Monday, February 20, 2012

Dominican Mission Part 2 Days 4-5

Day 4 started out very early.   We had to leave at 5 am so were all up at 4.  On the way we had a flat tire but were near a town so stopped for breakfast of bananas and cereal while it was repaired. We knew we were going up high into the mountains but did not know that it would take us nearly 5 hours to do so.  I sat near the front to avoid car sickness that I experienced last year...thankgoodness! Once again optometry was in a small church while we were in the living room of it's parsonage.  I can't imagine someone coming in for the day and moving all of my furniture out to have a group come in to take over, but that's what they did and so hospitably too!
 Ron, left, our equipment expert, and Lisa here setting up in this new area.
A glimpse of folks who come very early to be in line to be seen.
The children who were in the area for the day were a fun part of our trip.  You take a picture and they run over to see it with big grins!
Me with a new friend.
 The church, with the end of the day line of people still hoping to be seen.
Matt, in the optometry group, helping with tests for glasses.
Our missionary Gary with some of the youth.
We stayed the night in an interesting local hotel and started again at 6:30am to go even higher up in the mountains to what would be my favorite day.
 The absolutely gorgeous scenery was one reason for that.
The second was that this was a clean, charming little town with lovely people.
Entering the remote town...
This is Ken who was one of our group who spoke Spanish well and interpreted for us.  He is a prince of a man that we all admired.  Sitting next to him is Sarah, the missionary's daughter who also interpreted for us.  She will be coming to the States next year to college.
During many of these days, church services were held and 30 new people accepted Christ while we did our health clinics.  I got goosebumps hearing this.
By day's end we all...Ok, I felt like this! We got home at 11:00 that night! Zzzzzz!

9 comments:

Julia said...

Thanks again Donna for this joyful report of your mission trip. I'm so glad that we got a nice photo of you and your young friend.

Making so many people happy with their new found vision must be very rewarding. Thanks again, I appreciate this so much.

Blessings on you and your group. Hugs, JB

karen said...

I think this is awesome,Donna! I wish I could do something like that, but alas - I have no medical skills. Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us.

yaya said...

Great pics! The kids really do tug at the heart strings. They are so beautiful. I'm glad you had a good trip and helped so many folks. I know there is probably tons more adventure and I'm looking forward to hearing about it!

rjerdee said...

Another awesome post, Donna!

Wanda..... said...

Exciting way to help others and do some good will...must make you feel very rewarded, Donna.

Susan Anderson said...

I am so impressed with all of you being willing to go and help there. It is what medicine is (or should be) all about.

Thanks.

=)

Molly said...

What a worthwhile trip that was. Donna, I love the picture of you with your new friend

Darlene said...

My, what full days you have. No wonder you were so tired at the end of the day. I felt so sorry for the people that didn't get in to the surgery after waiting so long. You just have to feel a great sense of accomplishment in being able to do this. In spite of all the hardships, I am sure you all find it rewarding.

I just remembered something I forgot to mention when I read your earlier blog. I can't imagine having to get my water out of that dirty looking river. I hope they didn't have to drink it, but even just using it for washing clothes etc. is pretty disgusting.

I am pretty overwhelmed with what I am reading and it just seems so sad that more people can't go on these medical missions as they do so much good in third world countries.

A Tale of Two Cities said...

What an amazing trip of "serving others" this must have been! It must have been very rewarding for all those involved--I've enjoyed reading your account of the journey.