A Changed Face and a New Hope

Posted by: wrguptill on Monday, February 7th, 2011

Aina's surgery--the docs did an excellent job!

Another heart warming story of a changed face, a new name, and a new life!

by: Allison Hanaway (one of our SM's)

I first met Aina Ulmedo when I picked her and 3 other cleft lip patients up from Rio Tuba. Merely hours before, our team learned of some free surgeries that were going on in Puerto Princesa and we were given 6 slots. Since we had just returned from a medical mission to Balabac Island, we knew there were a couple cleft lip patients there that were willing to undergo surgery. We contacted Randy and Arman at the Balabac Mission project and they were able to find and transport 4 patients to us by boat. I was chosen to accompany all 4 patients to Puerto and to act as their advocate during the surgeries.

Though shy at first, Aina and I were able to talk quite a bit on our trip to Puerto. This 24 year old had been born with cleft lip that reached up through her nose and up to her right eye. On the Island of Balabac, if you are born with a deformity, you are often called by that deformity. In this case, Aina had been called Ongi (cleft lip) her entire life. The 3 days leading up to her surgery, Aina and I had become close. So when it came to her surgery, I asked the doctors if I could go in with her. This way, I was able to be there when she went under and when she woke up. After all was said and done Aina had a new face, spirit, and overall goal for her life. One week and 2 days after meeting this incredible young lady, it was time for me to say goodbye to my new friend. As she left she gave me and hug and a letter, reading:

"I’m very thankful to God because of you, mam Allison, for your kindness you showed to me when I was in the hospital. You were so patient with me and my colleagues. You were always by my side, you did not leave me at all times. I thank God so much for giving a person like you. You know what, before I dreamed of meeting a person who would care for my situation, and you are a fulfillment of that dream. Thank you so much. Now, I see clearer all the plans God has for me. I feel a new hope for my future. I hope God will forgive me for all the sins I have done before. Again, thank you so much for all of you, especially to you, Ate Allison. I will never forget you. God bless you and take care of you always. Aina"

Psalms 28:7 says, “My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. And with my song I will praise Him.” God used me to help change Aina’s outlook on life. But at the same time, He used Aina to help change mine.