The First Chapter - Screening
AFRICA'S CRYWith the smell of the wood-fires hanging heavily in the air, the morning of November 16th seemed like the breaking of any other West African day. And yet, for many, the first day of the Mercy Ships medical screening in Cotonou, Benin, would be the beginning of a miracle.
Outside the Hall Des Arts, Loisirs et Sports (arena), the crowd multiplied throughout the night, many weary from travel, others already having waited two days. As the sun rose, throngs arrived via zemi-djan (small motorbikes), taxi, bus and foot, scurrying to join the end of the ever-growing line. Soon, the vast gathering swelled to around 3000 -- from mothers of dying, malnourished babies to those who wanted harmless cysts removed. The twists of the zigzagged lines leading to the threshold of the arena resembled the coils of a massive python, pulsating with energy and life. These people had come on a quest for hope and healing the alternating emotions of anticipation and anxiety dancing over their features.
Meeting the Multitudes...
Ten-year-old Houeyi stood alone under a tree her head and shoulders shrouded in a
bright yellow and black African wrap. Her tiny hands clasped tightly at the fabric
beneath her chin least anyone unveil the horror she carried with her for the last
three years. Sadly, the covering failed in its given task and passers by could not
help but notice the child's huge distorted forehead and badly displaced left eye.Letter from Colleen Conley to the Anastasis:
Just thought I’d send a glimpse of God to you. Today we had our usual afternoon prayer meeting here at the International Office. But it sure wasn’t a “usual” time...for me at least. Houeyi, Beatrice and Germain joined us. And true to form, Houeyi was smiling and warm…even though still recovering from her recent dental visit where she had over 11 teeth extracted. (I think I’d still bee in bed moaning!) They were welcomed with open arms and received a special introduction from Germain about how they came to be here in Texas.
As you all know, they are probably on sensory overload from the trip here, time in Dallas at the hospital and hotel, and all the massive yovo (white people) attention. The grace and composure all three have is amazing to me. Don and Deyon were both at the meeting. Don held Houeyi’s hand and talked to Houeyi and her mom through Germain and said how much we appreciate them having the courage to be here with us, and how much they are loved, and how welcome they are in our midst, and how we will all be praying for them throughout this process… “and much much more.” It was really a sweet moment.
But what I wanted to especially tell you all about was one of those little “It’s all
about Me” moments that God gave me during the meeting today. Evidently last night,
Germain had a bible study with Houeyi and Beatrice. Today he told us that Beatrice
accepted Jesus into her heart last night. What wonderful news! Germain quietly
translated the rest of the meeting to Beatrice and Houeyi…Communication about the
ships, prayer requests, etc. then we saw a new video that will be used in tours on
the ships. And guess what? Houeyi was in it! Beatrice noticed a clip that included
her brother! They were all watching intently and commenting to each other as they
recognized their friends (Bridgette, Angelle, Felecia, and more), nurses, and doctors
on the video. It was really great that they were at this particular meeting. It
think by the looks on their faces, it really connected them to home in the midst of
being here.Ok…now on to the glimpse! At these meetings, a topic is usually introduced and then we pray for that particular topic before going on to the next one. We had prayed for several things. And during the introduction of the next topic, Don talked about the verse that says we will trample the enemy under our feet. He asked us, as a symbol and expression of our faith in this truth, to all stand and pray and literally stomp our feet and “act out” the crushing of our enemies as we prayed. Germain continued to translate quietly. I was near Houeyi and could see her little feet stomping and crushing the enemy as she stood among us. I was so moved. I can believe that enemies were scattered as we prayed. But I know with all my heart that the prayers and expressions of that little girl as she crushed the enemies under HER feet moved mountains in the Heavenlies!
I hope you guys know how much your hard work and prayers are affecting this whole process with Houeyi. You’re love and appreciated.
The Journey and Surgery
Email from Becky Bynum:
Thank you for your prayers and the concern that you have expressed for Houeyi (Hwee). Many people have heard the story of Houeyi's journey from her little remote African village to the World Craniofacial Foundation in Dallas, Texas.
Houeyi underwent a 14 hour operation on Wednesday, August 1, 2001. The surgeons knew going in that Houeyi might not survive the surgery but they also knew that without it she would surely die. Although Houeyi lost a large amount of blood during the surgery, she came through strong. Just twelve hours after her surgery was completed Houeyi was described as looking like a sleeping angel. She is currently in Pediatric Intensive Care but is recovering. The next few days will continue to be important days for her. Please pray that she will not succumb to an infection and that her brain will once again expand to fill the space that the tumor once occupied.
The news of the surgery has sparked interest in many different areas. Houyi has been adopted by the manager of "Popeye's Fried chicken" and she has been offered free food for as long as she is in the USA. This is a significant offer since the only thing we can find that Houeyi will eat is spicy rice and spicy fried chicken legs from Popeye's! Trainees from Southwest Airlines first met Houeyi in the hotel in Dallas. They organized a car wash and have raised $1,250 cash for Houeyi. (This is equivalent to a 6 year income for this family.) In addition, Channel 8 (WFAA) out of Dallas has ran 2 stories. The Dallas Morning News has also ran 2 stories about Houeyi!
Again, I would like to thank each of you for your prayers. It has been an honor to be a part of this journey with Houeyi. Thank you for your love and faithfulness.
The Recovery...
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