Losing her parents at a young age, Belinda was shuffled between numerous relatives. Not knowing how to deal with the deaf child, they would beat her and eventually leave her to fend for herself on the streets. Weighing no more than sixty pounds, the now 14-year-old finally found a safe haven at an aunt’s home a couple of months ago. It seemed everything was going well, but then Belinda’s eyesight began to fade.

It was the second week of Operation Blessing’s medical mission to Baja, Mexico. The small volunteer medical team had already worked long hours providing over nine hundred medical services during the first week. They wanted to make sure everyone in line didn’t have to spend more than one night on the cold ground. After a relaxing weekend they began seeing more children and adults desperate for the free medical care.

Belinda and her aunt were two of the hundreds waiting for medical care. Leaving her four children in the care of neighbors, the aunt was determined to find the help her niece needed before it was too late. Optometrist Lance Haluka and optician Bill Wojtaszewski looked into Belinda’s eyes. Soon her eyesight was strengthened with a pair of strong glasses. Ophthalmologist Mark Eanes looked at the sweet girl’s wandering eye and decided to do strabismus surgery as well.

Communicating what was happening to Belinda’s aunt was easy. Medical translators were right there to help. However communicating this to the teenager could have been difficult. Thankfully, volunteer Pam Allen was fluent in sign language and was able to speak with her. As an expression of thanks, Belinda cradled the volunteer’s face in her hands with joy.

During this medical mission the gift of sight was given to Mexicans of all ages. Teresa was one of the older patients to receive assistance. Severe symptoms of diabetes had slowly clouded the 63-year-old’s eyesight. Before the usually simple cataract surgery could be done, arrangements had to be made for a follow-up laser procedure. Because of Teresa’s diabetic condition there was concern that there would be additional bleeding in the back of the eye. A laser was needed to fuse the blood vessels back together. Operation Blessing hadn’t brought a laser, but in-country contacts were made one hundred miles away. After Teresa had successful cataract surgery on Thursday, she made the trip that insured her good eyesight! Operation Blessing and its partners covered the cost of transportation and the laser procedure.

Over ten days of work, 1,664 medical services were given to the people of Mexico. As the team was packing up, Belinda came for a last visit. The teen climbed into the truck and thanked all of the team members. There wasn’t a dry eye around when the last good-bye waves were done.

Belinda, Teresa and Alberto are just three of the wonderful people you helped during February. Please help us continue to break the cycle of suffering.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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