her younger sister and her husband in Kamloops had a place all ready for her retirement back in Canada. He jokes that they "helped her find her way back into the 21st century, kicking and screaming." She did long to return to Africa but now after nine years back in Canada she is very happy here. Today, in her 88th year she is recovering from surgery when her femur (the thigh bone) broke after a fall with her walker.
Another photo shows her with one of her mentors, Helene Gillenette, a close friend in Kamloops. Read more at: www.seniorconnector.com.