"Priceless pt. 3..."

Even that patients are getting into the excitment of the World Cup!

"A Wonderful Time..."

We have been in Medicine Hat, Alberta (Canada) visiting my brother and his family.  It has been a relaxing time of basically talking and doing nothing! (Which we all needed.) 

The above picture is the "World's Largest Tee Pee".

Last night we had a blast at the local bowling alley.  Which is a tradition among us...playing 5 pin bowling.  My once a year playing does leave me GREATLY handicapped when it comes to the scoring.  The kids on the other had just enjoy playing around!

We have had a very special time with Deb's brother and sister-in-law and family...we only wish it was not so far to have to see them more often!

We will head out today and start our drive to Williston, North Dakota (USA) to see Mike's father.  We have to take a longer route since Hwy Canada 1 was wiped out East of Medicine Hat due to flooding...God has His plans!  Please pray for safe travels as we head to North Dakota.

"Update..."

Last Sunday Alisia and Joshua had a chance to share with  a Sunday School class about the ministry of Mercy Ships.  They had a great time explaining what we do and what it is like to a kid to live and go to school aboard a ship.  Joshua also had a wonderful time demonstrating how to play the drum.

Then we had to say good-bye to the Asselin Family-after we had a wonderful lunch and time of fellowship.  We promised that we would not wait another ten years to get together again!

We are now at Deb's brother's house in Medicine Hat Alberta.  We are thoroughly enjoying our time with them and the relaxation we are having-sunshine,eating breakfast outside, coffee, and family....what more could we ask for?!

The kids are having a great time together enjoying making up and video taping plays.  They all proudly wear their Togo "Football" (Soccer) jerseys around the house!

We will be leaving here on Friday to head to North Dakota to see Mike's dad and give another presentation at a local church.

"Fun..."

Today we arrived in Calgary.  Even though Deb has not lived here for (I always tell myself..."Never do the math"...)...so 20 ...some years...she safely navigated the family through town to the hotel.  We then loaded into the car and spent the afternoon with Deb and Mike's friend and family from seminary Elisabeth and Richard...once again....I won't do the math! 

Mike and Joshua had a super father and son bonding time...fishing!

Joshua and Mathias caught 3 fish between them and had several get away.....

Alisia and Arielle had a teenage bonding time of walking and talking about "teenage" things...

We had a super afternoon and evening complete with a chicken, steak and of course fish BBQ!  Oh, wonderful relaxing moments!

"Events..."

We have had several events over the last week. 

Last Sunday Mike had a chance to present Mercy Ships to our home church, Grace Baptist, in Lynden, Wa.  Even Alisia got into the event and was sharing with people.

Then Monday morning, we were invited to share with the local Kawanis Club in Lynden. 

After that Deb had coffee with her Mom's in Touch group.

On the more eventful side, Mike made a new friend...Sienna...

Alisia found out she needs glasses...

Joshua got his first paycheck...

Joshua had a WONDERFUL week with his bestfriend Jaron...

We started our trip to Calgary, Alberta....Deb was reminded how spectacular the Canadian Rockies are...

On another note, Mike's dad is doing well from his surgeryand is at his home recovering, and his cousin's surgery was postponed.  Thanks for everyone who prayed.

Please keep the rest of our trip in prayer.  We could use more people willing to support us on a regular basis-please keep that in prayer for us also. 

"Akou..."

Many of you have seen our picture of Akou with her patient card during our presentations.  She was getting ready to have surgery as we left the ship.  I thought it would be great to update you on her surgery.

Akou is a precious lady with the most brilliant smile I have ever seen. Her teeth are so perfect, she should be on a Crest Whitestrips Commercial!!!!
Mercy Ships first met Akou at screening in February. She had a large tumor on her neck and shoulder. Our writer and photographer, Joy and Debra, interviewed her. Akou told them that she has only had the tumor for 5 years, and it has grown steadily over that time. She had several scars on the tumor, which she said were from "natural remedies"....essentially a witch doctor who attempted to cure her of the tumor. Obviously, his efforts failed, only leaving her badly scarred.

I met Akou for the first time with Tom while doing Pre-Op photographs. She was very downtrodden and had a look of despair on her face---even despite the fact that she was finally getting checked in for surgery!! (which should have been a joyous time!)

After Joy realized I was writing about her, she showed me the screening photos they had taken. This was brilliant, I thought!! We've covered this patient from step one: screening! Below are photos taken from the screening, and my favorite: Her bright smile when she received her Card which indicated her surgery date!!! She's IN!!

Akou Kewukpo at screening--you can see her tumor and scars from the witch doctor attempting to cure her.

Akou getting registered at Screening.

Waiting in line. Lots of waiting...waiting....hoping....wishing...waiting...

Inside the screening tents. Talking with a translator.

BINGO!!! There's that smile!

"Best day of my life" -Akou

Five months later, Akou went in for surgery with our Max Fax surgeon, Dr. Mark. Once he opened her up, he realized that her tumor was more advanced that previously thought. It had wrapped itself around several nerves and blood vessels. In order to remove all of the tumor, Dr. Mark had to cut the nerves that ran through the tumor. He knew this would have other affects on her body, but he spent a marathon 9 hours meticulously reconnecting every single nerve he had severed.

Akou was wheeled into D Ward after surgery. When the anesthesia wore off, she discovered that she could not lift her right arm. The nerve damage prevented her from raising her arm. She was confused and devastated. I thought the smile was gone earlier---but it was ESPECIALLY gone now :(

Meza & I talking with Akou after surgery. Visibly upset, she told that she couldn't move her arm. "I carry things all day long--for a living. What on earth will I do?" She was very shaken by the effect of the nerve damage.

Days passed and Akou began coping with the situation. Her tumor, which was removed completely, looked fantastic. But she told nurse Ali..."I am not ready to look at the tumor yet. I am still mourning over my arm."

Eventually, Akou's spirit came back. She began working with a physical therapist who has taught her exercises to regain motion. She would pick up beads from her bed and put them in a cup. Back and forth, over and over again.

When I knew the time was right I had something to share with Akou. This was sure to cheer her up. I printed out a large color copy of the photo of her beaming with her Surgery date card, and took it down to her. I told her I had a present for her. {Most of the african people rarely see pictures of themselves, so that is always a treat.}

She looked at me skeptically.

I handed her the picture.

She looked, a little flabbergasted. Absolutely speechless.

Then she broke into a smile.

"Do you remember this day?" I asked.

"Of course I remember it!! That was one of the greatest days."

"Do you remember how you felt that day?"

"I was SO happy. Way more than a small happy, BIG happiness! Oh, I wanted to RUN home. Fast Fast. Get there so that the days and weeks would pass quickly so my date would be here! That's all I could think about"

Then she did something amazing. She whipped out her small, red pocket mirror and gently cleaned it off on her hospital gown. Then, she held it up and admired her neck and shoulder: how beautifully sloped it was---and tumorless!! Then looked back at the picture of her 5 months earlier. She was amazed and consumed with JOY.

"When my hand gets better, I will be jumping up and down with my hands in the air in celebration!"

Then I told her that this picture was on the Mercy Ships website and that anyone throughout the world could see a picture of her. "You're famous, Akou!" She died [of excitement!]. She couldnt believe it!!

Witnessing this moment makes what I do worth it. I can say, with 100% certainty, that was the best moment since I've been on this ship. I don't make a dime being here,  but THIS was pay day.

We wanted to snap a few pictures of Akou and she was eating. Laughing, and eating :)

Beautiful smile! and NO tumor.

She is discharged from the ward and heading to the Hospitality Center.

It's a good day.

***Doctors believe that if Akou continutes the exercises for her arm, she should regain complete movement after one year. It is a very difficult situation to deal with, but given how advanced the tumor was, it was the only option. If not completely removed, the tumor would have eventually filled her lungs and killed her. We take what we can :)

Posted by vcbufe

"So Far..."

We are now reunited as a family.  Mike picked us up from the ferry yesterday and we arrived back at our old house and actually have the privilege of spending the next week in our old house...even in our old bed....what a time warp!  Since Mike has had the lap top for the last few days, I have several pictures I want to update everyone on...

Waking up on Thursday morning in Bainbridge Island to an amazing view...

Taking the ferry over to Victoria to see Deb's parents...

Mike giving a presentation at a local church...

 The Compassionate Nurses Warehouse...

Another presentation...

Having lunch in Victoria with some of Deb's relatives...

Going to see the USS Ronald Regan in Victoria...

Extra bonus...seeing the Canadian Snow Birds!...

For all the Canadians...Tim Horton's...

Just for Bess...YUMM...

Mt. Baker...

The Twin Sisters...

It has been such a blessing to be able to see friends and family again.  Please keep Mike's dad in prayer...he will be having a pacemaker put in on Monday and his cousin Mark will be having his pacemaker replaced on Monday...Miss everyone!

"More..."

The last two days we have had two other opportunities to present Mercy Ships to different people in the Greater Victoria area.

Yesterday, we met a group of wonderful people from Compassionate Resource Warehouse.  They gather all sorts of resources-medical supplies, hospital equipment, blankets, office supplies, clothing, and sports equipment and ship these items in containers all over the world.  They are an amazing group of people.  They also invited a group of student nurses from Camosun College and their instructor to hear about Mercy Ships.

Today we met with a great group of people from the Lutheran Church-Good Shepherd.  Friends of Deb's parents-Nancy and Franklin- invited us to make a presentation to their Bible study group.  We were blessed with a super time of fellowship.

On another note, Mike had to leave Deb and the kids in Victoria to return to the Bellingham area to be with a cousin who is in the hospital.  Please pray for Mike and his cousin.  We know that God has all things in His hands including our time here in Canada and the US.  (Mike has the laptop-so I am unable to post any pictures until next week....sorry....)

"Home..."

We are now visiting with Deb's parents in Victoria, B.C. Canada.  It has been a very relaxing time.  Over the next few days we will be visiting with different groups and  presenting Mercy Ships to them.  Yesterday we were at Peninsula Missionary Church in Saanichton.  We had a wonderful reception.   It really hit me, what we experience and see as"ordinary" on the ship to other people is very "extra-ordinary".  It is continually being reinforced to me how wonderful and amazing our Mercy Ships experience is. 

"Jet Lag and Culture Shock..."

It has been interesting to be back in the USA after being gone for almost a year.  Many things have struck us over the last few days.

• Fruit-is much bigger and brighter-bananas are YELLOW and BIG, apples are RED, grapes are really SWEET
• There are no Zimi's-just SUV's and cars
• There is grass...
• The grass in really GREEN
• The air smells sweet
• No one talks to you when you walk in the market...
• No one follows you when you walk in the market
• There are far TOO MANY choices...
• 4:30 am is now the time to wake up...not by choice
• It is COLD here...
• It is quiet...no generators constantly running
• We can take a LONG shower
• We can take a BATH

All fun aside...we have been really enjoying our time with Mike's brother and sister-in-law.  Just being with family is really special...Although we do really miss our "ship family" and Africa.

PS)  Someone had asked some questions about the "Amazing Race" that was being filmed while we were in Accra, Ghana.  The plane left about 9:55pm on May 31st.  They were on the same flight as us to Frankfurt, Germany.  We did not take any pictures.  There were about 10 (?) teams each with their own camera team.  They were the first group of people off of the plane when we landed in Germany...and had to clear customs the same as everyone else.  It was interesting to see how everyone got along. While we were checking in, there was one team trying to get onto the plane and it seemed they were purposely making it difficult for them.  Honestly, I felt because they were doing the show they acted like they should get preferential treatment over and above the other passengers on the plane.  To the point where some times they were rude and inconsiderate.  So all in all it was an eye opening experience to watch the progression over the night.

"We're Here..."

We left the ships at noon on May 31st....we arrived last night in Seattle June 1 at 6:00pm...What an incredible journey-36 hours-and completely exhausted.....to briefly recap our journey...We arrived at the boarder of Togo and Ghana and cleared immigration (with the help of Edom an awesome Day Volunteer) with no problems...

We had a taxi waiting for us on the other side of the boarder to take us to the airport in Accra, Ghana.  This would be about a 3 1/2 hour drive...Ghana is a beautiful country...

Alisia trying to get some last minute "zzzz's".

Joshua hoping the luggage will not fall on his head!

Ghana is so lush and green...

Our flight was scheduled to leave at 9:55pm-so we had a bit of wait time at the airport. 

One of the interesting experiences was we ran into a group of people who were filming the TV program "The Amazing Race". It is interesting to really see what happens before they edit all their footage.

Then we had the long flight to Frankfurt Germany where we caught our connecting flight to Chicago.

While in Chicago we ate lunch, cleaned up and felt a bit more human...

MMMMMMM...Snapple....ICEBURG lettuce.....

MMMMMM...double cheeseburger, fries, Heinz catchup...Coke.....

Finally....Seattle, Washington...home....