Greetings!  It is me, Bwame' Ottumbwa, writing; hope this finds you well!

I am sorry for not writing in a very long time; have had more surgery on my face, spent many pain-filled weeks recovering; it's only been in recent days where I've started feeling more like myself again.  I hope you understand.

Doctors are talking of making me a new nose, so I can breathe through it; it is going to be a long process, but it is being discussed.  I look to my doctors with renewed hope; maybe then I can get rid of this tube in my throat and learn to talk/breathe like everybody else.

I am still going to university during the week and stay home on the weekends unless it's to go to church, which I attend every Sunday.  I have to get my weekly dose of "God-time", but I still sit in the back row, where people don't have to look at me.  Some still do, of course, and it makes me very uncomfortable.

How I dream of the day where I will look like everybody else!  I know that even if I don't, my God will still take care of me, no matter what happens.

I am drawing disability; it isn't much, but at least I'm getting some money to where I can pay my bills, plus I got a government grant for my university, so that is one big worry off my mind between surgeries/hospitalizations.  I am grateful I have something.

I get tired of hearing people complain.  They should live in my shoes; then they will see what real heartache really means.  I don't want a sandfly to destroy their faces, but if they could live one day, no, one minute, no one second, in my shoes, then they will learn to count their blessings!  People complain over the stupidest things; it's beyond ridiculous!!

Despite my frightful appearance, the people I do know say I am a very kind man with a gentle spirit.  I have to be; my mama back home in Africa would have whipped me if I backsassed or spoke ill against anything or anybody!  LOL  And it is what God would want me to do; since becoming a Christian, I have made it a point to be an extension of Jesus in whatever I do or say; I want people to see Christ when they look at me.

I am glad it is Friday:  this is my short day at university.  I can then spend the rest of the day enjoying the sunshine that's come, and I can help out at the homeless shelter; I do that every Saturday, and it's very gratifying to know that I am making a huge difference in needy people's lives.  Then on Sunday, I go to church, as I mentioned above.

I try to stay busy, to keep my mind off things, especially if I am due for more surgery or more time in the hospital; I find that it helps emmensely.

It helps having friends like Miss Lousiana Sandusky, who has taken care of me; she is a nurse, and a darn good one at that.  I just love her (and her rainbow family) so much!  She is one of the most compassionate people I know, and she is an inspiration to all who meet her.  I know she's made my life that much better; I am grateful to know her and call her friend!

I have also met Dr. Wayne Wright; he is a doctor, even though he, himself, is disabled.  He was born with an incomplete spine; it caused his legs to be paralyzed; he walks on crutches, yet that didn't stop him from persuing his dream to becoming a doctor.  He is absolutely incredible!

I am blessed to call him friend as well.

In addition, I have friends in Kendra Kent and her family, Deidre Brownwood, Naomi Cohen and her family, Kayla Beausoleil, Terri Hershey, Bruce Bilkey, Tim Delcambre', Rick C. Jones, and countless others who have taken me under their wing.

Even when I feel like I am alone, I know I am not because I have Jesus, first and foremost, and then I have my friends who love me, accept me, and don't judge me based on my appearance, which I greatly appreciate.

Well, I must go now.  Have to get ready for university (first class is at eight; then I have one at ten, and my last one at noon), take my shower, and eat breakfast.  Then, when I am done with university for the day, I will go to the homeless shelter and help out my friends there and enjoy the sunshine.  Until I write again, this is Bwame' Ottumbwa saying God bless and take care!

~Love in Christ, your friend in Tennessee, Bwame'.  :)

*to be continued.*