My little munchkins

While it is never a good thing to have favorites, there are always a few kids that just melt your heart. They somehow gain a special place in your heart, especially when you care for them shift after shift! Two of these little munchkins were Chara and Maurice. Their surgeries were fairly complex and both of them experienced post-operative complications, leading to a longer hospitalization. But our little champs hung in there and improved over the weeks. Most days, Maurice was snugly tucked away in the corner with his momma, sleeping or eating. His mother showed the most tender care, but it was apparent that she was still concerned.

One of the last weeks the hospital was open, we decided to have a worship night/dance party on the dock. The nurses who were working that evening decided it would be fun to bring the patients and parents out on the dock to enjoy the festivities. One of my friends took Maurice into his arms and I grabbed his momma by the hand and brought her into the circle to dance. She looked over at Maurice, unsure if she wanted to leave his side. But, knowing he was in good hands, she gradually joined in the dancing. It was fun to watch the anxiety and stress leave her face as she began to let loose and dance. As the drums beat and the music played, a beautiful smile came across her face. It was the happiest I had ever seen her. Singing worship songs together, laughing, and dancing, we found ourselves as more than caregiver and nurse. We were friends and sisters in Christ. It was a very special time!

After many weeks, Maurice was finally able to be discharged from the hospital right as we finished the outreach and closed the hospital down. We were all sad to say goodbye, but grateful that he was well enough to finally go home.

Maurice is too cute not to snuggle







But across the room, Chara still had some treatment that she needed to receive. She was improving slowly, but not enough to go back to her home. Arrangements were made to transfer her to the local hospital upon the ship's departure. The day the hospital closed, we joined her and her Momma on the dock as she waved goodbye. We had spent so much time with her and Chara that it felt as though we were saying to a fellow crew member. They loaded into the Landrover and we waved goodbye, entrusting them into God's hands as they finished their treatment.

Goodbye Chara!

Progress

One of the really great things about visiting a country I have been to before is the opportunity to see the visible progress that has taken place since our last time here. Even though it's only been two years, there is definitely a distinct difference in Togo...new stores and restaraunts, better roads, and lots of other general development has taken place. But one of the greatest moments of witnessing progress took place this past Sunday when I visited the "Fishing Village Church," a church I had attended in 2010.


Two years ago, the "Fishing Village Church" was little more than a thatch roof held up by sticks and a group of people wanting to be a light in a very dark village. The church is at the heart of a village that is full of idol-worship and evil practices...but, the joy and light of that place has always been very significant. So, it was an amazing feeling on Sunday to arrive at the church and see that they now have an actual church building there...and it was full of people worshipping God with all their hearts! The little thatch roof is now used for sunday school for the kids...the congregation has grown, a number of people were recently baptized, and joy is still contagious in that place!


As we all spent time singing and dancing together, my heart swelled with joy as I watched the people light up and dance before the Lord...we sat down for the message and a little boy came over and sat on my lap. The little ones here are always so friendly and loveable.

The boys dancing during worship time



Marty (one of our chaplains from the ship) shared a message with the church, as it was the last Sunday that he and his family would be there before leaving for summer vacation. It was very special to hear him speak, as he is part of my "Gateway family" and has been a big part of my experience with Mercy Ships. He has also been attending the "Fishing Village Church" on a regular basis since the ship came back to Togo in January, so he had lots of stories to share about the positive changes he has seen even in the last five months.

Pastor James and his family



A few weeks ago, we were able to take an offering on the ship to help this church and raised enough money to pay for all their doors (currently the building is finished, but there are no doors or windows). I know that the church will continue to grow develop in a physical sense, but more importantly in a spiritual sense. If I never make it back to Togo, I have a feeling that there will be lots of stories to share in heaven about how God used this church to be a light in a dark place. For now, we praise God for progress and good fruit and entrust them to the Lord knowing that "He who began a good work will bring it to completion" (Philippians 1:6).