New Eyes

We're back early from a school near Santa Inez where we were able to screen and provide glasses for all the students, teachers, and many in their families. This location was chosen as our first test run at the mobile clinic because of its proximity to good roads. Travel is difficult here--the steep terrain is a major challenge. But it sure makes for some amazing views!
 The previous two days we ran the eye clinic from the mission center here in Jinotega. We've screened lots of eyes, tested lots and lots of glasses, and provided lots of people with new glasses and clearer sight. 
One of our major objectives this week has been to train local workers to use the equipment, interpret the results, and run this kind of glasses distribution without us. We have tried to focus on explaining the hows and the whys instead of just what needs to be done. As we step back and "coach" new workers through the process we get the surprise benefit of watching their excitement at helping someone in such an immediate way. We get to see them struggle to find just the right lenses, the frustration when we can't help and that brilliant flash of joy that connects worker and visitor when  the right lenses are found at last. 
Yes, this week has been special because not only have we been a part of helping Nicaraguans with poor vision leave with new eyes--we have been blessed with new eyes of our own. We have been able to see the potential in this work with new eyes. This new perspective, of seeing the served and the servants being blessed has been a beautiful view. And like the view from these rugged roads, the challenge is part of  what makes the beauty
Thank you so much for your support of this vision. From here, we can't see how far God's hand will reach--but the view is lovely so far. 
--Jonathan and Sheila