Surgery at Mbingo

To my surprise, my first patient was not Cameroonian. She was a tiny 13 month old girl from Gabon. She had a bilateral cleft lip and palate, and was born into a country with no surgeon that could help her. Her family brought her to Cameroon on a 2 week visa in hopes of receiving surgical care. This struck me because my own son was born with a congenital condition requiring surgery. I had a host of surgeons to select from, just 15 minutes from my front door. Thankfully, her surgery went well and she's already gone home.

Last week a boy came to the hospital in a large brimmed hat and sunglasses, his face completely hidden. Behind this veil, I discovered an infection in this boy's face that had been ongoing for more than 1 year (ever since he'd undergone a prior surgery). I wasn't quite sure what I could do to help, but we took him to surgery.  I found 2 large pieces of gauze that had been accidentally left inside his sinuses. They had been the cause of the infections and we were able to remove them! This may have been the most minor procedure I've performed during my time here, but turned out to be the most rewarding because I know how much it will help him and I thank God for the opportunity to help him.

On the home front, it's still difficult settling in and adjusting. However, we are finding some time to get out and enjoy this beautiful place. Here are the kids pointing out a small herd of goats.

 Behind us and to the left you can see Mbingo. We've discovered a great way to get the kids to sleep well....take them on a hike up a mountain!

As we continue to live life here, I'm learning about needing the mere presence of God. The thought of being at a place like this without God is overwhelmingly frightening to me. What keeps us going here amongst all the struggles is simply knowing he's by our side. God is teaching me, albeit in a very miniaturized way, what Jesus went through on the cross. It wasn't about his physical pain. Anyone can die on a cross: courageously or cowardly. What Jesus did that nobody else could was to bear our sins, becoming separated from God for the first and only time. While living in the US, I did not truly fear separation from God (even though I should have). In some ways, I convinced myself that I didn't need God. Truly I have found that I need Him in all circumstances, both the mountains and the valleys. Thank you all for your support and prayers!