newsletter

June 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

Is it already June? How this year has flown! I started my last newsletter with those words…6 months ago. I apologize for the lack of communication. Though I have wanted to share with those of you at home about the work here, I must confess that at the end of very long days at work, sitting and writing is not high on my priority list. But again, I apologize. This work is not mine alone, it starts in the heart of the Father and is made possible by those who support me both in prayer and financially. I am just the hands and feet. And my lack of communication has meant you haven’t heard how the work you are part of is going.

This outreach has been much more challenging all around. We had a late arrival, a shortened set-up and start-up phase, a riot at our first screening which broke the hearts of the crew and hurt many of the West Africans, and the crew faced a gastric bug that just wouldn’t die and was quite violent in effect on the body. Added to this is the fact that I am now in a leadership role and have felt very stretched by this role. It has been a long time since I was a charge nurse and I forgot just how much goes on behind the scenes. This now falls on me. God has been more than gracious in providing the strength and wisdom for the days, but they are hard days nonetheless.

But all the frustrations and stresses and hurts aside, I have seen broken people made whole. I have seen patients come to be made physically whole and receive spiritual wholeness as well. I have been able to cuddle African babies and shake the hands of men and women who have been outcast or shunned from their villages and homes. They joy in this seemingly nothing gesture because it speaks acceptance and love. I also get to share the knowledge I’ve learned over the years with nurses and day volunteers alike. It is humbling and amazing that God allows us broken people to be part of the work He is doing…He doesn’t need us and yet He invites us to work with Him. Wow!

The story below went out to the crew just before Father’s day. It is what I get to be part of. It is the work you also are part of. Samuel’s story is because of you. When he is finished healing, I hope to share some after photos.

May God bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.

As Father’s Day approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to the “father figures” we have or have had in our lives. We treasure our fathers for their love and all the things they provide and teach us.

Samuel, a recent patient of ours, lost his dad when he was very young. Growing up in war-torn Sierra Leone, Samuel’s parents were killed by rebel forces shortly after he was born.

But his troubles do not end there. Samuel had been born with a very large fibrous growth covering his eye and the whole left side of his face—exploding his features. Parentless and scarred, his future was bleak.

Samuel was blessed to have a father figure step in to guide him through the rocky path of life. His Uncle Allen overlooked Samuel’s deformity and instead saw a boy who needed a father’s love.

Now, ten years old, Samuel has undergone corrective surgery on the Africa Mercy. He is on the road to recovery, with Uncle Allen by his side to support and love him.

To all our Dads and father figures – crew, patients, and supporters alike - Happy Father’s Day!

Mercy’s on its way.