2011 | June
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We just got back from Zihua. The intention of this mission was to take a small team (two surgeons and seven volunteers) to do the 70 blinding cataracts of patients we did not get to from the last October mission. This was supposed to be a surgery only mission. Oh how God laughs when we think we know.
As we arrived for the first day of surgery, there were over 75 people waiting to be seen because they heard we were coming. Forty of these people traveled nine hours from the mountain village of San Juan (you may remember the “mountain man” story from a few missions ago). Of the 40 mountain people, 38 had blinding cataracts in each eye. They were completely blind. There was, however, no room on the surgery schedule to do their surgery this mission.
Now for the miracle that awaited us once we were open to God’s plan for this mission. Heartfelt, Molly told them that if they wanted to wait to see if some of the scheduled patients did not show up, then they could have their spot. They all waited patiently, some up to three days.
One of the ten who got operated on was Julia, a 30 year old mentally handicapped woman. Her mom said she shut down about four years ago when she went blind and since that time had not spoken. When I examined her she was hollow, no spirit, drooling, and lifeless. We removed her right cataract and on the first postoperative day, as her patch was removed, she looked up and said, “Hi mom! I can see, praise God!” Her mom and the whole team were in tears. See attached pictures of Julia on our photo page.
I learned several missions ago the gift our Lord gives us in serving. We see Him in them. We help them, but they save us.
My prayer for all of you is that through this testimony you will see Him also.
Thank you for your support,
Peace,
Jim and Molly
