As I reflect on our recent trip to Ethiopia, there are so many images and emotions that come to my mind. I can picture moments from our trip that capture both the joy and the heartache of our experiences there. So many images to process, and yet I keep coming back to one in particular.
The kids at RAEY school loved to give us high fives, and we loved to give them back! This simple gesture was an instant way to connect with the kids and break down barriers. The images of these high fives and connections with each child have really stuck with me. The smiles exchanged and the recognition of each individual relationship that was formed with each child was beautiful.
Since returning home, I have thought about the symbolism of this gesture – the two hands coming together – from those of us who have so much to those who have so little. The two hands meeting in the middle, on equal ground, and forming a bridge. I realized that this is what we are doing through the work of Medan – we are building a bridge between ourselves and these precious children in Ethiopia. Our initial trip has laid the foundation for this bridge, but it is only the beginning. There is a lot of work to be done, but we are now better able to visualize what this bridge will look like – and I can tell you, it is beautiful!
Jim Lynch, O.D.
July, 2023