Today was exciting. Simply put exciting. Its always exciting to do something new. Yet at the same time it can be terrifying. Ever since the opportunity of being part of the vision clinic in Mexico became a reality I have dreamed about it and looked forward to it. At the same time, this is new territory. Uncharted waters. I attended the vision clinic training, but let's face it, surgeons practice on dead people before removing their first spleen. Now, with that said, eye glasses are not life or death, but can be useless to their new owners if incorrect.
We had three examination stations set up. My interpreter was Kristy whom I had only met at the start of this trip. She was as scared and lost as I was and was of no comfort to me except for the knowledge that she wouldn't be able to tell if I was doing it wrong. Your interpreter basically administers the exam, you just change the power of the "flippers" back and forth until the person can see most clearly.
It started off kind of rough and slow. Its hard to explain to someone that both choices will probably be blurry, but one will be better and we need to know which one that is. That was Kristys battle. My battle was doing basic algebra in my head while being completely unsure of what I was doing. The basic principal I had grasped, but still lacked experience. If you don't believe God can use you effectively in anything he calls you to do, your wrong! By the time we were finished she could easily convey the instructions and I had dramatically sped up the "flipper" process.
For those of you who are completely unfamiliar with what we are doing, her is a rough explanation of the "flipper" method of eye examination. It begins with a basic eye exam with a flashlight to check for abnormalities and cataracts. Then you have these sticks or "flippers" with four lenses on the end. Each side has two lenses, a plus side and a minus side. Each flipper is a different power, 0.50, 2.00, 3.00 and 4.25. This is where the basic algebra comes into play. You use the positive and negative powers to create a whole range of positive and negative numbers. For example, you begin with the 4.25 and the 3.00. Put these together and you get either a plus or minus 1.25. From there you add the 0.50 to get a plus or minus 1.75. If this confuses you ill send you a club membership card. Not to mention the fact that it only gets more complicated from there.
The whole process as a whole is brilliant. Designed by an optometrist so that any idiot, including me, can perform an invaluable service for people who desperately need it. Created when he saw a need and realized finding doctors to fill that need was unlikely. This was a man of vision and passion. A man who saw a need and filled it.
After the vision clinic we had lunch, then a few of us came back to the hotel. That is where I am writing you from. I am sitting outside the hotel on a bench enjoying the sights and sounds of Mexico. I love to watch these people in their daily tasks. We have so many luxuries and conveniences in America, yet we are unable to simply enjoy life like they do. They gather as family and friends every day. Enjoying what they have.
The VBS group will be arriving soon. We will leave back out for the church around 6 for dinner and the nightly service. Talk about people dedicated to gathering to worship the Lord. They walk to church in the heat then cram into a small room with sweat rolling off of them and worship like they mean it. There may be a lot of sad things to see in this country, but one sweaty church service and you will know our God is here and that he reigns!
The day is now at an end. Dinner is eaten, service has been attended and showers are done. I'm renewed and ready for tomorrow. I have a room full of crazy girls being silly and rowdy. Sleep is coming soon though. Goodnight and God Bless!
For His Purpose,
Heather
Pictures- the lake by the hotel and an avocado tree outside the hotel.
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