Silas was our poster child for our caustic prevention and education campaign in Liberia. Because of the generous donations and dedication of several people, Silas has a chance at a normal life today. Just look at him! Here is an update from Karen who worked as a nurse on Mercy Ship and who advocated so diligently on his behalf.
"It looks like this will be one of my last updates on Silas. I spoke with Dr. Mike this morning . . . it was wonderful! He shared what a joy it has been to be part of God's plan to heal Silas. Dr. Mike and his wife just arrived back in Kenya a few days ago and he has been thrilled to see how well Silas is doing. He said, "he's a different child now, he's all boy. He's climbing trees, running, playing and he has gained 5 pounds in the last 5 weeks!" He has no signs of complications - they did a swallow study with contrast yesterday that showed that everything has completely healed without any scar tissue or narrowing strictures. Silas does have some trouble swallowing when he gets too much food in his mouth. He said that some of the cervical esophagus has lost its peristalsis - so it doesn't move the food in that section, except by gravity . . . so if he tries to swallow a big bolus of food - it gets "stuck" and he has to wash it down with water. Silas will just have to get used to this and prevent it by SLOWING down when he eats :). No one expected this kind of miraculous recovery (it has been 2 months since his surgery) and all we can say is, "to God be the Glory - great things He has done"!
Thank you for your prayers, love and financial gifts that have helped make this possible. My heart is overflowing with joy . . . okay, so tears are streaming down my face as I type this . . . because God has done far more than I ever hoped for or imagined! Thank you Lord!! What a joy it will be to see what plans God has in store for Silas - only time will tell.
I know that both Kemah and Silas say a huge thank you to all that helped to make this possible. Some have asked me if we still need finances for them . . . and I don't know. I am waiting to get the final bill from Bethany Kids before I can answer that question - feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this and I'll let you know once I have an update.
It will be a big adjustment for Silas when he returns to Liberia. Life will not be easy - that is just a reality. Please remember to pray for them as they transition back to life in Liberia and fly home on Monday, November 1st.
Dr. Mike attached a photo that was taken of him with Silas and Kemah. He and his wife invited them over to their home where they had a meaningful time of prayer and thanksgiving to God. Dr. Mike is confident that both Kemah and Silas are ready to go home! He shared what an incredible gift it was to have both Kemah and Silas run to greet him with a huge hugs and words of gratitude upon his return to Kenya. He said that he has practiced surgery for 40 years and rarely has he seen this overflowing joy . . . . it was all the payment he needed and more - what a special moment - when people remember to return and say "thank you"!
God is good!!!
Karen
Below are two messages - the first is from a man who just led a team to Kenya and worked at the hospital in Kijabe and the other is from Dr. Mike. The team put up a retaining wall and Silas helped them - apparently he knew how to lay mortar as he learned this from his father. It sounds like they all enjoyed each other . . .
First Message:
Hi, what a joy it was to meet Silas and Kemah, for me it was a major blessing and a reason why GOD in HIS big plan had our team and myself in Kenya. After reading the emails that Steve had forwarded to me, the only thing I can say is, isn't GOD amazing how HE puts all the pieces together. Thank You for the HUGE piece that you have done.
I am not a doctor, but from my perspective Silas is doing well. He spent almost every waking moment with us for 3 days. He ate with us, worked with us, and played with us. He is a very smart 7 year old boy full of a lot of energy. He is still on somewhat of a liquid diet, but he loves M&M and Skittles (we where his suppliers) even though he has trouble at times swallowing them if he doesn't chew them well, but a glass of water helps him get them down.
Kemah seems to be doing fine, as you said in one of the emails she loves Silas and GOD very much. She was very thankful that we reached out to Silas. I think it gave her somewhat of a break, not having to be by his side all the time for those 3 days.
Here is another little boy we were hoping to advocate more for as well with the same condition. Little Isaiah had some help from another organization in Liberia where he was taken to Germany for a feeding tube. That does not fix the problem. It just buys them time. Isaiah's time ran out. He passed away from his injuries. Please remember that there are many Silas's and Isaiah's in Liberia who need our help. Through our caustic prevention and education campaign we CAN help prevent more of this child tragedies. Contact us and let us know you too want to help! #715-415-4401 . Go to our website and learn more ...
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