God at work

    

This week was my last week in admissions...back to the the ward for now, where my heart truly is, until they need me again :) My experience in admissions has been unique--becoming familiar with another part of the process and meeting most of the patients before surgery, an opportunity I might not otherwise have. But I think, most of all, learning their stories has been an incredible privilege for me. I hope never to forget particular ones--vivid reminders of God's power...His mighty and yet loving power to change a life forever, and His compassion for us, His creation. Three stand out from this last week:    

I once was blind, but now I see!   

In the morning we bring-in our scheduled patients for admissions from the bottom of the gangway. Many of them have already been waiting a couple of hours. On this particular morning, we were there as the eye patients were being escorted up the gangway for their post-op appointments. What I saw, struck me profoundly, and for a moment time stood still...these patients were blind, and blindly fumbling with each step up the gangway. Each one had to be escorted; guided by the waist with every step. They looked awkward and almost helpless. And yet, here they were with a patch over one eye, symbolizing the hope of what's to come--sight!!  Their life and world will soon drastically change, a complete 360 degrees! How incredible for them to soon see color and the faces of their loved ones! For them, the birth of sight comes the death of rejection.  Most will now be deemed acceptable by their society and not have to beg on the streets again.

A young mother in her early twenties, after having her first baby.  

The long arduous labor created a hole, known as vesico-vaginal fistula, leaving her incontinent and leaking for life. Thus, at such a young age, she is respected by no one and scorned by many. As I was talking to her about the surgery that she will soon undergo, she was very somber and her eyes filled with tears.  Concerned, I ask my translator what is wrong, is she afraid? She tells me, "I never thought I could be fixed."   The tears continue to stream down her face throughout our entire conversation.

A little baby girl, a few months short of a year, sitting on her mama's lap. 

This beautiful baby girl was born with a cleft lip.  Again, I am describing to mama what to expect after her baby's surgery.  Her face immediately lights up and she is beaming; grinning from ear to ear. She begins chatting away. I ask what she is saying, oh how I wish I understood all their dialects!!  He shares with me that mom is so so happy!  She is so happy because now she will be able to present her daughter to a handsome husband someday!!  You see, in the African culture, girls are solely born to be wives and mothers.  It is an honor and they are respected for these roles.  To them, a cleft lip is a desolate and lonely future.  This was one very grateful mama!  

To God be the Glory great things He has done!