Discharged Tomorrow

We'll be leaving the hospital tomorrow morning. Matoch had his stitches removed yesterday and he is healing well. The doctors are fairly certain he won't need another surgery. Praise God! We'll be coming back to the hospital for a check up on Tuesday. After five days of being here, I am happy to go "home." I have slept in five different beds in six nights. After staying with the Trotters, I am back at the guesthouse tonight. Matoch and Achol will be staying with us in Nairobi.

Matoch's countenance continues to brighten. He is smiling and laughing more each day. Since I know very little Dinka, I have been trying to teach him a little English. He especially likes saying "monkey" and "lion." Each day I look forward to our time outside. I love swinging! Today Achol got to talk to her husband (Matoch's dad) for the first time since leaving. He came to the compound to ask Sabet for an update and wanted to talk to her. After twelve days, he was naturally concerned so Sabet called my phone (yep, that's right. I'm official now, I have a phone here!). Achol was thrilled to talk to him. She had been so worried about the family she left behind. I could tell a burden was lifted from her right away. Matoch was excited to talk to his dad, too. He was a little confused at first that he was talking to his dad in Tonj. I think it may have been his first time to talk on the phone. Both Achol and Matoch were shouting while talking to him. I didn't know the words to tell them they didn't need to shout. It was so funny. Our roommate was plugging his ears. It was so loud in the room!

Thanks for all your prayers. His recovery has been miraculous. Here is the latest picture. Since the stitches were just removed, his face is a little raw. Once it heals, the scars won't be as bad. The ties on his nose will stay for one month. They will be removed at our clinic in Tonj. Part of his ear was used to rebuild his nose.