A story of hope: Nabakooza Shivan

Soul Touch continue to thank God for the privilege it is to have so many friends and family in Dwelling Places, Uganda. We are continually blessed and encouraged by the way that they show love, love, love to children! Dwelling Places, we love you and feel so inspired by you as you witness the love of Christ to people all over the world! Praise God for what he has done and is still to do! x

Nabakooza Shivan is a six-year-old girl who was diagnosed several years ago with a congenital heart defect called Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This means she had a hole in her heart that should have closed at birth. If left untreated, this condition could cause fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to heart failure and eventually death. Shivan is small for her age, appearing to be about three years old. In addition, Shivan is deaf and mute. It is still unknown whether this is related to her heart condition or not. She was receiving treatment from Mulago Hospital, and they had advised surgery some years back but Shivan’s parents were unable to raise the money—totalling 900,000 Ugandan Shillings (£250 or $400) at that time. Shivan’s condition continued to deteriorate and therefore started medication to dispose of excess fluid in her body. Although Shivan was not recruited onto the Dwelling Places program, we rejoice that through our extended services to the community she has a bright future. We greatly appreciate Dr. Allan and the Kilkeel team for their selfless giving.

In June this year, the Health Department at Dwelling Places held an outreach clinic in the Katwe slums which Shivan attended. She was in the care of her aunt who has been supported by Dwelling Places on the Family Empowerment Program. Dr. Allan Poots from Northern Ireland was there at the time to examine Shivan. He referred the young girl for further tests at Mulago Hospital.By this time, the operation’s cost totalled 2,405,000 Ugandan Shillings (£670 or $1070). The funds were donated by Dr. Allan and the team who came from Kilkeel Church in Northern Ireland. Shivan finally went for surgery on the 13

th of September, and the operation was successful. She spent two days in the Intensive Care Unit after surgery, three days in the main ward, and then she was discharged on the 18th of September. On the 21st she went back for the stitches to be removed. She has completely recovered from the operation and is a joyful and active child.

Dwelling Places

‘Until every child has a chest to rest his head on and a place to call home’