Yaya...an update

We've got some incredible Yaya's in our life....

• Yaya #1 = Toni Cash, Mrs. Amazing  
• Yaya #2 = the waiter at Grillz, our favorite restaurant in Conakry, Guinea 
• Yaya #3 = a little boy who was a patient in the hospital last year. 

We want to share a bit of an update on Yaya #3.

His story is rather remarkable...and was featured in "The Surgery Ship" -- a documentary that was recently aired in Australia (you might be able to find it/watch it if you search for it on the interwebs...) 

Here are 3 posts that give insight into Yaya's life and experience on the Africa Mercy:

Yaya's Story on Stephanie's Blog

Rothwell's version of Yaya's story

Mercy Ships Australia Article

When we think of Yaya, the thing that is especially remarkable is remembering how our crew fell in love with this boy.  He experienced Love in this place - the Love of Jesus expressed through nurses, doctors, physical therapists, administrative assistants and others who LIT UP when they saw him...who cried when he left...who have continued to keep up with him...who are SO EXCITED to see him when the ship returns to Guinea in the fall (btw, that's the plan!).

So we've prayed for Yaya and hoped for the best for him...and now we've found out that he's doing well!  He is in school...walking around...playing football....enjoying life in ways that a little boy should.  

Michelle shared these pictures on her blog.  Look at those legs!  

What a difference a year can make....a year when God intersects a little boy's life with a hospital ship that provides free life-changing surgery and free life-changing physical therapy and free love, hugs, smiles & stickers.  And, even though it's his legs that are now straight, we know it's not just Yaya's life that has been impacted...

God's work through the Africa Mercy makes a difference.  We're honored to be a small part of it.

Surely there is more to come.