From March 8-11, 2007, hundreds of women gathered at the Evangel Hospital VVF Center for the annual reunion to celebrate their healing from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF).

VVF is usually the result of injuries that occur when a woman gives birth, causing an opening near the bladder or rectum. The result is a constant leaking of urine, leaving the victim as an outcast in her village. At Evangel, women with VVF receive free surgery, and after several months of rehabilitation, they are able to return to their homes. Many of them choose to follow Christ after experiencing His love through the staff at Evangel.

Past VVF clients came for the reunion as well as those that are currently enrolled in the program. It was an amazing sight to see women from different tribes and languages in matching wrappers dancing to the Freedom Song.

The freedom from VVF is a freedom from stigma, shame, and humiliation; freedom from a life of being an outcast. One of the songs the women frequently sing says, "Ba damua, ba damua, tunda yo yo ya kare ba damua; no problem, no problem, the urine is finished, the urine is finished!" They lift their hands in thankfulness, and dance because they have been delivered and are now dry.

I cried tears of joy as I witnessed many who had suffered for years dancing because they are healed. It has been a privilege to get to know many of these women over the last year. I know many of their names, have heard their stories, and seen their tears. Words cannot describe the feelings of joy I felt seeing these transformed lives.

Read more about Susan's work at the VVF Center on her blog