Dear Friends and Supporters,

We have been in Zimbabwe two weeks now, and we have finally grown accustomed to the cold nights, sleeping under three to four blankets with long pajamas and socks. However, the days here have been beautiful and fairly warm with constant sunshine.

We arrived to find that the electricity is only operational from 11 pm till 5 am, and water is being restricted. So, we have enjoyed some ‘romantic’ dinners by candlelight here.

Steve began work immediately, teaching at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital, and consulting at the Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo. He was overjoyed to discover that the two eye doctors whom he had been training in phaco cataract surgery were almost fully proficient in this skill. In his first morning of surgery with them, he just stood and watched through the assistant eyepieces in the microscope.  We now have accomplished an ongoing program that is self-sustaining; now these doctors can train others to continue the standard of excellence that has been achieved.

Steve also worked with the eye doctors to formulate an eye screening and treatment service for premature babies who are at risk for a blinding disease called Retinopathy of Maturity. He also delivered a lecture to the departments of pediatrics and ophthalmology on the subject. 

Another project being initiated includes the screening of patients with HIV who are also at risk for a number of blinding eye conditions. We have met and will start the program with our local colleagues shortly while we are still here.

We had the opportunity this week to travel to a rural area about 40 miles from Bulawayo to conduct and eye camp.  Our pastor friend, Chris Nxumalo, preached to the crowd while we examined and gave out medications and glasses to about 55 people. We were able to diagnose some significant eye diseases for which we have scheduled various treatments and surgery. 

Steve had the opportunity to share his faith with a prominent ophthalmologist from the capital, Harare, while at the Zimbabwe Ophthalmic Congress last week; we hope and pray that the seeds sown will bear fruit in this individual.

Thank you for continuing to uplift us in your prayers. Zimbabwe is suffering from a severe economic depression, and we have seen such hardship here that we have not seen before. We will do our best, however, to encourage and give of ourselves with our talents, gifts and skills to bring help to as many as we can.

May you be richly blessed,

Steve & Jane Beaty