Nadia in Rwanda
Vestine had always dreamed of her firstborn entering the world strong and healthy. But when little Nadia was born with feet twisted inward, that dream was replaced by uncertainty and fear. In a small Rwandan community where poverty runs deep and stability is hard to come by, Vestine and her husband, Jean Marie, were already facing daunting challenges—no land, no steady job, and no permanent home. The arrival of a child with clubfoot added yet another heavy weight to carry.
But this family was not alone. One neighbor, familiar with clubfoot and the road to healing, stepped in with empathy and action. They not only informed the family about treatment—they accompanied them to Gisenyi Hospital. That single act of kindness became the catalyst for a story of transformation.
Treatment was not easy. Nadia’s early days were marked by the discomfort of casts and the complications of wounds. With no money for clothes or diapers, Vestine did her best to care for her daughter while navigating the unfamiliar world of clubfoot treatment. Yet she never missed a single appointment.
Hope came in the form of a parent advisor—also named Vestine—who welcomed them at the clinic. “She shared stories of other children who had been healed, prayed with us, and gave us the courage to keep going,” Nadia’s mother recalled. Her words rekindled a sense of purpose: “We made the firm decision never to miss a single appointment.”
Things slowly began to change. During the night bracing stage, Nadia’s mom found casual work and carried her daughter on her back as she labored—an image of resilience wrapped in love. Fellow parents at the clinic, who understood the journey firsthand, stepped up to help. They brought diapers, clothes, food, even helped connect Jean Marie to job opportunities.
Today, Nadia is on her way to walking with straight feet. Her family is holding fast to the belief that her healing will open doors for all of them. “Reflecting on how far Nadia’s feet have come compared to where they once were,” her mother said, “I can wholeheartedly affirm that the clinicians’ work, guided by the hand of God, is nothing short of extraordinary.”
In a community marked by hardship, Nadia’s journey is a living testimony to what’s possible when compassion, faith, and perseverance come together. Her story reminds us that healing is never just physical—it’s the beginning of hope taking root.
