Justyn's Blog
Dhaka Mission Reflection
(Another reflection from Dhaka, this time from Pan Yunyi).
My most memorable moment of the mission was when I observed a cleft lip operation completed on a 35 year old lady. It was a local anaesthesia case and certain parts of the operation proved to be trying for her as she was conscious and aware of the progress of the operation. I was glad that I could offer her encouragement and comfort by accompanying her into the operating room and holding her hand during the operation. Even though we did not share a common language and thus could not communicate with each other, I felt that she could sense my support and concern. I was greatly disappointed when I had to leave her before the operation was completed as I was needed for another task.
During the operation, I realized how important this operation was to her; this unforgettable moment was the turning point of her life. Following thirty five years of suffering social stigma and speech difficulties, she will finally have a new lease of life. She will no longer be ashamed of her appearance, nor face humiliation just because of her deformity. At that moment, I felt the true meaning of an Operation Smile mission; we are changing lives.
It is amazing how much difference we can make simply by repairing a correctable facial deformity.