For many of us, we wake up and go about our day never having to worry about violence and death. However, it is not that way for many of our patients and their families. In developing nations, violence, unrest, and death are unfortunately not uncommon events.
In 1992, Kenya held a multi-party election, the first of its kind since gaining independence in 1963. The election took a violent turn when there were allegations of ballot-box stuffing. Due to these allegations, ethnic violence broke out. During this time, Florence’s grandfather was killed, and her grandmother was forced to move away with her five children and stay with her family.
When problems arose between family members, they were forced to move again. “It was hard to raise children,” Florence’s grandmother shared. “I had nothing. I was displaced.” She struggled to provide stability for her children during this time. Additionally, most Kenyan schools cost to attend, which made it even more difficult to take care of her family. It was in this challenging environment that Florence was born.
Florence was born with a disability, a condition that affected both of her feet. In 2018, Florence visited one of CURE Kenya’s mobile clinics. Since then, she has been visiting CURE Kenya for necessary surgical procedures to correct her feet.
Florence lives with her mom and grandma. These three ladies live in a house owned by someone else, and finding work is difficult for her grandma. A lot lies on the shoulders of her grandma due to health issues faced by both Florence’s mom and Florence.
Just because life isn’t easy, doesn’t mean it isn’t good! Florence has an easy smile and an open heart. She’s able to go to school and will be taking exams before going to high school. At school, she enjoys Kiswahili and mathematics. Do you know what she wants to be when she grows up? “I want to treat people so they will heal,” she said. Florence wants to be a doctor!
While in the hospital, Florence and her grandma spent time with Pastor Phoebe. She takes time in the ward to encourage people both in their treatment and in their spiritual journey. Pastor Phoebe is part of our spiritual department and has an easy smile and an open heart, like Florence. On this particular week, God used Pastor Phoebe to encourage Florence and her grandma.
Florence’s grandma is a Christian but has struggled with her faith in the difficulties of life. However, this week – things changed! She rededicated her life to Jesus! “Despite her going astray, God still loves her!” Pastor Phoebe told us. Florence’s grandma isn’t the only one who is a Christian. Florence also accepted Jesus as her savior! “When you trust God, things will go well,” Florence said.
Florence and her grandma were discharged to go home shortly after speaking with Pastor Phoebe. They didn’t leave CURE Kenya to go home to a perfect life. Money is tight, and they still have to deal with repercussions from an event that happened before Florence’s birth. However, they took Jesus with them this time, and we’re prayerful that they’ll lean on him during the hard times.
About AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya
CURE Kenya has been a place of hope since opening its doors in 1998. We were Africa’s first orthopedic teaching hospital when it opened in Kijabe. More than just providing life-changing surgeries, CURE cares for the emotional and spiritual needs of all our patients. Our teaching hospital has 47 beds, four operating rooms, and an outpatient clinic.
