I am amazed how God can so wonderfully reverse a curse. I have written before how the cleft lip and palate deformity are considered a curse here in Kenya. Many mothers are ostracized from their tribe if they bare a child with these deformities. it is thought to be due to the sin of the mother. these shamed mothers and their precious children come desperate to ENT camp at AIC CURE hospital in Kijabe for surgery. this year we had a team of 7 physicians, nurse anaesthetist, OR nurse, and tech who teamed up with the Kenyan staff to perform 49 surgeries. We were the draw but the real work was spiritual. the women were encouraged daily with the Gospel and word of Christ. on discharge day a blessing ceremony was held and the mother's had a name changing opportunity where the child's name was changed to represent the curse being changed to a blessing. Mother's praised the blessing of the Lord and the opportunity to have their shame removed. We had a group of 9 muslim women from Daddab refugee camp. Although they stood quietly and hid their feelings I know that seeds were planted. My heart continues to break for these women. they live in the world's largest refugee camp- 500,000 somalian people just across the border in eastern Kenya. the health care they receive is minimal. We did a cleft palate repair on a 16 year old girl this trip.
 |
| Incomplete cleft lip from refugee camp |
 |
| post op photo |
I am now at Tenwek Hospital working with the general surgery team. I have seen many patients. Some of them I have seen previously. Many again have unresectable cancers. One such man traveled with his son from the region of Migori, near Tanzania. he was told in July he had cancer. The mass is now so large he is unable to swallow and he is losing weight rapidly. he has a large tumor of the voice box involving the entire back of his tongue. Surgery would be more than he could physically endure in his wasted condition. His son will take him home now. In this culture the diagnosis is not discussed with the elderly patient but only with the family. the family will determine when it is time to discuss with the patient. We prayed and supported the son and I am always amazed how thankful the kenyans are despite their difficult circumstances. This is one of many I have had to tell they have untreatable cancer.
 |
| Elderly man with unresectable cancer |
 |
| 12 Kg baby who underwent adenotonsillectomy for airway obstruction |
Despite many sad circumstances there are many diseases that I have been able to treat. We have removed several rare conditions including nasopalatine cyst and buccal cheek mass. Facial abscess has been drained and mandibular cyst treated. Adenotonsillectomy on failure to thrive 1.5 year old. We have started testing hearing and this is going well. Hopefully, hearing aids will be dispensed at my next visit. Thank you for all the donations as these funds have paid for 4 of the surgeries so far.
In Christ,
Chase Miller
