Wednesday, January 24, 2018 - Day 5 at Children of Love Foundation

Day 5 -

Today at the Children of Love Foundation we helped find glasses for someone with a -13 prescription. As soon as she put on the first pair she shouted 'Muy Claro!!' She was probably seeing clear for the first time in a very long time. We had 5 students from the University here in Honduras helping translate. This helped everything move much quicker. We gave out prescriptions, drops and sunglasses to many on the local police force. We distributed many glass wipes and eye drops. We gave away 182 pairs of glasses. We've helped people from age 4 to 97 years old. We also gave out some small toys, stuffed animals and candy to the children in line. 

Pastor John and helpers Tom and Nick repaired with some help from Mary and Karen helped repair the network connection into the church. They also continued the work on showers, toilets, lights and even a doorknob.  Above you can also see Tom doing a bit of laundry. 

Thank you again to everyone who made this trip possible through contributions, donations and the sacrifice of a family member or staff member for a week.

Karen Tate

Day 3 of Operation I Can See

Pator Martinez has started what is the only Lutheran Church in all of Honduras. Worship happens right outside of his house in a "carport" type set up. Monday was our first full day of Operation eye can see. We arrived at Pastor Martinez's house at 8:30am to begin. When he opened the door we were great by people already waiting in line to be seen, some arriving as early as 6 am.  Our goal was to see 150 people on Monday but when we had reached that number before lunch we knew we would need to continue on and would greatly surpass that goal.  In the end we saw 238 people on our first day ranging in age from 2-97. One thing we all noticed was how patient people were in waiting and how so many commented that they weren't even interested in whether they could see distances again but that they wanted to be able to read their Bible's again.
Nick and Tom were also put to work trying to help fix showers and toilets at the Pastor's house. They spent a good portion of the day working on that and had to walk several times to the local hardware store. The first time they arrived at the hardware store the staff was a little leary as to why two Americans would be coming in but by their 3rd and 4th times they were high fiving them on their arrival.
Overall, an exhausting but great first day!
Here is a link to see pictures from the day:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vOAO3dQTPDZsX7H83

Bethany (Lehenbauer) Hayes

 

Day 2 - A Visit to el Hospital De. Roberto Cordova - Sunday January 21, 2018

This morning we went with 3 of the girls from Children of Love Foundation to give out coffee and cookie to the staff and patients at the hospital in La Paz. The girls seem to enjoy their work. It is truly a pleasure and humbling experience to be servicing God alongside these children. Thank you to all back in Los Estados Unidos for your love, support and prayers. If you would like to see more photos check out our Google Photo album.
P.S. The weather in La Paz is partly sunny and 66 degrees with a high of 81 expected today. The roosters appear confused by the artificial light and began crowing well before dawn which apparently made the dogs mad and they voiced their objections.

2018 Operation Eye Can See

We are up early on this Sunday morning.  The ladies and girls are bringing coffee and cookies to patients at the hospital.  The men and boys are bringing coffee and cookies to individuals sleeping outdoors in the local park.

Upon arrival at Children of Love, we were greeted with a delicious meal of tacos, and a program of music by the children.  We spent a little time in the evening, unpacking, labeling some eyeglasses, and making a few repairs here and there.

Thirteen of us departed from Atlanta Airport this Saturday morning, January 20.  Many thanks to the many who made this trip possible!

Here is a link to our photo album of our trip.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vOAO3dQTPDZsX7H83