Yesterday was our last clinic, and what a day it turned out to be. As I was walking back to the compound from the eye clinic I crossed path with a few coworkers from pharmacy and nursing who also had just wrapped up their day and were heading to the showers before dinner. I knew that they had to be as tired as I was, but I noticed that we all had a fresh bounce to our steps, knowing that the job was done and that we had all done the best we could.
An estimated 1200 people had come to the clinic this day and those that had needed treatment had received it. Although we had run out of certain drugs and diagnostic supplies earlier in the day alternatives were found and in some cases we saw miracles happen.
I’ll tell you a quick story of a very sick little girl who was brought to the clinic by her very desperate mother in the afternoon. Malaria and anemia were some of the ailments affecting her and our team of doctors agreed that she did not have much of a chance to survive. An immediate blood transfusion would possibly improve her chances so she, along with her mother and Ernestina, a nurse practitioner who has been working with us, were sent to the Wenchi hospital which is about an hour away. The team saves some of the funds donated each year for just such purposes. Later in the evening we received the amazing report that by the time they arrived at the hospital new life was being breathed onto her little body. Her hands and feet had returned to a healthy pink colour. Within a short time she was sitting and eating and no longer in need of a blood transfusion. I believe in miracles because sometimes that is the only explanation that fits
As far as the team’s health is concerned a few people have caught a bug that has been going around and all but one were back at their post within a day. Joan, one of our veteran nurses, had been down for several days with something that hit her more severely. Despite the best possible care she had to be moved onto an air conditioned room. Arrangements for a medical evacuation were initiated and a group of local pastors began praying for her. This morning Joan was up early, feeling much better and attended devotions where we were all able to praise the Lord for her recovery.
After dinner last night the Mensahs hosted an “open house” at their home. Everyone’s attention was on Dr David who, on unanimous request, recounted some of his stories from his early years in this area.
Today is our packing day. Clinic facilities must be dismantled and our remaining supplies must be sorted and packed for the trip back home or to be put in storage at the compound. It’s a long process and this, too, must be done well to help prepare for subsequent trips. Tonight all the teams, including the Ghanaians, the British, and the Canadians will get together for one final time of celebration and after a few hours of sleep it’s on the bus for the beginning of the long trip home.
We’ll see you soon.
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