Friday, August 16, 2013

Clefts & Conversations


Discussions with our refugee friends at St Rollox about Shane's cleft palate have led to some interesting responses and conversations.  It causes many to make a double-take at this face, assuming this means that he has a cleft lip (i.e. harelip, or in Arabic, "rabbit lip").  We then usually explain that it is only inside his mouth but still causes some difficulty feeding him, etc, etc.  Most responses are very caring or empathic, usually prompting more questions about his upcoming surgery and what the prognosis might be.  We've been impressed by how compassionate most people are, as well as the honest offers to help us with anything we need.

Last week, I had a former Somali nurse (now in the UK as a refugee) told me about a child that she had encountered when working with the WHO in rural Somali villages.  She described a child that looked like a 1 year old, but was actually 5 years in age.  She said that the child had no externally visible problems, but had a minor cleft soft palate and thus had great difficulty feeding any more than the bare minimum needed to survive.  She and her colleagues were able to help get this child to Egypt for surgery.  When she visited this village about a year later, she told me that the child was developing well, growing, and starting to catch up with other children his age.

It was a good reminder about how fortunate we are to have a team of experts on hand, access to special bottles that help Shane to feed, and expert surgeons.  Shane's condition is quite common and, as these things go, a straightforward procedure.  Yet in other parts of the world, a minor cleft can be life threatening.  Again, it makes me feel fortunate; yet on the other hand, I feel distressed by the tragic inequality of it all.

Shane is growing well, is becoming more social, and is ridiculously strong for a baby of his age.  Already rolling over on a regular basis.  Niamh is enjoying him more now that he clearly reacts to her presence and coos like crazy any time she gets close.

We should find out in the next couple of months when his surgery will happen.  Please keep us and Shane in your prayers , as were practically needing to put a lot of ministry activities 'on hold' until we know when his operation will happen and how well he recovers.

Posted by Paul and Emma at 4:02 pm |  

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