Beautiful Deborah – we were so delighted to meet her! She is the sister of our adopted son, Paul. He brought her to our hotel to meet us in 2016. She was in town hoping to purchase a few used clothing items to sell in her village several hours away. But before she did that we got to meet her. She is a tiny, soft spoken young lady with loving, kind eyes, and a beautiful daughter, Jenitah.
When we met Deborah we immediately saw her face was disfigured – it was so very swollen on the left side. Of course, we asked what was wrong. She and Paul explained that a swelling in her mouth started about three years ago. But because she didn’t have the money to see a doctor she just let it go. When the swelling became so noticeable her husband left her – while she was pregnant with her first child! She did the best she could, with the help of family and friends. But the swelling continued to increase. She was no longer able to eat on that side of her mouth.
Of course we insisted she get medical help right away. There happened to be a medical clinic across the street from the hotel we were staying in so Deborah was escorted to the clinic. They were not able to properly assess the matter and strongly suggested she be seen by a more qualified doctor at a hospital. We made the appointment and she was off to the hospital the next day. However, all they did was to take an x-ray and recommended she see an oral surgeon. That appointment was
made and the subsequent evaluation determined surgery was necessary to remove whatever was causing the swelling.
The Say Yes Team had to leave Uganda before Deborah had the surgery but we assured her Say Yes would pay for the medical expenses. She came through the surgery just fine, with the loving attendance of her brother, Paul. She was fearful the growth was cancer – but it wasn’t. The doctor removed excess bone-like material from her mouth and said she would be fine going forward. She is incredibly thankful for the help in getting medical attention.
While all this was happening, Deborah was not working and had not gone to get the used clothing as she originally planned to do. Say Yes left enough money for her to purchase a large amount of used clothing to resell in her village. She is doing well and continues to thank the Lord for His divine intervention in her health and the assistance to grow her business. We will stay in contact with Deborah and assist her with the business as needed. But for now she has the assurance she is able to provide shelter, food, clothing and even an education for her daughter. Thank you God!