Victoire!

Victoire arrived at Screening Day with a scarf over her head to hide this very large benign tumor which had been growing from her neck for many years. The heavy tumor has since been successfully removed aboard the ship. People with growths or deformities like these may be considered cursed in this culture, a belief that they are being punished by various gods or their ancestors for something they have or have not done. As a result, individuals are often socially isolated, may be rejected by family and friends and often seek to hide their deformities. Many individuals hid their physical appearance or the appearance of their children under cloth, scarves and clothing on Screening Day.

A church service is held on Sunday mornings on the patient wards and Victoire celebrated her victory over shame by pointing toward heaven, singing and praising God for the successful tumor removal.

Goats on a Boat

I am Sam
I am Sam
Sam I am
Do you like green eggs and ham?
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.







Could you, would you, with a goat?
I would not, could not, with a goat!
Would you, could you, on a boat?
I could not, would not, on a boat.
I will not, will not, with a goat.

I was reminded of one of Dr. Seuss's finest works while observing the forceful herding of goats onto a boat next to the Africa Mercy Ship on the dock.

These little goats went to market. The Dankopta Market that is, the biggest outdoor market in West Africa. I asked the goat seller what the goats are sold for and he replied, "for food, for sacrifices and to make more goats."

Trouble in Togo

This gentleman traveled a long distance from Togo for Screening Day and treatment. He had been hit by a motorcycle which is very common around these parts and had a prior surgery where this metal plate was inserted to stabilize his leg fracture but was now protruding from the skin. The plate was removed and replaced and his leg closed. We have had the opportunity to treat some patients from Nigeria as well. Once the word travels about Mercy Ships being present in Benin, we expect to receive more patients from neighboring countries.

When in Rome...

I've really enjoyed getting to know the translators from Benin who volunteer in all departments aboard the Africa Mercy Ship. They are essential on the Wards in helping us communicate with our patients and I am amazed at their abilities to speak English, French, Fon and multiple tribal languages. Bridget, one of the translators who works in the Operating Room invited us to her birthday party. The evening began when we met our ride at the end of the dock. Dressed in our "Sunday best", 7 of us climbed into the back of a red pickup truck and hit the streets of Cotonou by night.




Ginger, dressed to impress in a traditional African ensemble

Nothing more fun than riding around in the back of a pickup truck

Bridget, the birthday girl, giving a birthday speech, thanking God for her 41 years of life and good health. (The average life expectancy in Benin is 50-55 years.) When it's your birthday in Benin, custom has it that you throw your own birthday party, cook a giant feast, invite your family and friends and give thanks.

Oh how I love to dance!

Getting our groove on to lively zouk music in Bridget's living room

Note the sleeping infant while Mom dances the night away!

Can't touch this!
Becky and Ginger learn the local moves.

Happy Birthday Bridget!

Thank you for sharing your special day with us in true Benin style!

Vinegar and Honey

Morgan Freeman in Benin?!?!?

No, this is my dear patient Bio on Screening Day, respectfully called "Papa" by the other patients on the Ward. Bio received surgery for removal of keloid scars on his neck and skin grafting, using donor skin from his thigh which was applied to his neck after the keloid was removed. I felt right at home taking care of him, like I was back working on the Burn and Plastics Unit where skin grafting is what it's all about until I learned about the use of affordable household products for wound care. Bio's skin grafts to his neck had become infected with the nasty Pseudomonas bacteria, to which we applied vinegar soaks every day. The wound healing was further encouraged through the application of dressings with honey for its antibacterial properties and ability to debride (pull out the dead cells, drainage and infection from) wounds. Hmmmmm... some new wound care practices to introduce back in Boston? Bio was delighted to view this photograph of himself. He said he never owned a photograph of himself so this situation was soon remedied.

I told Bio how he reminded me of the famous actor, Morgan Freeman. We googled up Morgan and the patients gathered round the computer screen, nodded and agreed, the resemblance indisputable.

Anana!

There's nothing like it: fresh pineapple on the go. For a mere 100 or 250 CFA (20-50 cents depending upon your bartering skills) you can have your very own freshly-peeled-on-the-street pineapple, eaten upside-down like a popsicle. A most refreshing treat for the hot walk to market.

Missionaries of Charity

Through Mercy Ministries, members of the crew have the opportunity to visit and serve at different sites in Benin. I was able to join in on a weekly visit to an orphanage run by 5 sisters of the Missionaries of Charity order, started by Mother Theresa in 1950. The sisters have taken public vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor. They wear simple white saris with blue stripes, just as Mother Theresa did. We played with the children and helped to feed some of the younger ones their lunch. Most of all, they just wanted to be held and hugged. We were encouraged to learn that all of the children were in the adoption process with 60% to be adopted by families in Benin and 40% by families in Italy and France.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness,light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O divine Master, grant that I not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved , as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
(poem by Mother Theresa, thanks to my friend Dunja)



Missionaries of Charity brought Ibrahim, a child with a large facial tumor to Screening Day

Ibrahim waiting to be seen on Screening Day joined in on some arts and crafts activities with the other waiting kids