The Gorge
Sunday, as mentioned in a previous post, the President came to the ship. 6 of us decided it would be a great day to be off ship. We piled in the landrover and headed to the Gorge. This is hike that reminds me of the children's song "Going on a Bear Hunt." Complete with the potential of chimpanzees in the jungle part of the hike (they were sighted on Saturday). We parked at the bottom of the Gorge and began our journey through the tall lush green grass. They were so tall that you could not see directly over it in front you. We took the tactic of walking with our arms bent and raised to 90* in front of us. Not only did this protect the grass from hitting you in the face, it also prevented your arms from being scratched up too much by the sharp edges of the grass.
The grass transitions to jungle looking tree cover with red clay/mud bottom. The trail is fairly clear most of the way, but some times the forks in the trail get confusing. We only made one u-turn. The final part of the ascent is very steep and muddy for about 1/4 mile ending in a wooden staircase which is at an angle more like a ladder than staircase.
The view at the top was quite nice. You can see the grass, the gorge (red rocks that look similar to Zion National Park in Utah but much smaller), and the ocean as far as you can see. After cooling off/drying out from the humidity produced sweat and eating our picnic lunch. We retraced out steps through the bear hunt. I am happy to report. No chimpanzee sightings.
When we returned to the bottom we could go swimming at the beach or sit and enjoy the intermittent breeze and view at the restaurant. The restaurant was plastic tables and chairs set up in what looked similar to picnic shelters. Since the President was still on the ship, we had unexpected time to "burn". What better use of time than to get icecream! It was a wonderful way to end a relaxing day
Friday, March 28, 2014
A Village Tour ...Perspective
The Congo is safe enough to go on outings with others off the ship. One of the activities available last Saturday was "A Village Tour." The flyer stated transportation was arranged. All we needed to bring was lunch, water, sunscreen, bugspray, and a towel if you wanted to go swimming. The tour guide was a day worker on the ship. The times were 9am- 5pm.
At 9am 17 of us met in the cafe. A few people had heard we were supposed to meet on the dock. We all treked down to the dock and waited until our leader arrived. She did not arrive until about 9:45 am (on time in African time). We then divided into two shuttle runs to drive to meet the transportation for the day at the train station. There was a small car/taxi that 8 of us including the driver were in (3 in each seat in the back two seats) and a mini van/bus as they say which fit 16 I think. I was in the middle back seat.Off we went driving through the streets of Pointe Noire.
The main thoroughfares are paved and in relatively good shape. The roads into neighborhoods are often still dirt and have large dips and rises and holes. We arrived at the day worker's home and met many in her family. It was good to see her home which was two rooms made of wood, a bedroom and an open room for cooking and being in when not sleeping. There is no running water or electricity.
After many pictures of the home and with the family, we all piled back in the vehicles. We continued winding our way through the roads of Pointe Noire until we stopped on the side of the road on a busy street. We all get out of the car meet her cousin and her baby. In this culture, it is rude to drive by a relative's house and not stop by to say hello. The baby was amazing as he was passed around from person to person without a peep or cry. Yes, I did get to hold him:)
We then continue on our journey to "The Village" or so we thought. We stopped again. This time at a market where women and children were plucking feathers off of small birds, wrapping fish or the birds in big leaves (I think banana leaves), tying them into a triangular package and placing them on a pile of coals to cook. I think only 1 or 2 people bought some.
We continued up the road to a place near the border of Angola. While traveling, the van began sending black smoke out of the muffler. We stopped at the "Grandfather's" shop/house to say hello. Here there were many children running around outside. Several of the crew brought little gifts like pencils and stickers to hand out to the children at the village. It was quite interesting dynamic as the children would literally pose for pictures. Many would make peace signs, make muscles, sit on top of their tires they were playing with, get into formations. The crew members were fascinated with the children, and the children loved to interact (pose and receive gifts) from the strange white people.
We finally arrived at "The Village" where we found her families vacation house now/where she grew up. It, however was locked with a padlock. We ate our lunch in a church in the village that was about 10-12 houses at the most. After at time of praise and prayer with the pastor, we left for the beach. We had to leave quickly as we needed to stop by beach and head back to the ship by 5pm.
We were at the beach for about 45 minutes. It was nice to cool off some in the warm Atlantic Ocean and walk on the sand. On the way back, the car had a tire that needed a good amount of air. It was not changed, but had more air pumped into it. We drove back to the train station to catch the shuttle back to the ship. We were a few minutes late, so there was no shuttle. We all slowly walked through the long (about 1 mile) port. It was so nice to see that big white ship I call home for a few weeks come into view.
All in all, this was a cultural experience: time differences, money exchanging and expectation differences, unexpected itinerary changes, and seeing the inequality in the economic distribution in the areas. Living in the ship "bubble," One can easily lose sight of how Mercy Ships is truly making a difference. Seeing the lifestyles of living and the necessity of walking long distances many times puts it into perspective. The significance of the orthopedic and plastic surgeries allowing deformities to be transformed so the people can walk, squat, stand is astounding. They also have to hold a deep squat for up to a minute without pain or difficulty before leaving physical therapy. It became clear why on this adventure. They have to go to the bathroom in this position. Not only are many of the patients on Mercy Ships made fun of, outcasts, they have significant difficulty performing every day tasks. It was a good day even though it was different than I anticipated.
The Congo is safe enough to go on outings with others off the ship. One of the activities available last Saturday was "A Village Tour." The flyer stated transportation was arranged. All we needed to bring was lunch, water, sunscreen, bugspray, and a towel if you wanted to go swimming. The tour guide was a day worker on the ship. The times were 9am- 5pm.
At 9am 17 of us met in the cafe. A few people had heard we were supposed to meet on the dock. We all treked down to the dock and waited until our leader arrived. She did not arrive until about 9:45 am (on time in African time). We then divided into two shuttle runs to drive to meet the transportation for the day at the train station. There was a small car/taxi that 8 of us including the driver were in (3 in each seat in the back two seats) and a mini van/bus as they say which fit 16 I think. I was in the middle back seat.Off we went driving through the streets of Pointe Noire.
The main thoroughfares are paved and in relatively good shape. The roads into neighborhoods are often still dirt and have large dips and rises and holes. We arrived at the day worker's home and met many in her family. It was good to see her home which was two rooms made of wood, a bedroom and an open room for cooking and being in when not sleeping. There is no running water or electricity.
After many pictures of the home and with the family, we all piled back in the vehicles. We continued winding our way through the roads of Pointe Noire until we stopped on the side of the road on a busy street. We all get out of the car meet her cousin and her baby. In this culture, it is rude to drive by a relative's house and not stop by to say hello. The baby was amazing as he was passed around from person to person without a peep or cry. Yes, I did get to hold him:)
We then continue on our journey to "The Village" or so we thought. We stopped again. This time at a market where women and children were plucking feathers off of small birds, wrapping fish or the birds in big leaves (I think banana leaves), tying them into a triangular package and placing them on a pile of coals to cook. I think only 1 or 2 people bought some.
We continued up the road to a place near the border of Angola. While traveling, the van began sending black smoke out of the muffler. We stopped at the "Grandfather's" shop/house to say hello. Here there were many children running around outside. Several of the crew brought little gifts like pencils and stickers to hand out to the children at the village. It was quite interesting dynamic as the children would literally pose for pictures. Many would make peace signs, make muscles, sit on top of their tires they were playing with, get into formations. The crew members were fascinated with the children, and the children loved to interact (pose and receive gifts) from the strange white people.
We finally arrived at "The Village" where we found her families vacation house now/where she grew up. It, however was locked with a padlock. We ate our lunch in a church in the village that was about 10-12 houses at the most. After at time of praise and prayer with the pastor, we left for the beach. We had to leave quickly as we needed to stop by beach and head back to the ship by 5pm.
We were at the beach for about 45 minutes. It was nice to cool off some in the warm Atlantic Ocean and walk on the sand. On the way back, the car had a tire that needed a good amount of air. It was not changed, but had more air pumped into it. We drove back to the train station to catch the shuttle back to the ship. We were a few minutes late, so there was no shuttle. We all slowly walked through the long (about 1 mile) port. It was so nice to see that big white ship I call home for a few weeks come into view.
All in all, this was a cultural experience: time differences, money exchanging and expectation differences, unexpected itinerary changes, and seeing the inequality in the economic distribution in the areas. Living in the ship "bubble," One can easily lose sight of how Mercy Ships is truly making a difference. Seeing the lifestyles of living and the necessity of walking long distances many times puts it into perspective. The significance of the orthopedic and plastic surgeries allowing deformities to be transformed so the people can walk, squat, stand is astounding. They also have to hold a deep squat for up to a minute without pain or difficulty before leaving physical therapy. It became clear why on this adventure. They have to go to the bathroom in this position. Not only are many of the patients on Mercy Ships made fun of, outcasts, they have significant difficulty performing every day tasks. It was a good day even though it was different than I anticipated.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
An Important Visitor
Mercy Ships is currently docked in Pointe Noire, Congo. The President of Congo responded to the invitation from the ship to come for a visit. He and his 200 or more entourage gave notice 72 hours prior to their arrival for the security scouting to take place. On Sunday, the day of his arrival, we were allowed to be in our room/cabin or in the dining room from about 9 am until he left due to security reasons. Many of the crew, including me, decided to leave the ship for the day.
Preparations began both on the ship and in the port in those few hours. Workers (not related to Mercy ships) quickly whitewashed the multiple building, made and hung sides announcing the the President's visit, finished sidewalks that had been unfinished for months, and filled in pothole on the road. They must have worked through the night to complete all the tasks. On the ship, cocktail party food was prepared, furniture moved, extra thorough cleaning done in central area in the ship, trash containers were removed from the dock, put out all the ships flags, countless other things that I am unaware of, and everyone on the ship donned their best. The neighboring ship on the dock even had all their flags out.
According to those who remained on the ship and the leadership of the ship, the President's visit went well. The friends and I who left for the day arrived back to the port just as he was leaving. Our landrover was met near the port entrance by three of his security officers which were holding machine guns. A compromise was made that all weapons actually on the ship would be concealed. I can see why. It would be concerning to see so many large weapons. It was neat to see all the cars holding him and his entourage parade by in front of us as they left to port. As we drove to the port gate, the street was lined with locals all wearing white t-shirts with a red or blue President's face. Apparently, they had been standing there for several hours waiting to see his car as he left the ship.
Monday, all the extra tents were taken down, furniture on the ship returned its position, containers on the dock moved back, ship activities hummed like to usual. To my surprise, the nicely laid stone sidewalks were quickly taken back up so the pipe work could continue as before. Traffic jams in the port returned and the fisherman returned to sorting the days catch on the dock in the evening as well. It amazing the effect one man in a high position can have an effect on so many peoples schedules and tasks.
It made me think about how I would prepare my house for an important guest. As many of you know, I do not like to be rushed or prepare things at the last minute. I also am not too impressed by people statuses or credentials. When is comes down to it, people are people. Some have worked hard to earn titles; some have been blessed with prominence. Most of us are simply doing the best we can and do not have initials or status to show for our effort. This is where a few traditions of the old south are helpful. Growing up in the south, the tradition of always having something small to eat prepared and tea or coffee easily accessible has come in handy several times when people "stop by." Also, having dishes accessible that you can choose to use china or everyday dishes. I would like to think that I would be able to welcome anyone into my home even at short notice and feel comfortable about it.
I was also thinking about preparing for an unexpected guest we all will have one day, Jesus. The Jews have a place set at their Passover meal set for Elijah or Elisha. Christians and Catholics prepare their hearts often as they remember Jesus by taking communion regularly. Am I ready for Jesus's arrival? We will not even get 24 hours notice, he will arrive in the twinkling of the eye. I go days and even weeks without thinking about His coming. I am comforted by the fact that like a house if a little clean up or confession is done daily, it is not a big ordeal if an unexpected guest arrives. I am challenged to regularly take time, even briefly throughout the day, to pick up the items out of place in my heart...live with an attitude and behavior of confession and truly accepting Jesus' forgiveness. What a way to live that I should try out.
Mercy Ships is currently docked in Pointe Noire, Congo. The President of Congo responded to the invitation from the ship to come for a visit. He and his 200 or more entourage gave notice 72 hours prior to their arrival for the security scouting to take place. On Sunday, the day of his arrival, we were allowed to be in our room/cabin or in the dining room from about 9 am until he left due to security reasons. Many of the crew, including me, decided to leave the ship for the day.
Preparations began both on the ship and in the port in those few hours. Workers (not related to Mercy ships) quickly whitewashed the multiple building, made and hung sides announcing the the President's visit, finished sidewalks that had been unfinished for months, and filled in pothole on the road. They must have worked through the night to complete all the tasks. On the ship, cocktail party food was prepared, furniture moved, extra thorough cleaning done in central area in the ship, trash containers were removed from the dock, put out all the ships flags, countless other things that I am unaware of, and everyone on the ship donned their best. The neighboring ship on the dock even had all their flags out.
According to those who remained on the ship and the leadership of the ship, the President's visit went well. The friends and I who left for the day arrived back to the port just as he was leaving. Our landrover was met near the port entrance by three of his security officers which were holding machine guns. A compromise was made that all weapons actually on the ship would be concealed. I can see why. It would be concerning to see so many large weapons. It was neat to see all the cars holding him and his entourage parade by in front of us as they left to port. As we drove to the port gate, the street was lined with locals all wearing white t-shirts with a red or blue President's face. Apparently, they had been standing there for several hours waiting to see his car as he left the ship.
Monday, all the extra tents were taken down, furniture on the ship returned its position, containers on the dock moved back, ship activities hummed like to usual. To my surprise, the nicely laid stone sidewalks were quickly taken back up so the pipe work could continue as before. Traffic jams in the port returned and the fisherman returned to sorting the days catch on the dock in the evening as well. It amazing the effect one man in a high position can have an effect on so many peoples schedules and tasks.
It made me think about how I would prepare my house for an important guest. As many of you know, I do not like to be rushed or prepare things at the last minute. I also am not too impressed by people statuses or credentials. When is comes down to it, people are people. Some have worked hard to earn titles; some have been blessed with prominence. Most of us are simply doing the best we can and do not have initials or status to show for our effort. This is where a few traditions of the old south are helpful. Growing up in the south, the tradition of always having something small to eat prepared and tea or coffee easily accessible has come in handy several times when people "stop by." Also, having dishes accessible that you can choose to use china or everyday dishes. I would like to think that I would be able to welcome anyone into my home even at short notice and feel comfortable about it.
I was also thinking about preparing for an unexpected guest we all will have one day, Jesus. The Jews have a place set at their Passover meal set for Elijah or Elisha. Christians and Catholics prepare their hearts often as they remember Jesus by taking communion regularly. Am I ready for Jesus's arrival? We will not even get 24 hours notice, he will arrive in the twinkling of the eye. I go days and even weeks without thinking about His coming. I am comforted by the fact that like a house if a little clean up or confession is done daily, it is not a big ordeal if an unexpected guest arrives. I am challenged to regularly take time, even briefly throughout the day, to pick up the items out of place in my heart...live with an attitude and behavior of confession and truly accepting Jesus' forgiveness. What a way to live that I should try out.
A Day in Rehab
I report to work at 8:00am for meeting and rough planning for the day. The patients come anywhere from 8-9 am. Patients arrive and wait outside on benches under a tent until their number it called. When their number is called, they come into the enclosed Rehab tent. This is when the creativity or art of physical and occupational therapy unfolds. Here there is no orthotist; so if a brace, splint, shoe for a leg with amputated foot, adjustments to braces and splints, pressure garments are necessary the Rehab team does it. Casts and splints are also made to attain more range of motion or maintain what was gained in surgery. The sewing machine, cast saws, padding and straps of all sized and textures are used to create what is necessary and refine AFOs or splints. Being resourceful is a necessity.
The overall goals of therapy is the same...return to function. They, however, have a cultural influence. For, example for most patients with knee or foot/ankle issues the discharge goals are 145* knee bend and a full squat with the legs wide and bottom very close to the ground. Why is this necessary? The most common way to go to the bathroom is in the deep squat position. Also, when there are limited resources at home or time for exercise, a few global exercises are key.
It was pretty neat today to see a drastic change in a patient in just a few days. On Thursday last week, a 10 year old boy who had a ankle burn contracture release with a skin graft was allowed to start weight bearing. When we began trying to weight bear, he reported pain in the bottom of his foot. Despite several different approaches to encourage increased weight bearing on the foot, he continued to walk with little weight on the foot. At the end of the session, he reported his foot no longer hurt, but that he was scared. He was given a forearm crutch that he insisted using on the "wrong" side while walking. I was hesitant to send him home "walking" with such a bad pattern, but hoped he would overcome his fear and bear weight on his own.
He returned today still using the forearm crutch on the "wrong" side, but walking with a much improved gait pattern. I asked him how he felt walking. He replied that he was not scared anymore and had even walked a short distance without the crutch. He was able to balance on one foot today without fear or pain. He walked out without any crutches and performed more challenging exercises with no signs of fear.
This made me think about the potential effect of fear and overcoming it in all our lives. Often we become used to the routine, the usual, the way we always have done it. When someone or something challenges or upsets this, we can become afraid. If we don't take that first step forward literally, we can miss out on better, greater, new aspects of life. Just like the patient, he now will be able to eventually run and play with his peers. If he, had decided not to try to weight bear, he would have better alignment of his legs but received the full extent of the blessings available to him. It challenges me to continue to step out of the boat when Jesus asks me to do so even when is it scary. Yes, there is always the potential for failure or circumstances not going according to our plan. Even then, God is with us and will not leave us alone as we walk forward with the next steps.
I report to work at 8:00am for meeting and rough planning for the day. The patients come anywhere from 8-9 am. Patients arrive and wait outside on benches under a tent until their number it called. When their number is called, they come into the enclosed Rehab tent. This is when the creativity or art of physical and occupational therapy unfolds. Here there is no orthotist; so if a brace, splint, shoe for a leg with amputated foot, adjustments to braces and splints, pressure garments are necessary the Rehab team does it. Casts and splints are also made to attain more range of motion or maintain what was gained in surgery. The sewing machine, cast saws, padding and straps of all sized and textures are used to create what is necessary and refine AFOs or splints. Being resourceful is a necessity.
The overall goals of therapy is the same...return to function. They, however, have a cultural influence. For, example for most patients with knee or foot/ankle issues the discharge goals are 145* knee bend and a full squat with the legs wide and bottom very close to the ground. Why is this necessary? The most common way to go to the bathroom is in the deep squat position. Also, when there are limited resources at home or time for exercise, a few global exercises are key.
It was pretty neat today to see a drastic change in a patient in just a few days. On Thursday last week, a 10 year old boy who had a ankle burn contracture release with a skin graft was allowed to start weight bearing. When we began trying to weight bear, he reported pain in the bottom of his foot. Despite several different approaches to encourage increased weight bearing on the foot, he continued to walk with little weight on the foot. At the end of the session, he reported his foot no longer hurt, but that he was scared. He was given a forearm crutch that he insisted using on the "wrong" side while walking. I was hesitant to send him home "walking" with such a bad pattern, but hoped he would overcome his fear and bear weight on his own.
He returned today still using the forearm crutch on the "wrong" side, but walking with a much improved gait pattern. I asked him how he felt walking. He replied that he was not scared anymore and had even walked a short distance without the crutch. He was able to balance on one foot today without fear or pain. He walked out without any crutches and performed more challenging exercises with no signs of fear.
This made me think about the potential effect of fear and overcoming it in all our lives. Often we become used to the routine, the usual, the way we always have done it. When someone or something challenges or upsets this, we can become afraid. If we don't take that first step forward literally, we can miss out on better, greater, new aspects of life. Just like the patient, he now will be able to eventually run and play with his peers. If he, had decided not to try to weight bear, he would have better alignment of his legs but received the full extent of the blessings available to him. It challenges me to continue to step out of the boat when Jesus asks me to do so even when is it scary. Yes, there is always the potential for failure or circumstances not going according to our plan. Even then, God is with us and will not leave us alone as we walk forward with the next steps.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Life on a ship
Life on the ship
- Commute time to anywhere on the ship is less than 5 minutes
- Vacuum flushes toilet, drains shower and sink. Sometimes vacuum malfunctions...hoping that the vacuum will work in the next 15 minutes
- Have to choose what to wear during the week wisely because have to choose what goes in the one load of laundry a week...to wash the towel or not
- Enjoying the 2 minute shower after a good day with sunscreen, bug repellent, sand, sweat, and wind (It is a hot shower...a wonderful surprise)
- Having introvert time...no one near by once a week (in bunk area of cabin)
- Having to choose to by alone and "miss out on something"
- Learning to be and do what you want and be ok with it as there is always many opportunities and happenings
- Cutting your conversation online short in order to make your laundry slot time
- Amazed how every inch of space is used on the ship.
- Being excited to not only get off the ship, but out of the port gate...about a mile half walk to get out of the port
- Being welcomed home by the smell of the days fish catch on the port dock and the sight of the big white ship
- Being glad to climb the gangway stairs to enter the nice air conditioned ship, walk into the dining room to get something that is already prepared to eat
- Being quiet every time you enter your cabin as someone is likely sleeping (living with nurses who work all hours)
- Being concerned one beep of your alarm will wake your bunkmate...putting the alarm under you pillow muffles the sound enough for you to hear it but not anyone else.
- Notifying your bunkmate when you plan to get up so you are not both in the 2x2 floor in your area
- Trying to be very quiet when you step down from the top bunk in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom
- Getting skilled at getting dress while on the top bunk in the dark
- Front row seat to Beautiful sunsets on Deck 7
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The Eve of Change
The eve of change...as I sit here on my last night in Joshua Tree, CA I am truly experiencing bittersweet feelings. I have been traveling for over a year now...Charlotte, Guatemala, Upper Peninsula Michigan, Hamlet, NC, and Joshua Tree, CA. I have taken side trips in all the locations to explore the area. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will be boarding a plane to the Republic of Congo. I will be serving on Mercy Ships for about 5 weeks as a physical therapist.
Serving on Mercy Ships has been a dream of mine in the back of my head for many many years. I never thought it would be a reality. The logistics seemed impossible. I still cannot believe I will be there so soon! I know, like everywhere I have been, there will be challenges and great joys.
Lessons learned recently:
Live in the present: This is the only way to truly experience the Presence of God. It is here one can experience true peace and joy in the midst of chaos and ever growing to do lists. Be still and know He is God. He only provides what you need then. The on time flight, the patient who cancelled allowing you time to finish unexpected paperwork, the friend to give you a hug when you need it, a place for your belongings, a word of encouragement, a good meal, the beautiful sunset or sunrise, the answer you would not have come up with on your own, the courage to simply take the next step forward.
Pursue dreams and desires: I have heard many times the Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts- Winston Churchill
Serving on Mercy Ships has been a dream of mine in the back of my head for many many years. I never thought it would be a reality. The logistics seemed impossible. I still cannot believe I will be there so soon! I know, like everywhere I have been, there will be challenges and great joys.
Lessons learned recently:
Live in the present: This is the only way to truly experience the Presence of God. It is here one can experience true peace and joy in the midst of chaos and ever growing to do lists. Be still and know He is God. He only provides what you need then. The on time flight, the patient who cancelled allowing you time to finish unexpected paperwork, the friend to give you a hug when you need it, a place for your belongings, a word of encouragement, a good meal, the beautiful sunset or sunrise, the answer you would not have come up with on your own, the courage to simply take the next step forward.
Pursue dreams and desires: I have heard many times the Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts- Winston Churchill
Orientation to Mercy Ships
I hope this finds you well. I have been on the ship since Sunday afternoon. It is amazing how one can get turned around on a ship. There are even color coded stairs: red ( front of the ship) and blue (back of the ship). I am rarely getting lost now. There are 8 Decks on the ship. The 8th deck is completely open to the air and is a great place to watch the sunsets. Deck 3 is where the hospital is located. Decks 2-3 and maybe 4 do not have windows. It is always pitch dark no matter the time of day. I live in a berth of 6. I am on the top bunk. My bunkmate is from Australia. Outpatient Rehab is actually in a tent located on the dock beside the ship. It is nice to get off the ship.
There are currently 34 nationalities represented on the ship. The ship language is English, but those who speak other languages speak to each other in their mother tongue. I wish I new French as the people here in Pointe Noire speak French. We have day workers who are locals who help on the ship from 8-5 M-F. In Rehab, they help with translation mostly.
Patients are scheduled for either 8:00 or 13:00. They come sometime in the morning. When they get there they receive a number. We treat roughly in the order they arrive. It is usually sink or swim as they often come in groups. No patients until 8:30 or 1:30 but they most come at once and have to wait. In outpatient rehab There are a some orthopedic patients (tibial osteotomies, calcaneal osteotomies, femoral osteotomies, combinations, Achilles Tendon Lengthening, extra digits excisions) and many plastic surgery patients (burn contracture release covered with a skin graft on all different parts of the body)
I think I will end this first one here. May the joy and peace of the Lord be your strength.
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