Candice "Dora" Allen

In Nicaragua, I worked with the medical clinic. We were able to provide prescriptions, education, and most importantly, the love of Christ. One of the most frequent complaints was pain - like headaches, stomach aches, and joint pain. This was extremely humbling because as Americans, we can treat these pains rather quickly with over the counter medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. However, where we were in the mountains of Nicaragua, generally people do not have the means or the access to these medications. And with english labels on the meds we distributed, education played a big role since many patients were unfamiliar with dosing.

Although health and education were very important, the top priority in this clinic was to show the love of Christ. I had the opportunity to pray with many of my patients. And through tears, smiles, and many replies of "GRACIAS," it seemed that many people valued prayer the most. While it was a little overwhelming to see some of the contrasts between life in America and life in Nicaragua, one thing remains the same - we both need the love of Christ more than anything. Praise the Lord for the love our Saviour.

Grant "Rambo" Allen

I was grateful to meet the man in this photo. He reminded me so much of my grandfather, Buck. He had his cowboy hat goin. He had the thin line mustache. The cowboy boots. The personality. The whole 9 yards. Its hard to express how humbling it can be to lay it on the line for a few days on a foreign field with your friends and for the Kingdom. No doubt some of the best moments of my life were spent on this trip in the mountains of Nicaragua. You set out to be a blessing others and before its all said and done your heart is the one blessed. Our theme on this mission went a little something like this - "You are our letter, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God" (IICor 3:3). And I love this because when the Spirit of God comes on the scene, the idea of bringing physical vision turns into one of bringing eternal vision ...in the blink of an eye.

Seth "Numbers" Perry

As one of the few team members without a medical background, I was unsure of the role God wanted to me play on this trip.  I knew He had a plan for me but still I was anxious to know.  However, I definitely was sure if I came to Nicaragua eager to serve its people and bring glory to God, then it would be an amazing trip.  And it certainly was!!  I was able to be the team's statistician, which was perfect for me.  I was able to support the rest of the team as they were able to treat nearly 2,000 patients!  I truly feel like we were able to make a positive impact on the people of Nicaragua and I only wish we could do more. Also, seeing the way everyone worked together was truly amazing.  The team was definitely made of a great group of people and I felt like I made some new friends.  Additionally, getting to work with Corner of Love was an amazing privilege.  They have a wonderful organization and made this trip so enjoyable for all of us.  Overall, this was definitely a trip I will never forget and am so thankful I was able to be a part of it.

Alberto "el guapo" aka "shep" Sanchez

Wow! 1880 patients treated! everytime I think about the trip, I remember how much of a good time I had. I made great friends, and had wonderful experiences. It was def a memorable event. I cant believe that the help we offered went such a long way. The trip taught me that we should love others just like Christ loves us, and that he is what matters in life, not things like the coolest car or mansion or gucci hand bag.

The Stats!

Dates:  July 21-27, 2012
Team Members:  19
Sponsored by:  Nova Southeastern University's Fellowship of Christian Optometrists
International Organization:  www.corneroflove.org
# of medical and optometry exams:  664
# of eye exams:  495
# of patients treated:  1,880
Glasses dispensed:  384
Meds dispensed:  4,061
Hygiene and other donated items dispensed:  4,829
Clothes donated:  520