beWARM

“I’m rich, I’m rich!  Yesterday I heard your voice…and today I can see your face.” ~A patient’s words to a translator after cataract surgery.

Finding the words to encapsulate our mission project in Cartagena, Colombia is difficult, as the experience is not only physically and emotionally demanding, but also reaches the heights and depths of joys and sorrows.

As always, our project was amazing. Our hard-working team of 54 was able to see close to 5,000 patients during our two short weeks.

God arranged some miracles even before our arrival.

Unbeknownst to us as we were en route from Miami, the hospital where the surgeons were to operate decided to rescind their offer. Mind you, this happened one hour before our arrival.  Our Colombian project director prayed – and then scrambled to find a good hospital where we could work. Within the hour, he found it – and the Franciscan Sisters running the hospital graciously welcomed us and gave us 2 operating rooms.

Imagine our showing up and not having anywhere to do the cataract surgeries! God’s providence is never-ending.

We had a change of hotels at the 11th hour as well. As we were the very first guests to inhabit the Zaldmedina, the limits of our flexibility were stretched. Grateful for the mercies of a comfortable bed and air conditioning, we overlooked the continuous construction in progress every day, and the fact that every room seemed to have a different assortment amenities. Hot water not being one of those, we laughed as we looked forward to our cold showers at the end of our sweaty, dusty days.

In comparison to the homes of our patients, we lived in a palace…and we never forgot that.

Our team, comprised of first timers and seasoned veterans, had the clinic and the operating rooms fully functional in record time. Thus began our time to serve the poor.

If there is such an entity as the poorest of the poor, we saw them this year. The number of patients we saw who were totally blind from glaucoma, many in their 40’s and 50’s, was staggering…and heartbreaking. And all because they most likely have never had access to eye care. I can’t remember another project where so many patients had to be told that there was nothing we could do to help them.

Moments of heartfelt  – and tearful – prayer were, sadly, frequent occurrences.

The joys came in the gifts of sight… A mother who wept when she could see her daughter after 9 years of blindness from cataracts. Patients who had been led in, blind, now able to walk on their own after their surgery. Blurred visions cleared with new glasses.  Little grandmas ecstatic with their reading glasses that enable them to read their Bibles and sew.

The stories are endless.

At the close of our projects, there are hundreds who have waited in line for hours, sometimes all night, that we have to turn away. This breaks our hearts each time – and also makes us realize the enormity of the need in these underprivileged countries.

As God gives us the opportunity to provide compassionate care and improve vision, He also opens the eyes of our hearts as we serve Him in this way.  Each project brings new personal encounters with Him – through patients, team members, local helpers, and in quiet moments.  I am thankful for this growth in my walk with Him.

Having returned home last night, this morning I find myself empty of energy – but full in heart and spirit from once again being able to minister to the poor.

Wishing all of you the gift of such fullness as you answer the call of His service.

Everyone smiles in the same language. ~Author Unknown

Sidenote: Sister Bernarda who founded the hospital where our team worked is to be canonized by the Vatican soon for the many miracles that have occurred at this hospital. Hmmmm….