February 8, 2012

Day 2: Bats, Bifocals and Babies"s

By ahoutman

Our first clinic day and location was a success, starting with a fly-over welcome, (the picture of our winged performer tells it all) and ending with tears of joy and gratitude.  Our fearless leaders and already cohesive team navigated through unforeseen challenges,  as we set up to provide care to Khula village.  This is my first clinic, and by far the hardest part of the day is now adequately explaining the pure joy of putting a pair of glasses on a face full of anticipation….and watching the transformation (even harder than it was for this Midwest EyeMed sales girl to explain bifocals in Zulu!)  A whole world is opened up to these patients, and it immediately shows in the light of their face.  Wow.  Choking back tears now as I write about it.  Though many times I thought to myself that this work is not for the faint at heart, I humbly admit that I can’t imagine any eyes being more opened to new a view than those of my own today.  You may notice from our entries today that we are quite a patchwork quilt from around the globe – check out Google Translate to keep up!–  Abby

This from Ellie:  We had an amazing first day. We had some issues with our Inventory Management System that had us selecting glasses “old school”. It was a great opportunity for me to teach some of our non-optical team members how to pick the proper prescription without using a computer! I haven’t NOT used computers for picking since the very early years when we did clinics, so it was fun to go hunting through the boxes to find that perfect pair! Our European team mates had to tolerate explanations from me about the process, but learned so quickly it was positively mind-blowing. The team is gelling beautifully and we are functioning at a level that is beyond expectation. I am so proud to be a member of this clinic team and it’s only the 1st day!

 Now , a shout out to one of my customers back home. Barbara! I regret to inform you that the water doesn’t go counterclockwise. I’ve checked multiple times.

 To my husband… Rex, thanks for being so supportive and letting me leave you 13 times since we’ve been married to “go save the world,” You don’t know how much I appreciate you. But I couldn’t do it without you.

 To my store… Hope you’re making plan and missing me. Wish you could be here to experience this with me. Now go clean the breakroom.

This from Max: I am always so amazed at clinic how the team comes from all over the world, not knowing one another, and we simply blend and unite and become this amazing team whose goal is to give the gift of sight.  This team is no exception….we just did what needed to be done and were always there to help one another out to make our first day of clinic such a success.  Today was so specail, we overcame language barriers and slight hiccups and saw some wonderful people whose radiant smile was true evidence of the joy we have provided.  I know I am blessed to have this honor to be a part of OneSight.  We have a great team and our Docs ROCK!!! Our leadership team is truly a pleasure to work with.   I want to say to SGH Region #121 keep sharing the passion of OneSight and thank you for all your support!  To my team at Store #5541…you are awesome!!!!  Big Hugs!!!!

This from Marion:  Hallo aus Mtubatuba! Im Gegensatz zu Deutschland ist es hier heiss und extreme schwuel.  Um den sicheren Hitzekollaps zu umgehen, habe ich die OneSight Shirts neu designed: Das enge Buendchen am Hals (siehe Trophae am Arm) habe ich abgeschnitten – und damit einen neuen Trend geschaffen. Hier sprechen alle vom Marion-Cut, ich musste ettliche Shirts entsprechend umgestalten…

“oooohh,  I am feeling much better now” das waren die dankbaren Kommentare :o)

Das schoenste Erlebnis fur mich heute war eine aeltere Frau die von mir eine Lesebrille erhalten hat und so gluecklich war wieder lessen zu koennen, dass sie ihr Anmeldeformular von oben bis unten vorgelesen hat. Sie war nicht zu stoppen und strahlte ueber das ganze Gesicht!

Thank you OneSight!

This from Marco:  Ciao a tutti da Mtubatuba. Prima vera giornata di clinica e che emozioni!!! I posti, I compagni di missione ma soprattutto le persone che incontri, una quantita’ di emozioni che sono difficili da spiegare. L’incontro piu’ “speciale” di oggi e’ stato quello con una bimba di forse un anno e mezzo, una pupetta meravigliosa che, forse perche’ l’unica piccina arrivata fino al picking ha raccolto I doni e le attenzioni di tutti noi. Le mie bambine, quando hanno saputo che partivo mi hanno preparato una borsa con dei peluche per I bambini del Sud Africa dicendomi di darglieli da parte loro, oggi l’ho fatto, ho dato un piccolo tigro a quella bimba e quando lo ha stretto forte a se e l’emozione e’ stata enorme.

Credo che ogni giorno ci riservera’ una sorpresa, un’emozione sempre piu’ grande, anche grazie allo splendido team di cui sono fiero di far parte.

Grazie OneSight! 

13 Comments

  1. Antonio says:

    08-02-12..seconda giornata di missione a Mtubatuba..e le emozioni continuano a moltiplicarsi..ieri la preparazione e l’allestimento della clinica con team super affiatato…oggi la postazione dove vengono consegnati gli occhiali da vista. Non potete immaginare l’emozione di vedere il sorriso di donne, uomini, bambini nel constatare di poter vedere..sensazioni uniche..che si ripeteranno in continuazione fino al termine della missione… Grazie OneSight per la fantastica esperienza che ci permetti di fare..
    Antonio

    Posted on Wed Feb 8, 2012 2:45 pm EST

  2. Monica Bondioli says:

    Ho provato stamattina a postare qualcosa, ma la tecnologia non collaborava, vediamo se stavolta va meglio…é bellissimo leggere il blog, le emozioni fresche “appena sfornate” sono davvero contagiose! Ho avuto la fortuna di vivere ben 4 Cliniche OS, la terza proprio in Mtubatuba ed è anche per questo che il mio spirito è lì con voi.
    Buon lavoro a tutti voi, un abbraccio a Marinella e a Marco e…
    HAMBAKAHLE!

    Posted on Wed Feb 8, 2012 5:54 pm EST

  3. Andrea Marco Pietro Ilaria & Caterina says:

    Ciao Marco,

    E’bellissimo vedere quanta generosità e quanta passione tu stia dimostrando nei confronti di tutte le persone che si recano alla clinica per avere delle cure oculistiche e trovano persone splendide. Noi ti conosciamo bene e sappiamo che hai un cuore meraviglioso. Ci manchi Marco, continua così che noi facciamo il tifo per te!

    I tuoi colleghi
    Andrea Marco Pietro Ilaria & Caterina

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 9:33 am EST

  4. Giorgio Di Egidio says:

    Grande Marco!!
    Il tuo post mi ha fatto emozionare a tal punto che, dopo un brivido, mi sono ritrovato con gli occhi lucidi.
    Ora trovami una scusa valida per giustificare gli occhi lucidi ai colleghi… un moscerino nell’occhio??.
    scherzi a parte….
    Posso solo immaginare quante emozioni hai vissuto già dal primo giorno.
    Sono orgoglioso di avere un collega con un cuore così grande!
    Ovviamente un saluto a tutti i colleghi presenti alla missione.
    BRAVI RAGAZZI!!!

    GiDiO

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 10:52 am EST

  5. Julia and #2020 Team says:

    Hey Max!
      We are thinking of you and The Team! Thanks to all of you for your hard work and your PASSION!

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 12:50 pm EST

  6. Eddie & Team 4500 says:

    Buenos Dias Max!

    We hope you’re having an amazing time!  We’re following the blog! There isn’t a better feeling in this world than the feeling that you get when you know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.  Be safe & enjoy your experience!

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 3:29 pm EST

  7. wedaad Adams says:

    Hello Team Matubatuba!!
    It is amazing reading your blog, and reliving all the memories from the missions i have been on! I am so excited for my colleagues and friends who are experiencing ther first clinic- Jeanine Jackie and Coenie, missing you guys loads, have fun and take loads of photos, make memories, come home and tell stories!!
    Good luck to you all, and well done on the amazing work that you are doing!!
    xx

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 4:19 pm EST

  8. Ashley @5541 says:

    HEY MAX!!! We miss you here in Pier Park,but we know your helping give the gift of vision to so many, thats a blessing :) Keep putting all the smiles on their faces :) and your the awesome one!!! Be safe and your team at #5541 is following the blog. HUGS :)

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 4:46 pm EST

  9. Angela and crew @4402 says:

    Max
    you make us proud everyday, your passion and dedication are motivating factors in helping us keep Onesight in the forefront.  We work for a company that cares and has caring people working for it.  Thanks for reminding us.
    Angela

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 5:17 pm EST

  10. Rory says:

    Day 3! Sounds like you have already created many memories!
    Great Job from the Bolingbrook Cresthill Glenview Cresthill and Glendale Pearle Vision Family

    Go Timothy Go   0 0
                        ___

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 6:37 pm EST

  11. Shamim Hussen says:

    Hello, Dr. Ali and Fellow Doctors.Kudos to all you folks for doing such a marvelous work.The planet of Love and creative inspiration shall remain with you folks.If you remain spontaneous coming events will make you feel easier and willing to give your best shot.Make the most of this humbling experience and God shall reward you folks tenfold.Amen!! Greetings from Canada.Shamim

    Posted on Thu Feb 9, 2012 8:03 pm EST

  12. Barbara says:

    Grande Marco!!!!immagino cosa tu possa provare in questi gg! vivile intensamente queste emozioni che poi rimmarranno sempre nel tuo cuore!!!
    Dona un sorriso da parte mia a tutti quei bambini che ti gironzolano attorno!
    Un abbraccio a tutto il Teamm Italiano ed anche alle mie care colleghe di missione Jeanine Jackie and Coenie!!!! :-*

    Posted on Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:46 am EST

  13. GRAZIA MUSSOI says:

    ciao Marco!
    sono contenta che tutto stia andando per il meglio! Goditi a pieno questa bella esperienza e “salutami l’Africa”. Bye Grazia

    Posted on Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:31 am EST

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