The Limb Center

Week of Sept. 9th.

Mary was pretty disheartened Monday morning in not being there for her grandsons birthday. (Luke turned 4 today), but the Lord has a way of helping us compensate when we are in his service. Some of the experiences we had this week were  humbling and gratifying occurred as we had the opportunity to visit the Limb Center. It is an organization called Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa (Limbs for the Limbless). Sponsored by an Indian religious group doing a wonderful work in helping the poor and needy here in Indonesia.  They provide the technical expertise in manufacturing, designing, measuring and fitting patients that have lost a limb. Our church pays for the cost of the limb. Partnering together we are able to answer the Saviors admonition "to remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted" D&C 52:40. There is no cost to the patients. It is work of pure love, giving them hope that they can have a better life. Patients left the center wearing a T-shirt that said it all, From disable to the able."

Tuesday we toured where the limbs are produced. The patients are first measured. They then come back 1 1/2 months later and have the limbed fitted.

 

Watching the process of developing a limb. This one will fit just above the knee

Ali, 33 years old lost his leg in a motorcycle accident 4 months ago. He traveled 3 hours away to get measured and fitted for a limb.

 You would never know that he has an artificial leg. Ruady Lazurus. Able to have a normal life again. Pretty awesome!!!

Huberta Titi Mudjianti has rheumatoid arthritis in her hands and feet. She lost her leg 4 years ago to nerve damage. She is 64 yrs old. Even with the new limb, she will never walk but will be able to move about her home without the wheelchair. Pretty happy when she left with niece and nephew.

Usie has 2 children. She was very grateful that she can now walk again

Wanda, 17 , was born without her left leg. She has been coming to the limb center ever since she was a little girl. Being refitted every 6 months as she continues to grow. She wants to be a nurse and has a boyfriend. The picture is with her father. They were both so very appreciative of this gift that has been given to her.

Nane was born without her left leg. Before today she had never walked without a crutch. In fact she came to the center hoping on one leg. She had never known being able to walk like everyone else. She wept as she was fitted with her new leg. The picture does not give justice to her emotions as she practiced walking for the first time in her life. Her husband is next to her, along with Sony, one of the staff. The picture below is with her husband, and his sister. They kept shaking our hands in gratitude as they said goodbye. She had worked on the streets selling ice. Starting today she has a whole new life.

Many of the patients who came in to the center without hope, and left with a whole new opportunity before them. The hat and shirt says: "From Disable to Able." 

This man above lost both legs. Can you sense his confidence here as he proudly stands with two legs, and can walk again? When he shook our hands we couldn't understand what he said but we could see in his eyes and the smile on his face what he felt. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Matt 25:40

 

 Patients waiting at the door to be fitted for a new limb. They were more than willing to have their pictures taken. No sadness here. Today offers an whole new opportunity before them.

 

 

As we left the limb center, we were in awe in what we had just experienced and had the opportunity to be a part of. These people who have almost nothing, given the opportunity to have a new start to life. There was no cost and no expectation. Simply an act of kindness, love and generosity in the donations people all of the world have made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints humanitarian effort. Most of those donors will never know where the funds go.

 

We're so very grateful for the wonderful blessing to be here, to witness the hope these people now have. Their tears of joy and their sincere gratitude. What an honor and privilege to be a part of this great work.

 

 

 

Next to the Limb Center and part of the same organization they have built a school for under privilege children. In Indonesia you must pay for kindergarten and 1st grade. Many children don't go because they cannot afford the cost. This school was built to offer those who can't the opportunity for education. 70 children. The different uniforms are different ages. Classes for 4 year olds to 7.  

 

 

 It only took seconds for Mary to want to be with the children and they with her.  She loves children. If Mary was gone for awhile during the day it was because she was with the children.  The pictures say it all.