In October 2005, I went on my first mission trip to Ukraine. I had been asked as an Ophthalmologist assistant to go and help with eye exams and I was both nervous and excited but thrilled to be going.

Our team of six ventured out every day to one or two orphanages where the children were cooperative, incredibly smart, appreciative, and yet so in need of simple things like glasses. They won my heart from day one and even before I left I knew I couldn’t get back soon enough.

We worked with the Ukrainian Ophthalmologist refracting the children, fitting about 100 children for frames so the prescription could be filled in the US. The Lion’s Club provided recycled glasses that were like new, and could be used when the prescriptions matched up.

It was so wonderful to put trial frames on children who were farsighted (myopic) and see their expression. It made me so grateful that I came and so thankful to God that I could help. I left knowing that Ukraine Children’s Project staff would get the glasses to the children.

Little did I know that I would get to return and help give out the glasses to the children myself! I never dreamed I would get back so soon. Ukraine had taken such a huge place in my heart; I just wanted to share with my teenage sons the experience that I had. In December three of us returned with another team and I had a privilege to go back to some of the orphanages and give out the glasses.

We also held reading glass clinics for the communities surrounding the orphanages and the workers. There were over 500 pairs of reading glasses given out. It was a great opportunity to share the love of Christ and help so many adults.

It was such a blessing to see some of the same children again! My sons loved going and meeting the children and sharing the Christmas story with them. They loved the people they met. Our host family and interpreters were incredible; they made our experience there such an excellent one. They performed an invaluable task helping us communicate with the children and the medical staffs in all the orphanages. They became a part of our team. We couldn’t have done it without them.

I can’t wait to return with the whole ophthalmic team. My prayers are for the kids and Ukraine Children’s Project for making all of this possible. My heart is still there and I think daily about the children, the staff, the interpreters, and the country. As I have told many people we might have helped some children and adults but my heart will never be the same.