In retrospect, our MMI eye project in Leticia, Colombia seems like a dream. Immersing ourselves in work that is physically draining, emotionally intense, yet amazingly edifying makes the days whiz by; suddenly it is time for the project to end, and we barely got started.
Yet – the statistics affirm our presence: 5,800 patients seen, over 3,600 pairs of glasses dispensed (despite the lack of those held up in customs!), 400 surgeries performed, including cataracts, strabismus, pterygium and laser, and 36 artificial eyes were fitted.
The need is so great that we will return to Leticia next year.
Our eye team was the first of its kind in this region; the community expressed its appreciation one evening where patients spoke about the changes in their vision after they were seen by our eye team. We were overwhelmed by their testimonies.
Indeed, our team accomplished much. We hit the ground running, and had little down time. Almost everything fell into place, and we thanked God for that many times over.
What really gave us this tremendous opportunity were the many people who spent months in preparation so that our work could be so efficient.
Our MMI Colombia directors, Juan Alan and his assistant Daniella, traveled to Amazon villages in June with a small medical team, screening patients, heavily publicizing our “brigade”. They also made a myriad of arrangements for our housing, transportation, and the clinic and operating room facilities.
We lunched each day at the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) center. The lovely ladies there served up smiles along with their delicious food. Pastor Jaime and his team of young people shared God’s word with our patients, ministering to their spiritual needs. When we had a patient whose blindness was incurable, Pastor Jaime was the person who prayed with them.
An unexpected blessing occurred just 2 weeks before our arrival, when Pastor George from Amazon Xpeditions contacted us and offered the use of the operating rooms at the Leticia Clinic. Prior to that, our surgery team was planning to travel across the river to operate in Peru. This generous act added extra time to our day so that more patients were able to have surgery – truly a godsend.
Our group of translators, skilled in Spanish, Portuguese, Ticuna, and English joined us from as far away as Medellin! All were devoted Christians, and many were working for other mission organizations in Colombia with their families. They were invaluable…and deeply appreciated.
Rebecca, a missionary traveling to remote Amazon villages, cried when she talked of young mothers in their 30s who are going blind from pterygiums, and older folks in dire need of reading glasses. She is the person who has prayed for 10 years for an eye team to come to the region.
We are hopeful that more patients from these outlying villages will come to us for care next year.
All of these angels of mercy – fervent in their dedication, stalwart in their faith, and filled with compassion – paved the way for our arrival, and heightened the level of our efficiency.
God’s work, expedited by many hands and loving hearts.
The example of such devoted servants, many of whom have spent years in the Amazon region, is inspiring.
We will hold them close in gratitude and heartfelt prayer until we have the joy of working with them once again.
I thank my God every time I remember you. ~Philippians 1:3
“Our Savior loves, Our Savior lives”……and He lives in each of us. So inspiring to see how He has worked through all of you …..all of your unsung angels. Thanks for sharing….a wonderful reminder to open ourselves to the things God can do through us. Blessings on your sweet head Toni.
You are right….staying open to Him is the best way to live our lives, Jeanene! Blessings to you….
Beautiful testimony to God’s love, compassion, and mercy alive in each of you!
Thank you, Susan!
I am so grateful for ‘the other side of the story’ as I don’t get the women’s perspective unless you write. I appreciate each nugget of truth in the details and the names of those who live in Colombia. Mark talked non-stop but you fill in the gaps for me! Those glasses should be there next year…with all the prayers the last two weeks that went into the release from customs. Love you, friend and sister! Thank you!
I believe that the glasses were finally released (the prayers worked!), and they will be ready and waiting for next year! Love to you, Linda!
I thank my God every time I remember you. ~Philippians 1:3
This is my all time favorite verse with special meaning to me. Loved reading this blog and seeing your photos.
This is one of my favorite verses, too, Cindy!