GUATEMALA EYE CLINIC MEDICAL MISSION

October, 2017

I once again wanted to give a report (albeit belated!) on the 2017 Medical
Mission to Guatemala. As with every Medical Mission, this one had its own
flavor and God used it in ways different from every other trip before. This year
was an introductory event for our Clinic Administrator, Barbara O’Steen. Even
though she has been a part of the clinic for over eleven years, she had never
been on such a mission. This was my seventh trip to Guatemala and each one
seems to be special in its own way; God allows us to see Him work in His own
unique and creative ways . . . often (maybe all) in ways unexpected. This year
was no exception.

The Escuintla clinic is located in the city dump, separated by only a wire
fence. Along with the noise, the smoke, the flies, and the stench, one gets to
experience the flock of vultures and family of feral hogs fighting with men,
women, and children for the discards of the city . . . all no more than 20-30
yards away. We shared the facility with the local health clinic clinicians, who
were gathering pap smears across the breezeway from our eye clinic. (We
examined the eyes of the very kind nurses, but politely declined their offer to
reciprocate!)

During our two days in Escuintla, we were blessed to care for nearly 100
patients, mostly women and children. We prescribed glasses for 33 patients,
dispensed 15 pair of readers, and identified thirteen patients needing further
surgical or ongoing medical eye care. The “find” of the trip occurred when we
discovered a teenager with around fifteen diopters of myopia . . . with no
glasses since birth. As with all of the patients that we care for on these
missions, probably the most disappointing aspect for us is being unable to be
there for the dispensing of the glasses; this was never truer than with patients
like this young lady.

The balance of our mission was spent in Santa Maria at Campos de

Suenos, where we saw another three hundred patients, prescribed over one
hundred pair of glasses, and cared for nearly twenty patients needing ongoing
medical care or surgery.
 As with every mission, ministering to the sweet people of Guatemala
would not be possible without the heartfelt support of those who care enough
to provide monetary or in-kind help. Marco continues to provide equipment
that makes our job efficient in ways that allow us to care for significantly more
patients than would otherwise be possible in our limited time “on the ground.”

Interestingly, each year I wonder if this could be our last. At one point
over the last couple of years, it began to feel as if maybe we had served our
purpose. This year’s experience confirmed that the need continues. God
continues to call us to do His work for the beautiful people of Guatemala.

At the end of the day, we’re blessed to be able to be a part of such a

dedicated and seasoned group as those of South Tulsa Baptist Church.
Partnering with Campos de Suenos, Iglesia de Cristo, and BuildinGUATE, we
were able to minister physically through the Eye Clinic, but more importantly
spiritually, emphasizing the only thing that matters a hundred years from now.