Dear Friends and Supporters,
Well, we’ve been in Zimbabwe now for a little over a week, and it seems like at least twice as long. When we arrived on February 3rd, Steve became very ill with what was probably a case of influenza (a present, probably from someone on the flight over). He was almost bedridden for 4 days. Finally, several days ago, he started to feel better (the day before our intensive surgical eye camp was to begin).
Dr. Glen Smalley, his wife, Becky, and Dr. Timothy Kao arrived 4 days ago, and we started the eye camp 2 days later. Dr. Smalley also contracted a GI problem, and has been ill; fortunately, he ate a hearty supper several nights ago with us, and we believe that he’s turned the corner.
We would like to report that things here at Richard Morris Eye Hospital ran smoothly, efficiently and easily as we began our work yesterday. Unfortunately, that could not be further from the truth. We had numerous difficulties and issues to start the eye camp, including the absence of the doctor leadership and OR supervisor. This led to a chaotic and disjointed first day. We only began the first operative case after noon (with 40 operations scheduled). Last night we came home totally spent and somewhat discouraged. But, the Lord filled us with His peace and grace, and we realized that the ministry and love poured out by us and our fellow church workers on the people gathered to have their eyesight restored was worth all of the frustration that we experienced and the difficulties that we faced.
Today has been a vast improvement; we were able to perform more than 45 operations, rejoice with those whose eyesight had been restored yesterday, and iron out many of the issues which made our first day so difficult.
We have seen more suffering and deprivation in the population this time than ever before, and our hearts are saddened at what is taking place in Zimbabwe. But we will do all that we can to bring hope and joy to those who have eye needs. More than that, though, we want to bring Good News to many who need spiritual eyesight to be restored.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts as we continue to toil and work to bring hope to people here who have no hope. We will continue to keep you informed of our work here.
Until then, blessings upon you and yours.
Steve and Jane Beaty
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