It is hard to understand the impact of the Eye Care Mission, not only the patients we see, but also on the volunteers who serve. When we arrive at the work site each day, we find long lines of people waiting in the sun. Some have come from remote villages, high in the mountains, on foot, on the backs of pick up trucks and crammed into overcrowded buses. Many have ridden or walked for hours. But they greet us with joy, gratitude and respect. Most will spend the entire day waiting in lines to be evaluated, examined, tested, and assigned to surgery or fitted for glasses. Many are very old and worn from the hard work of surviving. The young escort and help the old. One 8 year old walked his limping grandmother from station to station, holding her hand, gently explaining to her what she should do, soothing her, We, the volunteers are touched by the scene that unfolds each day. The patients never complain. They are full of gratitude and hug us, thank us, and bless us. But we are the ones who are grateful for this opportunity to serve others and to renew our faith in the good of mankind.

For seven years I have participated in Eye Care International working, for the most part, at Station 3, Near Vision Acuity. In this capacity I often get an opportunity to shake the hands of the patients as they come forward for the test. Unlike the soft hands of suburban Americans, these hands are rough and calloused. They are the hands of hard-working people who toil in fields and kitchens all day. Their vision has suffered from exposure to the intense Salvadoran sun and to smoke-filled rooms. They come seeking help because, as so many of them tell me, they can no longer read their Bible, perhaps the only book in their house. They come humbly and gratefully, excited by the chance to see better. It is such a privilege to interact with these beautiful people.

The wonderful camaraderie among the volunteers is another reason why I continue my involvement with Eye Care International. Despite the long days in the heat, we work together to serve the hundreds of patients who come through the gate. It is always a “We’re in this together” mentality and our interactions are based on courtesy and respect. So we look forward to seeing each other year after year. For me, it’s the toughest, most wonderful summer camp I’ve ever experienced.

I had an opportunity to volunteer at Eye Care International a couple of times. It is difficult to describe the feeling when serving our brothers and sisters. It was spiritual, gratifying, and fulfilling knowing that we made a difference in someone’s life. I am very grateful to Eye Care International for leading this important mission and hope to continue volunteering in the future.

I also loved the social camaraderie. I met interesting people and developed lifelong friendships with other members of Eye Care International as well as local volunteers.