Opening Eyes and Hearts - Day One at the Clinic

This is the day we all had been training for, opening day at the clinic!

Helen, who was unable to join us in Belize, provided us with a morning devotion centered around the hymn, Take My Life and Let It Be. All we are and have are gifts from the Lord to be used in service and praise to God and our neighbors.

Breakfast at the Rios’ home was their traditional scrambled eggs with chorizo and corn tortillas. Fresh cantaloupe, Tang, and coffee topped it off!

Off to the clinic!!! We arrived about 8:15 am, and several people were already there waiting for the clinic to open at 9:00 am. We quickly finished the final setup, took our designated spots at the stations, and opened early.

Local church members registered each person who arrived. Pastor Rios spoke to groups of 10 at station # 1, welcoming them to his church and sharing the gospel message. Education about eye care was covered by a MOST team member. Stations # 2 through station # 7 were covered by our MOST team members. The medical station inspected eyes for diseases or infections. The tester’s station tested distance vision and reading vision with manual “flippers.” Glasses with the suggested prescription were pulled from the 3,000 eyeglasses that we brought with us. We helped clients choose between several pairs of glasses picked specifically for them. If necessary, adjustments were made to the frames for a better fit. All clients could pick out a new pair of sunglasses at the end of the stations. All of this could not be done without the help of our wonderful volunteer translators. What an enormous blessing they are to our clinic!

Stories to share:

Two elderly people, a bother and sister, came by bus from an hour away for help. Each had basically no eyesight, the brother using a white cane and the sister using a cane to aid in walking. The bother asked for dark sunglasses that would alleviate the pain he experienced

in the bright sun. He was overjoyed when a pair was found for him. His sister was given a white cane and was taught how to use it. She was so overwhelmed with emotion that she was weeping. Sunglasses helped her eye pain in the bright sun also. We weren't able to help them see better, but they were so thankful for the help they received.

Another lady came in the clinic with a prior diagnosis of cataracts. When examined, no evidence of cataracts was found. She joyfully said "Praise the Lord! I'm healed! She was able to be fitted with glasses and was elated that she regained much of her sight.

We saw the joy in so many faces, received hugs, and numerous “muchas gracias” all day. Over 120 clients were seen and over 300 glasses were given away during our first clinic day! Praise the Lord! We all were very tired, but so thankful we could improve the lives of so many people.

Burritos were served at dinner at Pastor's home. Stories were shared around the table, and back to the hotel for a Beautiful Savior devotion. We are all looking forward to a restful sleep. God's blessings to all!