Even though I have been associated with Health Talents for almost twelve years, November was my first surgical eye clinic. This week was done somewhat differently than other surgical weeks but the outcomes were the same. People had come to the clinic, in search for answers and hope..............seventy-two patients had surgery and left better than when they first entered the clinic. What a great week it was!
Eye exams were done in the entrance of the clinic and then patients were taken to their bed to wait for their surgery. Sunday after worship, we went from bed-to-bed and visited with each patient and then prayed with them.
The morning after surgery, the physicians made rounds with all of their patients. Eye dressings were removed and the patients were able to see.
They were instructed on post-op care and when to return for their post-op visit with Dr. Walter.
A group of us served in different capacities. Rita admitted and placed all of the patients in their beds. Several volunteered to administer eye drops before the surgery. Some prepared meds to be administered before surgery in the block-room. Some cared for the patients post-op until discharge. Everyone had a role in the patient care.
Tim served as our chaplain through the week. He talked about our one mission, one goal and one purpose as Christians.
We never want to forget those who keep the instruments sterilized....................even if they are a little wacky!
On Thursday, after we finished the surgeries, some people were able to go to the chocolate farm to enjoy the afternoon. The weather was great and they all came back a little tired from their adventure.
On Friday morning, we headed to Antigua for the day. We drove through an area that had just reopened after the June eruption of Volcano Fuego. You can see it continue to puff in the distance and there is still some pink lava flowing. Thousands of people were killed and hundreds of homes were destroyed this day.
The sad part is that it has not finished. Under all of this ash, remain bodies that will never be recovered and homes that are forever buried.
You can see in this photo the depth of the lava flow.
There were many flowers and crosses on the side of the road to remember those who were lost.
We continued our way to Antigua but during this section of road, the bus was very quiet........except you could hear a few tears being shed.
Eye exams were done in the entrance of the clinic and then patients were taken to their bed to wait for their surgery. Sunday after worship, we went from bed-to-bed and visited with each patient and then prayed with them.
