Sibi Julie

Cleft lip patient Sibi Julie won hearts when her mum, Odette brought her the screening day in February. Sibi Julie, nicknamed Fuzzy, was one of the first patients to come aboard for surgery on the Africa Mercy for the Togo 2012 field service. The children of West Africa are beautiful both inside and out. They are affectionate and not one bit shy. It is not unusual to have children jump into your lap on first meeting or to take your hand and smile up at you. Last week Andrew and I saw patient Ali with his mum in the hallways of the wards. Despite the fact that Andrew has never met him and I have only seen him asleep, he ran to us with open arms, a huge grin on his little face. Ali very proudly showed us his Mickey Mouse nappy and then proceeded to try to check on the status of mine and Andrew's nappy-lol. Such is the innocence and curiosity of the children here.

Sibi Julie posing for her patient photo at the screening day.

This is the sweetest photo. Two days post surgery, having her temperature taken beside her sleeping mama, you can already see the amazing transformation of Sibi Julie.

Poor Sibi looks a little shell shocked but you can see where she gets her looks. Four days post op posing with gorgeous mum, Odette. 

How could you resist?

Four days post op......ever wondered where all the knitted teddies and dolls go to? Well each child on the Africa Mercy gets one for starters! Andrew was fortunate to be able to watch children receive their Good Samaritan Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes at the Jesus film screening a few weeks ago. It is amazing to be at the end of the line!

Wow-returning to the ship for a follow up appointment. What a transformation!

A few months on Sibi Julie has made a wonderful recovery. With this surgery her life will be spared from ridicule and isolation. She will be able to eat properly and attend school without the fear of rejection. All in day's work!