Dear Friends;

We have now been in Zimbabwe for 1 week. The flights over were, thankfully, without any difficulties, although our transfer at Addis Abiba airport was quite stressful. We were surprised, but grateful, to see our luggage arrive when we landed in Bulawayo.

Steve started back immediately with consultations and teaching. He found that the advanced cataract teaching program has continued in his absence. The fourth group of young eye doctors are now being trained in that discipline. He was able to proctor and intervene in assisting a doctor who is already in practice, but who had traveled to Bulawayo to learn this skill. Jane has assisted twice this week in working up charitable folks who wanted to be seen.

Our first shipment containing the very valuable retina surgical machine and a host of supplies arrived this week. As we unpacked it, we found nothing broken or damaged. We are awaiting the second shipment which contains the operating microscope, autoclave and more supplies. Mater Dei Hospital, where we will have the surgical retina training, is installing air conditioning and other upgrades to outfit a first rate retinal surgical center and operating room exclusively for this discipline.

As we have seen in the past, we see the effects of a poor and shrinking economy because of poor governance and leadership. This is especially true in healthcare. Steve has had numerous requests asking to help in taking care of people with both medical and surgical needs who have no financial means. He has scheduled them to have free surgery, and needs prayer to use skill in their care.

Thank you again for continuing to uplift us in your prayers which we need. Evan though some days here are difficult, we are empowered to continue into what God has led us. We look forward to sharing more with you in these next few weeks

Steve and Jane Beaty

The photograph is of a lady who the doctors at the Richard Morris Eye Hospital showed me, and who asked me to teach them as I perform the procedure to resolve her problem.