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!