In the 8 years since I have been coming to Ghana I have never heard Dr. David Mensah, Director of NEA, say “it is hot”. Well today he said it. Dr. Kyle’s thermometer read 100 degrees in the shade and 120 degrees in the sun. That’s hot.
The surgical program had a fantastic first full day and is in full swing. What an incredible team, led by Dr. Magdi and supported by a big team of NEA volunteers. Together, they changed the lives of over 30 people in one day. One of our surgeons, Dr. Kathryn, joined us in the village today and added another 44 patients to the list. Dr. Kat happens to specialize in pediatric urology and wouldn’t you know it, we had a little boy with a urologic problem. In Canada, a pediatric urology consult would take months. I was able to consult with her in 1 minute.
The medical/dental/eye team had a fantastic day in Nyamboi villlage. As our team approached the chief and elders to greet them, the village linguist asked each team member to state their name, after which he told it to the drummer who “drummed” the names. What a welcome.
We saw huge volumes of patients despite a 30-minute rainstorm. It was so fierce that is was unsafe to be outside, so within minutes, all the patients were crammed into all our consultation rooms, pharmacy, and nursing station. Classic Ghana. Our newcomers were oriented to the most important procedure of using a latrine (a cement floor with a deep hole … and lots of flies buzzing down in that hole).
The eye clinic is running so well and they are seeing so much glaucoma that Dr. Martin is starting his laser surgeries tomorrow instead of waiting until next week!
It was a great day and once again, I’m reflecting on how special it is to watch this many people collaborate together with such joy and such energy toward a common purpose. When we gather for dinner in the dining hall at the end of a very long day, the room is full of conversation and laughter as we share our stories with one another.
To those of you who are commenting on this blog, I am receiving the comments and messages you are sending and I and reading them out at breakfast each morning. We are renaming the blog “Carly’s blog” since she is getting the most messages. By the way, Carly’s family will be thrilled to know she pulled her first tooth today!
Until next time …
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Tim says
You can always turn the hole in the floor toilet into a sit down with a few bricks!! That from personal experience. Keep up the great work and I’ll be keeping my mouth shut when visiting with Carly!! Have a marvelous day. Tim
Gord / Dad says
Jennifer, thank you for mentioning Carly’s first tooth extraction. We are so proud of Carly. I can see a pair of pliers on the Christmas list !! Keep up the great work. Gord / Dad
Denise says
Sue and Dr Magdi your doing a great job my prayers to you both and your team
Jan says
Pull another tooth for me Carly girl! So proud of my niece with a heart of gold, sharing her love and compassion in Ghana. We pray for you and the whole team there, safe travels and a big hug for everyone. Love Jan
Tulley & Finn says
We love you aunt Ang and are proud of all the help you are giving people.
love Tulley and Finn
Lindy says
Dearest Leslie,
You are in your element now! In Ghana, doing triage and singing bawdy songs. Kudos to you and your team.
Love and hugs, Lindy
Chris Rambi says
Love you mom, miss you. Big Hugs
Astrid says
Since we can’t be with our loved ones the updates are helping us to stay in touch. Even though we might not be with you there, you are in our daily thoughts. Keep those wonderful updates coming and stay strong.
Not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies.
Thomas Paine
Shelly MacKaye says
Glad to hear everyone is well. Love waking up to these stories. Tell Dr Kyle and Carly awesome job. Miss you you both. The office is still in one piece. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Elena says
Natasha, priven, he conseguido entrar hoy en esta paquina.
, entonces me puse al día con todo el trabajo que estáis haciendo . Me alegro mucho que hay esta pequeña vía de la comunicación, así que te puedo seguir. Espero que todo va bien y tú te sientes bien.
No puedo escribir en ingles, lo siento
Un gran saludo a todo el equipo de cirugía .
Rachel Lawton says
What an inspiring picture this update gives us – what a difference you will all make to so many lives. Lynda we are so proud of you and are thinking of you every day.
All out love Steven, Rachel, George and Grace xxx (lick from Lucky) x
cindys smith says
Enjoy Val. You truly are a remarkable person. Your teammates are lucky to have such a wonderful person to work along with. It takes a special person to do what you are all doing. Can’t wait to hear what tomorrow brings.
Chris Mitchell says
Nothing will stop this team of professionals. Keep up the great work.
We miss Lois but we know that she is fulfilling a dream. Her dog is actually waiting at the door for her to come home! Otherwise all is well. All set for Mark’s 19th birthday in Kingston on Friday.
Julie Ellison says
It’s great to hear about the wonderful difference you are all making. It seems strange to hear all about your efforts yet not be there with you. I can picture it all though! Hello to anyone who remembers me.
With best wishes to you all, especially Lynda and Magdi.
Janet Skanes says
………an incredible team for sure! Your stories bring back so many fabulous memories.
I wish you all the best as you continue your wonderful work.
Great job everyone!
Hi to all, especially Dr’s Jennifer, Caryle and Michael……..and of course rookie, Leslie.
Big Hugs,
Janet
The Mackies says
Keep up the great work! We love hearing these updates. It is clear and cool here in North Vancouver on Remembrance Day.
The Lavatory Man and Barb says
Loving hearing all about this incredible team effort in beloved Africa.
You are all an inspiration.
Go get em Tookie !!!
The Crawford family is thinking about you all
Keep cool !!!
Debbie says
Carlye, Michael and Jenn,
Your Uxbridge Health Centre family is so proud of you and the work you are doing. What a privilege to be associated with such a group!
Signhild Damus says
This is the first time I am following the team — thankfully from my cool living room. What a wonderful job you are all doing. I imagine this to be the experience of a lifetime especially for the very young among you like my granddaughter Elena (Hi) and an inspiration to do more work like this in the future. Stay safe and keep the stories coming — if I were 50 years younger I’d join you in a heartbeat!
Meagan says
It is just so inspirational to hear of all the lives you are helping. Great job everyone! Enjoy every moment of this experience.
To Laurie Patry, thinking of you, have a safe rest of your trip.
P.s. I passed my exam! We did it!
Margaret says
To the inspiring GRID team,
Simply put; Well done!
Thank you for impacting so many people in need with your gifted skills and passionate devotion. May you continue each day to serve with your enthusiasm and commitment.
Safe days ahead and blessings to you all from Pickering, Ontario.
Margaret
Ash Desai says
You are all doing such fantastic things ! I am humbled by your efforts and dedication. Keep up the great work and try and stay cool. Ash
Jennifer says
Jane Smith – I expect you’re already known in Africa for your beautiful smile. I hope it is lighting up Ghana and that you’re bringing joy and vision to many during your visit.
Not sure you’ll be loving the toilet situation but I know you won’t be complaining. You and your colleagues are legends.
Much love from your very proud sister xxxx
Gary says
I am reading this blog each day making sure our kimmy is o.k. sounds like she is doing great but poop in a hole ???? Keep up the good work guys .it means so much to so many people . Gare (dad) (:
Nicky says
I’m very jealous reading the blogs, really missing being part of the team this year. Great job you are all doing, keep up the hard work and enjoy the experience. See you all next year when I’ll be fighting fit!
PS. Tell Dr Tony To keep the anaesthetic kit tidy!!
Francesco says
It’s always very nice to wake up with news from Ghana and it’s great to know that you are reading all these comments, you all have a good day and keep chaning people lifes!
In Madrid is really hot as well!
Rob Hicks says
Great to hear that you are all up and running – doing all your great work.
The rain sounds an interesting extra challenge for you all.
I hope Magdi is in good form and running his usual tight ship over in the surgical block – 30 patients on day 1 – impressive.
Wish I could have joined you all again this year – another time.
Keep up the great work
Dr Jo works better with a continual supply of haribou and jelly beans!!
For us it’s school, work, fracture clinic and the orthodontist!
In the same time who knows what all of you will achieve.
We will find out in Jennifer’s next few blogs
Safe travels
Love from
Rob, Ted, Charlie and Elsa
jamie goodall says
it sounds like a great adventure and i am immensely proud of my wife HELEN for being over there with you and helping change peoples lives,for those of you suffering in the heat ,its very cold and very wet back home in england
Caro - Claire Wiles says
Always so exciting to read the daily updates and to be able to share them with several of our friends who are praying for you all as well even though I have just introduced you this week . Sending love and prayers for you every day
Fred says
You are all an inspiration to the rest of us back here at home. So much so that even that you inspired our Leafs enough to win tonight – and that take allot! We are prond of you all !
PS – Please bring some of that heat back home with you !
Jess says
Pretty jealous of this extraction carly got to do…lol
Not jealous of this heat you speak of!
Amazing about Dr. Martin beginning to use the laser machine early!
Everything…just plain old AMAZING!!
….it’s surprisingly quiet at the office….. lol
Keep up the great work!!!!
Jaimie "Cheeseman" says
Ghana is lucky to have such amazing medical staff to help them. So happy to hear things are going well! We are all missing you lots back at home Val! Although sounds like you are having a blast there. Have a safe rest of the trip!
Love and miss you,
your adopted daughter xo
Penny says
Congrats Carly on your first tooth removal. Was it on purpose? Kidding. We know your are in your element with so many fine people all with one common goal. To help those who need it most.
We are praying for you all
Sending love and wishing you all a safe and rewarding adventure
Astrid says
Safe travels to all, can’t wait to hear about all the experiences in person when you return. So very proud of you Nicole. Love you and miss you.
“We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives.. Some lessons are painful, some are painless.. but, all are priceless.” – Unknown
Rob says
To Tony Brown
Thinking of you in the heat and saving you a couple of low Ds when you return!
Trevor says
Inspirational stuff GRID team, so proud of you all. Slightly concerned about any delicate Scottish flowers amongst you being exposed to such heat!!
Adrienne says
So great to hear you are all well and settled. We pray every day for safety and strength for the entire team and that each of you would be impacted by this experience. Thank you for sharing your gifts and abilities with those in need. May you receive insight and blessings as you give to these precious Ghanaian people.
Missing and loving you Martin?
"Team Eni" - Chris, Besa & Vasil Rambi says
Another amazing story from Ghana, thanks for sharing. Glad to hear that the team had a productive … and survived the heat … and overcame the rain storm. Keep sharing the great news!
“In this love we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with love” – Gonxhe Bojaxhi
Lisa R says
Glad to hear you are all busy and safe. It is NOT hot here 🙂
Hugs to all from Markham xoxo
Rebecca says
Wow and wow. It is absolutely amazing to hear how smoothly everything is running! I am not surprised One bit. A passionate and committed group gets it done!!! All I can think about tonight is how amazing it is that you are showing the people of Ghana how incredibly valuable they are. Health care is a right for all people and you are speaking out their value with every smile, interaction and the care you show. Regardless of the heat! Thank you for your willingness! You are all loved and prayed over.
Heather says
You are helping so many people. God bless each and everyone of you for sharing you talents.