Hope and Plaster

I first met Samantha* during a Saturday clinic in Canillá. She was two weeks old then, the smaller of two twins born recently at government hospital which is two hours away driving.  At times, this trip is impossible to make during the rainy season.  Her father held her tenderly as her mother lifted her traditional Mayan dress to reveal her left foot, which was turned so far inward that the sole of her foot nearly touched the inside of her shin.

Samantha had been seen at a government hospital for her clubbed foot, but was turned away.  It may have been because of her dark skin, or maybe the surgeon was not interested in a client without the resources to pay for the procedure.  At any rate, she was told to come back in a few years.  This would have been disastrous.  

Thankfully, we learned to manage clubbed feet in fellowship training.  Taking Samantha's little foot in my big hands, I carefully wrapped her leg in plaster cast material until her foot became straight, the angle of the knee was just so.  I worked with one of our new nurses to form the cast until it hardened.  Her father looked satisfied, hopeful that his daughter would walk and play with the other children some day.   

We continued this process week after week, each time with more progress.  Samantha will see a surgeon this week. This time, the needed surgery will be quick, easy and will produce a lasting result that will benefit Samantha for a lifetime.  It is a blessing to be able to touch lives like Samantha's.  God spoke life into Samantha, he speaks all life into motion and for Him this is not hard to do. Nothing is difficult for Him.  

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

*Patient's name has been changed.  Photos taken with parents permission.