This is my new friend Wata. The way that I met her is quite unique. About 6 weeks ago, I had the opportunity to observe four different surgeries in the OR of the hospital. The order was: hernia repair, cataract removal, syndactyly release (separating fingers) and a facial reconstruction. Three of them were small, minor surgeries, then the last one was a major surgery. I believe it lasted 5 hours, but I was only allowed to stay for the first 2 hours. The woman in the surgery was Wata, but I didn't know her at the time.
I wish that I could show you the before picture so that you could see the transformation that has taken place. Wata is only around 40 years old, even though she appears much older. As a child, she contracted a flesh-eating infection called NOMA. This infection severely disfigured her mouth so that she had no upper lip, her few bottom teeth jutted out of her mouth, and her jaw was locked into place. Wata could not chew food, so she could only squeeze bits of mushed food through her teeth in order to stay alive. Wata is a complete miracle to be alive. Why? Because 9 out of 10 children who have NOMA die from it. She was most likely 6 years old or younger when she was infected, which means she has lived 35 years without the ability to talk or eat real food.
The surgery was fascinating to watch. I must admit that I couldn't watch all of it...but I tried! At one point the surgeons pulled out what looked like a chisel and hammer and used them to break her jaw. They then used part of a bone from her hip to replace what was missing from her jaw. She now has partial movement of her jaw so that she can chew! They then cut part of her bottom lip and used it to create an upper lip. Watching the surgery felt very surreal.
Then, this past week, I went for a regular visit to the Hope Center. I had looked for Wata when I visited the Ward, but had not seen her. I had given up and figured that she had already gone home. At the Hope Center, I was walking around greeting all the adults and learning their names when I came to her. We shook hands, and I didn't recognize her at first. When I asked her "How da body?" Her response came out garbled and hard to understand due to the fact that she has no teeth. That's when I looked at her mouth and recognized her. I felt so excited when I realized that I had seen this life-changing surgery, and now was able to meet her! I could only imagine what it must feel like for the doctors and nurses who are the ones performing the surgeries - I was only watching! I have been planning to return to college for nursing when I get home, but now I am REALLY interested in working in the OR. Anyway, Wata asked me if I had any "pekins" or children, to which I replied no, I'm not even married. Her and several other ladies just thought that was hilarious! I asked Wata if she had any pekins, and she said she has 4. I asked if they were all grown, and she said that they range from little to grown. So this woman who could barely feed and care for herself is still raising children! I was blown away when she told me that. I am planning to visit her again tomorrow, and she really wants that photo of me and her. She'll be angry if I don't bring it, so I'm going to print it off tonight! :)
This is a new buddy of mine, Foday. He's such a cutie. He is here to have a surgery on his legs which are slightly deformed.
My friend, Sheika, and I. Just last week he had a tumor removed from the back of his head. A nurse described it to me as "another head." eek! He is so relieved it's gone. I wish you could see his joyful smile!
My roommate, Dorike, and I with the little munchkins. These kids are all getting ready to have orthopedic surgery for bowed legs or similar problems.
I wish you all could have the chance to visit the Hope Center for a day. Spending time with these patients has been such a blessing to me. I return to the ship sweaty and very dirty, but it never seems to matter. Thanks for reading, and God bless!
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