El Salvador Day 6 - 2016

  

The work we do here is difficult.   I suppose anyone could just give out medical care. But we've been given a higher goal because we serve with compassion.  The mass readings tell us of Christ's advice about entering through the narrow gate.  This is really what we are doing here on mission by hitting a higher standard.  We bring what we have to a higher level.  

With the narrow gate mindset, we focus on our work, giving our best.  We have great help today.  We get in a rhythm and we manage to keep the line fairly short.  We are in the flow.  It's like running, I am mentally somewhere else; on mission, I am spiritually somewhere else. 

Because just giving glasses won't do, we counsel our clients on how to listen to their bodies and take care of their eyes.  We educate with love.

We have a new adjustable glasses technology we use for distance glasses, it's a higher level of care, a narrow gate.  Here is one of our med school students with a happy client.

Rarely we cannot help someone. Usually it is because of untreated cataracts.   But instead of just telling them we can't help, we give hugs and kind words of encouragement.

When the precious children come to us, we have toys for them.

And because we need to treat the whole person it is entirely appropriate to have a laugh, just to raise the spirits of the people.

After finishing a 220 glasses day, we are astonished by our productivity.

Today's clinic has a special treat, ice cream.  After a long day we have some ice cream before the hour drive back to our living space.  Here are our awesome med school students who have made S huge difference today.

Our host families are beyond gracious and kind.  They take their game to a high level.  We have a huge surprise when we arrive home.  They have an amazing homemade dinner ready for us that includes lasagna, fresh green bean salad, carrot-pineapple-raisin salad, and jicama with ground pumpkin seeds and salt.  It was sooooo good.  And because they take their game to the highest level we are treated to entertainment from a children's band.  They melt our hearts with their songs.  We are treated like royalty!

There are many examples of people who are giving their best here on mission.  I am in awe to be part of this exceptional team.  Dear Lord, thank you so very much for the gift of this exceptional team.  They are all "narrow gate people" and they inspire me incredibly .  Amen