Because if on the one hand, it seems that only a few weeks have passed since distant December, on the other hand, I feel that many things that at the beginning I observed with perplexity and wonder are already naturally part of my daily life. This combination of different sensations gives me a deep sense of belonging to this place and to this time so real and so full of life. For five months now, I have met dozens and dozens of children every day. Sometimes I recognize myself in our amazed look that makes me feel so different and yet so the same as them. Other times wonder leaves room for deep reflection. In a world where pain is an integral part of life, during nutritional screening activities, it is possible to intercept cases of severe malnutrition with ongoing more or less serious complications.
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Elizah was one of those cases. He arrived at the hospital accompanied by his father and grandfather to receive pediatric care 40 km from his village because a few weeks ago he had stopped seeing and walking due to malnutrition. His eyes had gotten smaller and smaller until they closed completely due to keratitis and his legs were so fragile that he could no longer stand. His family was immediately available to stop by Ampefy to be admitted to the Saint Paul Surgical Medical Center to receive the necessary treatment. In a week, thanks to the precious work of Dr. Seheno and the activities of nutritional agents, Elizah's eyes returned to looking at the world. In the same week, gratitude never ceased to dwell in the eyes of his family.
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In my small way, Elizah was a very precious gift. A gift that showed me how important our daily work is. A gift that makes me feel as if I want to do nothing more than continue to inhabit this time and this space. A gift that keeps me feeling lucky every day to have the chance to be here.
To all the men and children I met on my way, in need of love and care, THANK YOU for letting me touch the power of life with my eyes.
