Hope fulfilled

My day yesterday highlighted much of what Mercy Ships brings to West Africa.

A young mother has noticed a tumor growing from her jaw. She found the resources to consult with a local doctor only to be told that there was nothing he could do or offer for her. What the future look like for her and for her infant, now 4 months old? She has likely seen the rejection of those disfigured by similar afflications. What of her baby? Will they be banished from their community to find their way? As with most women here, she has never been to school, cannot read, and has limited marketable skills.

A father brings his 15 year old daughter with a large, disfiguring cleft lip. Taunting form others at school has never happened, as she too has never had the opportunity to learn to read or attend school. What will her future look like? Will she find the security and love from finding a partner in marriage? Will she ever experience the joy of becoming a mother? Her appearance quickly separates her from the other young women in her community.

Somehow, they each received word that surgery may be possible. They have journeyed to the port in Conakry, one with a small infant; another with an anxious father that just wants his daughter normal. But today, Dr. Parker is ill. Should we cancel them and reschedule? Will there be tme next week?

The surgical assignments are rearranged and 2 of our short term surgeons agree to proceed. The baby shadows the charge nurse while waiting for the return of his mother. Often bundled on the back of the charge nurse traveling D Ward. At other times realxed, his feet up on the desk, helping her enter statistics in the computer. Always his big, black, bright eyes eager to snuggle with whichever nurse if available.

The father sits and waits. Can his daughter really be restored? Normal?

Today on rounds both are recovering. Their future today looks very different than it did only last week. Yes, it just 2 of many. But for those 2 .....