Jan 24 7:45 AM (VIETNAM) EYEGLASSES- QUANG PHU & HUONG VAN COMMUNES

I anticipated that Monday would be a busy day and wasn't disappointed. I will divide the blog detailing our eyeglass program to make things easier to follow. This post will involve the 210 school kids that received their new glasses, while the next will focus on the 200 pairs of reading glasses provided by Copper River Basin Lions Club (Alaska). 

 Khanh picked me up at 7 AM, after which we worked our way through Hue traffic, into the countryside, and to Quang Phu and Huong Van Schools. At both locations, we were greeted warmly.

With Khanh and Quang Phu School Officials

 


On arrival at Quang Phu the ceremony preceding the school day was about to begin. Pretty impressive.

Quang Phu School




                                                     Quang Phu School

Then we set to work distributing 210 pairs of eyeglasses with Quang Phu in the morning and Huong Van in the afternoon.


With the children waiting on their new glasses, there was no time wasted in getting started.  Dr. Trien, the optometrist, and his staff were set up and ready to go. As I handed each child his/her glasses, Dr. Trien would perform an eye-chart test to ensure that the lenses were accurate to the prescription.

Receiving New Glasses

Confirmation Eye Chart Exam

Smiles Abound


What a Cutie


Precious Children

 

 

 


 
With student, Dr. Trien, and Khanh


 

If there was any doubt as to accuracy, Dr. Trien would perform another exam and, if necessary, have a new pair of glasses produced. I was thoroughly impressed with his professionalism and patience with the children.


 



This girl couldn't make it to the original screening and exams, so Dr. Trien's staff dropped everything to accommodate her. The little child is battling cancer and my heart went out to her. Her mother stands behind her.


 

 

 

She Selected Her Glasses Frame

The lady standing beside the little girl is an official in the Vietnam Women's Union, which represents and defends the legal and legitimate rights of women in Vietnam. Founded in 1930, the highest body of the the union is the National Women's Congress.

With Students, Khanh, and a Representative from Vietnam Women's Union

Recess at Quang Phu School

                                                                Interview with Student

Between Quang Phu School in the morning and Huong Van School in the afternoon, a delicious lunch was enjoyed at Khanh's house.

Lunch with Khanh, wife Trang, and Sisters in Law
 

This post is heavy with photos and videos, but they tell the story better than I.  Chomping at the bit, I'm ready to get this post live. Heartfelt thanks to everyone whose contributions make it all possible. We're helping, healing, and making a difference. And that's what it's all about.💗

 

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. – Pericles

 


 

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