a sight for sore eyes

I know that in this blog, it seems we mainly write about adjusting to the differences of life in Nicaragua, and the things we are learning while here, (and evidently we learn a lot about fruit).  But we are actually also working toward the goal of providing vision care as we reach out with the love of Christ.

We set ourselves the lofty goal for 2014 of screening all elementary students in the city of Jinotega. That's a bunch of kids.

I am so delighted to announce that with the addition of a new piece of equipment, we are well on our way to meet, and even exceed that goal!

Here is "the SPOT machine".

It allows us to evaluate very rapidly if children have vision needs that require more in-depth examination. Today alone, with just myself, Jonathan and Ricardo, we were able to screen one of the larger schools in town. That's 563 students screened in just one day! Students who were identified as having a need will visit a local optometrist and receive financial assistance with brand new glasses, if needed, with the support you provide Sight for Sore Eyes. Before year's end we will have served well over 3000 people, and provided eyeglasses for almost 1000.

twins Jensel and Jansel (the J sounds like "H") model their new glasses

We continue to hold "open hours" in the Mision Para Cristo Clinic, and always have a crowd of adults waiting for care. This week, I was so honored to help some of the midwives that our local Casa Materna was hosting for a seminar. These ladies had come in from very remote regions along the river, and arrived at the clinic with their Miskito translator. After the glasses were fitted and distributed, one of the ladies asked me to take her on an errand in the market. I was sensitive to how loud and bustling Jinotega must seem to someone from such a remote place, so we avoided the main market, and wound our way into the secluded back portion of the old city market, which does very little business. As we walked down an aisle with bags of dried corn and beans, she exclaimed, "That is so much food! Are there enough people to eat that much food in the whole world?" Having experienced those "culture shock" moments, both here in Nicaragua, and on visits back to the States, it was interesting to watch someone else experiencing the same thing. She added, "People can just buy corn already dry like that? They don't even have to winnow it?" I thanked her for helping me remember how very blessed we are to live in such an easy place.

It reminded me that, while our goal may be providing vision care, and our goal may be sharing the love of Jesus, God has all sorts of blessings planned our for us--both to give and to receive.

Thank you so much for all the support you have provided us that enables us to experience His blessings, in all the many ways He reveals them.

P.S. Speaking of "many" blessings---At the time of this writing, this blog had just passed 10,000 views. Wow. There are certainly times I feel alone, but it is such an encouragement to know that so many of you out there are walking this road along-side us. Thank you!