Heart To Heart: A Message From Dr Kondrot

I am writing to you today on my way to Angola, where I will be performing many eye surgeries for the people of Quessua. Once again, I want to thank all the subscribers to this Substack. Your subscription and support help fund my and my wife's plane tickets, as well as cover our room and meals at the missionary house in Quessua, Angola. While we are fortunate to receive donated supplies from many companies, we often have to purchase additional surgical equipment and medicines that cannot be donated. We completely self-fund our mission trips, and your support makes a significant difference.

The flight to Africa is very long and typically involves a stopover in Europe, followed by lengthy waits at airports. We often have connecting flights through countries like Morocco or Doha before finally arriving in our destination. Once we land, we travel by van—carrying all our supplies and equipment—on a 10-hour journey deep into the villages. We pack very few personal belonging, all our baggages space are for medical supplies.

The roads are often bumpy, and the drive is long, but it is all part of the journey. We choose to work in areas where no other eye doctors are available to serve these communities. Trucks sometime break down on the roads!

What’s amazing about this work is that despite the challenges, it energizes me. Many people say these are blessed or lucky individuals to receive such care, but in all honesty, I feel like the fortunate one. I am the lucky one who gets to care for these individuals, whether it's a hungry child or a blind person coming in for surgery. My heart fills with joy when I see their happy faces, and I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am to do this work.

Here I am feeding the five hundred children that gets to eat once a week at the church in Quessa.

And the hungry eaters ….

Upon reflecting, I’ve realized that my good health is, in part, thanks to the people I treat—they help me live my "why." A while back, a book was published about the importance of knowing your "why." Understanding your "why" is crucial because it gives your actions and decisions purpose and direction. Whether it's in your personal life, career, or relationships, knowing your deeper motivation helps you stay focused on what truly matters. It guides you through challenges, aligns you with your goals, and provides clarity when faced with difficult choices. When you know your "why," you’re more likely to make choices that reflect your values, fuel your passion, and lead to a fulfilling life. Ultimately, your "why" acts as a compass, helping you navigate life with intention and purpose.

Living a purposeful life means aligning your actions, goals, and values with a deeper sense of meaning. It’s about understanding what drives you and using that insight to guide your decisions and long-term aspirations. A purposeful life empowers you to focus on what truly matters—whether it’s making a positive impact on others, pursuing a passion, or contributing to a greater cause. When you live with purpose, you feel more connected to yourself and the world, which brings clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of direction.

I am also very lucky to be able to teach and impress upon the younger generation to follow in my footstep and open their heart to give back to socitey. Here I am with young Dr Oakley from Tennessee, teaching her how to work in a mission environnment. As you can see, we don’t have all the fancy smancy surgical gowns etc .. and we use a portable microscope.

Giving back to society is one of the most powerful ways to create positive change while enriching your own life. Whether through volunteering, donating, or supporting meaningful causes, contributing to others' well-being fosters a sense of connection and purpose. It helps us recognize that we’re part of a larger community, and that our actions can uplift those in need and improve the world around us. Giving back not only benefits others but also cultivates gratitude, empathy, and personal fulfillment. It reinforces the values of compassion and kindness, allowing us to make a meaningful difference. And the amazing lesson in the missionary life is truly the more you give the more you receive. I did not know how much I could receive from these strangers I treat as their happiness feel my heart with so much love.

I’ve noticed that some patients tell me, "I do everything right—I eat organic, I exercise, I have no stress—yet I still struggle with chronic illness." It’s baffling, isn’t it? Something important is often overlooked: the mental and emotional aspects of our lives. To achieve optimal health, we must take care of the mind, body, and heart. We often focus too much on the physical—treating glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other diseases—while neglecting the mental and emotional aspects of well-being.

I continue to enjoy excellent health because I take care of all three aspects: physical, mental, and emotional. I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your own health in these areas. Make sure that you are taking good care of all aspects of yourself, so you too can enjoy a life of optimal health.

To your good health and clear vision,

Dr Edward Kondrot