Abdul - Walking Tall

It's hard to believe that so much time has passed since I last posted an update.  Life has been crazy busy over the summer.  We have had our son Steve here with us since the beginning of August and he's with us till the end of October.  It's been lovely having him physically part of the family again and we're making the most of every moment.  He's been helping Andy with some chores around the place, so they've had some great father/son time together. Sadly, the time goes by all too quickly.  Neither Matt or Steve will be able to make it over this year for Christmas due to other commitments so I'm not sure when we'll see them next.

In August we managed to meet up with Matt for a couple of hours at Houston Airport when he got off his first ship after 5 months.  He had many stories to tell about his time on board and loved the experience, though he was worked very hard - 7 days a week for 5 months, not a single day off!!  While he was away he made a pact with his other college friends who were joining their first ships at the same time as Matt that none of them would shave for the entire trip. 

He is back studying hard in his second 6 month phase of College before going away again early next year for his second sea time phase of 5 - 6 months.

We are all well.... Josh is in the midst of intense Theatre Group practices for the Fall (Autumn) production of the hit Musical "Hairspray".  Chris is in full-on practice mode in anticipation of the start of the Basketball season and Emma is well into her Studies at College and doing well so far.

 

You may have asked recently just what do Andy and Brenda Cole do to bring hope and healing to the poor of West Africa when they are working at the Mercy Ships International Operations Center in Texas!  I am not surprised you would be curious about this, so I thought it might be appropriate to share with you our roles in the transformation of Abdul, a young child in Sierra Leone who was born with club feet.

It’s hard to believe that over a year has gone by since we made the move from the Africa Mercy to Texas and the International Operations Centre of Mercy Ships.

If the Africa Mercy is the heartbeat of Mercy Ships, then the International Operations Center is the backbone. Everyone working at the IOC is working in support of those  who serve on the front line with Mercy Ships in West Africa.

I, Brenda work in the IOC’s Human Resources Department, where all of the talented individuals who eventually serve with MS are recruited, evaluated and processed for service.  As the former HR Manager on the Africa Mercy, I also have a keen understanding of the importance of clearly defined procedures and processes for crew to follow.  Since joining the IOC I have undertaken an exhaustive review and revision of HR policies and processes on the Africa Mercy to assure all is efficient and effective as it should be. 

If that is not enough, I am also the HR lead on implementation of new software to enhance crew tracking and recruiting!

At the same time, Andy, as former Chief Engineer of the Africa Mercy, volunteers to assist the Marine Operations Department in their challenge of identifying and defining the optimum design for a new ship that Mercy Ships hopes to launch in the future….a ship that can bring hope and healing to more of the world’s poor.  In between Andy is also doing some commercial work at sea to keep his hand in, but also to bring in additional Finance to help offset the much higher costs of living ashore.

Our roles and those of many others at the IOC are just as important as the nurses and doctors, deck hands, accountants and chefs who work tirelessly on the Africa Mercy. It takes everyone….from the IOC to the National Offices to crew on the Africa Mercy…to make a difference in the lives of those living in poverty in West Africa.

That is why we can be proud of the transformation of Abdul, a young boy living in Sierra Leone born with deformed, curling feet.

He was considered the “devil child” in his village and was abandoned by his mother as a baby.  His father, Simeon, knew his baby’s condition was medical and not witchcraft.  Fortunately, for Abdul and Simeon, they learned of the pending arrival of Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone, and while they stood in a line for three days waiting to be seen at a medical screening, Abdul was accepted for treatment!

Abdul’s treatment began with the Ponseti treatment which involved the application of heavy plaster casts to his legs to correct the position of his curled feet.  After many casting changes and several months of waiting, Abdul was ready for the long anticipated surgery!

A few days after his successful surgery and  fitted   with    straight, short leg casts which made walking easier, Abdul joyfully hobbled around on crutches with  the other boys who were receiving similar treatment on their legs.

His physiotherapist noted, “His first few steps were like a newborn calf, but now he’s walking with confidence. His future will be worlds apart from what it would have been before treatment – he would have been begging on the streets. Now, he will work, contributing to society, which gives him a bright future.”

Brimming with confidence his father added, “His faith has grown stronger and stronger as his legs healed. Now he’s ready to grow into a great man that we will love and respect!” 

 

You can see the excitement in Abdul’s face as he shows of his super new legs as Superman!!

In our roles at the IOC we are just as much a part of making a difference in this young life!