Dr. Saif is a man that I deeply, deeply respect. He is the head of the school of Opthamology at Cairo University. He is devout Muslim who is constatnly seeking to do what is right as well as to serve others, especially those who cannot afford eye care. He spends at least 40% (my own guesstimate) of his time checking the eyes for those who cannot afford it. He often will see a patient and learn that they cannot afford the medicine, eye glasses, or surgery that he prescribes. Instead of telling them good-luck with a pat on the shoulder, he absorbs the cost himself so that all that come to him can have proper eye care.
For over 40 years he has traveled to the poor areas of Egypt and with other doctors he exams hundred of people per visit, pays for their surgeries, and at times glasses. All of these visits are on his or his son's dime (not to mention time, which is the most valuable commodity).
Currently there is a rampant endemic of trachoma in Egypt. Years ago Dr. Saif engineered a solution that helps eliminate this disease from the person who uses the eye drops. Trachoma in many places has now been erradicated. Dr. Saif is well known in Egypt. He is respected and revered amonst many, many people, including myself. His son is now a wit behind him.
Yassir Saif graduated from Cairo University in Opthamology and is now an Associate Professor there. He spends a great deal of his time replicating what his father has done and expanding it into other parts of Egypt. I've watched hime examine hundreds of people at a time and he has a very calm, even ability to deal with the tempers, bad attitudes, and chaos that sometimes ensues in these charitable outreaches. I will never forget watching patients hug him and kiss him and the doctors that perform these charitable outreaches.
Dr. Ahmed Hathoot is another doctor that I have spent considerable time with. He has a wonderful love for life. He is constantly smiling and laughing with his employees, partners, and patients. Last week he invited me to dinner and it was a delight to be with his family. Dr. Hathoot knows when to joke around, but he also knows when to roll up his sleeves and go to work. This morning when I opened up my email I had a long email from him, I looked at the time and it was sent at 3 am! He had stayed up until 3 am to finish surgeries of patients who needed them! Dr. Hathoot often will sacrifice many sleepless nights to care for those who need surgery or certain eye care.
I have come to love these three doctors and will be very sad when I have to say goodbye to them, but I am grateful that I know them and that I can call them my friends. I look forward to the time when I can come back to Egypt to visit and serve alongside them again. I also look forward to the time when they come and see me in Utah.
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2 comments:
It's been neat to read all your posts. You really are having an amazing and life changing experience over there. I am so proud of you for doing this Caleb. It made me so sad to read about the "walls" around the poverty stricken people. I would like to know the answer to why they are there too. Wow, and what wonderful people you are meeting and spending your time with. It's neat to know that there are people like that, willing to give of their time and money, all around the world. Thanks so much for sharing.
Jami: It has been wonderful. I feel very blessed. Months ago I felt strongly about this trip and I am now beginning to understand why. Thanks for your support.
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