Dear Friends of Eyecare to the Needy,

It has been several years since Jane and I were here in February so we are finding the lush green grass and heavily laden green trees a beautiful site to behold. This past week has been busy with unpacking and sorting the items from last year’s container that arrived the day of our departure last fall. We were blessed to have two representatives from Brookstone school in Columbus, GA  with us this past week. Cindy Sparks and Catherine Trotter spent two days with the administration and board members from Petra school discussing the opportunity to unite both schools in a sister relationship.

On Wednesday, we drove two hours to  Makhovula Primary School in Lupane to do an eye camp. Although it was very hot, the people were patient as we saw 78 folks, distributed eye glasses and even had a local pastor that delivered an evangelical message after which nine people responded to faith in Christ for the first time.

The following day we took our friends to Hwange Game Reserve where we saw some absolutely amazing animals. Now keep in mind, it is their rainy season with plenty of grass, leaves and water everywhere so the animals usually stay deep within the forests. But….we saw lions on two separate occasions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, various birds. The morning of our departure as we were eating breakfast, we witnessed two cheetahs chasing a herd of impalas! Friday, we drove to Victoria Falls for our friends to witness the mighty Zambezi River. Saturday, they departed and we returned to Bulawayo.

We have spent today (Sunday) preparing the room at Mater Dei hospital where I will begin seeing patients tomorrow. We ask if you would continue to pray for us as these next two weeks will be busy attempting to see some 300 folks that are struggling with eye issues.

Blessings,
Steve and Jane Beaty