Yesterday was an extremely rewarding day for me. I was part of several efforts that have clearly begun paving new possibilities in peoples lives.
One of the efforts began during a visit to the village of Benikrukru. We were there filming the people and conditions, and early in the visit, a family and community members appealed to us for help with a young girl. This girl, 7 years old, was severely burned after falling in a fire over a year ago. She has had no medical attention since and is severely scarred from the accident. There was part of her wound that was still open, needing medical care.
As we sat in the room after meeting her, learning of her story, and seeing her burn, I could not focus on the talks at hand. The chief was present, doing a formal greeting as is traditional in this culture. I sat there and wept. I could not fathom the pain and suffering this beautiful child had endured. I could not understand why, for over a year, she did not receive the immediate and critical help necessary for her healing. Yet another devastating example of how there is no real leadership, no infrastructure, and no civil society ensuring welfare of its people.
Several of us were moved by the vision of the young girl and the reality of her situation. We talked about it and as our time concluded in Oporoza and we were ready to return to Warri, we decided to make a stop in her village to offer our support.
Whenever we arrive at a village, attention is immediately drawn to us. White people arriving on boats with cameras draws curiosity, enthusiasm, hope, and sometimes resentment. As we approached the dock, people began to gather around. Sandy and I got out of the boat with Cliff (camera person) and a few of our Nigerian friends. We asked for the family and went to the mother and daughter to inform them that we were prepared to provide the resources for her to get to the hospital and receive medical care. We told them we would make arrangements for a boat to take them to Warri. Warri has the nearest hospital, which is an hour and half boat ride. When we told her this, she asked if she could also bring her youngest daughter, 4 yrs old, who was born with jaundice and was experiencing lack of development and other health problems. We said yes.
Two days later, I found myself in a market in Warri with Helen (one of our Nigerian friends, an amazing woman who has been a bridge and advocate) to meet the mother, Godwin, and her 2 daughters, Esther and Faith. I could see them approaching in the distance and noticed another set of people. It turned out to be a mother with her son and daughter. Her appeal was that we help her son, who was going blind in one eye.
We arrived at the hospital at 8am and spent the whole day there with a visit to a pharmacy at 5pm During our time there, Helen and I went between different departments of the hospital, tending to the various needs of the 3 children.
We learned that Esthers burns were so severe that she needs plastic surgery. David's eye was going blind and the other eventually could as well; he needs surgery. Faith's jaundice (which could have easily been treated years ago) had effected her brain development. She needed x-rays and ultrasound as well as some other tests.
We proceeded with Esther and Faith's care. I waited with Esther for several hours for her to get dressing on her open wound. During our time together, I noticed this traumatized and shy girl open up a bit. Over time, she and I communicated and began playing with my camera. She let me take a picture of her, which was special because one of the areas that she is scarred from the burn is on one half of her face. Seeing her smile was such a gift.
Yesterday I went back to the hospital to follow up with tests, appointments and Esther's wound dressing. When I saw the mothers and children, it was evident that our steps had already had an impact on their spirits. There was a new lightness about them. Their appreciation was so high, and I was humbled by their constant gratitude.
As a group, we decided to help David with his eye surgery and it is scheduled for the end of Sept.
Faith has some medications to help build her liver and has an appointment with Dr. on Monday.
Esther is receiving daily dressings for her open wound for a week at the hospital. I bought her supplies for continuation of this treatment when they are back in the village. We are going to do a fund raiser for her plastic surgery.
Life has been re-inspired for these families, and the reward in my heart is plenty. We plan to stay connected with them, follow their stories and even potentially invest in the future of the children more through education.
We'll see what happens (as they say here in Nigeria).
What is true now is that 3 children are on their way to health. Their eyes have a new sparkle in them. Their mom's smiles communicate a new levity and hope they did not carry before.
Blessed be.