Changing the World One Person at a Time

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.

Photo Credit: Miguel Ottaviano

              

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.

Photo Credit: Miguel Ottaviano

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.