MMI Eye Team in Soddo October 2009

MMI-TEAM VISIT TO SODDO: OCTOBER 2009

The past two weeks:

- One Optometrist, Three Ethiopian Trainees, Two surgeons

- Approximately 1 500 patients were screened and attended to through ministry and Eye care!

- Cataract/Other Eye Surgeries: 205

We rejoice in the smooth , well organized Eye Project which Harry and his 3 Eye Clinic Staff prepared for during the past year. We are so thankful to the 3 Hospital Chaplans who ministered every day at different times to the group of waiting patiens under the home made tent…….! Walking by patients to and from the Hospital, were drawn in to listen as well.

A week before the team’s arrival, the Ghana Director, GOLLINS arrived and assisted with final announcements in the communities nearby. It was so interesting to hear his surprise in how the Ethiopian culture differ from his homeland. He was overwhelmed by the complexity, bureaucracy and poverty and was amazed at what Harry has been able to accomplish during the past 3 years already!

The team was large this year: 14 members and they had to live in a nearby hotel without hot water and not comfortable at all, but they were brave. The Hospital compound has a ‘guest space’ where 10-12 people can comfortable sleep in two large dorm-style rooms, but we could not find space for this larger group.

It was difficult to feed such a large group – we do not have an infrastructure with large industrial stoves, pots, pans, dishes, etc., We have to improvise for groups !

For the first time, I ventured out to employ the Hospital Cook’s services for lunch and she (SIMET) served with dignity and grace, provided such delicious meals for the team, that it made my task simpler to only provide suppers for the team.

Willie Hunter’s words: “this was an almost perfect project” has been encouraging to the Ethiopian staff on the ground. Harry is also encouraged and is looking at several ways to grow and develop this program further.

THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers, encouragement and support throughout these intense two week!