Sabet is back from Africa!

Today our family celebrates daddy’s (Sabet’s) return from his 10 week trip to South Sudan. We are now all together in Panama City, Florida, staying with Suzy’s mum and awaiting news on Agum’s US citizenship status.

While in South Sudan, Sabet revisited the court there to obtain additional evidence to support Agum’s case for citizenship here. We refiled her case two weeks ago, and we pray that this will satisfy the immigration requirements for proof of her custody prior to our adoption being completed in 2013.

Sabet was joined by one of our board members, Ted Miyake, and together they blessed and encouraged the team on the ground. They have many amazing stories to share, but one in particular is extremely close to our hearts.

The Story of Kana!

We first met Kana when she was six years old. Her mother brought her to us when we were hosting a cataract clinic, and we learned that Kana was blind in both eyes since birth. Upon examination, the cataract team wasn’t sure that surgery would restore Kana’s sight, but in light of her young age, and the high probability that this may be her only chance, they made the decision to give it a try. After the surgery, unlike the other patients who could instantly see, Kana could not see clearly, but she did acknowledge seeing shapes, and she was able to differentiate light and darkness. The surgeons explained that Kana was probably born with cataracts, which blocked the light and hindered her eyes from being able to focus. This condition prevents the brain from developing the usual wiring connections that occur as a baby’s eyes are developing from birth to age eight. Since she did not have the surgery until she was six years old, her brain sustained a permanent loss of most of the neural connections, and that is why she had a permanent reduction in her vision. In faith, we prayed and laid hands on Kana before she returned to her village. We all prayed and laid hands on Kana before she left to walk back to her village.

During this recent trip, Sabet visited a church in the village of Timtok. In traditional South Sudanese style, the children of the church greeted the visitors with singing and dancing. It was at that time that Sabet and Albino recognized one of the dancing children as Kana!

It was a beautiful blessing and surprise to see Kana doing so well, as we were all concerned for her well-being following surgery. Now that she is able to focus again, her brain has been able to reconnect some of the neural wiring, and she has improved vision. And although her vision would have been even better had she undergone the cataract surgery as a younger child, her mother says she continues to improve and that is our prayer!

As we plan for our next annual cataract clinic, we estimate a week of surgeries will cost over $15,000, but for 200 patients to regain sight that is only $75 per patient! If you feel called to partner with us in transforming a life spiritually and physically, please donate online and designate your gift for ‘cataract surgeries’.

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord.” – Jeremiah 30:17

Hunger Gap!

In 1998 we both were deeply moved and took action in response to one of South Sudan’s most devastating famines. And still today between the months of May and August, thousands of families run out of food, and they depend on outside assistance to feed their children. This is when we start to see malnourished mothers and babies in our clinic. During Sabet’s recent trip, he witnessed several cases, and we know this number will only increase as the rainy season comes. A combination of insecurity, displacement, lack of imported supplies and flooding have all contributed to the current food crisis. Please pray! We know well the suffering that took place in 1998, and the many lives that were lost. Tonight children are going to bed hungry again, and mothers have no hope of feeding their little ones. What can be worse than watching your child starve? Even though we’ve lived there for 16 years, it never gets any easier to see people suffering, unable to meet the basic needs for their families. Pray with us for this community we serve as we ask our Jesus how we might be used to help in this crisis.