family has gone through so much in the last few years! They came from the refugee camp in Ghana, but since coming to Liberia it has been one hardship after another. Harriet has faced many health issues requiring two surgeries and Eddie has gone blind in one eye. Before that he would sell gasoline beside the road. Harriet sold cold water and coal.
Today Harriet is in the hospital. She just had another two major surgeries, performed by Dr. Jerry Brown at the Absolute Health Care Center. I have all the records.
Harriet just after surgery
After the surgeries, Dr. Brown commented that he was shocked Harriet is still alive due to the severe entanglement of her intestines. Eddie sent me all the photos. It is truly prayer that has kept her alive, and it will take more prayer for her complete recovery. We are specifically praying against any infection.
Harriet underwent a hysterectomy and intestinal surgery. Before she can be released, however, the outstanding hospital bill must be paid. In Liberia, patients aren’t discharged unless their bills are fully settled, as the hospitals depend on this for payment. The doctor has confirmed that Harriet will be discharged once the payment is complete. While each additional night costs only $10 USD, this is a significant amount for a poor family. If patients stay too long after discharge, they are often moved to the floor to make room for others.
Their outstanding hospital bill is $881 USD. When I asked Eddie how much he had toward it, he said $350. I inquired where the money came from, and he explained that they sold all the coal from their warehouse and both freezers Harriet used for her business selling cold water. They sold everything last Friday.
Honestly, I don’t know how families like theirs in Liberia manage to survive, except through the support of friends and family. Eddie and Harriet are part of a small community church, and it’s their strong faith in God that has kept them from giving up.
Harriet with her two children and a neighbor’s child sitting on her lap.
Harriet’s kids all dressed up!
