It's another PSA from Fadila ... wash your hands! Here in Niger, our international airpot JUST reopened after months of shutdown - it's a time of testing for the nation to see whether the COVID situation remains stable (as it has) or not. At the hospital, we're taking extra precautions, and we're happy Fadila's a part of it. She's also been doing a great job in another area - her at-home hand exercises! "They're not easy," says her mom, "But she's doing them." Keep praying for Fadila as she continues physical therapy here with us. Pray for special protection for our hospital too, that COVID will remain far away so we can continue our surgeries and services!

"It’s hard for patients, but sometime we have to stretch their muscles to the point of pain," says Saleye as she massages Fadila's hand. "It's the only way to get better." This morning Fadila's fingers look so straight - it's amazing the change surgery has brought about. But without physical therapy, the good of surgery will slowly be reversed. And even though her fingers are straight now, they still need to regain a lot of motion. "We always look at the patient’ face and see how much pain they're in," continues Saleye, prompting Fadila to clench her first. "If it's too much we give them a break and then start again." This morning was hard for Fadila and Saleye had to coax her a few times before she made a fist, but she's making progress and she's battling through the pain. Keep praying for her as she keeps working. She'll wear a cast for another week, but hopefully soon it can be replaced by a removable splint.

Fadila admired her baby brother while waiting for her physical therapy appointment this morning. Even though she's smiling here she's not excited for her upcoming exercises - fortunately though her mom's strong enough to insist her daughter sticks to the program. According to Dr. Karim, Fadila's making good progress - pray that she'd have the perseverance and long-sightedness to keep doing her physical therapy exercises at home!