Reflecting back on our trip to Ethiopia this past April conjures up many thoughts and emotions for me. Many of these thoughts and emotions revolve around the truths and the realities of what the children whom we served face each day. Truths and realities that we most likely will never have to face. Truths and realities that humbled me and emphasized the importance of the work that Medan is doing.
A few of these truths and realities that come to mind…
Hearing the story of a student who lost a parent to a health condition that would be easily treated in a well resourced country was heartbreaking. Then hearing her share how she wants to be a nurse or a doctor someday so she can help others was inspiring.
Meeting students who themselves have health conditions that could have and would have been readily treated had they lived in a country with better access to healthcare. Then recognizing that some of these children are beyond a point of intervention, as it would likely be too invasive and potentially cause more harm than good at the current stage of their condition. And yet, despite their circumstances, these same children are so full of joy.
Talking with the mother of a student who was unaware that her child even had poor vision because her daughter never had the opportunity to receive a vision screening. Then seeing this mother cry tears of joy because she knew her daughter would receive the vision care and interventions she needed.
Witnessing how Medan has regrouped, prioritized, and persevered through ever-changing challenges due to COVID, resource availability, and supply chain issues — yet never wavering from their mission and purpose. They have diligently, thoughtfully, and sacrificially worked through each obstacle and project with the mindset of ‘how can we continue to adequately care for these students in a way that will improve their health and quality of life despite these challenges.’
What a joy and what a blessing it was for me to play a small role in this process. To see the hope on the mothers faces when they were told that their child would receive the medicine, the physical therapy, the vision care, the diagnostic testing, the referral to a specialist to further evaluate and treat their child — it was overwhelming. A parent’s desire for wholeness and wellness for their child transcends ALL cultures. That is Medan’s desire, too.
These are a few of the lives that have been changed due to the work of Medan. Despite the truths and the realities, there is so much hope.
Lauren Bowlby, RN
August, 2023