Where have we been? – Team Update

Sawubona, friends! Have you missed us? Truth is, after two long days, late nights, early mornings, and WiFi problems, posting has been…a bit of a challenge. So I’m going to speed you through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and I hope you can make it to Sunday school on April 28 to hear a little more in depth about our adventures.

Wednesday

Wednesday morning began with pancakes by me and bacon by Arlo. Since our clinic was 15 minutes from where we were staying, we got to sleep in a little more and take our time with breakfast and devotions.

By the third day of clinics, everyone was feeling it a little bit. The sleep deprivation and long days were starting to get to us, but we still kept the energy as high as we could as we worked through our clinic.

Aubrey (translator) helping Arlo check in a patient

Bhekithemba (translator) checking the prescription of a pair of glasses with the lensometer

Lori, Thoko (translator), and Pam running the testing station

Linda helping find the right pair of glasses

Valencia (translator) helping me fill a prescription

It was especially hard because just when we thought we were done, oh look, here come more patients. And then when we finished with those—well, whaddya know. More patients. It was difficult to keep starting to pack and then having to take everything back out. But by the time we closed the clinic, we had served more than 100 people.

When we were finally packed and ready to leave, our hosts graciously presented us with some gifts, mostly beautiful jewelry (and a hat for Arlo). It hit us all then that we would be saying goodbye to our new friends and translators the next day. I think none of us were quite ready to leave them behind.

When we arrived at our guesthouse, the team took some time to write some thank-you notes to our translators while Judy and I sorted the boxes and suitcases of glasses (with Helena and Natalie’s help). They were an utter mess, and anticipating a busier-than-usual clinic the next day, some organizing was desperately needed.

We ate a delicious dinner at a restaurant called Cappuccino’s, and on our way home our driver Knut went around a roundabout fully twice before we realized what he was doing. He’s quite the jokester.

That night, we all collapsed into bed as soon as we could, because…

Thursday

We had to be out of the house at 6:00.

This meant plenty of 5:00 and even 4:30 AM alarms. In contrast to the day before, our drive was over three hours long. We definitely stopped for coffee on the way—I don’t know if we would have made it through the day without it. The drive was beautiful, though—through the mountains, over rivers, past cities. Words and pictures don’t do it any justice.

We arrived at our clinic around 10:00, and there must have been a hundred people already in the church, and more coming every minute. Over 450 people pre-registered for our clinic. It was definitely a little intimidating, and on top of that, of course it was almost 90 degrees. The past few days we had been blessed with perfect weather, but it was roasting in that little church.

After setting up, singing, and an introduction, we immediately threw ourselves into the work. And what a day it was.

The sheer number of people there was intimidating, but we did our best

Patients waiting for their prescriptions to be tested

Sophy (translator) helping Helena find the right prescription for a patient

It was definitely the most intense day yet. Every time we looked up, more waiting people had filled spots that were vacated minutes before. It felt like we weren’t even making a dent, even though the number climbed higher and higher.

The sheer need in that community was overwhelming. Throughout the whole day, nobody took a break more than 5-10 minutes long. I wish I had had a pedometer, because I must have had 20,000 steps from being on my feet all day.

At 4:00, we had to stop taking new people. Of the 450 people pre-registered and the 200 more that registered during the day, we could only get through about 170. Our supply of glasses was dwindling rapidly as well, despite packing nearly everything we had the night before.

By 5:00, the last patients were finally finished and we were all packed. The day ended, of course, with singing, and our beautiful African family blessed us with even more gifts before we left. Tears were shed, pictures taken, and a final prayer offered up before we began the two-hour drive to our overnight spot.

We stopped for dinner at a local chain called Nando’s, where Knut treated us to his finest (and by finest I mean absolute worst) dad jokes, and then settled into our new guesthouses that were our homes for two nights. After the long, hot, strenuous day, we were all ready for a shower and bedtime.

Friday

Today, we arose once again at 5:00. This time, though, our destination was Kruger National Park, where our safari began at 6:00.

Our team was looking forward to a day of well-earned rest after the long days of clinics. Even though it was an early morning, we soon woke up as our guides carried us through the miles of park and we got to watch the sun rise.

We ate a delicious buffet breakfast where we got to try pap, a South African staple made with maize. By itself, it wasn’t everyone’s favorite, but with the traditional sauce it was delicious. After breakfast, we headed back to the vans to try to spot some safari animals—and we did.

This lion crossed the road right in front of us!

After the safari, we headed back to the guesthouses to get cleaned up, because once again it was a nearly 90 degree day. We left for an enjoyable dinner shortly afterwards, and now it’s time for bed.

We only have two nights left in South Africa (well, and one over the Atlantic, but that doesn’t really count). We are all sleep-deprived and missing our own beds, but at the same time so grateful for and changed by this trip.

Please pray for continued rest and safety for us as we finish our trip. Thank you for supporting us! It really means the world.

Hamba kahle!

Halfway there – Team Update

Good morning, Tuesday!

Between 6:00 and 6:40, the power had flickered on and off about seven times. You’ve gotta love the adventure of loadshedding. Thankfully, the oven stayed hot enough for Arlo’s famous French toast casserole to finish baking. We began the day with a delicious breakfast and a devotion by Lori.

By 7:40, we were out of the house (making extra sure Helena was in the van as well). We joined the Caring Friends for singing and prayer at the school once again. When we finished, our host Maureen explained that because the drive was shorter today, we could do a tour of their facility.

Maureen gave us a comprehensive explanation of the services they provide in their area. They have a pad drive for young girls in six local schools, as well as an eye clinic and a lab for creating new lenses for glasses. The Caring Friends organization is an incredible resource to help those in South Africa who can’t help themselves. Each person there is passionate about their cause, and it shines through in everything they do.

Maureen explaining the pad drive and their evangelism that goes with it

Judy worked for an opthalmologist and felt right at home in the clinic!

After our tour, we hit the road. It was a thirty-minute drive to our clinic, and once again, when we arrived, the locals were lined up outside—and inside!—waiting for us.

But as soon as we stepped inside, we filled the little church with song. Dozens of voices reverberated off the corrugated metal roof, praising Jesus.

Before long, though, we got to work setting up. Today was just as busy as the day before, but we knew what we were doing this time! The clinic was much more streamlined and organized, and we ultimately saw about the same amount of people in much less time.

Pam and Lori setting up their examination stations

Natalie is vital in helping patients find the right prescription!

Linda helping a little girl find just the right prescription

One man gave Pam an enormous hug when she checked him with the flippers for the first time. An amazing part of this job is watching peoples’ faces light up when they realize they can see. The looks of joy and relief and awe on their features are worth every minute of discomfort or stress about this trip.

Pam also reported that she watched someone put on his glasses halfway across the parking lot, then break into a huge grin and look around. She said that there was a bounce in his step as he walked away.

Finding the right glasses for someone with Sharon (translator)

The local church leaders (in blue) help with registration and admission

I keep thinking about the first time I got glasses when I was nine years old—how the world was suddenly crisp and clear and I could actually read the chalkboard at co-op. I remember the wonder and awe I felt when I slipped them on. That feeling must be amplified in these people who could never afford this on their own. I can only imagine, but their gratitude gives me an idea.

Lori and Thoko (translator) doing a reading test

We were able to end an hour earlier than yesterday. It was surprising, because we were just non-stop all day. All of a sudden—there was no one left and we were packing up.

Sorting a box of glasses—it gets really disorganized really fast!

We headed back to the guesthouse to rest and recharge a bit before heading to dinner at a steakhouse. We surprised Cindy with a late birthday celebration ice cream—she had no idea it was coming!

After a wonderful devotion by Natalie, it’s bedtime. We need it. Desperately.

We’re halfway done with our clinics! It’s hard to believe—the time is flying by. Continued prayers are appreciated for rest and that we would touch the hearts of those we serve.

Hamba kahle!

Our first clinic – Team Update

You should know that there’s a kind of pigeon here that everyone on our team absolutely despises because it sounds like a monkey and wakes everyone up at what most would consider at an ungodly hour. If you’re ever in South Africa, invest in earplugs just for the sake of the pigeons.

This morning, everyone gathered around the breakfast table to do devotions and complain about the pigeons. By 7:45, we were out the door—everyone except Helena, who we’ve almost forgotten twice this trip. We’ve started doing what we call the “Home Alone headcount” to make sure that everyone’s there before we leave (and someone will usually make sure Kevin—I mean Helena—is in the car specifically).

We picked up our host and translators at the school. We could hear their voices rising in song as soon as we pulled in. The day began with praising Jesus and a prayer. After we joined them and our song was over, they greeted us with hugs and smiles and we headed north to our very first clinic.

The drive was over an hour long but worth every single minute. Coming from southeastern Michigan, any sort of altitude will have me gasping and taking pictures out of the window. Although, some of the pictures came out pretty blurry, given that the potholes are actually worse than southeastern Michigan. Judy and I sat in the back, and it’s a wonder the rest of the team didn’t have to scrape us off the ceiling.

We arrived at our clinic an hour later than we were supposed to due to traffic and roads (it’s called Africa time). When we got there, the locals were already lined up and waiting for us outside. We did our best to set up quickly and get people into the clinic as fast as possible.

Some team members have done eyeglass trips before, but this was my first time. I couldn’t help the nerves as we pulled up—I’ve never done this before, what if I did something wrong?

But we quickly fell into a rhythm. As I pulled glasses for everyone who came through the clinic, I felt a smile on my face. We moved like a well-oiled machine—with hiccups here and there, sure, but for the most part smoothly.

We treated patients from age 5 all the way up to age 93. One man came in guided by his daughter. He was completely and totally blind. We gave him a cane and taught him how to use and fold it, and he walked out on his own, without his daughter to guide him.

One man was holding his cell phone inches from his face, with his neck bent in a painful position. After our team tested him, it turned out he needed a -9.0 prescription, one of the highest we have. He could read normally when he walked out of the clinic.

Our testers, Pam and Lori, said that they often saw the peoples’ eyes widen when they could finally see. It was incredible to see how we were making a tangible, noticeable difference in the lives of those around us. 108 patients came through our clinic, and we did our absolute best with every single one of them.

Boxes of glasses ready to be distributed

Arlo checks the patients for eye problems before testing

After prescriptions are determined, Helena and Linda find the perfect match for a patient

Judy cleans and fits the glasses to each patient

When we got in the van at the end of the day, all we could do was talk about those we had helped. We were exhausted and ready for a snack and a nap, but we all felt so fulfilled. The sunset was incredible and we listened to “Africa” by Toto on the drive back.

We closed our first day of clinics with a seafood dinner at a South African restaurant called Ocean Basket and a devotion and reflection led by Linda.

Our first day of clinics was a rousing success, and I believe that the next few days will be even better. Now that we’ve settled into a rhythm, we’ll be able to streamline our process even more.

Continued prayers for rest and strength would be appreciated, as well as those that we would touch the lives of others with Jesus’ love through the work we are doing. Thank you for your support! Our team could not do this without you.

Hamba kahle! Go well!

Ngokujabula! – Team Update

Well, folks, we made it.

After a delayed flight to Newark, we made our way onto a 16-hour flight to Johannesburg. Some of us slept, others did not. It was a new experience for all of us, and needless to say, we were relieved to set foot on solid ground in South Africa.

Once we got through customs, our suitcases were already circling the carousel. We loaded them into our trailer, then made the two-hour trip to our guesthouse courtesy of our driver, Knut, who was happy to tell us all about South African culture, economics, and customs.

After arriving at our guesthouse and unpacking, the team settled in for a much-needed snack and devotion. Since we were all so tired, our bodies had no trouble believing it was 8:00 PM and not mid-afternoon!

We didn’t get our first good look at the South African landscape until this morning, since the sun had already set when we left the airport. (Fun fact: The moon is backwards here because we’re in the southern hemisphere!) After a breakfast of bacon, toast, and eggs (made by Arlo, of course), we headed to church at St. Peter Confessional Lutheran Church.

I greatly wish you all could experience a Zulu church service. It seemed like we were on our feet, singing, for over half of the two-and-a-half hour service. The clergy greeted us so warmly and Cindy introduced the team from the front of the church.

The whole service was maybe 10% English, but even so, you could feel the passion in their Zulu words. I only caught one Zulu word the whole service—ngokujabula, for “rejoice”. And rejoice we did.

The music, the preaching, the greeting—it was all infused with a spark, an energy, that I’ve never felt at a church service before. The people are hungry for Jesus, and you could feel it.

A few of us made a quick run to a grocery store for food for the next few days, then we headed back out for a late lunch at the children’s home. Before we ate, some of us spent more time singing and praising God as a few women there taught us some of their songs.

They told us that South Africa is the singing nation, and I believe it. Joy filled their every note as we joined them in singing unto the Lord. Everyone has a beautiful voice, and they use them frequently and loudly.

Something else we had the pleasure of seeing was two pianos that Christ Our Savior donated to the children’s home years ago. I never thought I would see them on the other side of the world!

The children’s home was lively and full of excitement and noise. We got to know them a little bit more and shared in their joy.

We waved goodbye as we left the children’s home. I personally was surprised at how much I enjoyed my time there. Their found family is so full of the joy and light of Jesus, and I found myself entranced.

Now it’s time to rest and refuel. Tomorrow is our first day of eyeglass clinics, where we will begin to distribute the glasses we’ve been collecting over the past few months.

We appreciate your continued prayers. Pray that we would touch the lives of those we meet and that we would be safe and efficient as we dive into day one of clinics.

Hamba kahle!

Vaya con Dios…

I’ve been receiving texts all morning, wishing me well on our mission trip. Most people offer prayers as well, to which I respond, “Thanks, we’ll need them!”

Our team has been preparing for this since October. Months of meetings, of trainings, of messages in the WhatsApp group chat. Months of prayer and anticipation and more than a little stress.

Now we wait at our gate in the Detroit airport for our plane to take us to Newark, then on to the longer flight to South Africa. It feels slightly anticlimactic—the hustle and bustle to get to the airport, check our bags (we had to do a bit of bag shuffling to get all our glasses there!), through security…and now we wait.

Soon we will be in the air, heading towards our destination. A little more waiting, a little more anticipation before we hit the ground running in a new country. And perhaps a chance for a little more rest before we serve.

My grandmother texted me “Vaya con Dios” this morning. Go with God. It has been tempting to lose sight of Him in all the anxiety of the packing and the questions and the uncertainty of the new situation.

But we are doing this for others, for Him. As we go, we go with God. He is beside us every step of the way.