Scars

"On the girl's brown legs there were many small white scars. I was thinking, Do those scars cover the whole of you, like the stars and the moons on your dress? I thought that would be pretty too, and I ask you right here please to agree with me that a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. But you and I, we must make an agreement to defy them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived." - Chris Cleave, Little Bee

This is Benjamine before surgery, all smiles!

Benjamine on screening day, before coming onto the ship.

We see so many patients here, especially our plastics patients, with scars covering large portions of their bodies. They are not seen in a positive light. When they come to the ship, they don't sit around and compare their scars, telling stories of adventure and toughness that led to this "battle wound", as we sometimes do back home. They hide, they try to cover these burn contracture scars with a blanket. The scars are disfiguring, they limit movement, they prevent a normal lifestyle. The scar is the enemy. It may be the reason why they can't walk normally, or eat without drooling, or participate in school without being outcast. Our patients tell us what they hope to be able to accomplish after surgery. Some say to they'd like to be able to write, some to wash their clothes, to be able to play games with their friends. These things seem so simple, and yet we can't imagine a life without them (although it might be nice not to have to wash our clothes..). 

Baby Frida with one of the wonderful nurses, Lindsey!

After these surgeries, our patients will have better range of motion, will be able to move their arm or leg in a way they couldn't before. They can move their neck and chin and close their mouth. They will no longer be a slave to their scars. They will have new scars as these wounds heal... But the scars have a whole new meaning. They tell a story of where they have been, of what they have endured and persevered. They represent their strength and courage. They are beautiful. I am thankful for these scars because it means they have healed, they have overcome. They are alive and they are a blessing. I know that I feel blessed by each one of my patients' lives, in different and beautiful ways.

I love this quote from the book Little Bee, we have it up on the wall in the dressing change room. There is so much significance and beauty in this message. I challenge myself, and anyone reading, to see the beauty in every scar. On others you come across each day, and also on yourself. Learn of their survival, listen to their life story, and be blessed by each encounter.

Gaella after surgeries having fun with the cameras :)

Congo!

Hello from Pointe Noire, Congo! I've now been here three weeks and am finally getting around to writing my first blog entry. It's been nice being back on the ship, although I'm still adjusting to ship life in some ways (cafeteria style meals at specified times, 2 minute showers, bunk beds... Community living) :) The work on the ward is amazing as expected. I'm on B ward again which is currently the home of plastic surgery patients. Lots of burn contracture releases, interspersed with some neurofibroma and lipoma removals. My assigned patients the other day ranged from age 5 to age 63. And I couldn't be more happy about that. We have babies to play with and carry around as we are calculating and dispensing medications. Our patients have splints and dressings covering healing wounds but won't let that stop them from running around to give out hugs and kisses, it won't stop them from singing and dancing, and it won't stop them from worshiping throughout the day. As always, I struggle to describe the feeling and privilege it is to do this work. These patients and their caregivers are so selflessly generous with their love, it makes me fill up with joy. And all I want to do is just to love them and share that love with others. It puts life into perspective when you are taking care of a young child with burn scars over large portions of their body which have caused their limb(s) or neck or affected area to contract restricting movement for much of their young lives. I see the transformation before and after surgery.  It often begins with fear and uncertainty and shame, then slowly progresses to understanding and relief, then miraculously turns into gratitude and praise.  I see some children on the ward now recovering from surgery and going through painful exercises and dressing changes.  While there is some amount of reasonable complaining or crying involved, there is more often a resounding joy, playfulness, and love exuding from them that is simply impossible to ignore. 

Nume! A charmer and cuddle bug, and a blessing to the wards. He had a lipoma removed from his back and lost a lot of blood in surgery, almost losing his life post-operatively. This occurred just before I arrived on the ship. I am sooooo thankful for him and his recovery, and tear up frequently thinking about how he may not have been with us if it weren't for such capable hands caring for him. He has a smile that will break your heart.

This is Chadrac. He may look sweet and innocent here, but he is often up to no good! He is very mischievous and constantly scratching off his dressings! Pretty cute though, huh? :)

 This is Benicia! She's 10 years old and very sweet. She will give you a hug and many kisses upon seeing your face every day. She had a burn contracture release to her right axilla (arm pit) and is doing well in recovery!

Some of the amazing plastic surgery patients and the nurses/physical therapist! Just a few of the wonderful people I get to take care of and work with!