February 19, 2012

Day 4 - Wrapping up our last day week one.

By nrodriguez

I first want to apologize to all friends who are following our blog for the delay in entries. Access to internet service has proven to be a bit challenging here in Jodhpur.  We will continue to update our blog when opportunities allow us to do so.   Pictures are a slow download, we will also do whatever possible to share our photos with you. So please don't give up on staying tuned.

 

We just completed our 4th clinic day in the town of Patodi. We were able to help 870 people on this last day.  The people have been great, the volunteers have worked hard, translating, controlling flow, registering and performing many other clinic tasks.  We've packed up our equipment and glasses and have prepared them for shipping to our next clinic site. We're all a little tired but feeling great about a job well done.  Our team is the best, everyone is working together extremely well and always willing to jump in and do whatever is needed.  It doesn't even matter if there are language barriers.  We've all learned a little italian, chinese, japanese, and even hindi. There are no barriers here!

Our clinic ended with a little ceremony provided from the village. After an exchange of thanks from the city and volunteers with OneSight and the  Jal Bhagirathi Foundation, the men in our group were given turbans (Ghjesingh), the women received flowers.  We then said goodbye to the village of Patodi and took our long ride back to the Water Habitat Retreat where we will rest up well in anticipation of some sight seeing and shopping on the weekend.

Here are some stories from this week:

On Tuesday, our first day of clinic, an 8 year old boy with severe lazy eye came through and was checked by Dr. Albert. He wrote the little boy’s prescription for eyeglasses and then Jeremiah hand assembled the perfect pair of eyeglasses (Chabellas).  Liz was in dispensing and the little boy and his father came up to have his glasses fit. After trimming the temples of the frame- they were a perfect fit. Two days later, Dr. Albert said he saw that little boy that was so shy on Tuesday, he was running alongside our bus!! His eyes were already a little bit straighter after just a couple days ;)

Liz was able to give a 15 year old girl her gently used eyeglasses- the girl just kept saying “beautiful” when she was shown the glasses- and now she can see all the beautiful colors here in India- so much better.

On Wednesday, Our team had the challenge of fitting a local man who needed a -22.00 rx.  The team at picking found a -17.00 rx that would work wonders for this man who had never had glasses.  Laura Bustillos dispensed the perfect looking -17.00 to him.  He didn't say much and wanted to put them in his pocket. We explained that he could begin wearing them today.  It's hard for us to imagine how his new clear vision will affect his world.

Thursday - Dr. Diane had a patient who was so happy that she was here in India to help her and others from India, that she stopped, bent down in a very humbling gesture and blessed Dr. Diane's feet.  When sharing this with our team, we have found that there has been a lot of blessing going around the clinic.  Whether we are able to improve their vision or tell them that they have cataracts and that reading glasses is the best we can do, they are thankful. We are all so proud of what OneSight allows us to do for others.  THANK YOU ONESIGHT!!

Day 4 Shout outs:

Steve Thompson – Blair, thank you for your love and support during my trip to India.  It’s been hard not seeing you and only talking a l ittle here and there.  You are amazing and I love you very much.  To my mom and sister, I miss you both and can’t wait to talk to you when I get home. Ronika Singh – Hi mom, dad, Romit & Tanya.  I’m having a wonderful time!  India has been an amazing experience.  Miss you guys a lot, will see you soon!  Love you.  Jeremiah Munson – Hi everyone, even though I am having a wonderful time, I miss you all.  Eliza, the hats were a great success, thank you so much!  Seester, please give Marcus a kiss for me.  Thank you everyone for the support and working hard while I’m gone.  Lots of Love.  Federica – Ciao Amici, la missione in India e fantastica, aiuti amo tantissime persone.  Gracie a tutti.  A presto Federica.  Cassie Harrison - I know you must miss your mom, because you're only 11 months old, but mom is happy to be here to help more kids.  I miss you!  Diane Bernitt - Hi Pearle Vision Hunt Valley. To my daughters Lisa & Lauren, I miss you.  Here ford High School Key Club, thanks for donation glasses, coloring books, crayons and toys, the joy on the kids faces is priceless.

6 Comments

  1. JoeyH says:

    Sounds great. Shout out to my sister, Dr. Jane.  We’re proud of the work you’re doing.

    Posted on Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:45 pm EST

  2. James Busch says:

    Dr.Jane,
    Echoing Joey, we are so proud of you. Such terrific work. Sending you and your co-workers all the very best.
    Jim

    Posted on Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:10 am EST

  3. Patrick says:

    Hello India 2012 mission team
    I enjoying reading your blog and viewing the photos. I a very proud of the fact that the OneSight Foundation have wonderful and dedicated people like you…serving humanity. Take care and “See you real soon!”
    Patrick

    Posted on Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:00 am EST

  4. Ter says:

    Namaste to the One Sight team as you give the gift of sight to so many eyes there, helping them to see anew all the beauty around them in India.  Dr. Jane!  Dr. Jane!  Dr. Jane!  You go, girl!  Can’t wait for more pics.

    Posted on Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:26 am EST

  5. Rocki Bible says:

    Sending a shout out to Dr. Soloman your team back home is so excited to hear about your trip and so proud of what you are doing. Thinking of you and looking forward to celebrating you in REGION 9 fashion when you get back.
    Have a wonderful last week treasure the memories you are makingP:)

    Posted on Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:01 am EST

  6. Dr Pam Thompson says:

    Namaste Allison!  So proud of all you are doing over there! Stay safe.  I can’t wait to hear your stories!

    Posted on Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:06 am EST

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