Joyce's Story
by Gloria Barker, Can Do Kids International Team Member
Joyce posing for a picture
In June 2017, our team was returning to a school we had already visited to meet the special needs class. It was here we discovered five-year-old Joyce, who did not belong in this class. She was there due to the crippling effects of Jiggers, which had left her hands and feet swollen and in pain. She was unable to write or walk properly – the reason she was put in this special ed class. We couldn't believe what we were hearing...
The teachers informed us that she had two more siblings at school (12 y/o Carolyn and 11 y/o Joseph) and brought them to the class as well. Joseph's hands and feet were equally impacted but Carolyn's feet were much worse.
Joyce’s feet before treatment.
Joyce’s hands before treatment.
When she removed her shoes, we were in shock and disbelief over the severity of her condition. She had extreme tissue damage (and needed immediate medical care). I could not imagine the pain she felt each and every day walking 3 miles each way to school.
Their story completely wrecked us. We knew we had to do something. Two days later, after gathering food, clothing and basic supplies, we headed back to their school to pick up the children. The route to their house was extremely difficult. Our van bumped along the rocky road until we couldn't go any further...we had to walk the last mile or so along the winding, rugged path. I was wheeling a suitcase full of supplies the entire way! My heart ached, thinking about the daily trek these children had to take to get to and from school. We finally made it to their home where we learned they had another sister named Grace (6 years old) and were able to meet her and their mother. We distributed the clothes and supplies we had brought.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”
- Jeremiah 29:11
It was very clear that God had arranged the meeting with this family and it was amazing to see Him intervening on their behalf. What a blessing to be a part of His work!
The following day, we returned to their school once again to bring shoes and other supplies. We had arranged with the teachers to leave food and medical supplies at the school in order for the teachers to dispense the food and provide treatment for the jiggers.
When I arrived at the special needs class, Joyce ran up to me, wrapped her arms around my neck and wouldn't let go. Her smile was infectious – what a difference from the first day we met!
Left: Joyce & her sister
Above: Measuring feet so we can bring new shoes.
Each child received new socks, shoes, and a backpack full of school supplies. They were overwhelmed, smiled ear to ear, and just kept repeating "thank you....thank you...thank you...." over and over again.
Where just a few days earlier, we had seen hopelessness and despair, we now saw hope and joy. The transformation was beyond beautiful.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
- Isaiah 40:31
Will you join us in praying for this family? We are excited to be able to come alongside these kids, teachers and community and eagerly look forward to seeing how God is going to change their lives.
If you are moved to give towards students suffering from the same conditions, you can donate online or find a kid to sponsor directly by clicking the buttons below.