Near a month post-mission 2010 and i am still haunted by an incidence that occurred in the pre-screening clinic in ecuador. When the fot team arrived on sunday for the screening clinic, where patients are selected by need to receive care, the team was received by a huge group with a great show of appreciation from the Ecuadorian people.
This felt good. Among the hordes of families and children was a woman with obvious facial deformities; she like the others was hopeful to receive care . The pleading in her eyes was unconcealed. I again encountered this particular woman hours later as she was leaving the hospital tearful and upset.
Unfortunately she, like others, would not receive care on the 2010 mission as time/care constraints exists for a mission of this nature. In her wake I was hit with a tangible force field of raw need; I was shocked at how powerfully I was affected.
The incident was sad beyond belief. In digesting this moment in time i have come to realize the positive aspect of this woman's need. In the light of need comes opportunity and possibilities. With possibility comes hope, the essential element of life that dwells within us all and keeps us facing daily challenges.
This is what Dr. Rubinsteins' efforts and Faces of Tomorrow provided--hope.
By the simple token of reaching out to another with the "possible", faces of tomorrow allowed this woman, and other families hope. True this tearful woman left the hospital with the same physical affliction but i feel she was forever changed by the spirit of hope that Brian and FOT lent her and so many others.
Hats off to brian and Stephanie and their forethought to steward those in need replenishing the flicker of hope in the face of privation. I applauded those who care enough to accept the challenge to replenish the "hope" that connects us all.
So there you have it Brian, blog or other wise, you are great in your own time and I, along with the world, say thanks.
Robin
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