We're Nuts and a Little Crazy

A couple of team members have asked me over the last few days why we do this? Why do we put months of effort into setting up eye projects like this in Third World countries year after year.   I've tried to explain but I don't think I did a good job of it. Some of you back home probably already know the answer "we are totally nuts and crazy. No reasonable person would do this." Well that's partially true... what's wrong with being a little crazy!
Marina and I began volunteering overseas 15 years ago.  Every year since then has involved a few weeks of charitable giving in the form of eyeglasses and professional services to some of the planet's poorest inhabitants. Yes it would have been easier to write a cheque to an international charity and let them do the work, but we were young and full of vinegar and wanted to know how it felt to do the labor ourselves; to reach out in kindness to a real person you can touch.  And along the way we have encouraged others to join us and they did so gladly. Here we are 10,000 kms away from home, with 20 other Canadians in the Philippines with the simple goal of changing a few people's lives, theirs and ours. Today I remembered why I do this.

Your hot and sticky all over, you smile at everyone and everyone smiles back and gently thanks you for your kindness and it feels good.  It's now late in the day and your thinking about finishing early and going home to a dribble of a shower and a decent supper and damn didn't Marina just push through registration another 85 people. Well I guess I'm going to have to suck it up and try not think about it and push on, it's why we are here. Do the best you can for those you see. 10 or 20 thank yous later you meet him.  A shy timid boy of 15 who you try to do your best for. You pick out a pair of +5.75s, crap it's not even close,  he's a +10.50 OU and there's nothing else there.  Oh well, you've no choice, you straighten the nose pads to fit his bridge, align the temples and place it gently on his face as you turn to the interpreter to try and explain to her that it's the best we got.  It's then you see him lift his head high and look all around... as tears well up in his eyes and start to fall, the interpreter you depend on is speechless and now starting to cry. And you are thunderstruck as you watch, because you can't help it. HE CAN SEE, not perfectly but a whole lot better than before.  For the first time in his 15 years, the world has dramatically changed forever for him and you had a small part in it. 

As the lump gets stuck in your throat you realize all of today was worth it, you forget your sticky wet back and the sore tired feet.   Then as he shakes your hand and quietly walks away held close by his friend who led him to the clinic, you wish you could thank that donor back in Canada, who ever you are, thanks for taking the time to give your glasses to us, and all the volunteers who got those glasses over here.  I really appreciate all of you. Thank you.

Derrick March
TWECS team member