Since it's been about two weeks since I last posted something on here, I feel that it is about time to put out some more exciting reading material. But, unfortunitely, I've not really had anything all that exciting happen (well......unless you consider fainting and falling out on the floor in the International Lounge in front of 30-40 people while my roommate is giving a presentation, exciting) in the last couple of weeks.

That's really kinda sad actually........I'm living on a hospital ship off the coast of Africa with 400+ people from 35 nations, and I have nothing interesting to write about. I'll blame it on my work schedule; since I have been working straight nights this year, I've not really taken the initiative to get out and do things nearly as much as I did last year when I came. I am already promising myself that I will do better next year (New Year's resolution a bit early?) about getting out and experiencing the African culture.

So, in light of the second sentence of the first paragragh, I thought I would just post one of the patient stories that our lovely Public Realations dept has written. I had the privilege of caring for this patient (Kossin) while he was with us, and so thought it would be a nice one to share. But first I will tell you the story of my fainting episode, since I'm sure you're dying (or fainting) with curiosity. But, even if you're not curious, I hate to pass up the oppurtunity to share an embarrassing story; so here goes:

It happened Friday morning, but it all started when I got sick on Thursday. So got off work Thurs morning, ate breakfast, walked ALL the way home, and went to sleep by about 9am. I kept waking up reapeatedly with stomach cramps and nausea. Got up for work around 5pm, and still felt horrible, so ended up calling out for the night. Anyway, by 8am Friday morning after a little puke, a little poo, and 24 hours of sleep I was feeling great! The other girls were up getting ready for the Programs Reporting Time in the International Lounge (the big meeting room where we have all our......well......big meetings for the crew). Ginger mentioned that Alainie was the person giving the presentation that morning on her work as the Wound Care Coordinator for the plastics patients we have had. I thought "hey, I'm feeling great! I'll go be a good supportive roommie and friend." So got ready, and went on up with Ginger and Becky.

Sometimes when I'm sick I don't eat or drink enough, and my blood sugar drops. So, things were going well, Alainie was being a phenomenal public speaker, giving out some great information, showing lots of good pictures, and telling a few funny quotes and sayings, just crusing along really. I suddenly started feeling funny and knew instantly that I was getting ready to pass out. So, as I have done in the past, I thought, I'll just scoot down in my chair, prop my head on the back of my seat, pass out, come too, and sit back up; fool-proof right? Not this time. Next thing I know I'm laying comfortably in the 'recovery position' on the floor and there are all these chair legs and human legs around, and I hear someone say "is she breathing?" and realize they're talking about me. Becky was kneeling beside me with her fingers on my wrist checking my pulse, being the perfect little nurse.

Then I hear "stretcher bearer team to International Lounge" on the overhead; twice! I sat my woozy self up and said " I am NOT going anywhere on a stretcher" then promptly passed back out. Ok, ok, I didn't really pass back out, but that woulda been funnier if I had. But really, Becky and the crew nurse helped me up and walked me to the back of the room where I had to lay down again (on chairs, not the floor this time) for a few minutes; and then they walked me back to my room (down two flights of stairs and a short hallway) with frequent rest breaks every 10 steps or so. So back to bed I went for about 24 more hours and Alainie continued on with her presentation, not sure if what had just transpired really had happened or not. In retrospect, I think that that may not have been the best way to show my supportiveness to Alainie. But, it made a good story.

So.......here's the real post:

Sixteen-year-old, Kossin Delou, spent four years of his life sheltered by his family and kept out of the public eye due to an enormous tumor that dominated the left side of his face. When the tumor first appeared, Kossin visited local hospitals in Lomé, Togo. But his family could not afford the necessary surgery. So, the tumor, which started from Kossin's upper jaw, continued to grow. It soon covered his eye, hindering his vision.

As the insidious growth enlarged, Kossin's life became more difficult. Kossin's father is a local pastor, and the church is an important part of his family life. But people viewed the tumor as a curse, so Kossin's shame prevented him from attending church. In fact, the children who were once his friends now ridiculed him on the streets and at school. He even felt like an outsider among his own siblings.

His emotional turmoil intensified as his dream for his future began to fade away. Kossin wanted to study at a university to become a teacher. He wanted to enrich the lives of children with knowledge and love. His grotesque facial deformity would prevent him from pursuing his education.

Then Kossin came to our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy . After many hours of surgery, he emerged with a newly constructed face. Joy radiated from Kossin and his family. His father, Pastor Delou, says, "In this life each one of us needs help in some moment of our life. I can say that through Mercy Ships, we have found that help. You can have a bad story - but, before the end of your life, God will open a door and smile deep into your heart. I know that God is working through Mercy Ships for the best in my life and in Kossin's life."

Kossin is ecstatic about his new life. He can go to church with his family and friends. He's no longer an object of ridicule. And - best of all - in September of 2010, Kossin will be able to start school to fulfil his resurrected dream of becoming a teacher.

Written by Joy Clary
Edited by Nancy Predaina

Photos by Debra Bell and Liz Cantu

Waiting in line to be examined
Being examined by Dr Gary Parker
Recieving his appointment card for surgery
Recovering in the Africa Mercy hospital ward.
Three weeks after surgeryStanding proudly beside his father, Pastor Delou.