running

I was just minding my own business walking down the hospital corridor today, off to find some formula milk, but thats besides the point. anyways as i was walking who should i see at the other end of the corridor but Afi and her mamma - see back to my post 'a little girls freedom.' http://claredavisinafrica.blogspot.com/2010/05/little-girls-freedom.html. she has been staying at our hospitality centre, almost like a hotel that mercyships runs in another area of town to house patients before and after their surgery, when home is too far away and she had come back to the ship for a post operation check up.

AFI has had her surgery, her mouth now looks like yours and mine, with no more tumour protruding from it. and today she was running,
running full pelt,
running arms outstretched
running down the corridor towards me...I saw her and opened my arms in response, running to meet her and lift her into my arms, hugging and smothering in kisses. we laughed, we smiled, we loved on each other.

once her mamma had reached us, she proudly opened her mouth for us to see inside. apart from the rotten teeth, her mouth is as good as new. there is an airway to breath, space to chew, a smile to be proud of. im sure she will almost be ready to go back to her village very soon, and i pray that she will take with her all that she has seen and been a part of here. to remember the love and remember the acceptance and joy of this place. that Jesus would have been speaking into her heart of just how loved she is and we would have shown her His love through our actions. may she grown into a strong woman, an educated woman, an accepted and loved woman for Him.

 (another picture of after her surgery will follow.)