Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Nana did not stop the Hands for Peacemaking staff from this one last mission on Thursday: Distributing eyeglasses to the village.
“The rain started when we were doing the eye clinics,” Marco reported from Esperancita Yulmacap. “God gave us three beautiful days to install the stoves and water filters. We are on our way to Barillas.”
The distribution of eyeglasses is always one of my favorite times in the village. Glasses are first organized by strength on tables, then the villagers are invited to come forth and try on a pair or two until they find one that meets their vision needs (and sometimes fashion preferences). If the villager can read, he or she is provided with a Bible or other book to read from as a way of finding that precise pair; if she or he is a non-reader then they can use a needle and thread as a vision check. It’s so gratifying to see a villager walk away with a big smile from being able to see up-close cleaerly for maybe the first time.
The team made a quick lunch stop then made it safely back to Barillas, happy to be home and completed a good week’s work in the village. Before he left, Marco took the time to check in on one homeowner who is already using her new stove. She said a few words of thanks as she cooked her tortillas, as seen on this video:
The school principal also offered his thanks, as did many others as the team left the village. I’d like to personally thank all of the Hands for Peacemaking staff for doing such a magnificent job on behalf of Marine View Presbyterian Church (and to those who donated through the Old Goat Challenge). Together we’ve all made a tremendous, lasting difference in the more than 700 people living in this community so far away.
Hopefully, prayerfully, we can resume normal operations next year and send teams from Washington state again. But it is gratifying to know that we can still share our support and love for others in need – even if we don’t get to meet them in person – through this caring international program.
If you might be interested in helping a village (in person or virtually) please visit the Hands for Peacemaking website to get started.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these posts, and thanks again for all of your love and support for these villagers. It’s been my honor to share with you.
I am so glad to see that eye glasses were given to villagers. Thanks to all who helped this village receive their stoves.
Very thankful for your installation of the stoves and water filter devices and for the eyeglasses and that rains were not too much of a problem. Fred
Thanks so much for the updates and the great personal videos to show the progress and the community.
Great Job, God bless Brian, Marco and the Guatemalan team for the efforts in helping the village of Esperancita Yumalcap. Thank you for the update
Paul and Maria Tracy