Saad’s New Smile - Amman, Jordan

I have really gotten to know the children from Iraq over the course of the mission. Their stories are so heart-wrenching that it is hard to share them, but I wanted to tell you about just a few:

Saad is 10 years old and suffers from a cleft lip and an ectopic bladder, which means his bladder grew outside his body. He arrived on the plane accompanied by a young man — I asked if he was Saad’s father. It turns out that the young man is Saad’s older brother. Their father was killed by insurgents during the war. The older brother is now raising Saad and 11 other children. Their mother is still alive but is very ill so he takes care of her too. He is only 16 but his grace, composure and air of authority makes him seem so much older. Saad had his surgery today and will be going home with a bright new smile.

- Jennifer Devlin, Operation Smile volunteer