VVF

Ali, another OR nurse with a VVF patient.


VVF starts tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!! We have an invasion on women from the North. 30 of them came last night, my trusty translator Sam leading the way. Sam is a Togelese man who lived in the US for a number of years as a child and teen, and now lives back in Togo. He is one of the only people who actually understands my English at my normal rate of speech, so naturally I'm a bit bias. He is originally from the north of Togo, so he speaks a lot of the languages of the women from there. The women who we have asked to return from Benin started arriving last night also. It is an exciting time. There is an air of anticipation, knowing that a lot of these women will be changed for life after their time with us.

Bonnie with one of the VVF ladies. Notice the patient's small stature, very typical for a VVF patient and why they have had problems giving birth.

I have struggled in caring for these women since the time I started on the ship. Even at home I have always preferred male patients. I just have always seemed to get along with them better. I have said in my prior post these VVF patients are STUBBORN!!!!! They are survivors and determined to make a life for themselves, a great quality (one I have myself), but they don't make wonderful patients. But, despite my fears and reservations going into VVF each time, God has always given grace. I have always found I connect with one or two, I have fun laughing each day with them, trying to mime how to do care or ask a question through charades. So I'm looking forward at what God will do this time. Keep Maggie and Lindsay (the VVF coordinators) in your prayers, they have a huge task in front of them. Also, my friend and roommate Allison, she is the VVF team leader in the OR. The nurses have incredible hearts for these women and have a long 6 weeks in front of them.

Maggie with Ramatou, a VVF patient turned translator, who is back again this year to help is translate.