Before and After

Lawson before surgery

Lawson after surgery.

The tumour that had been growing in Lawson's mouth for four years made it difficult for him to eat, breathe and speak properly. He was ostracised from his community. Now he is able to smile again.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Is washing your hair becoming a chore? Are you tired of having to brush it EVERY SINGLE day? In just five easy steps you can simplify your life and your hair routine:

1. Auction yourself off at a Mercy Ships Academy fundraiser.

2. Ask the hairdresser Paul to 'work his magic'.




3. Be sure to do this in front of the entire crew.

4. Wear a pink bow. It adds a touch of spunk.

5. Console yourself with some ice-cream.



Thank you Murray and Shelly for the pictures.

Surrender

I'm giving You my heart, all that is within
I lay it all down, for the sake of You my King

I'm giving You my dreams, laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride, for the promise of new life

And I surrender all to You, all to You
And I surrender all to You, all to You

I'm singing You this song, I'm waiting at the cross
All the world holds dear, I count it all as loss

For the sake of knowing You, for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain

And I surrender it all to you, all to You

by Lincoln Brewster

Kossin Delou

Sixteen-year-old, Kossin Delou, spent four years of his life sheltered by his family and kept out of the public eye due to an enormous tumor that dominated the left side of his face. When the tumor first appeared, Kossin visited local hospitals in Lomé, Togo. But his family could not afford the necessary surgery.

So, the tumor, which started from Kossin's upper jaw, continued to grow. It soon covered his eye, hindering his vision.

As the insidious growth enlarged, Kossin's life became more difficult. Kossin's father is a local pastor, and the church is an important part of his family life. But people viewed the tumor as a curse, so Kossin's shame prevented him from attending church.

In fact, the children who were once his friends now ridiculed him on the streets and at school. He even felt like an outsider among his own siblings.

His emotional turmoil intensified as his dream for his future began to fade away. Kossin wanted to study at a university to become a teacher. He wanted to enrich the lives of children with knowledge and love. His grotesque facial deformity would prevent him from pursuing his education.

Then Kossin came to our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy . After many hours of surgery, he emerged with a newly constructed face.

Kossin Delou waits in line to be examined by volunteer surgeons to be scheduled for surgery

Kossin Delou is examined by Dr. Gary Parker in order to schedule an appointment for surgery.

Joy radiated from Kossin and his family. His father, Pastor Delou, says, "In this life each one of us need s help in some moments of our life. I can say that through Mercy S hips, we have found that help. Y ou can have a bad story - but, before the end of your life , God will open a door and smile deep into your heart. I know that God is working through Mercy Ships for the best in my life and in Kossi n 's life ."

Kossin Delou three weeks after surgery.

Kossin is ecstatic about his new life. He can go to church with his family and friends. He's no longer an object of ridicule. And - best of all - in September of 2010, Kossin will be able to start school to fulfil his resurrected dream of becoming a teacher.

Written by Joy Clary Edited by Nancy Predaina Photos by Debra Bell and Liz Cantu

Miracle

The medical staff have had a difficult few weeks. They care for the patients with such love and it affects them greatly when a life is lost. Close friends suffered through the loss of a young patient about two weeks ago. And earlier this week another young patient passed away.

But today there is hope. Today we are reminded of our powerful God. Today we are reminded that He is with us and that He hears our prayers. Ali, a nurse, shares the story at http://alirae.net/blog/archives/376-sparrow-baby.html .

Blood Bank

One of the perks of having a hospital on the AFM is that it has a living, breathing blood bank at its disposal...in the form of the crew.

Today in the middle of the school day, I got the call. The hospital needed blood. You know you live on the Africa Mercy when you get pulled out of work to donate blood! Better yet, you know you live on the Africa Mercy when a former room-mate is the one drawing it and your current room-mate is the nurse in the operating room (I love you Maggie and Allison)!

Poor Maggie. She took my blood sample about a month ago. I think I may have traumatised her. Usually I am okay with needles but that all changed when someone I shared a bunk bed with was sticking a needle in my arm! I don't think I was much better today. Despite my lack of bravery, Maggie did an excellent job. My arm is not even bruised!

Maggie looking on as I moan about having to squeeze the ball to keep the blood flowing.

Success!

Living the Dream...

Kenya's beauty is breathtaking. After arriving in Nairobi in the early hours of Thursday morning, I dozed off to sleep while Francis, our friendly driver took us to Rift Valley Academy (the school that hosted the ICEC Conference). On the bus I woke up to my colleagues gasps of delight as we passed the Great Rift Valley.

Francis stopped the bus and we all got off to admire the scene. I can't really describe it. Pictures do not do it justice. It was one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen.

Pictures taken from a viewing point along the road

We arrived at Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe and did some exploring of the school grounds. We enjoyed breathing in the fresh air and seeing greenery wherever we turned. We were content.

Several inspirational speakers addressed the conference delegates over the course of the weekend. One of my highlights was hearing Mr Wes Stafford (president of Compassion International) share his story and passion for children with us. We also met teachers from Christian schools in Egypt, Ethiopia and the Cameroon to name just a few. My eyes were opened. I had no idea that there were so many missionary teachers across Africa.

One of my favourtie workshops was entitled School Culture: Rule-dominated or grace-dominated. I enjoyed it because this is something that I have been struggling with as a teacher. How do I model Christ's example of extending grace while still mainting discipline and boundaries within the classroom? Truth be told, I still don't really know how but one thing I know is that I need to trust God. I need to ask Him for wisdom in making decisions in the classroom. I have trusted God in this regard more than before but the conference encouraged me to keep trusting Him. All the time.

I was also reminded of what a privilege it is to work with a team who are all on 'the same page'. We are all here to serve the children and families on the ship. And ultimately to bring God glory.

The Mercy Ship Academy staff. A great team.