Everyone was back at their post today for what is now the home stretch for this year’s Medical and Surgical mission. Today and for the next two days we are seeing patients in the facilities at the Carpenter project site. There is electricity for those who need it but the biggest bonus is that there is no traveling the rough roads to the remote villages where clinics were held last week, thus saving time and energy to serve more patients. In her daily summary at dinner time Dr. Jennifer informed the team that this had been record-breaking day in terms of how many patients had been seen in a single day.
The highlight in the eye clinic involved one of NEA’s staff members who had been working as a translator with Brigitte in dispensing glasses for the past two years. Pastor Phillip, when he is not translation for us, is the pastor at Kintampo church where he leads a fairly large congregation. Brigitte had noticed this year that he was struggling to read patient charts. After much coaxing he finally agreed to have his own eyes examined by his team members this morning. After all was completed he was prescribed a pair of bifocals that corrected both his near and far vision. Pastor Phillip had seen hundreds leave the eye clinic with better vision and now it was his turn. He kept repeating that he had no idea that his vision had been so poor and that it could corrected so easily. He was very thankful that he could read patient charts but even more thankful that reading his bible would be easier again.
In her summary of had been seen by the medical team today Dr. Jennifer simply said that the doctors had seen a number of conditions that they had only read about in medical school.
The continuing common theme during debriefing tonight and most evenings was the the excellent teamwork within and between the groups. Everyone has been willing to help where there is a need. All the team leaders agreed that this was a great team again this year and that our first timers were fitting right in.
Finally Dr David Mensah got everyone’s undivided attention when he reminded the group that about 98% of those who show up at our clinics cannot even afford the $5 annual health insurance fee that would give them free access to local medical services.
On that note I think I will close for tonight, but more to follow.
cynthia buckley says
god bless each and every person that gives from the heart.love you teresa.the children say hi and can you bring them home a monkey?be safe and take care.
cynthia buckley says
wow what can i say. the gift of health and the power of sight is amazing.im so thankfull for this mission.thankfull for my sister and her unselfishness to be part of the wonderfull movement.im gratefull my fathers glasses will help so many people throughout the years to come.i feel like his spirit has finially been released and im so freed from knowing that.for all of you.everyone helping everyone.im blessed.thank you.xo
Laurie LeFave says
Greetings from Newmarket Ontario to this amazing team that God has assembled. And an especially warm greeting to ‘Nurse Joan’ – “our Joan” from Valley View Alliance.
What a privilege and honour to be able to pray for all of you as you do such incredible work.
To hear the stories of such profound medical need for so many – and then to see and hear how you have been able to help hundreds who never otherwise be able to access even the most basic of care – and we complain about ‘wait times” in the ER……
We are also thrilled to hear how well little Joshua is doing since last year’s close call.
Many blessings to each one of you – we are cheering you on here in Canada!
Joan – looking forward to seeing you soon.
Laurie and Jon LeFave
jo hicks says
Well done to all on a fine mission and still a few days to go!
Could you let Dr Rob (op hernia) know the village has no orange reception tonight and so will try and text Teds questions tomorrow at work.
Looking forward to Sunday and seeing him at home. JTCE Woof woof x
Todd Barclay says
Congratulations on all that you have accomplished so far and good luck as you close out your last two days of clinic. We’re all so inpired by the incredible stories and wonderful work that you are doing. Sarah, Jonah has been telling stories to all of his friends about what your doing over there. He is really proud of his mom! We all are. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.