We're Simple Minded Folks

Anyone reading our blog for the past few weeks has read about our involvement in the huge vision project here in Jordan.  The project was started about a year ago by the humanitarian couple, Brent and Margaret Strong who will be finishing their mission and going home in May.  They have put a lot of time and effort into it.  We have been in training to take it over when they leave.  We've spent a lot of time trying to understand the project and learning as much as we can.  It's not been easy for us to get our arms around the complicated project, probably because we're just a couple of simple minded old people from the Salem 9th Ward who know nothing about ophthalmology.

On Monday we had a chance to discuss diabetic retinopathy and the direction we're going with the specialists from Utah and the couples here in Jordan.  We appreciate the fact that we were able to express our views and insight.  It's our opinion that diabetic retinopathy (loss of vision) is a very important component of the epidemic of diabetes in Jordan.  We talked about sustainability and ways to get the Ministry of Health more involved with a major campaign addressing diabetes, similar to what has been done for immunizations in other countries.  We do know something about immunization campaigns!!  We will continue our discussions with the Strongs and make additional contacts in the Ministry of Health where we are hoping to identify a "champion" to carry this effort forward in a way that will bless the lives of the people here.