I have been on a mission to get my face repaired, to take back what that sandfly stole from me.  It has been very painful and difficult at best; however, I am determined to have my face fixed, to the point to where I look more presentable to others.

I am tired of all the finger-pointing, stares, name-calling.  I didn't bring this on myself; it just happened,and I have since become an outcast in society. 

 I now know how the leper felt when he'd developed leprosy, and everyone called him, "Unclean!" and shunned him, running away in disgust or fright whenever he approached.

I have had several sugeries since coming here to America; my last one was one month ago.  I had surgery done on my eyes, nose, and cheeks.  It is still relatively painful; each day that goes by, the pain grows less, and I am able to function better.  At least I can eat again, see better without having to wear my glasses.  Things are blurry at best, but my eyesight is returning, much to my relief.

I still face many more surgical procedures on my face.  It will be years before I actually look like a human man instead of a freak in a circus side show.  For this reason, I choose to live alone.  I do have friends, just not that many.  People are still afraid of me, which makes me sad.

What helps is knowing I have the loving grace of a Saviour who died on a cross for my sins.  I have since accepted Jesus into my life; He's made a world of difference.  Because of this decision, I can be rest assured that I will have a home in Heaven; when I do go there, He will restore my face to its former beauty; I will be wholly, completely healed.  What the doctors aren't able to do here on earth, Jesus will do His surgery on my face; I will be a new creature.

How I am looking forward to that day!  It will be a day of praise and celebration!!

I am going to church.  I sit in the very back row, in the corner.  People do notice me; sometimes they move away or point.  That makes me feel ashamed.  Why can't they learn to accept me, get to know the real, true Bwame' Ottumbwa, instead of judging me based on my face??

I am a very quiet, reserved person.  I guess having my face destroyed by that fly has had something to do with it; I am not very comfortable around people I don't know.  I guess in time God will give me the boldness to face others; it's just going to take time.  I will have to learn to be patient.

If there's one thing I am, it is patient.  I am a very mellow, patient person who doesn't like to hurry.  I just take things one day at a time, as they come to me.

I am learning more and more about patience through God.  I know He will always take care of me.  He will never leave or abandon me, as so many people have done; I will always be able to confide in Him when I feel overwhelmed by life's circumstances.

Well, I have to go.  I have class in less than an hour.  I will write again when I can.  Until then, this is Bwame' Ottumba saying goodbye!  God bless you; He's certainly been blessing me!

~Bwame'.

*To be continued.*