Surgery for S.

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When our groups visited the Huruma Center orphanage last July, one sweet little girl grabbed my hand and didn't let go.  We sat on the steps watching the other kids jump rope and play soccer with the visitors. She draped herself across my lap and snuggled in.


She was born with an umbilical hernia, and by the age of eight she had a mass the size of my fist protruding from her belly.  It caused pain when she moved, so she avoided the active pursuits most kids her age love.



Her condition could be fixed by a simple surgery, so we left word that we would like to cover her medical expenses if the surgery could be arranged.

Today we learned that she had the surgery on Thursday, was back home at Huruma by Saturday, and is doing well.  We are so grateful to Gary Langness, a longterm volunteer currently in Iringa, for making the arrangements.  A few weeks ago, he took a visiting Minnesota physician to the orphanage to assess the child.  Together, they made arrangements for the surgery to be done at Ilula Lutheran Hospital by the doctor in charge.

Gary drove the child and one of the center's matrons to the hospital (an hour outside of Iringa) and left funds for their food.  He picked them up again, and will take them back next week for a follow up visit.  We're so grateful for his work as our eyes and ears, and for his taxi driving!


The surgery cost 125,000 TSH.  Food and expense money, 50,000.  Three trips of taxi service, 75,000.  For a total cost of 250,000 TSH or roughly $151.25, this sweet child of God will have new health and a new life.

Thanks to all who make this happen -- 

those who give money --

those who give time --

and especially, thanks be to the God who brings us together through this bega kwa bega partnership.



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