Helicopter crash...

Hard to believe that a helicopter I’ve been in, crashed yesterday, killing 22 people.

At about 2030 hours a Paramount helicopter burst into flames as it was landing at Lungi airport. Most of the passengers were Togolese, including the Togo’s Sports Minister, who had come to Freetown to watch an African Nations Cup qualifier. Only the co-pilot survived and is said to be in critical condition.

Paramount is one of the two helicopter services that shuttles passengers between Freetown and Lungi International airport; a 7 minute flight. We always knew it wasn’t the safest mode of transport; the helicopters are old Russian models and by the looks of it not well maintained, but there are few other options- one being the ferry- which is often overcrowded. Every time I had to take a helicopter it made me nervous, now I know why.

Fortunately we were not directly affected by the crash. It’s a scary thought though as we had 6 Mercy Ships people coming and going today on various flights, 2 of which were my parents returning from a surprise visit to Holland. Also scary because the heliport on this side of the bay is adjacent to our Aberdeen Clinic. Thank God the helicopter didn't crash on our centre.

My sympathy goes out to those who lost loved ones yesterday...

Seeing Hawa again...

Today I decided to join two colleagues on a trip to Waterloo, about an hour drive from the Center. We have someone visiting from Switzerland who sponsors a patient I referred to the Anastasis in 2005 for surgery. He wanted to see how she was doing and talk to the family about her future.

In October 2005 a 7 year old girl came to the outpatient clinic with a grotesque tumor growing in/out of her mouth; desperate for help. Fortunately I was able to send her to the ship in Liberia for screening, and a month later she had surgery onboard. After a three hour surgery, the non-malignant tumor was removed. When Hawa came back to the clinic in December to visit, I was amazed to see the difference. Not only her appearance was changed but her life had been changed. No longer an outcast; she can go to school again and play with her friends.

Unfortunately over the past year this little girl has been orphaned, as both her mother and very recently her father died. Yet, she is full of smiles. Her life had been changed forever. Her future looks bright…

More info on Hawa (third story from right) can be found at: http://www.mercyglobal.com/stories_post.htm

Good day of reviews...

Today was a really good day. No clinic, but a number of reviews. All of which reminded me of why I am here. Just to give you an idea…

A 4 month old whose mother died after child birth; his grandmother takes care of him now but can’t afford baby formula. He was 2.5 kg when I first met him at 3 weeks of age, so I decided to help him out. Today he came for his supply of milk again. I’m not really a fan of formula, but what would this little guy have done without it. It’s so much fun watching him grow & develop.

A 2 ½ month old girl who was found next to a latrine just after birth, still attached to her placenta. The lady who found her has been bringing her to the clinic since she was 2 weeks old. She's doing well. I wonder what the future holds for this little girl. It’s got to be good!

The highlight was when two of my patients, their mothers actually, met each other. I met Hassan when he was a day old, with a severe cleft lip and palate. He struggled with his weight for the first few months but slowly started gaining, mostly due to his mother’s patience and perseverance. He recently had a successful cleft lip surgery on the Anastasis. Meanwhile, about 3 weeks ago, I met a 5 day old girl, with a cleft lip and palate. You need to understand that the parents of these children are pretty distraught- most people blame them for their child’s problem or say it is a ‘devil child’. So with the social burden, adjusting to the idea that your child has a birth defect and the everyday struggles here, it is hard to feed these children properly. So I asked Hassan’s mother to come today, to meet the girl’s mom. Well, late in the morning, the little girl’s family finally arrived. I introduced the mom’s to each other and they started talking. Hassan’s mother started speaking words of encouragement, telling the mom to be patient, showing her pictures of Hassan I had given her, telling her that her child is not a devil child, that she loves to play with her son, that it is not the mom's fault, telling her about the ship, etc. The little girl’s mom couldn’t help but cry, and I was on the verge too. So there we were, two families and myself, sharing with each other. I was so blessed to be a part of this. What an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness and His love for us. I am so proud of Hassan’s mom, for her endurance and love. And I am sure that the little girl’s mother is going to do her best to help her little one grow as she waits for her surgery in 2008.

What a good day...

Mercy Ships- a legacy lives on...

This past week has been an exciting one for Mercy Ships staff all over the world. As I am sitting here in Freetown, looking at the photos online, I can only imagine the excitement the crew of both ships felt as the Africa Mercy pulled into port on Wednesday. Friends on both ships emailed saying it was quite impressive. The crew on the Anastasis watching the Africa Mercy appear on the horizon and slowing making its way towards the dock. The crew on the Africa Mercy, as they catch glimpse of the port and the Anastasis already docked there, being welcomed in by crew lined up on the dock waving flags. What a historical moment! It’s amazing to think that a former rail ferry has been transformed into a hospital ship, which will be used by Mercy Ships to serve the poor in Africa. It has taken longer than expected, but the time has come. By next month the Africa Mercy will carry out the first surgeries.

However, as I look at the photos, I quickly realize that with the excitement comes sadness. Is it because I wish I could have shared in the moment? Is it because I know the Anastasis is being decommissioned? Is it because I know this is one of the last times I will see new pictures of my former home? Is it because I know I will never be able to show anyone where I grew up?

It is bitter sweet. Excitement- the AFM is starting up. Sadness- the Anastasis is coming to an end; not only being decommissioned, but also scrapped; a ship with so many memories, forever gone. I can’t help but be sad. If only there was a way to keep her 'alive'. In our memories she will have to remain. As has been stated before: “Her service is finished, God’s legacy lives on.”

I guess I feel this way because I spent 14 years onboard...and am attached to the ship. However, I am sure that next year when the Africa Mercy arrives in Freetown, and I am standing on the dock watching it pull in, I will be overjoyed that the work of the Anastasis has been carried on by the Africa Mercy. It'll be strange not knowing my way around the ship, but it will be a new adventure as well...

Warm welcome at the Feeding Centre...

Overall, today was a great day. My afternoon was the highlight of the week, as I headed down to the feeding centre at the other end of town. I referred a number of children over the past two months and have not had the chance to visit them in the past 6 weeks, so today was the day.

As we drove up, I saw some moms sitting outside. While parking the car one of the mom's got up. I recognized her right away as the mother of one of the kids I sent- a child that lives across the street from me! As I opened the car door she started running towards me with a big smile on her face, shouting “Sandra”. What a warm welcome that was. It was like I was seeing a close friend again for the first time in years. After a big hug she ushered me into the center to see her child. Fortunately her child is gaining weight, however, still struggling to fight TB. I pray that she will do well.

I spent time with the mothers & children, talked to the nurses, took some pictures, helped the children I referred out financially to pay for x-rays that hadn't been taken yet, or medication that still needed to be bought etc. It was good to see the faces again of the children that so easily manage to steal a piece of my heart...over and over again!

The second part of the story took place when I got home. I left our compound, walked down the road and into my neighbors’ compound...which consists of some shacks, washing lines, pots on an open fire, little kids running around, stray dogs lazying around and women chattering in the background. I went to meet my 6 year old friend, the sister of the child at the feeding centre. I wanted to tell her that her mom and sister are doing well. I had printed out the pictures I took earlier that afternoon of her sister. She loved them. Her grandmother loved them. Before I knew it they were running around showing all the others the pictures. Everyone loved it. They loved the fact that the girl looked fatter. They in return also had a picture of the little girl for me. They are so sweet and I can't wait for the day that the sister returns to her compound...a healthy girl.

Snapshots of weekend trips in April/May...

Me at River Two with some girls I met there.


Walking along the beach...


Being a little silly with my friends from the ship Dave and Robyn (taking picture)


Another visit to the chimp reserve a few weekends ago. Feeding time...


Watching chimps...


Beautiful view at River no. 2 beach

Hair cut in Africa...

For the past 10 years, with the exception of a few special occasions, I have had my hair cut by friends/family; seeing as I only want a trim I figure almost anyone can do it. A little while ago I asked my mom if she could cut my hair again (like she has before) and she said “sure”.

So earlier this week, I stayed at the centre after work for a haircut. Step 1 was talking about the length of hair I wanted. I was wearing a tank top with stripes and pointed out to which stripe I wanted my hair length to be. She said “that’s too short, how about this?” and pointed to a red stripe below where I pointed. I said that was fine. We agreed. (see picture above with arrows) I was then covered up with a black cape and the cutting began.

Well, after the first cut I heard a “oops” or something to that effect and thought “oh no”. Sure enough, it was shorter than planned; even shorter than what I had first pointed out. I think it was the black cape that threw mom off because she couldn’t see the stripes anymore. Whatever it was, she felt terrible about it, while I just said “it’s okay, I’m sure it’s fine, it’ll grow back, change is good, etc.” Anyway, my hair is cut. It’s shorter than it has been in the past 20 years probably. And when we were done there was more hair on the floor than on my head. But it looks fine and anyway, like I said it will grow back. After all, what’s 27 centimeters (=10 ½ inches) of hair anyway???

Outpatient clinic open for 2 years...

Two years ago today (well actually last Thursday but it has taken forever to finally upload this), marks the opening of the clinic. My first two months in Sierra Leone (March & April 2005) were spent preparing and se tting up the outpatient clinic. It wasn’t an easy time- figuring out what kind of clinic to set up, problems with some of the community leaders, etc. It was also an exciting time- hiring staff, watching the completion (for the most part) of the main building, etc.

On May 10th the clinic doors opened and the first patients came in. It was not a busy day at all with three patients showing up. However, the first patient that showed up at the gate, at the age of 9 months, still comes to the clinic. He came five times in 2006 and he’s been once in 2007. It’s great to know that his family is still pleased with the clinic. And of course numbers have increased!!

I was pretty nervous when I opened the clinic, and the first couple of months were a big stretch for me. But here we are, two years later, having had days with over 60 patients and I'm still here! Two years ago I thought 20 patients would be a heavy day. Now 40 patients is just an average day. Of course, it’s not always a breeze but it’s been quite the journey and I am so glad I have had this experience. What I love the most is the fact that I have gotten to know a number of the families in the area and actually build a patient base. There was no major celebration today but we gave the children that came in today a small gift which they really enjoyed. On to the next year…