The Alter

  This past weekend was the culmination of much preparation here in Jamaica.  My role here is to be a constant ophthalmology presence for challenging cases and to provide laser therapy and surgery, both of which have only been offered when teams from the states come and visit.  Of course, when they come, they also bring all their staff and all their own supplies.  This meant that I had to train staff and somehow find a way to get all the supplies.  I have two wonderful Jamaican ladies who have been learning the material on how to be an OR nurse and have been observing the teams that come down.  Sourcing supplies has been a huge hurdle, but we have managed to find some things on the island and then have others bring in what we need.  So, after months of preparation, a very generous and talented ophthalmologist came down with tons of supplies and 2 nurses to help get us up and running and train me on how to handle the very difficult cataracts that we see here in Jamaica.  We completed 31 cataract cases between Saturday and Sunday.  There were many challenges along the way, including cancelled plane flights at the last minute.  It really felt like we were fighting for the finish line, but in the end, everything worked out, probably even better than it would have otherwise.  I am currently reading through the Old Testament and was reflecting on the Isralites leaving Egypt and all the challenges they faced and how many times they wanted to turn back, even after seeing the amazing things God had done.  And I can definitely relate to the Israelites.  Thankfully, I have wonderful friends to pull me up and keep me headed in the right direction.  So just like the Israelites would build an alter to remind them that God brought them that far, this past weekend serves as an alter for me, reminding me that we can do this and to look forward to the years ahead.
  We are now fully prepared to start doing cataracts "all on our own" next week.  I am sure there are still many more bumps in the road ahead, so please be praying that all goes as smoothly as possible and that we can provide the absolute best care for the people here.   
Eileen