A Beautiful Ending

A pre-school class waiting to get eyes checked.

"Friday November 8 was our last clinic day. It was a bitter sweet day.  We saw 585 patients, half of them were children, the youngest being 2 years old and the oldest being 95 years old.  The best thing happened today and for me it was very poignant.  We had a 2 year old boy who was

Choosing the best pair.

found to be very near sighted (myopia).  He cried throughout the whole time no matter what treats we presented him with; but once the glasses were put on, he stopped crying immediately.  Dr. Katherine McKay, watched him move his eyes around the room with awe.  Without glasses this little 2 year old would have developed a condition called Ambylopia and with severe myopia, learning at school is very difficult because you CANNOT SEE TO LEARN.  Often times children with this condition simply drop out of school. 

At the end of the day, 5 hours later, we packed our 18 boxes into the bus. As our bus slowly traveled down the narrow gravel roads

Thrilled to see the little fella! 

of this little Andean village, a woman opened the door of her home to wave to our team in the bus.  A few seconds later, out pops this 2 year old boy, smiling and waving at us with the NEW GLASSES!! we gave him at the clinic.

And I couldn't help but think....this is what it's all about.  For me it was a sign, whatever you may believe it to be, but in the end it was for me a rainbow.  That, despite all the trials and tribulations that we went throughout for the last 3 months to make this project happen, it was a sign that goodness does prevail.

His future looks bright.

                                       In 7 clinic days with 36 hours of bus riding 2000 km through the Andean, Amazonian and Coastal region of Ecuador, our team served 3386 patients and provided 2235 pairs of glasses. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes." 

Marina & Derrick

A Lasting Impression

In the words of Optometrist, Katherine McKay, "Frequently during the clinic day there are patients that leave a lasting impression.  One such patient was a cute seven-year-old girl who needed very strong magnifiers.  Her sweet smile just kept growing and growing as she adjusted to her new glasses.  She and her family of six were also thrilled to be the recipients of cloths kindly donated by Mount Seymour United Church and other donors.

"The day before, in distribution of cloths to some other children, I noticed two excited little girls holding up the clothes and showing each other now nice they would look in them."

Katherine M, North Vancouver, B.C. - Optometrist

"I keep coming back because I feel empowered and useful and know that with a little bit of effort we can make an enormous difference in the lives of these people.  Reading glasses can mean the comfort of the bible or being able to sew or cook.  Distance glasses can mean the opportunity for livelihood and contribution to the family's welfare."

Katherine working her magic at the triage station.

Sharyn H., Mill Bay, B.C. - Bookkeeper

"A pair of glasses and compassion in exchange for smiles, hugs, and genuine appreciation —  priceless!

From a volunteer's perspective completing my first TWECS mission to Ecuador, I found the rewards I received far outweighed what I gave to the project.  Already I am looking forward to my next adventure with TWECS."

Sharyn showing off carved bird and thank you postcard we received as gifts after Macas clinics.

Doug H., Mill Bay, B.C. - Animal Nutritionist

"There are few adventures in life which match the fulfillment of a TWECS project. Imagine a 76-year-old lady whose daily sanctuary was reading a tattered and old bible but whose sight ad left her two years previous. With her new glasses she regains limited visibility but is able to read her beloved book.  Tears flow down her cheeks — that is TWECS."

Doug, who conducted visual acuities, poses with Vicky, one of the many translators we depended on.

Austin B., Vancouver, B.C. - Marketing / Sales

"Seven clinical days and thousands of patients later, our TWECS mission comes to a close. We depart with our optical luggage lighter and a feeling of accomplishment in our hearts. Ecuador has been a humbling experience and a good reminder that there are many things back home I take for granted. Despite the language barriers, receiving a smile and a hug after dispensing a set of glasses gave me that warm feeling, when you know you've made a difference for someone. And that feeling itself made the whole trip worth it!"

Austin, at the visual acuity station, explaining instructions to a school girl. 

Brenda J., Prince George, B.C. - Optician / Business Owner

"Traveling to Ecuador with the TWECS team has been such an eye-opening experience.  I knew before coming that there were many people in need but never knew how it could impact their lives and mine.  The appreciation and gratitude was overwhelming at times, even with the language barrier.  So many smiles , hugs, and handshakes — such a worthwhile cause.  I will forever remember this experience and all the people I shared it with."

Brenda with an appreciative and happy patient.

Katie S., Whistler, B.C. - Optician / Optical Manager

"TWEECS allowed me to apply my knowledge to another country.  It was not only rewarding for the people  I dispensed glasses to, but for myself it was so humbling to see the smiles and tears when the locals received their first-ever glasses.  This was a great opportunity to meet like minded professionals, improve my Spanish, and travel safely to a new country.  Marina and Derrick are an inspiration to everyone that we can make a difference!"

Katie with two beautiful and deserving children with first-time and necessary eyeglasses.

Doreen E., Vancouver, B.C. - Traveller

"This trip to Ecuador was so interesting as we travelled to three different communities over vast distances.  While registering one lady, who couldn't speak, she took the ring off her finger and gave it to me.  What a precious moment!  Meeting the Quichua people, who gave us hugs, was very rewarding.  My thanks to Marina for her vision and persistence and staying true to her grandmother's wishes of helping the poor and under-privileged."

Doreen still smiling after taking hundreds of registrations.

Tim K., Terrace, B.C. - Piano Technician

"I've had the most personally fulfilling and rewarding ten days since my last TWECS mission five years ago.  We visited rural communities in three distinct geographic regions of Ecuador and met kind and grateful people everywhere.  We were able to help children who had never clearly seen their mother's faces and crafts people who could no longer see to earn their livelihoods.   There are a lot of sad stories too, but it feels great to help those that we can."

Tim using the auto refractor to assist optometrists.

Allison C., Nanaimo, B.C. - Optometrist

"This is my second mission with TWECS and it was just as rewarding as the first.  It amazes me how, within 48 hours, eighteen strangers become good friends.  It is very uplifting to be able to give sight to people who do not have access to any eye care.  You see a patient who cannot see past their arm put on glasses and see 20/30.  The amazement of their face is something you will always remember.  It is a lot of hard work but there is also time for play.  With TWECS there is opportunity to have  down time and experience the wonders of the country.  On this trip, half of us went canyoneering which was a great adventure with beautiful scenery.  I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in doing volunteer work to join this wonder organization."

Allison perfecting a prescription for a patient.

Rebecca C., Terrace, B.C. - Optometrist

"Ecuador was my third project with TWECS and each one has been an incredible experience.  It is humbling to witness the grace and dignity of the people we serve, and their gratitude for the small amount of help we can offer to improve their lives.  There is absolutely nothing like the light in the eyes of a person who can see clearly for the first time, or see again after many years.  I spent most of my time in Ecuador very close to tears; it was very emotional.  The other wonderful part of a TWECS project is the camaraderie of the team.  The bonds we create in our shared experience last for years.  I wish everyone could be lucky enough to share in a TWECS mission."

Rebecca conducting and eye examination.

Carl D., Cornerbrook, N.F. - Optometrist

Ecuador is beautiful,

As far as the eye can see

Here is what the TWECS mission

Has meant to me.

Eight days of eye exams,

For the young and old,

Left us full of memories

And stories to be told.

It takes hard work to care,

For those in need,

But to see the smiles on their faces, 

Makes it worth it, indeed.

                     ~ Carl

Carl and patient in make-shift exam room.

Annu K., Edmonton, A.B. - Optometrist

"WOW! That's the best way for me to describe my wonder experience with TWECS.  I have never felt so proud of what I do.  The feeling that I can help so many people with so little; just a pair of reading glasses!  I love the fact that with a simple pair of glasses we can change someone's life.  I would love to do this over and over again.  Above all, the people you meet, especially the team leaders, make it worth your while."

One of Annu's many grateful and affectionate patients.

Amy B., Edmonton, A.B. - Optometrist

"Every time I've done international eye exam volunteer work  I am reminded how much of a difference we can make in someone's life in such a short amount of time.  A few minutes to check their eyes, a few more minutes to dispense glasses and their life changes.  Maybe now they can drive, or finally read again, or recognize their grandchildren... it's amazing."

Amy with a happy patient who can now see better.

Johnathan L., Nanaimo, B.C.- Optometrist

"On this particular mission, we found a lot of undetected high prescriptions.  To see the reaction when a person puts on glasses for the first time is such a wonderful experience.  To know that those glasses will tremendously improve someone's quality of life for many years to come is the reason why I do these eye care missions."

John helping an apprehensive little girl who desperately needed glasses.

Delaney Q., North Vancouver, B.C. - Student/Assistant Optician

"When I left for my first TWECS mission this October, I never imagined the effect it would have on me.  I've experienced tears of joy, ecstatic smiles, and heartfelt gratitude.  All of this because I had the privilege of working with a group of such extraordinary people.  I've been given the opportunity to witness lives being changed and I certainly would not hesitate to go again."

Delaney conducting assessment with patient with new eyeglasses.

Roger K., New Westminster, B.C. - Retired

"For me it's giving back to society because in Canada we have everything — doctors, clinics, and hospitals within easy access, but in other parts of the world they have nothing — no doctor, no clinic, no optometrist, no ophthalmologist within two hours access.  So,  to give two to three weeks out of my year to say thank you Lord for what I have and to give back to humanity is a small price to pay."

Roger taking registration and conducting a preliminary assessment.

Project Ecuador — Priceless

Our last clinic day was a day with the locals which brought in many, many school children.  It was a contrast to the aged the previous day. We saw a one-year-old and a two-year-old.  The two-year-old, Juan, needed glasses.  

Many of the children wanted their pictures taken.  It is fun to take their picture then show them the image on the back of the camera - we heard many giggles.  

The teachers of the school children needed to know who we were and present proof the children were at the clinic for the reason they were not in school.  One teacher went so far as to have her picture taken with a couple of us in our TWECS shirts on her camera. 

Lunch today was a cream soup with popcorn.  The entree was beef and beans that reminded me of oysters.  The beans needed to be peeled prior to eating.  This made them much more palatable.  We also had two kinds of potatoes; one very sweet and the other similar to home.  We had only a spoon to eat our meal!

Freddy and Henny, two translators explained that many of the elders in the area

are abandoned by their families.  The families move to the cities and leave the elders to fend for themselves with no income.  The parish supplies one hot meal a day for about 50 elders, otherwise the elders grow and raise their own food.

Our last clinic day was bittersweet.  We did not want to stop what we had started.

We were given gifts of decorated condor ornaments.  I was told that the condor is an important bird to the Quichua people.  We were touched by the thoughtful and generous sentiment.  

After packing up we boarded the bus with the intention of heading to the Equator. As were were heading out of Malchingui, Derrick had Angel pull over to show us a 600- year-old road that was perfect straight line over the Andes.  We had to believe him because none of us knew any better and with overgrown trees we could not confirm nor deny Derrick's story.  

At this particular stop and much to our delight we spied one of our patients, two-year-old Juan.  He had left such an impression, we remembered him. 

Katherine, who dispensed his glasses, recalled his apprehension so she gave him a peach to eat. When it came time to put on the glasses, Katherine gently placed them on his nose.  His jaw fell open and he stopped eating his peach to look around.  

At our roadside stop, we spied him in his mother's (or grandmother's) arms wearing his glasses.  We were ecstatic.  We rushed off the bus to say hello and take photographs.  It made our day; it made our trip to Ecuador.  There was no finer way to end Project Ecuador than to feel so fulfilled by giving what seemed so little to us, yet so much to Juan.

With our hearts filled with joy we made our way to the Equator. It was an amazing feeling being able to straddle the line that separates north from south.  We had fun and listened to an informative talk about the ancients, the sun, and the equinox.  

The next day we travelled to Otavalo to experience the world-famous market where you find indigenous people in traditional dress and stalls set up to tantalize the senses. The most fun begins when your set your sights on an item and the negotiations begin.

After the market we headed back to Quito for a taste of the Old Town and a quick tour.  At 7:00 PM we met and dined together for the last time.  Some volunteers were heading home the next day, some the day after.  A few of us travelled to the Galapagos for a once-in-a-lifetime visit the the unique archipelago.

From The Amazon To The Andes

On the night of Nov 5, we were invited to another dinner sponsored by local Rotarians.  The venue was exceptional compared to the local hostels, hotels, and eating establishments we have seen and experienced.  This was a hotel with cabins, a pool,  and a restaurant.  We were greeted at the door by the Rotarians and enjoyed another delicious Ecuadorian dinner and the unexpected delight of a Shua singer and young dancers.

Arriving at the hostel after dinner, we were all very tired but had to pack our things to ready for moving out of our rooms in the morning.  

Waiting for her prescription

November 6 was a half day clinic in another community of Macas.  Our Rotarian hosts had the community hall set up so that all we had to do was unload the bus of supplies.  Their effort was noticed by then entire team.  In no time we were addressing the needs of the less fortunate.  

It was noticed by a couple team members that word has spread; a few people from previous days clinics have shown up at this clinic looking for another free pair of glasses. 

Lunch was a chicken, cheese, mushroom, lettuce and tomato sandwich on a sub bun.  Of course we had pop and water to wet the whistle.

Marina had attempted to cut off the patients at 1:30 but they kept arriving. The team

accommodated the few who, with their story or explanation for being late, made it

through the door.  We finally saw the last patient in time to pack our gear and glasses and make our way to the airport.  The team flew to Quito while Angel drove the bus nine hours, with all our gear aboard, to meet us at our hotel on the outskirt of  Quito.   

We arrived at the Hotel Santa Fe around 7:00 P.M., thirsty and hungry. We had a fine dinner and sang happy birthday to Allison, who celebrated a birthday thirty-something birthday.  Angel arrived close to midnight.

At the hotel there was an issue with the internet and most of us could not log on to email, FaceTime or Skype our loved ones.  It was frustrating.  

November 7, we enjoyed an American breakfast of scrambled eggs with cheese, fruit, fresh orange juice, and coffee.  

Clinic location is in the Andes in the town of Malachingui, northeast of Quito. It was a two and a half hour bus ride to get here.  I feel as though we are on top of the world. It is dry and dusty.  It is windy with a touch of coolness to the air. People who live in the area are bundled in pants, long shirts, hats, and sweaters or jackets.  They are short in height and at only five feet, I feel tall standing next to most of these people.

Again we were appreciative for the preparations prior to our arrival.  These Rotarians somehow managed to learn how we like to set up and had the small community hall prepared.  We were each greeted with affection and a dozen roses. In addition, they had pop, water, tea and coffee laid out on the table for us to help ourselves.  There were fresh baked cookies and fresh-made leaf cheese (similar to mozzarella).  The cheese was described as leaf cheese because when removed from the wrapper, you unrolled it and it was flat like a leaf.  To top the cookies was what was described as jelly, but it was more like a caramel sauce in a pouch that you squeeze onto the cookie. Many am members tried it and liked it.

The patients, most of them seniors, were bussed to the clinic from four different regions.
 We could tell when a new region arrived by their distinct dress. We also noticed many of the seniors suffered from cognitive challenges unfortunately initiated while in the womb and from the mother's lack of iodine.  The people in this region grow what they eat and because of the altitude, iodine-rich plants do not grow in this region, we were told.  The iodine diet issues were discovered fifty or sixty years ago. Iodine is now added to the table salt to counter the effects of an iodine-free diet.

We were  treated to lunch in a little building where seniors come to eat each day.  The cooks, two women prepared quinoa soup with cheese, chicken, rice and a vegetable melody of peas, potato, apple and broccoli.  Cake was served for dessert.

In order to enjoy lunch, we split into two teams - one team stayed to work and the other team was escorted to lunch through the village streets.

Today I believe we have seen the poorest of the poor and the most elders at one clinic since arriving in Ecuador.   They have also been the most appreciative and thankful.  The hugs, handshakes and kisses were endless.  Team members have commented on the respect the young pay the elders; helping to move elders from station to station, helping elders understand instructions and offering their seats to the elders.  Amy, one of the optometrists, claims that this has been the toughest day so far yet the most rewarding.

This has also been our longest day, leaving the hotel at 7:30 A.M. and still dispensing glasses at  5:15 P.M. with about 30 patients to complete. 

I believe every one of us fell asleep on the bus ride back to the hotel.  Shortly after arriving at the hotel we soon made our way to the restaurant.  Unfortunately, the internet was not co-operative again causing much consternation for those of  us wanting to contact family at home.  

Please Stay Tuned - Much More To Come

Hello Friends and Family!  Thank you for your patience.  The internet in Ecuador has offered up every bit of challenge immaginable.  It has either not been available or has been advertised as being available but impossible to log on.  Other times a strong signal was indicated yet I could not access the blog to update. 

Frustration and consternation, would accurately describe how I was feeling when I could not update TWECS for you. I had to let it go as it was truly out of my control.

Please stay tuned.   I have a few more days of TWECS Ecuador news and photographs to post — even though we have finished all the clinics.  

A happy school girl who did not need glasses.

A Rewarding Day

Last night dinner was hosted by the  Club Rotario Marona Macas.  We were served a traditional tea and a traditional Ecuadorian chicken meal.  The tea was very sweet, almost like a syrup but not as thick as a syrup.  The chicken was cooked in huge leaf, similar to a banana leaf.  It was chopped, bones and all, and mixed with herbs before being rolled in the leaf and cooked on the grill.  It was not a late night for us; we were all tired and had another early morning and another community to look forward to.

Breakfast, for us, was served at Hotel Casa Blanca.  A traditional breakfast of

coffee, a fruit smoothie, fresh fruit — pineapple and another seedy fruit similar to papaya with the seeds inside.  This fruit we were cautioned about eating too much for fear that it would cause diarrhea!  We were also served and egg and a yucca patty.

Angel had the bus parked in front of the Casa Blanca ready for us to board by 7:30 A.M.  The community hall, for this clinic was a very short drive.  The hall was very

similar to yesterday's except for the separate rooms off the stage.  A special testing room was made by using two sports nets (similar to hockey nets) and covering them with black plastic.  

The Rotarians have been especially helpful — so much so that they had table and chairs set up prior to us arriving at the hall.  The bathrooms had been swabbed out with cleaner and the toilets flush!  

People were waiting for us but then again that is usual.  Having so many chairs in this

hall has made it very easy on the patients.  The people at the clinics have been so patient.  In Canada if people have to wait half an hour longer than expected they do not hesitate to ask why.  Here, the people wait and move along when the next chair is vacant.  When they are finished, they are finished and off they go.  Word of mouth is our best advertisement for another wave of citizens to show up.

It is amazing how many people have never seen an optometrist and their eye sight has been so poor for so many years.  In Macas the reasons are twofold: no money to pay for the visit and no optometrist or ophthalmologist in the area.  

Today we had Sister Isobel bring groups of senior citizens, including one so blind we could so nothing for him.  Others could see and another expressed that God is good to bring us here and that God will be watching over us. 
Lunch today was pork sandwich and cheese with Pepsi  and chips.  I have never eaten so many chips in my life! Snacks consisted of water and fresh bananas and tangerines.  The fresh fruit today was much better than yesterday.  

Registration was to be cut off at 1:00 P.M.,  however, it was extended to 1:45 P.M.  It is unfortunate to have a cut-off time but the existing patients need to work their way through the stations with the optometrists and opticians before supper time.  

Many people here have needed our services and  eyeglasses.