My response to Mr. Shuman:

Wow. I made three trips to Guaymas in Sonora, Mexico: (1) with the VOSH group (Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity). Each volunteer had two suitcases, one filled with eyeglasses (extras were left for next time); (2) helping build an orphanage, after traveling (5 drivers, 10 others) on a school bus loaded with donations; (3) helping drive a decommissioned ambulance donated to the Mexican Rotary Club. This trip was with Doug Berney – remember him? He was featured on the The Alpena News front page after the Alpena County Fair a few years back, his corn dog trailer by the grandstand and sales supporting mission trips. This trip began Dec. 26 and ended Feb. 28.

Daily we boarded a donated bus to a different town with nearby country people, arranging chairs, tables, glasses, sunglasses, and assisting doctors. One doctor showed me a woman with calluses on her eyeballs from sun exposure. Many farmers had stigmatism from this problem. We distributed Spanish Bibles.

Before the second VOSH group, I stayed with missionaries building an orphanage. Many people had no electricity – I recall laundry draped on barbed wire fences, skinny cattle, “fences” created from desert brush, a dentist’s “chair” outside. I divvied up 50# bags of pantry commodities and organized donations on the missionaries’ whole second floor. Groups came from the States or Canada to build or distribute items. One Mexican lady yelled, “We need underwear!” My cousin, others sewed washable sanitary napkins for women. A funeral with an open casket sat on the porch. Desert houses lacking foundations flood. Snakes, tarantulas and other critters enter. Yet the Mexicans are a happy people, grateful for everything. Team members came away with new attitudes, truly grateful for the experience. Belize may have many similarities.

Mr. Shuman, I have no words.

DONNA HANSON,

Spruce