The blessing

Despite a limited scope of surgical procedures and fewer than usual patients in Congo, how come some will have the opportunity to freely receive surgery while others miss theirs? Today is quiet. We had to cancel 2 children for cleft surgery because they were developing symptoms of influenza. After waiting so long, and now so close to changing their futures, we had to send them away. We tried to fill the OR time with a young woman with a facial tumor that was to require surgery tomorrow only to find she was now pregnant.

Yesterday we had a young woman booked for a tonsillectomy. This seemed like an unusual choice for a hospital ship able to offer care for much more complex problems. She has struggled for years with recurrent tonsillitis and is looking forward to finally being free of this problem. When she arrived in our room this beautiful, well-spoken, gentle African woman was settled into the OR theatre. A Canadian nurse fluent in French asked her if we could pray before her surgery. Our patient offered to pray and proceeded to offer eloquent thanks to God for the presence of Mercy Ships in her country and asking for His guidance and blessing upon all members of the team. Her heartfelt prayer had our nurse in tears. As she shared this with the rest of our team we all felt that God had really encouraged and blessed us through one of those we had come to help.

Just before she finished praying our patient asked hat she would awaken from surgery with a "smile on her face". It was a special reminder of His care for each of us as she emerged from her anesthetic smiling and contented.

There is not one group "giving" and another "receiving". We all contribute our part, medical staff, crew, and patients, and each of us senses blessing in being here.

And the lame walk...

Today I worked with the orthopedic team caring for children with legs that that would well be described as "weak and feeble". In their world physical ability is one of the keys to success and independence. These children struggle with an awkward gait trying in earnest to encourage weak limbs to keep up with their peers. Born with appears to be normal legs, far too soon they curve and twist while parents watch helplessly.

With severe curves of both legs, our first young girl usually walked with her toes facing each other. She was unable to face her feet forward but could turn them inwards to point directly backwards. We made several cuts to her lower legs and was able to fully correct the alignment of her legs. There is a long road of recovery ahead, with many casts and adjustments, but the change is dramatic.

We see such a small part of their story and rarely do those on the ship get to follow them years into their future. We can't care for everyone that needs help, but we can change the world one patient at a time. We will never know the impact of the care we provide. We pray over each one as we begin their surgery that God would use their life for Him. We will likely never know until heaven the impact we have had on others that He has brought into our path. For some it is the new life that comes with a new face, or straight legs, or eyes that see clearly. For others it is the kindness of a cold cup of water, a meal when hungry, encouragement when overwhelmed, or a shoulder to share their struggles.

May we all be sensitive to those that He places in our path.

Transitions

The weekend brings much change on the ship. As I passed through the wards to follow up on patients  many beds were empty as patients have recovered and have discharged. Their beds are cleaned, and fresh sheets will greet new patients tomorrow as they look forward to their surgery this week.

We saw the sun for the first time is week. Many ventured to he markets and the beaches while others booked taxis to sightseeing excursions. A break from the intensity of the week will help everyone focus on the week ahead. There were many sunburns florishing at supper as crew underestimate the power of the sun near the equator.

Weekends are also a time of transition for the staff and crew. We said farewell to a few of our anesthesia providers, several surgeon and many nurses, preparing to welcome fresh faces from the flight arriving from Frankfurt this evening. Paperwork, orientation, introductions and a genuine welcome await those after their long journey to Africa.

I enjoyed the luxury of leisure today. Nothing urgent, no demands, no expectations. I was able to do a load of laundry; read a book; sleep in the sun; watch some soccer; celebrate someone's birthday; but mostly just just relax. A chance to reflect and be refreshed. Next week at this time it will be me saying goodbye, leaving my bunk and work assignments for another. But there is still a week ahead. More yet to come.