We were in the middle of the dry season when your gifts were delivered. During this time of year the pediatrics ward remains almost completely empty. Problems and illnesses inherent to rainfall such as contaminated wells or mosquitoes and malaria are less common. Therefore, we waited until the rains started back up again and the peds ward was full before distributing your gifts. Thank you for your patience.
Approximately 6 months ago a new surgeon and his family arrived from Germany. I asked Annett the wife and mother of this household if she wanted to help me with this project. She readily agreed. So, one afternoon, we spread out on their porch and together with the help of Annett's children and Andrea, the kids schoolteacher, we put together packets of 10 crayons, 5 color pages, a pencil, extra eraser and pencil sharpener along with over 3 weeks worth of multivitamins and a stuffed animal for each child!
Contents of each package.
That same week we gathered everything and headed over to the hospital with Annett's daughter Rabea and son Aaron.
Rabea and Aaron ready to go!
Upon entering the ward, we waited as patients who had been sitting in the nearby courtyard came streaming back to their beds, wanting to get in on the excitement. Martin, one of our hospital chaplains explained to the parents that the gifts had been sent by my friends at a church in America for their children. They were quite pleased and began softly murmuring “useko” thank you.
Martin addressing the Pediatrics ward.
Annett handing out a stuffed animal.
Hamidou Goni was perhaps the smallest patient on the ward that day. At 2 months old he weighs approximately 5 pounds. His mother died after he was born and he was sent to his fraternal aunt to be raised. Amagaena, his aunt is a warm and dedicated mother to her 5 children and has been eagerly caring for her nephew. However, a combination of chronic infections and his caretaker's unfamiliarity with infant formula has put Hamidou at a disadvantage.
The hospital is currently purchasing formula for Hamidou, and Kari one of our missionary nurses has taken an interest in this family. She has instructed Amagaena on how to feed Hamidou and after his most recent hospitalization, he is home and feeding well. The gifts you sent to Amagaena will most likely be used by her older, school aged children, but you provided us with an opportunity to bless and encourage a family that is currently struggling, thank you.
Amagaena with Hamidou Goni.
At the end of the gift distribution, we were left with a number of stuffed animals! They were given to Dr. Jacqueline Koster who was thrilled to receive them. As coordinator of the vaccination clinics conducted at the hospital, she uses the toys as prizes to coax mothers to bring their infants in for their immunizations. These toys are hugely popular and a great motivator.
As always I am impressed by your faithful friendship and encouragement. Thank you all so much, may God bless you as you have blessed us.
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