Do you know that feeling when all the cogs in a machine slot together perfectly? When everyone is in the right place, everything flows and, almost without realising it, something extraordinary happens.
That’s exactly how our expedition to Guinea-Bissau went.
389 operations. 389 people regaining their sight. But behind this figure lies something that doesn’t appear in any statistics: a team that has been nothing short of magical.
The hospital, the team from Kumpu, our volunteers from Casa Emmanuel and the whole team from the Elena Barraquer Foundation. Different people, with different stories, different ages and very different responsibilities, but all pulling in the same direction. With professionalism, generosity, commitment and, above all, a great atmosphere that’s hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it yourself.
Because an expedition isn’t just about performing operations. It’s about trusting those by your side, lending a hand without being asked, laughing when fatigue sets in, celebrating small achievements and feeling that you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.
It doesn’t matter where you come from, how old you are or what role you play. When we share a common purpose, differences cease to matter. We’re a team. We’re one.
And even the weather decided to put this whole operation to the test. Bad weather forced us to stay in Lisbon for two more days. What could have been a setback ended up being a gift: two extra days to spend together, laugh and enjoy the company of people with whom you always want to stay just a little bit longer.
We’re heading home with 389 operations under our belts, yes. But also with hugs, stories, a shared bond and the certainty that great expeditions aren’t just made by the hands that operate, but by everyone who makes sure every piece falls into place.
And to finish, we’ll take with us the three phrases from our dear Andrés, a Chilean surgeon, which perfectly sum up the spirit of this expedition:
🙏 When you don’t know what to say: ‘Oku nichi’.
👁️ When you’re unsure whether to carry on or not: ‘Faco 3 and lens!’
❤️ And when you’re with wonderful people: “LET’S GO, TEAM!!!”
Thank you, Guinea-Bissau. Thank you to every single person who has been part of this adventure. How lucky we are to have come together. How lucky we are to work together. And how lucky we are to see, once again, that when we are one, we can change so many lives.
