iCare Project 2010- Adelphi Jamaica

After my arrival in MoBay and after a day of sun bathing we began our humanitarian aid. Sunday afternoon we jumped on a bus and headed to a rural town named Adelphi. Home to some of the neediest and most welcoming people.We arrived knowing that we would have work to do, we knew we would have to set up the place and come up with some kind of traffic flow. Based on stories that we heard about the previous week in Whitehouse we were expecting the worst. By worst I mean riots, angry mobs, and upset people not getting served. Our minds were set to help as many people as possible but also knowing that not all people would get helped. Its one of those situations that you can prepare yourself for but until you experience it, you will never be prepared. 

So after spending a significant amount of time unpacking the equipment and organizing over 6000 pairs of prescription glasses we felt ready for the days ahead, boy oh boy if only we knew then how much we would be wishing we'd organized even more. 

The first day was exciting, I was anticipating the atmosphere and the energy from the group as well as the locals. As we pulled up to the Adelphi Church where our equipment was set up nervousness started to sink in as we approached the crowds awaiting our arrival. About 50 people braved the early morning to wait in line. most had to work later on in the day and were ready to be served. We quickly unloaded, said our "good mornings" and started. Things for the most part went smoothly, first the patients were sent to evaluation with the eye chart, then the refracor machine with Dr. Kurtis, then if need be they saw the other doctors who were doing more intense examinations. After getting a prescription they went to our lovely ophthalmologists Mehgan and Lindsey (and even Jody and I helped) to look up the prescription and then try and find a fit for the person. 

Now that seems easy right? WRONG! Only about every 6th person was happy with the first pair of glasses we gave them, most people wanted a different size, color, style and most of the time I couldn't blame them the glasses were not the best but when the line is getting built up, we are getting hungry tired and sweating like pigs and someone asked for another pair for the third time (that was s huge run on I know). At that point you give them the ultimatum and say "look, these are for free and you get three choices, pick one and move on!" It was hard to be that straight forward with these people but at the same time it was a must or we would not have been able to see as many people as we did.

One of my most memorable persons coming through was an adorable little old woman who just wanted to be able to see to read her bible and to read the prayers in church. She was happy with the first pair of bug eyed ugly reader glasses I gave her, she thanked me with her words but I could see the life changing moment I had given her and I could feel her appreciation.

So not only did I get the chance to play "ophthalmologist" but I was also able to play "nurse." A couple of the days there was an over flow of people who wanted to get their "sugars" and "pressures" checked. We only had two nurses, Mercy and Bonnie. Mercy was back with Dr. Rick so Bonnie and their non nurse friend Ellen were stationed in the nursing area together. They wanted some extra help and I was like well I know how to take blood sugars and blood pressures and so for two whole days plus a little of the time we were in Steer town on Friday, I was taking pressures, sugars and giving some life altering nutritional advice to people who were assuming I was a doctor or at least a nurse. It felt great to help people, to change their lives and in some cases give them more life then they would have had not knowing how at risk they are. We saw several people with high pressures and way too high sugar levels, some were referred to the local hospital while others just shrugged it off saying they could not afford it. 

Throughout the week, through all the ups and downs, the hard work in the heat, the sweat dripping off my body, the lack of water and food, the joys of helping and the sorrows of having to turn people away, I learned more about myself then I thought I could. I also made some life long friends from around the world and in a sense my heart, my humbleness, grew. I want to send a special thanks to Bonnie, Ellen, and Mercy for being there to talk to, to listen to me, to encurage and ensure me that no matter where life leads me I can also do good, I can always learn, and as long as I believe in what I am doing I will do great things. I also want to thank Brooke, Lindsey and Meghan for hanging out with me in the wee hours of the night, socializing at the bar and even spending some time at "cough" Margaritaville. You girls were great! Jody and Teresa I cant wait to see you in Ashland soon, I loved getting to know you (in more ways then I expected during a hot tub session). Lastly I want to thank the people of Adelphi Church and Pre school for providing us a place to help people, a place out of the crazyness caused by tropical storm Nicole, a place where we felt appriciated, wanted, and a huge thanks for the amazing meal you provided! 

I have many email address, phone numbers, and mailing addresses and I can only hope that my letters, pictures and packages arrive to you wonderful people! I will always have you in my hearts. Lickelmore Adelphi.... till next year I will miss you deeply!