tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13271211855534749462024-03-05T08:19:38.234-08:00A Kernel of FaithStephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-49419803242066966682015-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:002015-05-25T07:00:00.994-07:00Restored<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are some patients that really plant themselves straight into my heart, and I'll never forget them. Meet 'M,' she has definitely planted some roots that are there to stay. She hasn't had the easiest journey here, but that smile you see, it hasn't really left her face. She's been discharged and readmitted a few times for bleeding, and through it all she's been patient, and understanding; scared, but trusting; sweet, and loving. </div>
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To celebrate a patient's transformation from wet to dry, and commemorate a fresh start to their new life, we have a party! It's a blast! We get all the ladies together, they get their hair and makeup done, get a pretty, new dress, and get to tell their testimonies. Unfortunately, M missed the last dress ceremony because she was in the OR. So yesterday, after having some time to heal after her surgery, we got to celebrate M! </div>
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I love how God is a God of details. He's got things under control far beyond our thinking or awareness. I was feeling bad that all but one other VVF lady had been discharged, and she was the only one who hadn't had her dress ceremony yet. She was going to be all alone. But in a way only God could do it, M's husband randomly showed up on the dock with her belongings from the HOPE Center! Perfect timing for her dress ceremony, and just in time so they could go home together. So we celebrated! It was beautiful to see the patients, day crew, and nurses celebrating M! </div>
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During her testimony she told us how she had suffered with her fistula for 2 years, and during that time she let her relationship with God go. Her and her husband stopped going to church, and drifted away from God. She said that through her time on the ship she was reconciled to God, and her relationship with Him restored. I love how God doesn't cast us aside when we leave Him, but instead He seeks us out to restore relationship with Him. </div>
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M left today...it was bittersweet, but mostly sweet because she's going home healed now. I'll miss her, and her me, but I know I'll see her again someday. </div>
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<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0Madagascar-18.766947 46.869106999999985-18.766947 46.869106999999985 -18.766947 46.869106999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-80729944589726945592015-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:002015-05-18T07:00:04.726-07:00Stories<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I was looking through my past blog posts from the start of this blog in 2012, I realized I didn't have many patient stories, actually, <i>any</i> patient stories! Which made me sad that I haven't shared with you all the beautiful people I get to love-on day in and day out. Sooo I decided to start sharing some stories of the ladies that I learn from on a daily basis. I'm keeping their names for them, but you'll still get to know them and their sweet spirits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is 'B.' You wouldn't know by looking at her, but she is a riot! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To help pass the time on the ward we often paint nails, braid bracelets, or braid hair...ya know, girly things. What else is there to do with a room full of 20 female patients, 3 female Translators, and 5 female nurses?? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Oh, I forgot to mention that among all this estrogen there are 2-3 male translators who often partake in the girly activities). </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, one day the ladies were all sitting in bed doing an assortment of the aforementioned girly activities when 'B' and her neighbor started bursting out laughing. One of said male translators was talking to 'B,' and she told him, and I quote,"The men in our village are Casanovas, and better looking than you. Now when we go back to our village we'll know how to do our hair, paint our nails, and look nice. We'll all get husbands." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Women are the same on both sides of the sea...</span></div>
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Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0Madagascar-18.766947 46.869106999999985-33.999289499999996 26.214809999999986 -3.5346044999999986 67.523403999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-66707112486007151842015-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:002015-05-16T09:00:00.926-07:00Transformation...inside and out<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I often get wrapped up in VVF Land and forget to look around me. Not only are lives changed on my ward with the ladies, but all around me lives are changing. Limbs that were crooked are now straight; noses that weren't there, are now there; devastation from burns, healed. There are too many amazing surgeries are happening on the wards surrounding me to not mention them here. Take a look for yourself, transformation is so clear, not just on the outside...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mamisy</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fernand</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vanya</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lixia</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dyllan</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are just a few examples of the life changing work being done here. One word comes to mind when I think of these patients, 'Trust.' They trust God enough to sell all their belongings to make it to the big white ship for healing; they trust enough to not listen to the words of naysayers who speak lies and fear; they trust enough to walk up the gangway and down into the belly of the ship; they trust us with their lives when they roll into that operating room, and into a world of unknown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I need to learn from them...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where do I need to trust God when fear is taking over? I can think of a few... </span></div>
Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0Madagascar-18.766947 46.869106999999985-33.999289499999996 26.214809999999986 -3.5346044999999986 67.523403999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-62153258900631438232015-05-15T04:23:00.001-07:002015-05-15T04:23:11.594-07:00Restoring Homes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what I get to be a part of here, and why my heart is continually pulled back here. </span></div>
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<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-21883326316597299052015-05-01T22:22:00.002-07:002015-05-01T22:22:30.124-07:00Control<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These past two weeks have been interesting...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> From raging fevers to patients hemorrhaging at 6 in the morning, to tears of sadness as hope is shattered with one word "tis maina" 'not dry', to celebrations of dryness. I could hardly catch my breath before the next challenge hit. In the midst of the chaos I was acutely aware that I was not the One in control. I have never felt so out of control and relied on God so heavily in all my times here. There's something that happens when things are slipping from your grip and you're reminded of life's fragility. I'm so blown away by the community of faith that I serve alongside. I realized what lucky a gal I am to have friends and strangers covering me and my ladies in prayer when I walked into the ward the next morning to find men and women from different departments on the ship standing outside my ward praying together for the VVF ladies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm amazed by God's timing of events over and over again. I didn't know that when I woke up that Thursday morning and went down to my ward early, that right at that exact moment a nurse caring for my patient on the next ward over, would be coming to ask for help for a patient that had started bleeding. Within 30 minutes the patient was stabilized and the whole OR team was ready and wheeling her into the OR. If she was at a local hospital she would have no doubt bled to death. I also had no idea in that moment that that patient going back to OR would tip the balance and the ward nurses over the edge and we had to postpone surgeries the next day and resume surgeries on Monday. Who knew that afternoon a dental patient would have a cyst removed from under her tongue that would start bleeding 30 mins later and nearly obstruct her airway? Just millimeters from not being able to breathe when we just happened to have an open OR to take her into because VVF wasn't operating that day. I could go on and on with ways God has shown up in the midst of chaos, and worked the bad for His good. It blows me away. Every. Time. </span><br />
<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-36864881609596270742015-04-12T06:32:00.002-07:002015-04-12T06:32:38.208-07:00Dear precious one, <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm amazed by your faith,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that whether you've had your fistula for 5 months or 10 years, you took that first step onto the gangway hoping for a new life; freedom from ridicule, embarrassment, and shame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm amazed by your perseverance,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that you would leave your family, all that is familiar and safe, to venture thousands of kilometers into the unknown--all for healing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm amazed by your trust,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> in God and us. You willingly put your life in our hands. You trust us with the most painful and private areas of your life. Allowing us to care for you in ways only your family would. You are vulnerable and trusting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm amazed by your love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> despite all that you've been through. I'm in awe of how much love you hold in your hearts, and how freely you share it with the nurses, and day crew. Not a trace of bitterness towards God or people, just love. You've lost a lot in your short lives: babies, husbands, family, and function. One event in your life has changed the course of your life forever. But have hope, there's a new life ahead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm amazed how love transforms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My desire, dear one, is that you would know you are loved regardless of whether you are wet or dry; that your identity doesn't have to rest on that one broken part of you. I love seeing you turn into the fun, silly girls you are as you're loved on and cared for. </span><br />
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<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-39513745720451668742015-04-02T10:45:00.001-07:002015-04-02T10:47:54.255-07:00Same same but different<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Of course my best intentions were to write a blog at minimum every week, but alas here it is the end of week 4 of surgeries, and not one letter has made it to this page! It has been an amazing 5 weeks since I arrived, I can tell you that! In my last post I mentioned how it's always hard for me to leave my family and come here, but every time I come here God gently reminds me that I have family on this side of the ocean, too. It doesn't make me miss my family less, but it's like having salve for a wound. I feel so at home here, so known by those around me, so comfortable and with so many amazing people who wouldn't!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> A lot has happened in these 5 weeks, but I'll try and fill you all in! My first week back was so full. I barely blinked and before I knew it, it was Sunday and a bus full of ladies had arrived from very far away. I got a page that my ladies were on the ship, my favorite moment! (see <a href="http://akerneloffaith.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-new-10.html" target="_blank">this</a> post) As I walked into reception it was immediately apparent why these beautiful ladies had suffered obstructed labor that left a hole in their bladder. They were all well under 5 feet tall! Most of them looked like little girls even though they had all been mothers at one time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Madagascar is so different than any West African country I've been to so far. The people are more quiet, and reserved; they dress differently; the country is green and lush; but the reasons women suffer fistulas is the same here as it is everywhere: young girls that are underdeveloped; lack of access to quality emergency obstetric services; and villages so far away from hospitals it would take days to walk to help. The ladies here carry the same stoic shell; they hide well the pain and misery-buried deep and covered with hard work and a smile when prodded. Sometimes I forget how much they've endured in their short lives. Pregnancy is not always a joyous occasion for a woman here. For some it's a guarantee of a difficult labor, loss of a child, and loss of function. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> But there is hope! Function can be restored, hearts can be mended, and lives changed. Last week we had our first Dress Ceremony. A celebration not only of their physical healing, but also their emotional healing. A new dress is a symbol of a new life, a new hope, a new beginning. How precious are these women!? I love to see their transformations...they go from shy and quiet to silly and funny. </span><br />
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<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-77804684374272421462014-11-26T22:23:00.002-08:002014-11-26T22:23:26.647-08:00Ready or not, here I come!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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I'm not sure where to start; it's been a while since I've put fingers to keys to write a blog! I've not done a very god job keeping ya'll updated with what's going on in my life here in New York or what's been happening with the ship abroad! Quick update on me: I've been living in New York for the past 6 months, and loving it! Watching my niece grow up has been the best part of the past 6 months. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you know that's pretty much all I post about! Well, enough about me, more importantly what has been happening with the ship?! The ship has had a much more eventful 6 months. If you're not living under a rock then you probably know at least a little about the Ebola situation. The ship was originally supposed to be going to Guinea for the next field service come August. BUT the Ebola outbreak happened earlier in the year, and was not slowing down at a rate that Mercy Ships felt comfortable with. So they made the hard decision to postpone going to Guinea and change course to Benin. The ship had been to Benin before so it would be easier to set everything up given the new, shorter time frame. BUT Ebola followed our course and came too close for comfort in the neighboring country of Nigeria. As you can imagine, any risk is too much risk given the tight living and working quarters on the ship; not to mention our patient selection process that involves gathering thousands of people together in one location to be seen by doctors and nurses. It would not be wise, nor beneficial to put patients and crew at risk for life-saving, but still elective surgeries. Sooo...now where can the ship go since West Africa is pretty much out of the question? Why Madagascar, of course! I'm not entirely sure the how this came to be, except that our new Managing Director's wife is from there. It's quite perfect, actually. It's far enough from the Ebola outbreak, and there is a huge need. God managed to orchestrate all the necessary necessities like visa waivers, car registration, nursing licenses, etc. in a record amount of time! I'll get to the need in a minute, but first let me give you a little history...<br />
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Back in May of this year when I was in Congo working as the VVF Team Leader I committed to coming back to Guinea as the VVF Team Leader in 2015. It seemed like the right decision at the time- I would get to go back to the place where I first became Team Leader; I would get to see all my previous patients and Day Crew (Translators); and I would get a do-over. There were a few things I would have done differently now that I have some experience under my belt and know what I'm doing. Plus, a surgeon I worked with in Congo agreed to come again and that sealed the deal-easy peasy, right? Welll...God threw a wrench in my perfect little plan! I don't know if you remember this time last year, but I do. I was at the same place I am now-- grappling with the decision to go back to the ship, and pretty much for the same reasons. Have you ever thought 'man, I'm such a different person than last year, I've grown so much' but then when faced with the same situation you respond in the exact same way?! Yeah, that's where I'm at. So much for growth! I obviously need to learn this lesson because I keep coming back to it. I'm that kind of person that can live pretty much anywhere and I would settle in, find my niche, and be comfortable. I've done it in California, I've done it in Africa, and now I've managed to do it here in New York. But, it isn't always good to be comfortable. In the discomfort of a challenge is growth; an unexpected gem or discovery lies just on the other side of your/my comfort zone and I don't want to miss out! I'm uprooting my life once again. I'm trusting that God will take care of all the details. Big details like who is going to rent my room for the 3 months while I'm away; or where will I live when I come back and only have one month to decide; or where I will get the $1800 that I need to raise to pay for the rest of my flight and room and board. He always know and holds the small details, too. So here I go, ready or not here I come Madagascar! My friends who are already exploring beautiful Madagascar are telling me about my lovely VVF ladies who are patiently awaiting my arrival. Come March we'll start chipping away at the enormous need there. It's been reported that there's some 50,000 VVF ladies needing surgery, and 5,000 new cases each year! The need is overwhelming, but God is a God of details.<br />
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Please start praying for the VVF program. Keep me in your prayers, too. Pray that I would lead well, and love even better; that I would be able to provide the emotional and spiritual support my nurses and patients will need; For my nurses, vetted with the difficult task of caring for these special ladies physically, spiritually, and emotionally. They have a big job ahead of them. There will be success's that bring tears of joy, and celebration, but there will be tears of sadness that comes with the surgeries that aren't successful. There will be wounds that are deep from loss of child, loss of identity as a woman, and years of isolation and injustice. Healing is more than closure of physical wounds-it comes with unconditional love, it comes with unconditional acceptance.<br />
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Thank you to all of you who have loved me and supported me and make it possible for me to go time and again. <br />
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Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-50058211720251924372014-05-02T16:44:00.000-07:002014-05-02T16:45:16.665-07:00Mothers<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm in awe of these beautiful ladies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I get caught up in my
role as Team Leader and all that I have to do, I fail to stop and see;
to see that the women right in front of my eyes, the ones I've come half way around the world to
serve, have suffered for so many years. Most of them waiting decades to
receive their healing, and in those years of waiting many have been
abandoned by husbands, family, friends; have become the ridicule of the
village; have lost babies and their ability to bear more; identities as
mothers, wives, children gone because they were born on a continent that
lacks adequate obstetric services and a culture that marries young. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's my mother's birthday today (Happy Birthday Mom!!) and Mother's Day is right around the corner. Some of these ladies won't know what it's like to be a mom. They've birthed babies that won't grow into children. But, as I sat watching the seven beautiful VVF ladies stand and sing praises to God for their healing, I was amazed. They may not be birth moms, but they're mothers in my eyes. I've watched countless times as they love and care for each other as mother's would their own children. Here's to all the mothers around the world, in the words of Dr. Itengre "The man is the roof of the house, he provides and protects. But the women are the house, there would be no house without them." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-22810532097215498592014-04-18T09:27:00.000-07:002014-04-18T09:27:50.205-07:00Survivors<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The other night I was talking with a friend who worked with Doctor’s Without Borders in South Sudan. She was recounting story after story of women who died in child birth during the short 3 months she was there. The numbers of maternal death here are staggering. It hit me so suddenly that the beautiful women on my ward, the one’s who sing me to sleep most nights, are the survivors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve preached about VVF in the past 2 years, whether through in-services here or church talks at home, but just now it really hit home. Pregnancy is deadly here. We focus so much on how deadly HIV, Ebola virus, and malnutrition are in Africa, but fail to see how dangerous pregnancy really is. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, or negate how serious the many problems faced here, but it’s a reality for many-especially the VVF ladies. This hit home when a caregiver's youngest sister died during childbirth on Wednesday. </span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This time around the ward has had a few mascots! Meet Beni and Ali:</span><br />
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<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="132" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/p526x296/10153636_10152164158884900_2547626897640825251_n.jpg" style="height: 531px; width: 800px;" width="200" />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-13506325473211504142014-03-22T15:45:00.000-07:002014-03-22T15:45:04.103-07:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m flooded with so many emotions right now as I stand on the dock, waving as the Mercy Ships Land Rover carries Dr. Itengre away. 5 am is not my usual time of getting out of bed, and definitely not a preferred hour of starting my day, but he’s worth it. A long held custom on Mercy Ships is gathering on the dock to say good-bye to those people who enter and leave your life so quickly, but impact your life so deeply. <br /><br />While I was still in New York preparing to come here, I emailed Dr. Steve Arrowsmith, the VVF surgeon that I thought I would be working with come February. Dr. Steve informed me that instead of coming for 8 weeks as he originally planned, he wasn’t coming at all. I have to admit that reading those words were a little disheartening. I was already going back and forth on whether or not I made the right decision to come back to the ship, and not entirely sure if I was ready to lead another round of VVF surgeries. In his response email, Dr. Steve told me not to worry because he had arranged for one of the African surgeon’s he trained in Danja, Niger to come instead. He described Dr. Itengre as “amazing” and that I would love working with him. Trusting in God, and Dr. Steve’s opinion didn’t come easy, but all I could do was trust, and so I booked my plane ticket. <br /><br />Fast forward a few months, and I’m standing on the dock with tears in my eyes waving good-bye-for-now, knowing that this won’t be our final good-bye, it’s more ‘see ya later.’ Amazing doesn’t quite describe Dr. Itengre fully. Over the past four weeks I’ve watched him gather a group of translators and teach about the importance of consenting patients for surgery; I’ve seen him in the middle of a circle of nurses patiently answering questions about the surgeries he’s performing; I’ve witnessed him praying over patients, and sitting by their bed holding their hand; and I’ve seen the many grace-filled responses to frustrating situations, none of which included anger, only patience and understanding. There really aren’t words to describe how thankful I am, the English language only has one and it isn’t adequate.</div>
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The beautiful VVF ladies</div>
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says that God will give you peace beyond understanding? It's a pretty
incredible promise, right? But, the underlying premise that accompanies
this promise is that you'll be in a situation in which you need peace.
Well that's been my week. Over the past 2 weeks since arriving on the
ship I've been preparing for the VVF ladies to come. I've educated the
nurses, day workers, and just about any one that will listen, about
VVF. I've made their discharge cards, and planned ahead for what
they'll need at home. The ward has been cleared of Plastics patients,
cleaned and ready for the ladies. The surgeon arrived on Sunday (total
blessing!) and E ward transformed into the best patient exam screening
room ever, and yet here we are Tuesday having only examined 4 patients!
Two of which were not candidates for surgery. The government in Congo
has taken on the responsibility of transporting upcountry patients to
the ship, which is all the way on the coast. 24 VVF ladies were
supposed to have been transported via plane to Pointe Noire on
Saturday. And on Monday they were no where to be found. The government
officials were conveniently not answering their phones. Hmph. This
would understandably be a situation in which one might get frustrated,
even angry. But amazingly throughout the entire day I felt at total
peace with it. Granted I wasn't super impressed with the government and
their job at transporting the patients, but I knew they would arrive.
Today rolls around and I'm told that the ladies are in Brazzaville and
will be put on a flight to arrive this evening, buutttt.....there are
only 5 ladies on that flight! Definitely not what I was expecting to
hear. Yet, again I'm filled with peace. Instead of worry, I was filled
with joy because my day was filled with unexpected blessings, like
rocking a 5.75 kg cleft lip baby to sleep in my arms; and holding my VVF
patient as she was getting her spinal, calming the fears that first
time surgery brings; and having our prayers answered that the second
surgery would be straight forward instead of the difficult case we
thought it would be. I'm so excited for what God is doing here, even
when I don't understand the why's. Tomorrow 15 more ladies are planned
for examinations-I can't wait to meet them and see how their lives are
going to change! </span><br />
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Be at peace ya'll.Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-18878843483821489792014-02-11T23:54:00.001-08:002014-02-12T00:06:26.993-08:00Sacrifices<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh hey, hi! I made it to Congo on Sunday afternoon after traveling for 24 hours! I was supposed to leave on Wednesday, but thanks to booking my ticket in the middle of winter out of New York I was delayed because of the weather. Ha! Silly woman. Luckily South African airlines rocks, and they called me on Tuesday morning to let me know my flight was going to be cancelled; I re-booked for Saturday right then and there- on the phone, in the comfort of my home and pj's! It was such an incredible gift to get to spend a few more days with my family and especially my sweet niece. I stole a million kisses, giggles, and cuddles in those few days, and I'm so thankful for it! God knew I needed it after all the griping I was doing about leaving her in the first place! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I thought I knew what sacrifice was when I went to Africa the first time. I had sold my car, quit my first ever nursing job, and sold everything in my storage unit. I left my family, friends, and church behind for the first time in my life to go by myself to a big white ship in Africa where I knew no-one. That was a piece of cake compared to now! Leaving my niece was probably the single most difficult thing I had to give up for God. And I did it kicking and screaming! Anyone that asked if I was excited about going back to Africa was met with "Yeah, BUT..." and a big long explanation about how I was being ripped from my niece, and a city where I just started to feel at home. How dare He do that!? HA! God gently reminded me that being a Christian is about sacrifices, it started with the biggest sacrifice, a Life. Something I had to remind myself is that God is not malicious; He is isn't sitting up there looking for ways to make us suffer or "ruin" our lives. He is good. And it makes Him delighted to give us good things. So I came to the conclusion, pretty much as I was strapped into that plane seat, that if God is good, and He is for sure calling me back to Africa, then this must be good. No matter how much it hurt to leave my friends, family, and most specifically my sweet Harper Lee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What have you had to give up for God, and it turned out to be good in the end? Or maybe you haven't seen the "good" in your sacrifice yet...keep looking. </span><br />
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this is what all the griping is about!</div>
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<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-92023570996388867542013-10-26T12:31:00.000-07:002013-10-26T12:31:12.657-07:00I'm not in Kansas anymore! Well I'm definitely not in Africa anymore! I can't believe my last post was in April, and now here it is already the end of October. The months are flying by! I am so thankful for my time as VVF Team Leader. I learned so much about the power of Love in Action and served some of the most amazing, beautiful, and strong women. After the VVF program finished in Guinea I had some time where I did paperwork and wrapped up my role as Team Leader, but I felt like a mother hen without her chicks. The VVF ladies had all gone home, and the ward was taken over by General Surgery patients. My wonderful Translator and all around amazing woman, Elizabeth, knew this and planned a surprise party for me and some of the VVF nurses that cared for the ladies!<br />
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The ladies were so excited to see us it felt like we were celebrities and they the paparazzi! They rushed us the minute we got out of the taxi, and in 2 seconds flat we were surrounded by a bunch of women in brightly colored fabric, giant smiles on their faces, and tears streaming down their cheeks. There was not a dry eye around! No African party would be complete without a feast of food, dancing, and neighborhood children around. It was an absolute blast!<br />
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Leaving Guinea was bitter-sweet. I was filled with sadness to leave the sweet friends I made from Guinea, but so excited for what God had ahead. It's an odd feeling to want to be fully present in two places at one time! From Guinea I headed to New York for two weeks to see my brother and sister-in-law who was 6 months pregnant with my very first niece!! I could not be more thrilled! When I first found out I was going to be an aunt my heart immediately screamed "I need to move to NY to be close to her!" So it was then that I started praying, and planning to move to New York for when she was born. <br />
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It's amazing how much God blessed those plans! The timing was perfect in so many ways. First, in August my brother informed me that right upstairs from them a room was opening up in September and I would be able to stay for the four months I would be there. And second, my friends from the ship, Sarah and Jeff, were getting married in Texas the week before her due date. I would just stop off on the way to New York, do Sarah's hair and make-up for her wedding, and leave the next day (hopefully a day or two before she was born). HA! That baby decided she would come two weeks early and give her mom and dad some alone time with her before all the family started pouring in (including myself). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Harper Lee Fiduk~~Born September 30, 2013 </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" 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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proud parents!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So what's next? <br />I have the privilege of watching my sweet Harper Lee grow up for the next 4 months, and then I head back to Africa! It's going to be hard leaving her, but I'm also excited to serve another group of VVF ladies, and show them the love God has for them. This time around it will be a true sacrifice to the Lord for me to go to Africa. Pray for me as I soak in all the time I can get with Mike, Sabine, and Harper Lee and prepare for the next journey to Africa that I have ahead of me. This next time will be in Congo, Brazzaville from January to May. Thank you so much for your support, and even being brave enough to read this blog!<br />
Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-47321111716860302172013-04-23T08:15:00.001-07:002013-04-23T08:15:08.291-07:00RenewedEeek...it's been a long time since I've blogged! It's amazing how "normal" things become here. I forget that it's not everyday that someone sees transformation and new life like I get to see here daily. Burned limbs released from their strangling scars; noses, eaten away by Noma, newly formed from flaps of skin; children walking normally after "making cuts and putting in iron"-the way we explain orthopedic surgery to the patients.<br />
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Although I'm sad that I don't get to see my VVF ladies anymore (although two came to the dock yesterday looking for adult diapers!), I've been really loving getting to be a "real nurse." It's amazing how God has answered my prayer for this. Just a few months ago after VVF ended and I felt like my job was done here, I asked God to give me back my passion for being a nurse. Somewhere between running around like a chicken with my head cut off, and trying to keep track of patients, I thought I had lost it--that love and compassion for caring for people.<br />
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One day as I was in charge on the ward, but helping out the nurses because they were busy, I had my ah-hah moment! It stopped me in my track, and I relished in that moment of "I absolutely love being a nurse." And since that moment, God has kept up the momentum. On Good Friday, the day we "celebrate" Jesus' death on the cross, I was flooded with another ah-hah moment. I was sitting with a Max-fax patient who had had a recurring jaw tumor that we removed. She had a plate put in place of her jaw bone and was recovering on the ward. As with most of the jaw patients, she drooled a lot. A LOT. If she tipped her chin down just in the slightest, a puddle of drool would come pouring out. So I decided to get her a Yankaur suction...they look something like this:<br />
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I was sitting by her bed, and we were reading Henri Nouwen's devotional of the Lent season together (she spoke some English--soooo nice--don't ever take that for granted!), when out of nowhere she started playing the song "Hallelujah" on her phone and using the suction to "conduct" the rest of the "choir" (ie. the nurses and other patients singing along!) It was hilarious! The chorus only interrupted with our laughter...it was the perfect way to "celebrate" Jesus death, by singing Hallelujah engulfed with joy. <br />
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Something else that has taken me by surprise is my love of the peds patients! It may not surprise those who've known me since I was young, I've always loved babies. But loving babies, and taking care of them is an entirely different ball game! My friend Jill (and Jaclyn)-avid peds nurses- have been trying to talk me into switching to peds. I've been reluctant, mainly because it's sooo different and scary, but I've got to say, those kiddos are capturing my heart, one shift at a time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lovely Jill and beautiful Kristy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lovely Jill </td></tr>
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The hospital is almost closing, and things are winding down here, but my heart is quickening as I prepare to go back to the states for 6 months & I get to be a real nurse :) Thanks for your prayers during the past 8 months, I've felt God's presence ever so closely. If you are faced with change, or in need of direction rest your soul on these words:<br />
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The Lord will guide you always (continually);<br />
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land & will strengthen your fram.<br />
You will be like a well-watered garden,<br />
like a spring whose water never fail.<br />
--Isaiah 58:11<br />
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and finally some words of wisdom and truth from Charles Spurgeon...<br />
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Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you.<br />
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Thanks Charles, I needed that.<br />
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xoxox <br />
<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-51680628135732385142013-02-16T14:51:00.002-08:002013-02-16T14:53:01.596-08:00Reunited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Driving past the airport conjured up a memory of a conversation I had two weeks ago with Nana. It was the day before we were going to take out her catheter. She had been through this multiple times in the past few months, each time another disappointment. I told her, "we are going to take out your catheter tomorrow," I'll never forget her response..."If I go home dry, then I'll take you home with me, but if I am wet then I'm coming home with you." Nana has been here since November; she has seen 4 different surgeons, and had 3 different operations by 3 different surgeons to try and close the hole that causes her to leak urine. Before coming to us she has tried 2 other times to close the hole, to no avail. Her last surgery was in January, and to the glory of God she is dry! <br />
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What were you doing on Valentine's day? Was it filled with romance, roses, and chocolate (all very good things, mind you!)? I didn't get to enjoy those things this year, instead my day was filled with inexpressible joy from a lady that has captured more of my heart than I knew existed. I got to make true on my promise to go home with Nana if she went home dry. Myself, and a few others drove her to her village to reunite with her husband, whom she hasn't seen in over 3 months. Nana is one of the fortunate ones whose husband has stuck by her side while she tries to get healing from this terrible condition. <br />
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The whole car ride there was filled with excitement, giggles as she looked out the window at the passing scene, and a little sadness at the thought of leaving us. She sang us songs about how well she has eaten over the months, the quality of our towels (yes the kind you bathe with), and how the white people love her! I am going to miss those songs that I can hear all the way from my room a deck above. <br />
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As we drove up the road to her village, family and friends came running up to the Land Rover, excited to see Nana home again. The best part was seeing the look on Nana and her husband's face when they saw each other for the first time in months, and the tender embraces that ensued. <br />
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This Valentine's day far surpassed all the Valentine's that I've had in this life. I can't imagine being able to top it. <br />
<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-3959408506816212352013-02-13T15:34:00.005-08:002013-02-13T15:34:48.330-08:00Decisions <div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Just yesterday I made the decision to return as VVF Team Leader with Mercy Ships in January of next year....here are a few moments that happened this week that helped sway me:<br /><br /> Every day at handover the nurses gather together in a big circle. A few weeks ago a <b>patient or two started joining us.</b> Then something amazing happened. Every day a couple more join us, to where now there is 6 or 7 ladies interspersed between the nurses. They bow their heads with us when we pray, and today for the first time one of the patients actually prayed out loud with us! I had my head bowed and eyes closed listening intently to the prayers of the nurses; first a prayer in Dutch, then a prayer in French, and then, to my surprise, a prayer in Susu, the local language. My heart was filled with joy and awe at a God who is doing amazing things.<br /><br /><b>It’s like a constant slumber party on the ward.</b> It has the vibe of 20 girls having a sleepover. They like to lay in bed, chat with each other from across the room, and giggle unceasingly. I am surrounded by constant hair braiding, and nail painting... I love it!<br /><br /> <b>You’re never too old to sit on someone’s lap.</b> Today at worship time I peaked around the corner to find a 60+ year old patient sitting, like a child, on the translators lap! It was such a sweet moment of embrace, and comfort. Everyone needs to be held in loving arms at least once in their life, it was probably hers.<br /><br /> <b>The dress ceremony</b>. A time of utter joy and celebration, rejoicing and fun. The joy is infectious, and spreads to all...even those who are not dry. It’s an amazing phenomenon. <br /><br /><b>The amount of back rubs and head rubs I get</b> on an hourly basis. I have the unfortunate requirement of sitting in front of a computer most of the day. BUT that does not mean I don’t get love and attention every time one of the ladies walks by my desk. Inevitably they stop, rub my back for a bit, and keep on moving. Awesome.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>The ladies.</b> period. end of story. I love them---they’ve captured my heart. I know there will be new and different ladies in the Congo, but I know I will love them just the same. There is something special about a lady with VVF...God has blessed them for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On another note, I get to accompany a patient home to be reunited with her husband on Valentine's day!! How sweet, huh?! Except, no mama-papa business for them--strict doctors orders! </span></div>
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Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-5888788036005209562013-01-30T13:35:00.000-08:002013-01-30T13:35:13.595-08:00Freedom<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> "I have gifted you with amazing freedom." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I read those words in my devotional <i>Jesus Calling</i> I couldn't help but think of the women in Africa. Freedom means something completely different for them. Right now as I'm on the cusp of making decisions that will affect the next year of my life, I have the freedom to choose. I have the freedom to choose where I live, what my profession is, who I marry, what I spend my money on, etc. Many women here don't have the luxury of many of the freedoms I do. They don't have the freedom to choose who they marry; currently there is a 16 year old patient on the ward who was married at 10! She got pregnant by age 12 and was in obstructed labor, her baby died, and she was left with a fistula. She did not have the freedom to say "No" to marriage at 10. She doesn't have the freedom to go to school and get an education. She doesn't get to choose what her profession is, or where she spends her money. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So all that to open your eyes to what you think freedom is. It opened mine. </span></span>Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-39151442234615948292013-01-05T03:02:00.000-08:002013-01-05T03:03:17.811-08:00The new ten<html>
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Ten upcountry ladies arrived tonight. I was sitting with a group of nurses recounting a conversation one of them had with a patient. The patient, not dry after multiple attempts to repair the hole in her bladder, was telling the nurse that although she isn't healed physically, she is beginning to heal emotionally. That is a major feat when you consider what these ladies have been through. They are absolute survivors in so many ways. What continually amazes me is the amount of love they offer us so freely. When asked 'why,' she said "We don't have money, or anything to repay you, so we are paying you with love." She just wishes her family, many of whom abandoned her after developing the fistula, could see how much "the white people" love her and care for her.<br />
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It has been my prayer from the beginning that despite whether they are wet or dry, they would sense and know the love God has for them. It's not about the surgeries, or whether they are wet or dry---I just want them to realize how much they are loved by the King. "If the next surgeries succeeds or fails, what is more important is that I can go back to my village with confidence knowing that I am loved," said Nana when asked how she would feel if she is never healed.<br />
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Today as I thought about starting up another round of VVF, to be honest, I was burdened. It seemed like running uphill again when I just reached the bottom. I've known the 20 ladies that are on the ward right now for over a month now. I've grown to love them like they are my proverbial children and I can't imagine loving any more ladies like I love them. That is, until ten beautiful ladies showed up on my doorstep this evening.<br />
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As I answered a page that would notify me that there were VVF patients on the dock, my excitement grew tremendously. One of the nurses and I excitedly ran to the gangway and as we looked out we could see the ladies congregating around the taxi.<br />
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I could smell them as I approached---no doubt they were my ladies. There was a mix of emotions in the air. As we walked up to them, we were bombarded with hugs, kisses, and greetings in local tongues. The sense of desperation was tangible as I checked everyone's name to account for them all. Some began to cry---afraid they would be turned away because they didn't bring ID and their name wasn't on the list. The tears dried up and smiles returned when I sent the taxi driver away and one by one led the ladies toward the gangway.<br />
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As they stood near the foot of the gangway many of them pointed in the direction of the gangway platform---through charades I informed that indeed they were going to walk up that giant ladder-like apparatus, up a couple stories, to their new home. Some forged ahead fearless, but the older ladies were reluctant and scared. One of the translators, a young man, lovingly noticed they were scared and took them by the arm to lead them up the gangway.<br />
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Chitra, one of the Gurkha's--a soldier in the Nepalese army--pantomimed that they must use the hand sanitizer before entering the ship and one-by-one as the ladies passed by the hand sanitizer machine, hands were cleansed. <br />
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We mounted the stairs that would take us into the belly of the ship and their home for the next few days and hopefully weeks as they have surgery and are healed. I wonder what they're thinking as they mount the stairs; some pause at the top unsure, and others gallantly forge ahead. We reach the corridor that will take them to C ward--a transitional ward, it most recently housed the screening team and hopefully soon will open as a full fledged ward bustling with new life, but for now it's the women's hope center. The ladies will stay here until the next surgeon arrives and examinations begin on Monday. <br />
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As they take the long walk down the corridor to C ward in the quiet of the night I can feel their sense of relief. I open the door of C ward and find 10 beds all made up and ready for them; Each stocked with a gown, a bag of goodies and a blanket for warmth. There's a warm glow emanating from the ward; the once harsh florescent light has been covered by African fabric giving off a warm cast.<br />
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What happens next is one of the many reasons I love these ladies so much. One-by-one the VVF ladies on B ward--also awaiting the arrival of the new surgeon--wakes up, gets out of bed and excitedly comes to greet the new ten. The calm of C ward has been replaced by excitement as greetings and hugs are exchanged, food and water passed out and showers commenced.<br />
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As I leave them to settling in, my heart is so full of thankfulness as God replaces my original fear with utter joy and love for these new ladies. <br />
Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-12287122286412221892012-12-17T14:00:00.001-08:002012-12-17T14:00:42.648-08:00Hope Reborn...and a dress ceremony to celebrate!Today was an unusual day. There was an excitement and joy buzzing around the air from the moment the ladies woke up. I don't know if they sensed that something exciting was happening today, or if it was just by chance, but they were unusually cheery. I love to see how God brings light to the darkness. It's amazing the transformation that has happened since last week. I had to look at a calendar to make sure that only a week and a few days had passed since Dr. Lauri left because it has felt like an eternity has passed! The dark mood that was inhabiting the ward has lifted, and left in it's place is laughter, fun, and dancing! It's almost as if we have an entirely different ward of ladies.<br />
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After 4.5 llloonnnggg weeks of emotional ups and downs, joys and sorrows, tears and laughter, wet and dry, we <b>FINALLY</b> had a dress ceremony! The dress ceremony is the symbol of Hope Reborn. It's a celebration not only of their physical healing, but also their emotional healing. A new dress is a symbol of a new life, a new hope, a new beginning.<br />
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<i>"I delight greatly in the Lord;</i></div>
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<i>my soul rejoices in my God. </i></div>
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<i>For He has clothed me with garments </i></div>
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<i>of salvation </i></div>
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<i>and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." Isaiah 61:10 </i></div>
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So today we witnessed great delight and rejoicing with testimonies of healing; songs of hope and thankfulness; and tears of gladness. The pounding of the drums, the sweet melody of their voices, and the tears of joy falling from their faces still reverberate in my mind....it's a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth.<br />
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<br />Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-121891157827053832012-12-16T05:10:00.000-08:002012-12-16T05:10:11.337-08:00You've done a good workThe past few weeks of VVF have been intense, to say the least. It has been one complication after another, with many of the women with failed surgeries. The mood on the ward has been somber, and without hope. That is until the first two ladies had their catheters removed, and remained dry! That marked a turn around on the ward, for the patients and nurses alike. The women started cheering and smiling for the first time in a while. <br />
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On a random Tuesday one of the women decided to go for a walk down the hall. I stopped her at the door and told her she had to take some more women with her if she wanted to go for a walk. You see, the women have gotten lazy- demanding the nurses to get their water for them, while it is just an arms reach away! Along with that behavior they developed a dislike of getting out of bed.<br />
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Practically every patient that could get out of bed did! They proceeded to walk up and down the halls singing praises! It was so loud that many people came down from two floors above and thought they were missing a dress ceremony!! (more on that later...) When they came back into the ward, they all huddled by the door and were singing the same song over and over. The song goes as such:<br />
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"Doctor you've done a good work</div>
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You don't what good you've done</div>
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So I'm gonna tell you"</div>
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and also...</div>
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"You've given us meat</div>
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You've given us rice</div>
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You've given us water</div>
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We're strong now</div>
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So can we go?"</div>
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Who says you have to be a professional song-writer to sing good songs! Love them so much!</div>
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Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-887895075556063662012-11-21T13:11:00.003-08:002012-11-21T13:11:57.611-08:00Never too old to color<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
It's amazing how fast time goes by. I feel like I say this a lot. Sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything, a picture would probably suffice, but some days the effort of getting the picture from my camera to computer then on my blog is just too much! </div>
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<br />We are halfway through the second week of the fistula surgeries, and there isn't really a word to describe how it's going. Heart wrenching, difficult, and defeating are some words that immediately come to mind. These past two weeks have been a constant reminder that God is in control, and outcomes are his domain. Sometimes I get a little focused on outcomes, and lose sight of who we are helping. God gently reminded me this past week that it’s not about the outcomes. It’s about the individual. It’s about loving these ladies that have scarcely been shown what love is. It’s not about wet or dry, it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the individual, it's about love and acceptance. </div>
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<br />One of the ladies told me that she’s been mistreated by the nurses in the fistula program at a local hospital. The nurse told her that her condition is a result of God being angry at her; that she sinned and brought this on herself. <br />Wow.<br />How can someone say that!</div>
<br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Realizing that many of the ladies on the ward had been treated at this same facility, I figured out that many had been told this same lie. So we sat them all down, told them how much God loves them, how it is not their fault, and we set out to explain what really happened to them. </span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s amazing how thirsty these women are for education. I pulled out a big poster of a woman about 9 months pregnant, and within a second had about 10 women surrounding me all eager to hear what I had to say. Through a translator (thank God for her!) we explained what happened during childbirth, and why they leaked urine after. They were in awe! They all thought it was their husband’s fault! hahaha we’ll work on that another day and time. </span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That’s all for now. </span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">P.S. my favorite memory from this week...</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I turned from my computer to find 3 grown women sitting very proper in bed, coloring in coloring books; they all wore the same serious, focused looks on their faces. hilarious.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">you're never too old to color in a coloring book.</span>Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-60785808021142834542012-10-10T00:02:00.004-07:002012-10-10T00:55:12.001-07:00Tears of hope<br />
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This past week I had the most amazing opportunity to go to Kissidougou with the director of USAID, Nancy Estes; Luciana, communications assistant (there isn't a title that would be descriptive enough of all that she does!); Dr. Balde, and Dr. Balde, two of my favorite Guineans; and Diawara and Alpha...the amazing drivers that got us safely through the many potholes, and craters in the Guinean roads!<br />
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The trip started off visiting various sites that USAID supports, and culminated with the most joyous celebration for the opening of the Fistula Wing of the Regional Kissidougou hospital. I can't even begin to describe all the emotions that flooded me as I stepped out of the car to see nurses, doctors, and local Guineans lined up to greet and welcome us. The sound of African tamborines, and women serenading us in their beautiful local tongue, so loud it was reverberating my heart. The sight of men, women, and children present to support the women, and chanting "<span class="hps" closure_uid_1h4ksq="186" oc="null">éliminer les fistules"</span> over and over. Not a dry eye in the house as a woman suffering from Obstetric Fistula recounted her story, with the hope of being treated in the new Fistula Wing. As I walked into the ward after the ceremonial ribbon cutting, I suddenly felt hands on my back, pushing me aside. As I turned around, the sight of hordes of fistula patients pushing through the crowds to get to the beds filled the room. Tears of hope in their eyes. It was a beautiful thing. <br />
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Along the way I took some snaps of cute kids, beautiful scenery, interesting transportation and the beautiful fistula ladies...enjoy!<br />
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the sweetest kids ever!</h3>
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Celebrations galore for the opening of the Fistula Wing at Kissidougou Hospital</h3>
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The interesting transportation of people and animals...</h3>
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the beautiful scenery! </div>
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sunsets</div>
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The team...</div>
<img height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmPXc7cr0BOf95qAqr6xmn5gcWpRHgRzQxiRZnszU7RI0IOy6h6XhPIi53SnKr4AZQ5NKhwyykG6uDufut2rD54wFG04b4f4riUmmM6gIecEL-c7JPrhvOyBaR8DEtfC-LHY6lB93lQA/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 302px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1503px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Balde #2 (the medical doctor one)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Balde, Mr. Jean Keita (Mayor of Kissidougou), Nancy Estes (Director of USAID), and me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lovely Luciana</td></tr>
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Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327121185553474946.post-30058184324577270672012-09-30T16:52:00.003-07:002012-09-30T16:52:47.662-07:00Masked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Children, grown men, pregnant moms bearing their 9th child, nurses, and patients alike all partaking in masked delight....thought I'd start your week with some sweet pics. My personal fave, the masked mustached patient; serious with a twist. Enjoy! Stephanie Fidukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233725758165850432noreply@blogger.com2