Little Jaka

 Today, 9-year-old Jaka is a patient on the Africa Mercy hospital ship, recovering from a free plastic surgery that released her arm and grafted skin. Deep burn marks cover her entire upper body – her head, neck, shoulders, back and arms – but no one notices because they are entranced by the little girl’s adorable gap-toothed smile.

Jaka, nine, fell into her aunt’s cooking fire when she was five years old.  In order to be seen by doctors, the hospital required a payment of 1.5 million Guinea Francs at the gate – just over $200. The family could not afford admission. When her wounds healed, her skin contracted, and her upper arm became stuck to her side.

Dr. Guido Kohler (Germany) and OR Nurse Allison Green (Texas) operate to release Jaka’s burn contracture.

The thing Jaka is most excited about? Her ability to clap!

Jaka and her mother, Fanta, onboard the Africa Mercy hospital ship after Jaka’s surgery. Fanta attributes Jaka’s happiness to Mercy Ships. “In this hospital, I’ve seen peace and joy and love and good luck,” she says.

Jaka and Courtney, a Mercy Ships physical therapist, practice exercises in the hallways of the Africa Mercy.

Bandage changes are part of the healing process.

Jaka is a little girl with a big smile. She loved playtime each afternoon at 2:30 when she was able to go up to Deck 7 for fresh air and a ride in the red wagon.

Sweeping, washing and fighting – these are the activities Jaka says she will get to do with her restored arm. Laundry might not be appealing to many, but participating in household chores is a normalcy Jaka has never known. “I am so happy,” Jaka says. “When I go home, I will work all the time because I can.” (Fanta admits she is glad for this enthusiasm.) Free of her deformity, Jaka will also now be able to go to school for the first time.