little Ani

(photos by Meg Petock)

Remember Anicette?!  

She was one of two babies I wrote about this summer in our feeding program (the other Hubert)... She was so tiny and malnourished at just over 4 lbs when we first met her.  We had to wait to do surgery until she was fatter and stronger. She has slowly been gaining weight over the last few months ... Now, five months later and 6 lbs heavier, she is nice and plump with a full face!  What's the most exciting to me, is the change in her mama. She was unattached and disinterested in her deformed child when she first came to us. Anicette appeared to be an inconvenience and a disappointment (In the African culture, children born with a deformity are often viewed as demon-possessed or cursed.)  I believe God has changed her heart since being under our care here. We not only loved her baby, but loved her... encouraging her and praising her. She learned to meet her baby's needs, diligently feeding her and growing to love her. Mama has such joy and spunk now. She loves Ani and just dotes on her every need. Just today, I heard her singing to Ani.  I will miss that :)  She also gives the best hugs with the biggest smile and contagious giggle.

Anicette had her cleft lip repaired this last week and will get her palate closed next outreach. 

Praise God who is the God of love, who restores a relationship between a mama and her baby. He who closes a lip and restores dignity. 

Your nurses love you and your mama, sweet Ani girl. We look forward to seeing you next year!