Unique and Various Needs

As you know, Bethany Kids was started as a children's hospital to meet the needs of the children of East Africa who would not normally be able to afford medical care on their own. The work being done here has garnered a reputation around East Africa and beyond as a place where children will be cared for regardless of their situation and condition. Much of the work has focused on surgeries for spina bifida (dramatic curvature of the spine), hydrocephalus (water on the brain), and other physical disabilities such as cleft palate and club foot. However, the doctors are increasingly faced with a variety of situations as children are brought in with injuries from conflict or accident. I met a girl this morning from Somalia (first photograph) who came in with her right arm in terrible condition. The initial thought was it was the result of a burn, but in fact she had been bitten by a snake. I was with Dr. Bransford when he saw her today. I asked how a snake bite could possibly do that to her arm and he replied that it was simply a result of not receiving any medical intervention in a timely manner. Her family are poor Somali refugees who did not think they could afford care. The doctors are working with her now but much could have been prevented with more timely care. This seems to be the on-going theme even from my last visit - a never ending need for care for those who cannot afford it. We have much to be thankful for in Canada with our healthcare system.

I made a new friend in the hospital today. He was waiting with his mother and brother to be admitted and he was very curious about the camera so I took some shots of him (close up above) and his mother took a picture of the two of us in the hallway! I had a chance to spend some time with the mother and daughter in the photo below. Her daughter is recovering from burn wounds and is doing quite well all things considered. It is almost unthinkable to consider what would have been the fate of the young girl without the care she received at Bethany.

I met so many wonderful people today who were so open to talking about their experiences, where they are from, and what they hope for themselves and their children when they leave Bethany.

Mercy always made a point of introducing me in every room as a principal from a wonderful school in Canada. She talks about you (our students) with all of the mothers, fathers, and children - about the wonderful things you have done to support their work over the past years. She also talks about the fact that we bring crayons - that seems to get an even brighter smile!

Please read the post below after this one as I posted two this evening. The next one is entitled "Walking with Mercy Today" and it's more about my morning in the hospital. Read on below...