ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS THINK AND THEY WILL GROW

We started this project on Canada Day, it feels easy to appreciate Canada looking through the prism of this trip. I am proud to live in a country that celebrates diversity in all aspects: this team comes from all different ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds and ages-in fact, 2 team members are over 70 and 5 are under 18. 

I am also proud that as Canadians we recognize the importance of respecting all humanity, and of protecting equal rights for all.  There are 6 doctors on this team, and I am the only man. The leader of this project-Dr. Marina Roma March (one of my personal heros) is a global example of what strong, compassionate women can do when placed in leadership positions.  I’m proud that our team can be progressive role models for people in areas of the world that don’t enjoy the type of equality that we do. 

On previous TWECS trips I have always been amazed by our “magic box” of glasses and low vision devices- all of the things we have packed up over the months leading up to this trip seem to be magically just what we need in the moment:

This woman was 12 years old when she last had glasses- she fell and they broke and she has never been able to replace them. Her prescription is -18.00. How could we possibly have the correct thing for her?!  It must be magic. Or God. Or the Universe, or spirit, or whatever you call it. 

The look on this woman’s face when she finally put on this pair of glasses will stay with me for the rest of my life. This is a young optometrist Elizabeth who worked with her, and I hope this moment inspires her to have a lifetime of giving. 

This legally blind 17 year old girl has been struggling with her whole life, defined by her blindness.  We were able to provide her with some high-end North American devices that I hope will change and empower her life going forward. She has nystagmus, and is very uncomfortable and light sensitive and she was so happy with the simple sunglasses we gave her (they were very fashionable and were pink) that she essentially glossed over the much more significant low vision devices that may have a bigger impact on her life in the long run.  It’s a reminder that everyone wants to look good, and this blind girl in Canto Grande was feeling her look in these sunglasses. She insisted I take a picture of us on my phone (not even hers):

It is a privilege to be able to work beside Marina and Derrick as they continue to change the world with their dedication and hard work. 

An idea I love and often think of comes from Mr. Rogers:

“Did you ever grow anything in the garden of your mind?  You can grow ideas in the garden of your mind.  All you have to do is think and they will grow”

This trip is fertilizing the garden of my mind and warming my heart at the same time. 

Dr. Brad McDougall, Vancouver BC