We were able to blog about Sat, Sun & Mon last night, although it took 4hours to do so due to a slow WIFI connection (1MB/S). We are on Clinic Day 7 Wednesday; however, the blog for Day 6 will go up tonight. Today, Wed, we started with a cheer by the Italians, it went "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, One Sight." Our music began with the 70's then went to Electronica by Dave London & Filthy Rich to Hip Hop by Kanye West...very ecclectic. We are expected to see 2000 recipients today. The weather is 40F (5C)...BRRR, everyone is bundled up. At least it isn't raining anymore. More to follow tonight!

Clinic Day 5 cont'd

Approx 1800 patients were seen today Monday, June 22! Even though it rained for the whole day, it did not deter us from our mission, nor did it discourage the Paraguayans from venturing out. Our Team has become a family.

“Every day is a self-realization journey. How different our lives are in the US. When I see the little kids and the innocent looks and how they smile when they receive a small piece of candy or sticker, it makes me wonder. The little things that we take for granted are yes so important to the people here. As much as we are infatuated with technology and material things, they are still embracing their human nature, this is what makes this mission memorable.” Dr Tanaz Mohammadi, LC, Annaheim, CA

“Today we examined this 4 yr-old girl. She was born prematurely and her maculus (the most sensitive part of her vision) did not develop properly. She had some peripheral vision in her right eye but mad eye-jerking movements (nystagmus) to help her see more clearly. She was quite near-sighted, so we gave her some glasses to help. Her smile lit up the room when we put them on her face. She started looking around the large room and said to her mother, ‘Mom, I can see good!’ So you see her hear in this picture, looking to the side to look at the camera. She wasn’t quite sure of the flashing object. It is amazing to see a child’s posture and behavior change instantly when they can see more clearly with glasses.” Dr Karri Buresh, LC, Salt Lake City, UT

“This is my first ever mission trip and I don’t think that I truly realize what a great experience this would be. Not only are we able to provide care to all these people who may have gone without, but in the process I have been able to meet so many outstanding people. I am so amazed at how complete strangers are so quickly able to become like a family in such a short amount of time. I don’t want this experience to end, I truly feel blessed.” Dr. Jeff Harter, St. Louis. MO

Sunday, June 21st, Father's Day.

"It's Father's Day and as a father myself, I spent this rainy, relaxing day, looking at the photos sent to me by my family. Though the weather is a little chilly, it's warming to be reminded of what awaits me back at home. Thanks for the pics. Love you guys." James Shepard, LC, Denver, CO

On Sunday evening, we held our Silent Auction, which was a HUGE success!! We raised over $2500!! We all enjoyed trying to outbid each other and in the end an all expense trip from (your city) to Tampa, Florida, was the highest bid item, $565. The authentic Italian Soccer Jersey was a huge hit as well. We topped the night off with a live auction of the highly sought after OneSight Paraguay Crystal, which David Stotz, AVP SGH, won. It will look great in his office at the CSC.

As promised, here is a recap of our Saturday adventure. Our hosts took us to an Ecological Park, Mbatovi. What we thought would be a leisurely walk in the park turned out to be an action-packed, adrenalined-rush trek through the forest. See for yourself, www.mbatovi.com.py

After being fitted by Alpine-Certified Climbing Gear, complete with an harness, carabiner, rope and helmets, we hiked over 1km. There were 3 rope bridges, a zipline and rapelling involved. All the team members encouraged each other and were able to traverse all the obstacles. Words cannot describe the experiences, so here are some photographs.

"What a great adventure our day off was. I conquered two personal fears: Zipline and Repelling. I would have never been able to do it if it was not for everyone's encouragement and support. What a Great Team!" Glenna Palladino, LC, Middletown, CT

It rained for nearly 24 hours and we lost our WIFI at the hotel. The blog was not updated last night. As soon as we are able to, it will be updated. Yesterday, Clinic Day 5, we saw 1760 recipients!!

Clinic Day 5 It's Monday morning and we are back in Piribebuy for another day of clinic. Melissa Stanridge will be our Mission Manager for the remainder of the week. Over the weekend, our Lions Club Hosts took us to an Ecological Preservation Park, for a day of Hiking, Zip Lining, Cable Bridge Crossing and Rapelling. Pictures and stories from that day will follow. Today it began raining hard, hundreds of Paraguayans ventured out in the rain and are in good spirits. In the morning, these blogs are texted in. More stories and photos will follow tonight!

Clinic Day 4 cont'd

"Heute bin ich an der Reihe einige Worte ueber unsere Mission zu schreiben. Aber geht das nur "eingige Worte" ueber meine Eindruecke zu schreiben? NEIN!Man kann nicht beschreiben was in einem vergeht, wenn man mit dem Bus vor dem Klinikgelaende vorfaehrt und 1000 Menschen klatschen!! Das ist ueberwaltigend! Danke das ich an dieser Erfahrung teihaben darf! Danke fuer viele neue Freunde! Danke OneSight!" Michael Heinz, Mannheim, Deutscheland

"Ciao a tutti! Qui sta andando tutto molto bene, L'esperienza e' bellissima ed e' incredibile quanta gente riusciamo ad aiutare, i loro sorrisi a danno l'energia per affrontare queste giornate di duro lavoro. Un saluto speciale al centro di reciclaggio di Agordo." Sonia Brancher, Agordo, Italia

"Onesight Paraguay Mission has been such an amazing experience for me so far. Everyone here and in our team are so friendly. I was actually overwhelmed the first day of clinic seeing the number of patients waiting, but we diligently worked together & I was amazed how fast we were. I was surprised we saw over a thousand patients in about 4 hours! This is definitely an experience of a lifetime!" Dr Tina Do, Huntington Bch, California

1847! Incredibly enough, today was even smoother than yesterday. We ended up seeing over 1847 recipients today. What an amazing feat! There are so many stories and photos, I wish I could show them all here.

One that stands out is about a 9 month old boy with extreme strabismus, and was very shy. Dr. Karri Burresh was able to successfully use her skills to determine that he was a +5.00 hyperope. We were fortunate enough to have found a pair of glasses a team member brought with them, that were small enough to fit him. This was meant to be. When the glasses were put on him, his small face lit up, possibly seeing things clearly for the first time.

We all wish the weekend to quickly be over so we can continue our clinic on Monday. Thanks to everyone who has been following this blog, words cannot describe feelings that we have each and everyday when we read the messages that have been left. Please continue to do so and share the word to others to sign up and follow.