While we have been on vacation, surgery for the VVF ladies has been happening on the ship. VVF is a tragic result of poverty. Where we in the west would get immediate medical attention for complications with childbirth, these women suffer for days in prolonged labor and as a result pay the consequences for a life time. "The words below are not of my own, but of the VVF ladies. At the dress ceremony we celebrate each of these ladies’ healing, it takes at least two translators to tell each of their testimonies. Words are spoken in Kotikoli, Moba, Tchokssi, Kabye’, and Ewe and finally translated into English." (Allison Green)
So, in her own words…
“When I sit, stand, and lie down- I was wet.”
"I could not even sit with my sister.”
"I did not know there were others like me."
“I have suffered until death.”
“It was my 6th child."
“I was in labor for five days and no one to help me.”
“The baby died inside of me.”
“Went to many hospitals with no help, I lost hope.”
“I had no child to give me drink.”
“Thought it would never happen to me.”
"I have leaked for one year.”
“Three months…
twenty years…
I cannot remember how long ago.”
"Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.”
“You have received us with love.”
“I know God because of you.”
“I am not the same before. I am beautiful now."
“My family will receive me now.”
“I heard there were angels to help us.”
“You saved my life."
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