Last week a couple of people from the communications team came out with us to write a story about our work and about her. It started as a normal visit, the 1 1/2 hour drive through verdant green countryside. On our arrival she came to meet us with her arms wide open, giving me a hug and an extra squeeze. We made our way through the usual chit chat, questions about pain killers and talk of dietary supplements whilst Tom, the photographer was snapping away. Then Claire, the writer began to ask some questions for her story. 'Where do you think you would be now if Mercy Ships was not here?'. 'I would be dead', came the simple reply. 'Before you started to come, I was ashamed to be around people. People did not want to be near me because of the smell that came from my tumour. Now the smell has gone (with the help of antibiotic medication applied to the wound) I am no longer ashamed to be around people. I have a new hope and joy in my life.' When asked how she would feel once we left, she put her head in her hands. 'I know you have to leave and this will make me very sad. I look forward to your visit every week. But I know that you have done more for me than any hospital could. Akbe, akbe kaka (Thank you, thank you so much),' she whispered. And then it hit me. I am now well over half way through my time here in Togo. Most of my patients will still be alive when I leave. How will I say goodbye? How will I leave them on their own without any support, resources or anyone to hold their hand and speak words of encouragement? As I looked at Sylvie, I knew she knew what I was thinking. Both our eyes filled with tears. I know that God has put me here for a purpose, to touch the lives of the few in such a way. I know that He is holding them in the palm of his hands, that he will care for them once I've gone. Despite knowing that, it still really hurts. I know that these two words will stay with me for a long time to come...Akbe kaka.
This is Ayabavi
This is the slow growing tumour that she has endured for 18 years
Once Sylvie and I realised how difficult it will be to leave all our patients behind, the tears began to flow
Simple wound care and controlling the smell from the tumour is so life changing
A moment of laughter with Ayabavi and both her daughters
We finished the visit with time spent in prayer
The following is a link to the blog of Tom Bradley, the photographer who took these photos. He has written (probably more eloquantly than me!) about this visit and used some of the words of the official story written by Claire Bufe. http://tombradley.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/the-malignant-tumour/
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