My last entry focused on the
screening process and shared about the reality of what a lack of healthcare and
health professionals in the country of Benin has created, a country overrun
with medical needs unheard of in the developed world. When I first came to this
country I thought I had prepared myself for such needs; however, knowledge of a
need and actually seeing it are very different. I was emotionally devastated by
the needs here that were so much greater than the capacity we had to help. When
confronted with reality, it is easy to become discouraged and think “Am I
really helping? How is helping a few worth it when so many are beyond our
capacity to help.” Well, let me tell you: it does make a difference. We may not
be able to change the whole world, but for those individuals we are able to help, we are changing their whole world. Let
me tell you about just a few of those individuals..
Please
note that even though you may recognized the descriptions of patients later on
via Mercy Ships or other media, I have removed names from my post to preserve
patient privacy.
Little
Bird: With both her arms splinted this tiny five year old girl resembles a bird
at flight and her soft voice fills the ward with singing from time to time.
This intelligent little one loves mimicking those around her and has picked up
a few English worlds. Some of her favorite games are peek-a-poo, counting to
five in English on our fingers, and singing head, shoulders, knees and toes. Nurses aren’t supposed to have favorite
patients, but I think this little one has a special place in many of our
hearts. With her sweet spirit, tight hugs and playful nature, it’s hard not to
fall head over heal in love with Little Bird. This little one is so full of
joy, but her body bears the scars of a grim past. A pot of hot food and a
horrible accident threatened to forever inhibit her flight. As her body
attempted to heal itself with limited medical intervention her little arms
became cemented to her body by scar tissue. She could not lift either of her
arms at the shoulders. The scar tissue has now been cut away, and a split keeps
her healing skin from forming the same restricting scars. When the splints come
off this little one will begin the physical therapy she needs to regain the
function of her arms and shoulders. She has her entire life ahead of her now
and with her intelligence and joyful outlook on life, I expect this Little Bird
to soar.
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| Photo Credit: Miguel Ottaviano |
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| Thank you to Miguel Ottaviano, the Mercy Ships Photographer who shared this picture. Pictures are only taken when patients or parents have given written consent for pictures to be taken and shared. |
The
serious one: While Little bird is easy to make smile, this little one makes the
nurses work for her laugh. She also wears a splint as her arm, burned after an
accident with boiling water, heals. This little five year old
is feisty and strong and is protective of her new friend Little Bird. She
usually has a serious expression on her face, but slowly we are finding out
what makes her smile, even laugh, and when she does, it lights up the whole
ward. She loves dancing, singing, stickers and playing with her new best
friend. If one of our little girls is missing during the night, we can always
find her in the other's bed fast asleep. This little one is a survivor. God has
blessed her with a great strength that I envision helping her throughout her
life.
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| Photo Credit: Miguel Ottaviano |
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| Photo Credit: Miguel Ottaviano |
The man
without a nose: An electrical accident severely burned this man’s face, and
left him without much of his nose. He has a long way to recovery as he will
require at least two surgeries. The first was to release the contracted scar
above his lip and to create a skin flap on his cheek that will later be used to
rebuild his nose. The man without a nose is probably one of the most gracious people
I know. He understands just enough English for us to communicate about most
things without a translator. He has to be in pain, but he never complains.
Whenever I see him, he greets me with a smile and every time we talk, no matter
how long or short the conversation may be, he shares words of blessings. God’s grace shines through Him. He is a
blessing to the ward, and I am so honored to be a part of his recovery.
Before the hospital opened it was hard to see the difference
that we would make amidst the overwhelming needs, but now I am interacting and
caring for individuals. Individuals who have their entire lives ahead of them.
Who have now been healed, been changed, been made whole. We may not be able to
heal everyone who needs our help, but coming here, and helping those we can is
still worth it. I am only making a tiny sacrifice to be here, but through this
time I feel as though I have been given a better understanding of how God feels
about the world, about me. Jesus came to earth offering healing also. Spiritual
healing. Unlike the healing I am helping to provide, Jesus’ healing is
available to all who ask for it; however, many will not accept His gift. Did
God throw up His hands in despair and turn His back on humanity as a whole? No
he didn’t! He still sent His only Son to heal those who would accept His gift.
Jesus sees the individuals. He sees me, he sees you and that was enough for Him
to give the greatest sacrifice, His life, so that we might have complete
healing.
Author's Note:
While I am currently serving with Mercy Ships the ideas and opinions expressed
here are my own. Mercy Ships has not reviewed nor do they endorse the content
written within this blog.
