Wednesday 29 April 2009

A couple of weeks ago, our Eye Team became aware of a family with 3 children, all 3 blind from cataracts in both eyes. They were 1, 3 and 7 years old. The oldest could see a tiny bit in one eye if he held something within a couple of inches from the side of his right eye. So, it was arranged for them to come on board for surgeries. The one with the greatest hope for good sight was the 1 year old. The 7 year old apparently was on the edge, at an age when even with the cataracts removed, it might have been too late for the child to see. They stayed on board and the next morning the patches were removed. It was quite calm. You never know how people will respond. One of the team said when the patches were removed the eldest did "his blind thing" of feeling and putting something so close. Then he walked over to the surgeon and took something out of his hand. He obviously could see. After the 2 week post op appointment they are doing great. The eldest has sight that is not as good as the other 2. The mom is very pleased but she says she knew what to expect when all 3 were blind, but now they get into everything!! I can imagine....



Last week I saw tulips.
I do enjoy being in Africa but have been realizing that I miss spring flowers. About the same time I realized that, our daughter, Martha, let us know she was planning to move back to South Africa from Switzerland. Now I also miss my kids and my grandkids and so, not even thinking of flowers, I planned a trip to help her pack up their things. And lo and behold, along with the special-ness of seeing Martha and Pieter and Daniel and Stian and Megan, I also got to see tulips and forsythia and daffodils and had a wonderful time. I also saw more banana boxes than I ever care to see again...just kidding!!

Monday 6 April 2009

Would you like a coffee?

Welcome back. I talked with one of my sisters the other day and she thought I was still in Liberia. Since we have been in Benin now for 2 months, I realized I'd better do some communicating.
Thanks for sticking with me. Would you like a coffee? One of the fun things I do on board once or twice a week is work in our Starbucks Cafe on board. It really is Starbucks and I think at the moment it may be the only one in Benin...or West Africa.

So...I am back. It is hard to know where to start after 3 months. Where does the time go?