12 Hours in London

I am grateful for a pretty good first flight. A smooth take off, a helpful crew, a medium dose of medication and earphones to drown out the crying children made it so I was able to sleep through most of the flight. Bryan didn't fair so well with a child spilling wine on him and being surrounded by a party crowd.

Also, the lady beside me didn't eat her salad from the inflight meal. Whatcha gonna do with that? She wasn't going take it so I asked if I could have it. Fresh fruits and vegetables are going to be a luxury very soon so I can't see it go to waste. We had talked about why I was travelling so she was glad to indulge me.

As we approached for landing, I was happy to have a great view of the city

The lady beside me on the plane had the best advice "Remember, look right before you cross the street. They drive on the other side of the road" Great reminder!

So the plan was to explore London with the 4 criteria 1-Take local transportation 2-Do something you can only do in that city. 3-Go to the highest point. 4- Eat local food.

Sarah was meeting with some family so she was splitting off from the group and Bryan decided that booking a day room and getting some sleep was the best use of his time.

That left Karen, Cathy, Jess and myself to head to downtown London to meet Cathy's brother-in-law who would be our guide. Please note....it's 2am our time(Geesh)

It was off on the Heathrow express train to Paddington Station.

(No sign of a man in a yellow hat) and then grabbed a cab to Buckingham Palace. 

It was a quick trip with passes by many landmarks like Hyde Park and Westminister Abbey.

Check #1-Something you can only do in that city-Buckingham Palace.

It was a majestic sight to see the palace appear before us. 

We were also blessed with the most glorious weather for the day. Clear blue sky, hot sun and about 23C. It was perfect.

The royal family is at Balmoral so we could actually tour inside the palace. It is an amazing to walk the hall of such a building. Surrounded by the history, the beauty but unlike other public museums or places of interest, also a family home. AS you look at the extended portrait of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and their children, you are aware that those children ran and played in these rooms. 

The state display was the dresses and gowns over the years. It was fun to see them live and I could remember some of them from events and news coverage. Although her wedding dress was very beautiful, the coronation gown is beyond description and I can't imagine how much it must weigh with the amount of beading that is on the skirt. 

Also fascinating was the throne room that I have seen in so many photos. To be standing there in person was surreal. And here was the opportunity to see fine works of art by Reubens, Worhol and the statue Mars & Venus.

After the tour we finished with a light lunch at the cafe. 

Check #2- Eat local food

Ice cream from the Windsor Dairy

In the park across from the palace we found the Canadian Memorial

and you could rent lawn chairs to relax in the park

Next was to Check #3- Get to the highest point.

So we headed across the city to the London Eye and Big Ben.

Crossing Westminister Bridge, I found this busker...on bagpipes!

Unforntunately, time killed that dream but we got to see them and then grabbed a cab back to the airport.

Check #4- Local transportation-Cabs and the express train.

Now back at the airport, we changed out of our day old clothes and felt refreshed to get through security. However, I might have got into a bit of a 'jam'. See I had purchased some small jams at the palace that I had been assured were fine to have on my carry-on. Apparently, they were wrong. I got "randomly" selected for a full body xray and had to explain my jams. Good news is the security lady was very kind and they don't have to through them out, they will ship them to me. PERFECT!

We then found out our flight is delayed so decided to have a nice dinner together. Well, we are in England so fish & chips it is. 

But I switched out my chips for one more salad.

We are now waiting as our flight to Johannesberg has been delayed. Feeling tired and will need to medicate to get through the next 11hr flight and cope with the travel of tomorrow but it was a great day!

The Launch

It's always an interesting feeling waking up knowing that you won't be going back to sleep in your bed. In this case any bed until Wedneday. It was a beautiful morning and there was nothing I wanted to do more than go for a ride on Pearl. It was delightful cruising along the river paths as the city woke up, I enjoyed the peacefulness of the morning to what I knew was going to be a busy and hectic day.

30kms later I made it back home and indulged myself in favourite foods. Brunch was bacon and eggs, and ice cream topping it off. It was so nice to have several texts and messages from friends and family wishing us well and safe travels

I was meeting the crew at the church for our drive to Toronto so I grabbed my bags and walked through the neighbourhood. They were packed and ready for us.

Driving our car was Jessie's mom, Joanne, who we discovered has been long time friends with an optician I work with at Sears Optical. It's a small world!

Arriving at the airport, we unloaded our bags and set about to find Bryan and Sara. 

Bryan was the last to arrive as his plane from Sudbury had been delayed. Apparently delayed due to his bag being WAY over weight and they almost didn't let him on the flight. 

Of course, we would end up having our own baggage challenges with having to shuffle bags, and re-pack and re-distribute weight to get them all boarded with us. Then the ticket agent advised that they may not be able to accommodate my flight needs for my migraines because the booking agent didn't forward them the information. A small discussion got me moved up to "wheel chair" class so that they could work with me and we were on our way. 

 

Surprisingly, sercurity went smoothly with all my electronics and medications and the auto-refractor. SO  we're off. First stop, London, UK for a 12hr lay over.

Leaving my beloved

The hardest part of any departure is leaving my beloved ferrets. I know most of the stories you hear of them are of the various trouble and annoyances that they bring to my life. But they bring much love and peace to my home as well, and tonight, with them gone, it's empty beyond understanding. 12lbs of fur can fill a lot of space in a 900sq' apartment.

They are in the good care of their god-parents the Vanderkooy crew who really enjoy the antics of the fuzzies and always promise that if anything should happen to me, they will be well cared for.

I trust them with their physicial and emotional care(there was the one incident of a remote controlled Harry Potter car........and the minimarshmellow air guns).

This afternoon, I dove them to their vacaation home in Waterloo. Only Theo was there to transfer care to, well Theo and their new cat Evie. No one is sure how Evie is going to adapt to her new cousins, but when they arrived, she came through the door. Stopped at the sight of the travel cage housing all 3 ferrets, sniffed, heard the shaking of bells and quickly bolted up stairs, That might be her best strategy, Molly is going to want to play.....agressively.

WE have built an extensive cage system for their housing but they still need to get out to run.

I worked with Theo on the setup and getting them settled, cuddled and with clear strict instuctions on their love care and emotional needs, I departed to my babies scratching at the cage, wanting to come with me. I hope they still love me after 3 weeks.

Coming home, it sad as there a stillness that reminds you that there is something missing. As much as I am going to enjoy my last night sleeping in my own bed, it's a little empty.

Next, my beloved Felix the Fiat was handed over to my friends Jen & Mike. They will use it well and will appreciate having an extra vehicle in their life.

And so, my last night has been busy but productive. One more sleep in my bed or any bed for 2 days until I land in Malawi,

Being Sent Forth

As tradition, this morning's church service was a commissioning and blessing of our team. It small think that carries a lot of weight.

You are called to the front of the congregation and asked to committ to the purpose and spirit of the outreach. It's your promise and understanding to what you are about to do.

The congregation then promises and commits to supporting you and praying for you throughout the whole time. They proudly sent you out to represent them and their caring and love to the world.

It is an awesome responsibilty. One that I never take lightly. They are trusting us with their money, their resources, thier hard work and their reputation. The OAC and OOA have entrusted us with the same committment and I take that responsibility just as seriously. 

It is overwhelming to stand before a group of people who have worked very hard to support you financially, spiritually and with many resources.

Today I accept these commisions, blessings and responsibilties with humble grace and a fierce heart to give all that I can.

I Promise to carry the names of New St James Presbyterian, Opticians Assocation of Canad and the Ontario Associate with dignoty and pride and a heart ready to serve. Thank you for your trust in letting me represent you.

With a Grateful Heart

Team Licensed Optician is going on this trip as part of the continuing outreach of New St James Presbyterian Church of London, ON. They built the Timvane Childeren's centre in Chipagala, Malawi 6yrs ago which now serves as a school for over 5000 children. They self-funded the project and have been very dedicated to following up and continuing the support. When I joined the team, I promised that the optical component would be self funded and not draw funds from the congregation. Our team co-ordinator Cathy was skeptical but said that if that didn't happen the church would find a way. She had nothing to worry about.

It was great that the OAC and OOA both stepped up first and connected us with many big donations from Plastics Plus, Loblaws, Centennial, Hoya and many others. But what always amazes me are the smaller donations from independent Opticians or businesses or just my wonderful circle of friends.

People like:

Karen Dallas, whose family, while mourning the loss of their father and grandfather, came together and asked that in leiu of flowers donations be made to our mission. Her father had worked in India and needed glasses his whole life-he would be proud to be helping others. Over $500.

Deborah Perry LO of Optika Electika in Saskatoon, SK who read about my mission trip to DR in 2014 and just decided to help out an unknown colleague. She has continued to support my outreach projects with beautiful glasses, cash donations and best wishes. She even inspired her courier driver who asked about the shipments to Ontario and when he heard what they were for, offered his own cash donation to help with luggage costs.

Frank Suen of Frame Barn who I met at a trade show, won his draw and ended up bringing in one of his frame lines to the dispensary I was working at. He didn't hesitate to donate 2 complete set of tools for Bryan and I for repairs and adjustments.

Kayla and Colin at Forest City Sports and Social Club, the place I'm always rushing to get to my curling game. They had left over soccer and volley balls that they loaded up and are now packed away ready to be played with again.

Rachel Hill of Personal Optical, Niagara Falls, ON. Like Deborah, Rachel donated beautiful frames that she cleared out from her store. It's just such a gift to be able to dispense beautiful stylish glasses to those who would never get to have such lovely things as only theirs. Usually having to settle for what is left over or over used.

The crew from SeaToSea2008. 8yrs ago we spent 9 weeks cycling across North America together. After a Facebook plea, 22 of them came forward to fund the purchase of 2 bicycles that our team can use then gift to some one. Transportation that will transform lives.

My team at FYI Doctors in St Thomas who graciously got us 2 symbol Snellen charts with flash cards to help with our assessments and communication.

My employers at Eyes On Richmond and Sears Optical who said "No Problem" when I said I needed 3 weeks off.

And all my friends and family who generously sent cheques and money. Cathy and the rest of the team have often commented that I have a lot of generous people in my life. They couldn't be more right.

Over the last few months, I have heard several times how proud and impressed people are that I am doing this project. But they are missing those that are sending me, supporting me, funding this. I couldn't be doing this without them. 

For all of this, I am truly grateful. THANK YOU.

Culling the Herd

I have a few pairs of glasses. More than a few. It's one of the perks and hazards of my profession. I like showing people that everyone has lots of options for beautiful glasses.

Some people think my collection is a little excessive.....that's OK. We live in a world where we all have more than a few things that are more than we need. Going to developing countries and into communities where most people live with so much less thna they need reminds me of this. It reminds me to be grateful for having everything I need on most days and often more than I want and wish for too.

I also take after my mother. I'm a sentimental pack rat. This adorable trait might have increased since my aquired brain injury(ABI) as I don't form long term memories any more so I often keep mementos hoping it will trigger thoughts from days past. That seems to be happening with my glasses too. I should have a policy that as I get a new pair that another pair be removed from the collection. Especially because when you have several pairs they are less worn and are in excellent condition for someone else. Also, I have a really good myopic single vision distance prescription that is easy to transfer to another person. But then I have a connection to those glasses......The ones I made for my final exam that I got 100% on, the ones that I wore to a friend's wedding, the ones I wore for my National exams, the ones I wore when I accepted an award, the ones I wore on a great cycling trip, the ones I wore as we said good bye to my friend's dear father.

But I know that there are other ways for me to keep these thoughts and even if I loose them it won't diminsh that time. What can make a better different is finding a new home, a new purpose, a new face for these glasses to help someone else. Maybe someone else will be able to pass an exam because they could see more clearly, see the world around them for the first time, enjoy a family celebration or see the directions they need to go. I selected these glasses because I loved how beautiful they were..and still are. It will be good to pass that beauty on and let some one else see there world more clearly with them.

It's good that we can fit people not with just left over donated glasses from 30yrs ago with scratched up lenses. But instead they will get these, Prada, Prodesign, OWP, Koali, FyshUK with Nikon lenses and good coatings. I look forward to that moment too.

Building The Team

When I first accepted this project, I had specific goals of what kind fo team I had hoped to take with me. Cathy Reid, who has been the main connection with the Malawian communities supported by New St James Church and has been to the area 5 time would be the head of our group. There would only be about 10 people allowed to go as our accommodations and transportation in Malawi was limited. 6 of those positions would be people from out of the congregation and then with me, I could have 3 other eye care professionals join us. Ideally, I had hoped for 1 Optometrist and 2 more Opticians and also, to get them from different areas of Ontario and Canada( if possible). Bryan Todd of Sudbury, ON joined the group and the 2 of us worked on recruiting the other half of our team. It was a lot of phone calls, persuading, emails, following leads. It was a tough pitch, asking people for 3 weeks of time, to cover about $4000 of personal expenses, to commit to fund-raising and gathering of donations, to going into primitive conditions with complete strangers. There were several voice on interest, several disappointed rejections and some "Are you crazy?" and in the end, it was just going to be Bryan and I as the experience trained professionals on the team.

Even the other spots from the congregation didn't all get filled with one person having to drop out just 8 weeks before we left due to some personal situations. But who we do have are a committed group of 6 who have been meeting through Skype and emails and dinner meetings for the last year.

Before we jumped in and spend 3 weeks 24/7 together we needed to spend a stretch of time figuring each other out. Also, we have 4 people who have never work with glasses before Cathy, Karen, Jess and Sara so they needed some training so that they can support Bryan and me.

A few months ago we all agree that we would have a practice clinic on a Saturday before we left, to train everyone, to test out the equipment that had been donated, to let Bryan and I practice with the new auto-refractors, to get to know each other and to organize our packing and donations.

Saturday, August 6 would be that day. We put out a call to our congregation to come and be our guinea pigs. I also posted it on Facebook calling my friends and family to come and help. 

The week leading up to the event was busy. Last minute details, making sure donations arrives. Paul Fabish and the team at Plastics Plus came through for us once again, even though they were in one of their busiest times, made sure they completed the last 300 glasses we needed. 

Deborah Perry, a wonderful Optician and a dear friend from Saskatoon, SK send another box of stunninly beautiful glasses and almost $300 in cash to support us.

Frank Suen and the gang at the Frame Barn rushed to get our tools and supplies shipped to us.

Peggy and Christina, 2 Opticians who had really wanted to be a part of the team but couldn't due to life situations said that they would gladly come and help. 

For Peggy, it meant dragging her husband out and giving up 2 days on a busy summer weekend.

Christina drove 6hrs each way from North Bay just to come and help our team pull it together. I am truly grateful for their kindness and generousity.

Both Bryan and I are a little sad they aren't flying out with us in a few weeks but know that in the future, we will be on a team with these delightful women.

Our work started Friday night when Bryan, myself, Cathy, Karen, Peggy and Tad sorted almost 2000 pairs of glasses into ziplock bags, organizing them by RX powers.

It took about 2hrs in 30 degree heat which was great to get us ready for the conditions we would be working in. We departed to get a good night's rest before a long day.

Saturday morning at 8am we were at the church and setting up. Although we had use of the whole gym, we decided to limit our space to a small 10X10 corner which was more like the largest area we would probably have when on site in Malawi. Deb, a lady from our church, dropped by to wish us luck and leave a container of fresh made chocolate chip cookies to get us through the day. Bryan asked if there was any way she could come to Malawi with us!

We all put on t-shirts supplied by the Opticians Association of Canada.

Cathy, Karen and Jess wore them with pride, like they had been welcomed to a new secret club. Several people commented on how amazing the shirts were and we are grateful to OAC for this donation and proud to do this project representing Licensed Opticians.

We had posted and told people that we would be running from 9am-12pm but sure enough my friend, Evan came early. I laugh and said,"He's just trying to prepare us as there will be people lined up and waiting for us when we go." We were ready to go at 9am sharp and we threw open the doors and welcomed the community. I was so grateful that so many people came to let us practice with them. From our congregation, my friends and family, people that I work with, their kids and friends.

We weren't running smoothly at first and had details to work out, the equipment needed some fine tuning, but they were patient,pleasant let us experiment and generous with donations as high as $200 being dropped off.

By the end of the clinic time, we felt good about what we had done. We felt prepared for what we needed to do and Cathy, Karen and Jess knew more about glasses than they had ever know.

We took a break and shared lunch together. In Malawi, we will be cooking most of our meals together with ingredients from local markets. I specifically chose to have a lunch that we needed to put together ourselves. Nothing fancy, buns, cold cuts, cheese, chips but things that got us working together and making decisions.

As we sat down I looked around and realized it might be the best and fanciest meal we do as a team.

After lunch, some real work began. We haulled all the donated goods and products down to the gym with the suitcases to get packed. We are allowed 2 large suitcases each at 23kg. If it is over it can be up to 32kg for $100 extra. If we take more than 2 suitcases, each additional one is 23kg at $242. SO our best use of donations is to pack the 12 suitcases( 2 X 6 team members) to the max 32kg first. Each of us have agreed to only use 1/2 a suitcase for personal. We also need to make sure that the most important items are in the first 12 bags. 

Glasses and Medical supplies came first. Including 2000 eye glass cases that had been had sewn over the last few months by people at our church.

But we also had school supplies, menstration kits, and beautiful dolls, blankets and poncho and soccer balls.

You may think that poncho and dolls don't seem like priorities. But understand, first people have spent HOURS of time making these things. Because of that, time and materials donated, means that these beautiful things have been put together in a cost effective way and are much more durable and beautiful than anything we could purchase in Malawi. Also, these are things that are not readily available to children in the villages of Malawi. This might be the ONLY toy they ever get. The ONLY warm piece of clothing. Even if you give them school supplies, sometimes they can't afford to use them, or never learn how, or they get sold but everyone can use a soccer ball, get comfort from hugging their doll. Hope, happiness and kindness are necessities.

And so we selected the best and biggest bags that we had been given and expanded them as much as we could and packed and stuffed every knook.

Bryan and Christina thought I was crazy. "Don't be ridiculous. I can still squish this corner, give me something else to put in." Bryan was worried about every zipper as I pulled and kneed it closed. Christina wants me to pack for every camping trip she goes on!

Peggy worked to finish labeling the last of the glasses.

And as every bag closed we weighed to make sure we got to the max weight for our money.

We worked in the heat much like we would in Malawi, without much complaint and with wonderful teasing and co-operation.

By 5pm we were ready for dinner and we sat down to discuss final details of what needed to be done in the next 3 weeks. What did we need for money? What currencies? How would we spend our 12hr layover in London, UK? Laughing, joking, teasing and preparing.

Rev Andrew Reid, the pastor at New St James was amazed. As he said later, you would never have know that these people had never met each other before. 24 hrs later they were friends and colleagues-a team.

I feel really good about all that happened this weekend. I am eternally thankful for all the donors who rushed to meet this deadline. I am truly grateful for eveyone who gave up their time to let us train and come together as a team. We are ready to serve the communities in Malawi.