The way our hospital runs is amazing. I know my understanding of it all is rather simple - thousands of patients screened, scheduled, brought to the ship, admitted, prepped for surgery, have surgery, recover, have whatever rehab or physical therapy is needed, and then return home with changed lives - and hopefully not just physically. It's a miraculous process that requires the love, effort and expertise of many.
One thing that happens that helps with orchestrating it all is that certain types of surgeries happen at certain times -- for instance, during "Plastics", surgeons who specialize in burns/contractures are brought in and the majority of surgeries will be of that nature (makes sense, right?!).
Right now Orthopedics is the speciality that is running. Dr. Frank (in the picture above) and his wife, Kathleen, are beloved crew who come year after year, willingly sharing their gifts and talents so that people - primarily children - can walk or run or dance or play again (and some for the first time in their life!).
Thought you might like a few glimpses into what God is doing in and through the Ortho Team.
Here's a link to a great video that's well worth watching:
2 Quotes From Mercy Ships' Facebook Page:
"The orthopedic team recently saw 35 pediatric patients from our last field service for follow-up appointments. Many shared how well they have done since their surgeries last year, and it was wonderful to hear how many of these children are now in school, some for the first time ever. We are thrilled to see these patients doing so well."
"This week we're welcoming orthopedic patients on board the #AfricaMercy. Cyriane comes to us from a village in northern Madagascar. Though she was born with clubbed feet, she hasn't let that slow her down. Cyriane is determined to keep up with the boys in her village - but due to her condition she can't wear shoes, which makes life difficult for an active child. Because of our generous donors and incredible volunteers, this won't be the case for much longer. Soon Cyriane will receive the treatment and therapy she needs to walk and run normally. In the meantime, she can be found on a hospital ship - where she is being spoiled by nurses who paint her fingernails and playing with the new friends she's met along the way."
"The orthopedic team recently saw 35 pediatric patients from our last field service for follow-up appointments. Many shared how well they have done since their surgeries last year, and it was wonderful to hear how many of these children are now in school, some for the first time ever. We are thrilled to see these patients doing so well."
"This week we're welcoming orthopedic patients on board the #AfricaMercy. Cyriane comes to us from a village in northern Madagascar. Though she was born with clubbed feet, she hasn't let that slow her down. Cyriane is determined to keep up with the boys in her village - but due to her condition she can't wear shoes, which makes life difficult for an active child. Because of our generous donors and incredible volunteers, this won't be the case for much longer. Soon Cyriane will receive the treatment and therapy she needs to walk and run normally. In the meantime, she can be found on a hospital ship - where she is being spoiled by nurses who paint her fingernails and playing with the new friends she's met along the way."
Thoughts from the blog of our Chief Steward, Katie Stull (...the windows in her office overlook the gangway...)
"Today, orthopedic surgeries started and so last week I got to see parades of adorable children making their slow way down to deck 3. Give those kids a few weeks though and they will be tearing around creation on straight legs."
Thoughts from Dean Hufstedler Dean is one of our physical therapists (and the uncle of our friends, the Bullocks, who served with us our first 2 years on the ship! We like to claim "Uncle Dean" and "Aunt Marcia", as family, too!)
Sobering moments:
During orthopedic screening, Dr. Frank asked the father of one obviously malnourished child what she had for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The shame and helplessness showed on his face as he answered, "rice, rice, rice." Most of the world's families try to survive on less than two US dollars a day. I waste more than that every day on my wants.
While riding the 45 minutes to church this morning, I watched hundreds, maybe thousands of the 2-dollar a day folks walking, shopping, working along the route. I thought of Matthew 9:36: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
I couldn't stand it if I didn't know that God loves them more than I do. Come soon, Lord Jesus.
It is a joy and a privilege and a delight to be a part - a small part - of the miracles that are happening onboard the Africa Mercy through all things Ortho - and through every part of this vessel and her crew!
To God be the Glory. He is so worthy.
Surely there will be more to come.
Unexpected work you people do with this webpage.
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