Being generous with a generous God

Because of the generosity of you all,

the 4 Guatemalan cooks and I were able to 

"upgrade" the menu for the elderly 

and go a little "all-out" for them...

What does that mean?

Well...eating more than just chicken and rice every week!

Because of your help, we are able to "spoil" the elderly now

and give them a variety of food...chicken, (tender) meat, ribs, fish, etc.

And also rice, pasta, potatoes all served with fresh vegetables

and a fruit drink.

It has been a joy to see their faces light up each week

now that they are able to try meals that they may not have had in years.

Grilling the meat...

The final presentation...

Side note: mashed potatoes is a delicacy here in Guatemala

because you have to use butter and milk, which is very expensive.

The elderly love it!

As times goes on, relationships are being formed

and it is wonderful to see the elderly find joy and friendship with one another...

Another fun meal that the elderly love:

Hamburger patties with tomatoe sauce and "Russian" potatoe salad.

Many thanks again to all who have donated...

you are remembered in our thoughts and prayers!

January Eye Surgeries!

During the week of January 22-30, 2016

the hospital in San Lucas was able to provide eye surgeries

 through Dr. Chris Wallyn and his surgical team:

Dave Salo, Pablo Benedicto Santizo, and Cathie Wallyn.

Both Dr. Mike Merck and Dr. Wallyn have been coming to San Lucas since 1991

to help collaborate with the building up of healthcare and

to provide free eye care in San Lucas and the neighboring communities.

Before surgeries can start, the doctors have to evaluate everyone in need...

but this means going through a list of about 80 people

(which takes about 8 hours to do!)

After evaluating every patient, a surgical list is made

so that every person who is a good candidate for surgery

can be operated on during that week.

In this year's eye surgical brigade, 85 people were able to be examined,

31 cataract surgeries was successfully performed,

and also 5 other minor eye surgeries related to the pupil and eyelid were done.

Above left is a patient with a dilated pupil

which allows you to see the mature cataract (or inner lens) that'll be removed.   

 Above right is the cataract that was removed-

      Dr. Wallyn likes to compare it as trying to look thru a Coke bottle!

Above is a short clip of one of my favorite moments...

the humility of these people.

This man had already received sedation and he was STILL praying!

It is beautiful to see how the people instinctively 

call out to their God and Creator...they know that all good comes from above!

The surgical team: 

Ophthalmologist, surgical tec, interpreter, and nurse!

And of course....PABLO!

Pablo is an employee at the hospital

and we are deeply grateful for all his help this year. 

Pablo truly carries the spirit of Fr. Greg and makes everyone feel

right at home and attended to!

Last day of the surgical week...

some patients came back to have one last revision.

Many, many thanks to all who were involved in helping

restore eye sight to so many in need.

It was a very busy, but very blessed week!