healthcare

It's been a few weeks since I first told Emmie's story. Several people have sent messages asking for an update. I am happy to report that Emmie seems to be doing well.

On my last visit to the orphanage where Emmie lives, the first face that greeted me, was Emmie's-- with a huge smile! The scabs on her head, resulting from the chemical burn, are going away. Sadly, the blisters on a young heart, from abuse and neglect, do not go away as quickly as the physical healing occurs.

Do you know when you should wash your hands? The kids at three of our orphanages do… now.  Over the last few weeks, the children were gathered together for some learning fun. Paint was the “germ”, and as one child with the germ shook another’s hand the germ spread. The kids were very surprised to see how far a germ can spread without proper washing. The kids then washed their hands in a bucket with soap and water and watched the germs disappear! They learned that the germs disappear with scrubbing.

Today I met a precious girl. I hugged her. I tried to find a smile. I cut off all her hair. 

Emmie is about six years old. She was dropped off at an orphanage this week after her step-mother put a chemical on her head which caused serious burns over most of her scalp. The only reason to do so was to cause her harm. There were other reports of abuse as well, so another family member brought her to the orphanage and begged for help. She is in a safe place now. 

 Last week, with the help of Hannah Anders, a nursing student from Samford University in Alabama, the kiddos at one orphanage got a much needed check-up.

Little Jolene was first! She stepped on the scale and then stood against the measuring tape. She was unsure about how the scale worked but she stepped up anyways. Hannah asked her about any skin or other various problems that may be bothering her, then she looked her over. After that, Jolene was sent over to Uncle Joseph for worm medicine and vitamins and then on to receive a brand new pair of undies!

After three tough nights in the ICU Cecelia was moved to the medical ward Sunday afternoon. She was smiling and laughing and licking a lollipop when I stopped by to visit. There is still some minor swelling in her throat and she’s still receiving IV antibiotics and steroids. However, she is drinking fluids and trying to eat soft foods, which is a huge step in the right direction. When I asked her what I could bring for her next time I visit her scratchy, raspy voice squeaked out, “Anything, Auntie.” 

A little girl named Cecelia urgently needs your prayers. She is literally fighting for her life right now. I just got back from seeing her admitted to the ICU at a local hospital where she is being treated for a life threatening condition called epiglottitis. She has severe swelling of her throat, difficulty breathing, a fever of 104 and severe dehydration due to the fact that she has not been able to eat or drink anything for a couple days. This is a rare and serious medical condition even with the best medical facilities available. 

On Sunday Barvor is going to start the greatest adventure of his lifetime. He is leaving Liberia for the first time and flying on a “big bird” (airplane) to the United States for eye surgery. 

We have known Barvor for about four years and, almost from the very first day, have been trying to get him help for his eyes. He has been to several local "eye specialists", worn special sunglasses, and used daily eye drops. His diagnosis is unclear, but what  is very certain is that nothing more can be done to treat him in Liberia.

Three-year-old Eddie was near death just a year ago. His mother showed no care or regard for him, and it became clear to neighbors Emmanuel and Evelyn that Eddie would soon die in her care. As orphanage directors, they recognized the signs of an underweight child on the edge of collapse, and they took action.

They offered to take him into their home and nursed him for months until he regained weight. Now little Eddie calls them Mama and Papi. ORR was even able to arrange for surgery to correct his umbilical hernia this year through our friends at Children's Surgery International.

When we see the same children on a daily basis, it's easy to forget how much the children have improved. It's when you take a step back and look at the progress, changes and miracles  that it is easy to see that with love and time, lives are being changed.

Unfortunately, seeing malnourished and suffering children is part of life in Liberia. It is our vision at Orphan Relief and Rescue to be a voice with action for orphans that no one else will help. Being that voice is not always easy, but it is necessary. Being that voice has given Korpu a new chance at life.