Hettie @ Mercy Ships

2012-01-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

Sierra Leone 2011 by Henrietta Hiemstra | Make Your Own Book

2011-10-15T06:26:00.001-07:00

The cememt path project completed.

2011-10-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

Rainy season: the work goes on rain or shine.

Jane and Maaike smoothing the cement. High tech.

2011-10-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

Just like every construction site some do all the work while others watch on.

Mixing cement.

2011-10-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Three batches of cement and the path is aproximately 1/4 done.

Week 3: The beginning of the mixing of cement.

Week Two: The path mapped out and stones in place.

Week 1: of the Cheshire Home cement path project.
Eric, Allan and chickens clearing and mapping out the desired path.

2011-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

God is Our Refuge and Our Strength
Church on October 2, 2011

2011-08-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

It is rainy season here in Sierra Leone. Last week it rained for 31 hours straight. One of the day volunteers who lives in Sierra Leone, Thomas, said it was going to rain for seven days straight. One of the other day volunteers smiled and asked if he had received a phone call from God?

2011-08-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

There are also many happy stories of patients receiving their yellow cards for surgery. August 8, 2011 we called the first 80-hernia/ hydrocele patients on the waiting list of over 500 to arrive at the ship for screening by the general surgeon. It would seem that half of Sierra Leone has a hernia or hydrocele from all their heavy labours. These men arrived hopeful to receive a surgery date. At the end of the day many of the men were booked and left with yellow cards. Some were so fortunate that they did not even have to leave to go home but could receive their surgery the very next day! Henry one of the day volunteers who helps each day with screening, made giving out their yellow cards so much fun. He would call out their names and hold up the card. All the men would clap and cheer.

2011-08-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

One card that we forgot to take away returned last week. The first time Abraham and his dad arrived at the ship and it was decided Abraham should be taken on the ship for further investigation. Abraham, nine years of age, had extensive neck tumours. A CT scan was performed that day, Abraham and his dad left with a yellow card so that they could return through the gate once the surgeons had reviewed the CT scan. The surgeons reviewed the CT scan and decided the tumours were too extensive and vascular and there was nothing else that could be done for Abraham. So one of the African crewmembers, Clementine, who specializes in giving difficult news spoke with father and son and sent them home. This past week they returned. They were sitting on the dock under the tent trying to keep dry, Abraham with his head resting in his dad's arms.B ecause of the extensive tumours it makes it is tiring for Abraham to sit up. I asked them why they had returned? The father gave me their yellow card and stated he was told to return for further treatment. (A yellow card we had forgot to take away). I called Clementine again and ask her to speak with them. The father admitted he knew there was no further treatment but did not know what else to do? Clementine said she prayed again with this Muslim man and his dear son in the name of Jesus. Clementine stated it went well. This time Abraham and his father left with a Bible, a teddy bear, some pain medicine, a new toothbrush and no yellow card.

2011-08-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

The yellow card it can bring so much joy and hope however it can also show the desperation of the people of Sierra Leone who need medical care and surgeries.
The yellow card is given to each patient that will be given some further treatment on the ship. It really is the only way past the guards that in the port, of course there are always the patients that make their way through by some other means. However for the most part the guards in the port receive very strict instructions as to who is able to pass through the outer gate or we would have most of Sierra Leone waiting outside for medical treatment.
One man came last week that had a yellow card that stated he was for screening that day for a hernia. We examined the card and asked where he received it? He told us a white person at the dental clinic had given it to him. (The dental clinic is near the ship an approximate 5-minute walk.) So we told him that we would just walk back with him to the dental clinic and he could show us the white person who gave it to him. He said he would not remember. It makes us wonder where some individuals are getting their cards? Are there patients who are selling their cards and forgoing their own surgery? Are there cards we have forgotten to take away after a patient has finished their care on the ship?

2011-07-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sierra Leone is a beautiful country.
With beautiful beaches.
Despite the hard work and the suffering we see on such a regular basis.
God is so gracious to us giving us time to enjoy His vast creation.
"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple." Psalm 27:4
We do see God in the beauty of His temple (creation).

2011-07-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Abu holding lizard eggs that we uncovered digging up weeds in the football pitch.
Abu is a fourteen-year-old boy we recently met, who is slight in body but keen in mind. Abu cannot walk on his legs but he manages to get around well walking with both his hands and moving his feet with his hands (I know a difficult image to conjure in one’s mind.) The first week we met Abu, he was sitting on the ground surrounded by broken radios. I asked him what he was doing. He stated he was going to fix his radio because he had found another broken one with spare parts. It looked like an impossible task to undertake in my eyes because there were so many small parts and wires scattered on the ground, but Abu assured me next week the radio would sing. When we returned this week the radio was singing.

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more cloth you of little faith?" Matthew 6:20

This week on our return we started to clean up some of the trash and long grass around their playground. As I was pulling weeds from their football pitch Abu came over to help. I asked him many questions. He told me he was eleven years old when he came to live at the home. His father is a Muslim and thus the name Abu Bakar, Abu for short. His favorite food is rice, his favorite subject in school is math, and he can speak English, Temne and Krio and wants to be a doctor when he grows up. He grew up the first eleven years of life going to the Mosque and learning the Koran, but now he reads the Bible, goes to church and loves Jesus as his Saviour.

I asked him what happened to his legs? He told me when he was a baby he was frightened by a witch, and his arms and legs became useless. One of the Muslim leaders prayed for his hands and his hands were restored but not his legs.

2011-07-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Recently we have started to go to a home for children, where some of the children are orphans and others are handicapped in some way or another. Jane, one of the other crew members on the ship, received money from her church with the specific task of helping in the community. Being the Irish farm girl Jane is, the project ideally should be an outdoors project with some physical labour. This home was the perfect fit. Their playground is over run with weeds, their swings are crooked and their other playground equipment is also in need of repair. However, most importantly, many of the children are unable to make it down to the playground because there is no access. So the plan is to fix the equipment, level the football pitch and build a cement ramp down to the playground.

2011-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY
Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st across the country. July 1st marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada.
Good to know that Canada has a base in Sierra Leone.

2011-06-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

What is the model and year of this fine tractor?

2011-06-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

Some wildlife along the way.

2011-06-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

On the way down the mountain we also passed through abundant, rich, fertile farming land.

2011-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Coming back down the mountain we shared the remaining tea and coffee with the men and women who were working.
It was a delightful surprise for them as well.
We seen many men and women using picks and other tools to break up rocks. Hard work. I think the smaller they can make the rocks the more value they are worth to sell.

2011-06-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

Some of the beauty along the way.
We passed through some small towns.

2011-06-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

What is this? Provisions of tea and coffee at the top of the mountain? Alanie was completely amazed at such a treat from the Gurkas.

2011-06-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

The heart warming and heart challenging work goes on here.
Osman is an eight year old boy that came to us at the beginning of the outreach. He fell from a tree when he was approximately five years of age and broke his leg. His parents believing that the very best they could do for their son was to bring him to traditional healers. The traditional healers placed hot leaves on Osman's leg burning his leg and thus causing his leg to contracture leaving Osman's leg useless to him. He hobbled on the ship with a small crutch and a broad grin. He came to the outpatients department for dressing changes for the open wounds on his leg our goal was that the wounds would heal enough for Dr. Teritus Venter,a plastic surgeon, to operate to release the contractured leg in hopes that Osman could walk again.
His family lived miles from the ship so we showed Osman's father how to do the dressing and sent them home for three weeks at a time with dressing supplies. Each time Osman and his dad returned to the ship we noticed an improvement in the wounds on his leg. Dr. Teritus arrived on the ship in June and assessed Osman's leg he decided Osman would be a good candidate for a surgery releasing the burn contracture. Osman received his surgery with complications a few days later of an arterial bleed. Doctors rushed him back to surgery for vascular surgery in hopes that his leg could be saved. The next few days were an emotional roller coaster for his family and staff who were taking care of heroic little Osman. Throughout this time Osman's family only had thanks to give for the care he received. By Saturday it was decided by the doctors to remove Osman's leg he went back to surgery and his leg was amputated above the knee. Before going back to the operating room his dad had tears in his eyes and Osman said "Daddy, have courage." Osman's smiling face is now on the ward doing well. One of his primary nurses broke down and wondered what the Lord's purpose in all this has been? Why would He send this family to the ship with such hopes of healing and that their son would walk again only in the end to have his leg amputated?
A side note Dr. Teritus has a web site that many of you may find very interesting.
http://www.torquetalk.nl/

2011-06-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

The hike up the red roads.

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze;

But when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die-I scarce can take it in
that on the cross, our burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away our sin;

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home-what joy shall fi1l my heart!
Then shall I bow in humble adoration,
and there proclaim: My God, how great thou art!

2011-06-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Some sights along the way up walking through back yards meeting these boys who were
collecting grass for their goats.

2011-06-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Lion Mountain

2011-06-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Starting off on a walk up "Lion Mountain" on the morning of May 28, 2011.
Lok, Alanie, Tek, Durga, and Hettie.
The camera was just adjusting to coming off the cool ship into warmth of the African day.

2011-04-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Margaret eight years old sat quietly on the wooden bench beside her dad waiting her turn to be seen at first glance of Margaret one would not be able to divert their eyes from her protruding left eye.
From spending time in Africa and seeing the many patients that come and go the immediate thought on seeing the protruding eye is a Retinoblastoma or Burkette's Lymphoma. A retinoblastoma is a life stealing childhood cancer; Burkette's Lymphoma is a very treatable child hood cancer. When Margaret's turn approached a closer examination was given; due to there being no primary tumour in my mind I ruled out Burkette's lymphoma, my heart was troubled to think "Retinoblastoma." With a little prompting Margaret flashed me a smile and won my heart. I brought her on the ship after speaking with the surgeons Margaret received a comb beam exray for further diagnosis. From the comb beam the surgeons decided it was most likely not a Retinoblastoma, Praise God! She was a surgical candidate. So after a long day of waiting, talking and playing Margaret went home with a return date for surgery. Throughout the day as I had opportunity to speak with her dad. He stated that Margaret had not yet attended school because the other children teased her unmercifully. He stated he had started to teach her as much as he could at home. Which was evident when we checked her vision in the affected eye and she promptly counted the fingers I had raised. On their return to the ship Margaret received her long maticoulous surgery in order to remove the growth behind her eye to maintain her vision and all her other facial nerves.
After Margaret returned to the Intensive care unit on the ship she looked in the mirror and said "Now the other children will want to play with me they will no longer tease me."
Now the waiting for the histology report to come back to find out what indeed was removed from behind her eye. The histogy report has come back as psammomatoid juvenile ossifying fibroma, good news it is benign.

2011-04-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Gblah
In your head right now if you were to say the above name out loud how would you say it?
So did I. It was not until the patients started to giggle and than laugh out load did I know the "G" was silent.
Gblah, (silent G) turned up on the dockside with his mother and baby sister. Gblah is a very active four years old with bilateral club feet. His mother a courageous woman from the Northern part of Sierra Leone made her with two small children both unable to walk, Gblah strapped on her back and baby in arms. Gblah was an excellent candidate for the poinsetti program where the orthopedic team does a series of casting to correct the children's feet. As I carried Gblah up the gang way he pointed at things and seemed to be a very sweet, inquisitive child, we experienced a whole new side of Gblah when he needed to lie still to have the casts put on, we did succeed but not without being covered in plaster and a few sore muscles. After we were finished with Gblah I could not help but think how much heavier he would now be for his dear mom to carry. Gblah has now been back to the ship for his third set of casts each time with knees of the fiber glass almost worn out.

2011-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

This year on the ship my title is "Out patient Nurse" a nurse who provides routine post-operative wound care and follow-up for outpatients following discharge from the surgical ward. Follow up includes: wound checks, sutures, nasal bolsters , whiteheads pack removal, dressing changes as well as a variety of other interesting treatments such as colloid treatment injections, crawford tubes and evacuation of hematomas.
The Out patient department has a gradual start up as more and more patients are discharged after their surgeries. So when the assistant screening co-coordinator went home I was able to fill the position for the weeks I have been in Sierra Leone thus far. I have enjoyed this role. The screening co-coordinator is often the first contact a patient has with the ship. It requires some decision making and about 4365 trips up and down the gang way each day, for a variety of treatments for the patients before and after they have seen the surgeons to decide if they are indeed a good surgical candidate. Often patients with tumours or any kind of growth need to have a small section of the tumour or growth removed. The patients are than instructed to go home and return in approximately three weeks when the histology reports come back and it is determined if they are surgical candidates. Often the news is good and they are booked for surgery however there have been several that have also been referred to palliative care due to a variety of reasons the most common being cancer. Today a young girl, age 13 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a twenty eight year old with cancer as well. Dr.Parker our chief surgereon does not have an explanation as to why there seems to be a higher incidence of cancer here in West Africa. His comment as we reviewed many of the histology reports was,
"Lord Jesus comes quickly."

2011-04-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

"In the early morning hours this past Saturday, crew onboard the Africa Mercy here in Freetown, Sierra Leone, woke up before sunrise and prepared for an extremely important day serving those in need.

"We had an incredibly successful day of medical screening! Approximately 3,000 individuals waited calmly and patiently for many hours—some arriving the day before—with hope that today would be the day they would hear, “Yes, we can help you.”

As Chief Medical Officer I have attended a lot of screenings, and this one went very smoothly. God was gracious even in providing cloud cover to bring respite from the harsh West African heat!"

From the above pictures one can see that the second screening day was much different than the first."
Dr. Gary Parker, Chief Medical Officer

2011-04-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the thing that makes the waiting ones most anxious is to hear the "yes" that they will recieve surgery and to watch some depart with a yellow card in hand praising God for an opportunity to come on the ship.

2011-04-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

There is anxiety...hope... everywhere. Hope to get through the gates to see the doctors.

2011-04-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

The focal point of this long lined up crowd is to first pass by the pre-screeners in hope of enter the building to be assessed by the doctor.
Careful instructions are given to the pre-screeners as to who is an ideal surgical canidiate for the surgeons and who is not.
Each pre-screener dressed in black and white lined up outside the gate to begin the exciting process of filling the surgical list.

2011-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

In the early morning, the street is lined with people waiting for their second chance to bring their sick to be seen my Mercy Ship personal. Some of the infirm are blind, some crippled, many with tumours of different degrees. Mothers cradle their children in their arms hoping for surgical care for their dear little one who without their "conditon" fixed will continue to endure the ridcule of their society and never attend school.

2011-04-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

It is now the early morning of March 26, 2011 the second carefully planned screening day of the Mercy Ships 2011 outreach to Sierra Leone.

2011-04-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Throughout the streets of Sierra Leone there are sick people everywhere; steets, lanes, and alleys are filled with people wanting to be healed. The country is overrun with suffering souls.
Privatised healthcare system in Sierra Leone is beyond most people's means.
The healthcare system was largely destroyed in the war. Now the Sierra Leone government is struggling to improve facilities - many of which were burnt down or destroyed.

2011-03-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

At our weekly community meeting after our challenging March 7, 2011 screening day, the offering was to cover the cost of the hospitalizations of the individuals who were injured on the screening day. While some of the crew members were at the local hospital sorting out the details they met another Christian doctor who was scheduled to operate on one of the woman whose jaw was broken throughout the course of events on Monday. He stated what ever costs we could cover with the offering would be helpful but any costs we could not cover he would do for free.

The director of the ship, Donavan Palmer, also spoke to the crew further regarding the events of Monday his message was timely. He stated there were not enough apologies for what happened on Monday. We have had several successful screening days in Sierra Leone in past out reaches. The advance team had successful screening days in the North of Sierra Leone as well. He thanked the crew for all their work and how we were able to work together through the tragedy. He recognized as an NGO we are not trained for disaster relief. He stated he was “gutted” for the new crew who were in Africa for 48 hours for this to be their first experience.
He re-iterated Africa is a wonderful continent. He stated there was very careful analysis being made of the events. He then instructed us each to extend grace to one anther and encouraged us with a message from John 14.

2011-03-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Our first days were busy preparing for the screening day scheduled for Monday, March 2,2011. Each outreach when we arrive at a new country we plan one or two screening days were thousands of people line up and we are able to screen the surgical candidates and fill the surgical schedule for the ten months the ship is docked.
We knew we would have our challenges in the war torn country of Sierra Leone, where there is a generation of young boys whose father figures were war lords who kept them in a drug induced state in order for them to committ atroucities of war.
The day did not go as planned. It turned out to be a challenging, heart wrenching day. "A very sad incident occurred in the course of screening activities today in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Sometime after 9:30 events yet to be conclusively determined occurred to agitate the crowd and cause it to storm the gate. In response 200 more people were admitted to relieve pressure, but tragically 13 were injured, including one fatality and two life threatening situations. Mercy Ships personnel on site cared for the victims and accompanied them to hospitals. No Mercy Ships personnel was injured. Ongoing investigation will determine the facts. Please keep the individuals affected and their families in prayer, and pray also for the entire crew. This is certainly a time to pray and believe that God will work all things together for good in this tragic situation."

2011-03-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

As in each country the ship docks in we are in a busy port. Our view starboard consists of rows of containers that resemble something of large lego blocks. Port side we have a beautiful ocean view.

2011-03-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have now been in Freetown, Sierra Leone just over one week and have already lost one sock.
Somethings do not change no matter which country you are in or which continent you are on.

2011-03-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

We arrrived at the ship after an eventful "water taxi" ride. Through the clear, dark river waters our water taxi's engine started, stopped, stopped, stopped, started.... we arrived safely to the ship. It was a refreshing ride after a the long flight from Brussels to Freetown, Sierra Leone.
When we arrive to the ship each crew member has their picture taken for a badge that must be worn at all times while on the ship for security reasons. One new crew member, a young pretty, nurse, who was soaked from head to toe from the water taxi ride was given the good news of her picture being taken. Smile.

2011-03-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

The latest adventure has begun. I hope to serve with Mercy Ships once again from March 2011 until December 2011 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

2010-05-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hettie and Anna at the beach!
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

2010-04-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

Obre our miracle baby has an enlarged heart more than likely a condition he was born with. He is currently in an ICU bed being closely monitored but too weak to open his little eyes to see his loving mother praying over him. With this new discovery in his health it has been decided by the doctors that the best thing for Obre is not to try to resuscitate his heart if it stops beating. I am sure this was such a difficult decision to make for such a precious little life and after the miracle that occurred the first time his life almost ebbed away from us.
Psalm 139:13
for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

2010-04-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 12:16-23
16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.
18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."
19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked.
"Yes," they replied, "he is dead."
20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"
22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

2010-04-30T03:40:00.001-07:00

Marius the most famous baby of all is doing well his cleft lip is repaired he now looks entirely different with a "new" nose and lip. The tube placed in his neck after his surgery to help him breath is out now there are just dissolvable blue sutures in its place. He is a happy baby laughing and cooing often being carried on his mom's or various nurses back with a bright piece of African cloth.

2010-04-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Soon Marius was gaining weight on regular basis so we were able to send Marius and his mom to the centre where patients are waiting for surgery. Through the weeks Marius came for regular check up and steadily gained weight. He did so well that they were able to move up his surgery date to operate on his bilateral cleft lip. He was again admitted to the Ward but this time fat weighing a wapping 4.73kg (10.4lbs) and waiting for surgery.

2010-04-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Remember the lyrics of the Christmas song of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer? As you sing it in your mind “But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?” This is the song that goes through my mind when I think of Marius. He is the most famous baby in my mind of the babies in the Infant Feeding Program. They are all precious but the Lord in His infinite wisdom has made us all so unique that we are more ‘drawn to’ some than others. Marius and his mom have had a special place in my heart since they day they came into the Infant feeding program. I met Marius and his mom March 1, 2010, Marius was four months old and weighed 2.85kg (6.27lbs.) He was long and thin. His mother a lovely Christian woman was always praying over him and overcame many odds to keep him alive and make it to the ship for help. She was unsure of what to do next she was trying her very best to feed Marius with his bilateral cleft lip and palate. She was breast feeding him with the very little milk she had and feeding him corn porridge once a day.

2010-04-13T10:56:00.001-07:00

Proverbs 30:25

Ants are creatures of little strength,
yet they store up their food in the summer;

2010-04-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Some of the beauty of Togo captured by a fellow crew member Allie.
"O praise the greatness of our God! He is the rock, His works are perfect, and His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." Dueteronomy 32:3-4

2010-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Obre is a baby who has a bilateral cleft lip and palate. He was referred to the Infant Program by a pastor from Benin. When he arrived he was 4 months old and weighed 2.81kg (6.2lbs). He did not register on any of the growth charts. He had a tube down his nose, put in by a local hospital to feed him. He was tiny for his age but alert with a lusty cry.
April 13,2010 Obre is still with us on the Ward now weighs 2.9kg (6.38lbs).
Often mothers become outcasts and are blamed for their babies being born with cleft lips and palates. Obre's mother and father are Christians. We met Obre father for the first time and heard his testimony of he too was born with a cleft lip.

2010-04-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Anne and Annie

The babies look so BIG and healthy in this picture. Their last visit was April 5, 2010 at an age of 6 weeks;Anne wieghed 2.12kg (4.6lbs) and Annnie wieghed 2.70kg
(5.9lbs).

2010-04-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Precious Anne being fed by mom.

2010-04-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

This is baby Anne one of the babies in the Infant Feeding Program.

The feeding program is designed to 'fatten up' underweight babies to prepare them for surgery. Most of the babies in the program have cleft lips and/or palates.

There have been two small exceptions to the rules. Anne and Annie are twins who arrived at screening with their mother and father, when they arrived at screening they were just a couple of days old weighing 1.72 kg. Two tiny precious packages with downy hair and pink skin. Anne came into the Infant Feeding Program because of her club feet. We could not care for one baby in the program without caring for the other as well; hence Annie was admitted into the program as well. The orthopaedic surgeons put three tiny sets of casts on Anne's feet in hopes of straightening them, however after three sets of casts the orthopaedic surgeons decided that they may be doing more harm than good, and therefore decided Anne would need to be reassessed at approximately one year of age. The decision was made that even though the babies were not surgical candidates they could stay in the program because there was no other follow-up for them in Togo until after six months of age.

2010-03-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Activities at the Children's Home.
Playing with our hair.
Just lov'in the children.
Singing!

2010-03-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Some of the happy faces at the Children's home.

2010-03-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

These are the children greeting us all dressed in their matching African outfits.

2010-03-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

Our first greeting at the Children's Home. This is one of boys playing the drum in his African outfit.

2010-03-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

A sunset outside the Children's Home.

2010-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

The definition of Armadillo "burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates."
Brandon caught one of these burrowing nocturnal mammals Saturday night.

2010-01-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

This has been a challenging week. I have learnt a lot. I have a whole new appreciation for what fire fighters work through.

2010-01-17T19:23:00.000-08:00

The first week has been Basic Safety Training.
Objectives:
1. Practice safe behavior onboard ship.
2. Respond appropriately and effectively to emergencies onboard ship.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of unique features of ship living pertaining to safety.
4. Practice safety techniques in fire fighting strategies and water survival strategies.
5. Demonstrate competence in using safety gear and equipment.
6. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of CPR and Fist Aid.
THIS IS OUR CLASS IN FIRE FIGHTING GEAR
See me?

2010-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

On January 8, 2010 arrived in Texas at the Mercy Ships main campus, to attend Gateway Program described as "missionary training." Specifically stated "Our purpose is educate, equip, and empower future staff and crew of Mercy Ships." There is a farm here with cows, chickens, sheep and rabbits.

2009-07-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

Ganiyou recovered so well under the care of the Africa Mercy nursing staff that no skin graft surgery was necessary. Another positive outcome was that no burn contractures developed.
Ganiyou has made a remarkable recovery. He believes that because he was happier onboard the ship than in the local hospital, his body was able to heal faster.

Though Ganiyou has lost his arms, he hopes that he can one day “do things normally again.” With the help of Mercy Ships and his new positive outlook on life, Ganiyou will no doubt achieve his dream.

2009-07-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

FRIENDS : God has provided so many dear friends!
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Hettie, Becky, Jane, Pamela,

2009-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple Psalm 27:4

2009-07-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

This precious smiling face is Atonenent. She came to the dock side with open wounds on her face. It was a mystery as to what could be causing the skin on her beautiful face to be slowly destroyed. One of the doctors who came diagnosed it:
Leishmaniasis: The Sand Fly's Bug
It is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The troops who return from Iraq have returned with Leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan that initially lives in the sand fly and is transmitted to people through sand fly bites. The organism develops and multiplies in the gut of the fly and is introduced into the bloodstream of humans after a bite. It can cause a skin infection or a more serious systemic infection. The skin infection, which consists of sores, develops weeks or months after a sand fly bite.
~When Atonenent came to the ship she was quite withdrawn however now after several weeks of treatment she is opening up and playing we are finding out she has a real strong personality.
The treatment for Leishmaniasis is a strong intra-venous drug. Atonenent has endured a lot of needles and discomfort. However praise the Lord that the medicine arrived and she is repsonding to it. We can notice an improvement each day. One of the crew members visited her village and said the villagers did not believe that there was any chance that Atonenet could be healed! He is really excited to bring Atonenent back to the village and show the 'miracle' performed. ~

2009-07-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Joy on the Ward! Smiling faces!
Laughter!

Fun and games!

More smiling faces!

2009-07-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Another travelling goat this one does not appear quite as comfortable as the last one. Rainy season in Benin flooded streets.

There are so many motorcyles on the streets! They carry absolutely everything! We have seen car windshields, a freezer, goats, chickens, ducks, lots of babies on backs............ pretty much anything that has to get from point A to point B.

2009-07-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

And this little piggie went to market.................. there are so many ways for pigs to get to market, smile and what other way in Africa than on one's head.

2009-07-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
Psalm 144:9I

2009-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Eyes is such an intregal part of Mercy Ships.
Through operating on thirty two cataracts a day, to the mobile eye clinic, to the giving of prosthetic eyes.
It is truely life changing.

2009-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

2009-07-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness

2009-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Fun at the beach. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, Psalm 148:7

2009-07-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hettie at the "Hospitality Centre with some of the patients.
"Approximately two blocks from the the port of Cotonou, where the Africa Mercy is currently docked is a warehouse which has undergone a tremendous transformation. Now referred to as the Hospitality Centre it functions primarily as a non-medical, temporary housing unit for pre- and post-op patients and their caregivers. It consists of two air-conditioned wards with room for 76 beds.
This is Maria from Nigeria with Emily at the Hospitality Centre. Maria had the large tumour removed from her jaw. Staying at the Hospitality Centre enabled her to return to the ship for daily dressing changes.

2009-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

African turtle

2009-07-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is a heart warming story similar to the children I seen on the Ward.
"For seven years Genevieve has been the eyes for others. She gave birth to three children - two boys separated by a girl - all with cataracts in both eyes, preventing them from seeing anything but the most subtle shifts in light and shadow.
Going anywhere has been an exercise of patience and strength for Genevieve - tying one year old Ricardo on her back with a piece of brightly patterned cloth, taking seven year old Alexis by the hand, holding three year old Nadge by the arm - then guiding them up the steps.
For years, her eyes have been vigilant guards against danger - coal stoves sitting in the corners of rooms, containers of liquid that could scald or poison and all daily threats that could harm her children.
"Because of the blindness I must be with them all the day," Genevieve said. "Even if they are playing, I have to watch them. In everything, I have to be right beside them."
"To make matters worse, she heard people whisper, "It must be witchcraft or a curse because three blind children in one family is too unlucky."
They came to the ship - three happy children, laughing using their fingers to "see" the toys the nurses handed them.
"I hope that the children will recover their sight," Genevieve said, "and they can go to school. I will be happy if my children can see my face and my husband's face."
The expectation for successful surgery was highest for three year old Nadege. She hadn't been blind long enough for permanent damage, yet her eyes were developed enough for the new lens to fit well. For congenital cataract procedures, children over the age of seven often have permanent damage because the optic nerve develops, and the brain adjusts to blindness.
All three children received their operations.
First they removed Nadege's when the badages came off "she grabbed the doll we were holding in front of her and said 'Bebe, bebe.' So she knew what it was, and we knew she could see."
Next was Alexis, who they feared would not see as well. They put toys on the floor. He looked around, walked straight up to Dr. Glenn, and took something he had in his hand.
Finally they removed Recardo's bandages for some time he lay with his eyes squeezed shut. Finally he opened one eye and glanced around. Suddenly he saw something on his mother's shirt, and he reached up and grabbed it.
Now Genevieve's hopes are realized. Her children will see her face, and they will know their father by sight. They will go to school. She will see them holding hands and walking outside to play on their own."
Story by Carmen Radley

2009-07-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

A Mercy Ship wedding. Esther from Switzerland and Israel from Togo. The wedding took place in Togo, June 20, 2009.

2009-06-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Six hundren attentive children. It was a lovely sight and wonderful experience.

2009-06-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

The children were lined up the entire road to the school.
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; Mark 9:37

2009-06-28T04:56:00.000-07:00

We recieved the warmest welcome one could ever recieve. It was a heart warming experience. Six hundred school children singing, clapping and dancing at our arrival.

2009-06-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Children in Benin cannot attend school unless they have a uniform. Becky and I were invited to a school, by one of the translators, Bruno, to hand out uniforms and Samaritan purse boxes to the children. Becky in from England and she would say we look like "Muppets" holding the boxes.

2009-06-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

Happy beautiful children dancing! A very warm greeting!
"praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute," We were greeted with much music, joy and dancing.

2009-06-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

Life in Benin................... I think this is one of my favorite pictures! It appears that they are good freinds on another outing.

2009-06-15T03:51:00.000-07:00

Another day in life of the Benin people. They were pretty much born in boats and feel quite at 'comfortable' on them.

2009-06-15T03:43:00.000-07:00

2009-06-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Recently one of the translators who works on the ship came and told us his three year old daughter was critically ill with malaria and needed a blood transfusion. She was at a local clinic, unresponsive. The translators daughter, Abigail, needed O positive blood. I was able to donate so at
3:00 a.m. the translator left with blood to bring to his daughter at the clinic.
We found out the next day Abigail was drinking and playing. The translator said three hours after receiving the blood she started to wake up and respond.

2009-06-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hettie at the other end of the needle.

2009-06-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

Africa Mercy hospital corridor.

2009-06-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Some crew members at the local hospital with the woman who recieved the blood The surgeons were able to reattach the woman's leg. One can see the joy on her face.

2009-06-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Going to the local hospital to deliver the blood.

2009-05-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

The only nice thing about the hospital was the signs. The rest of the emergency department was unsettling to witness.

2009-05-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

The other day when I was walking through the hospital corridor there were some crew members in one of the rooms that is not often used. The crew members gathered there had witnessed a motorcycle accident in which a woman was badly injured and her leg was almost taken off. The crew members brought her to a local hospital, where the doctors stated they could do surgery but they needed blood in order to do the surgery. So the crew members came back to the ship and found some matching blood donours.

2009-05-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

A closer look.

2009-05-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmmmmmmm..............can't quite see what is inside........

2009-05-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

More loaded cars.
It is just a matter of time for it to catch on in Canada although there are some 'yard salers' who can load a vehicle as well as the Africans.

2009-05-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

A beautiful, life saving, bag of blood. Joan donated one of the three units of blood needed for a patient in surgery. He received all three units of blood and came out of surgery well.

2009-05-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Joan is still smiling. Giving generously!

2009-05-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Found the vien.

2009-05-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

For patients in need of blood in the operating room we draw blood from crew members who are willing to donate.
Joan from South Africa a willing participant.
Hettie at the better end of the needle searching for a vien.