Update on Matoch

Wednesday I returned to the hospital for Matoch's surgery. He was scheduled to go in at 11:00am. At 11:30, they called him to the theater (OR). I sat with him in the theater hallway while we waited for the nurse to take him. After days of being tough, Matoch finally broke down. The poor little guy was terrified. He cried really hard. Since I can't speak his language, all I could do was hold him, pray for him and sing a few songs I have learned in Tonj. The nurses let me bring the translator back and that seemed to help a bit. Unfortunately, there was a delay and we ended up sitting there for two hours. I think Matoch would have done much better if he had waited in his room. The anticipation only made his anxiety worse. Finally the surgery began at 1:30.

For the next few hours, I had some time to visit with other patients and their moms. I talked to the ones I met on Monday and made a few new friends. Everyone is so friendly there. They are were very concerned about Matoch. I also spent a lot of time with Achol. At one point she left to go to the bathroom and then never returned. I frantically looked around the hospital and found her outside, sitting in the sun. She motioned that she liked the sun against her skin. She was probably restless after spending days inside. Later, Achol had a visit from Mary Kay. Mary Kay has been coming in a few times a day to visit and pray with Achol and Matoch. She is so sweet and kind. Kuel had a friend, Richard, with him that day. Richard is also a Sudanese refugee living in Nairobi. When he heard about Matoch, he wanted to come to support him and his mom. I know Achol appreciated having company that could speak her language.



I saw the doctor before the surgery and he told me he would give me a progress report after the surgery was over. The nurses instructed me to wait in the theater seating area so I would be sure to catch the doctor. The surgery would take 4-5 hours so at 5:30 I went to the waiting area. At 7:00, they wheeled Matoch out. I asked if I could speak to the doctor and was told he was already in another surgery. I asked if there was anyone else who could give me an update and was told no, only the surgeon. I asked if I could call him and was told no. I asked when I could see him and was told I have to be at the hospital at 7:00am when he does rounds. I explained that I was staying in Nairobi and would not be able to be there by 7:00am. The nurse just apologized, but couldn't help me further. I was so frustrated! I called Suzy almost in tears. She reminded me that this was a missionary hospital. They charge very little for procedures and are very busy. God is in control and everything will be ok. She suggested I leave a note for the doctor and ask him to call us in the morning. After talking with her, I felt better. The inflexible planner in me was freaking out! I just needed a reminder to relax. Flexibility is definitely a lesson I am continually learning.

Fortunately I found a nurse who was very helpful. I left a note for the doctor asking him to call in the morning. The nurse also gave me the direct line to the ward so we could call if we hadn't heard from the doctor. Around 7:30, Gordon and I headed back to Nairobi. This morning Suzy called the phone number to the ward and reached the doctor right away. He gave us good news. The surgery went really well. They decided not to do a skin graft. They opted to close up the cheek with the existing skin. There is a chance it might not work; we'll know in five days. They decided to try it without the graft because there will be less scaring and no chance of rejecting the tissue. If the surgery was successful, Matoch may be released in a week and a half. If they have to do the graft, it will take another three weeks. We are praying that is not the case.

Our translator needs to leave on Saturday, so I will be staying at the hospital with Matoch and Achol for the rest of their time there. There is a guesthouse nearby that I was able to book a room in from this Saturday to next. I'll be at the hospital with them all day and then go there once they go to bed. The great news that they have regular toilets! Am I lame for being excited about that? Yes, but I am ok with that. On a funny note... I believe God gave my bladder super strength. I was at the hospital for 10 hours yesterday and managed to “hold it” until I got back to Nairobi. That's unusual for me. Too much information? Perhaps. I am grateful for the small things!