Monday was a day where time seemed to bend. It does not seem possible that so much action, so many activities, so many memorable moments could have taken place in the span of a day.
After a sleep in, a beatiful devotional time with the NEA staff and a delicious breakfast at 0730 our new team members toured the compound and witnessed the incredible development work happening here.* The old timers were tasked at finishing unpacking and then we all set up for a half-day clinic to see the development staff. Over 300 patients were seen by our doctors, nurses, dentist, eye team and surgical team! All areas of the clinic were in full swing!
The defining moment for me today involved watching our team kick into action when an semi-responsive child was carried into our clinic before we had even set up. Dr. Bill took charge of this boy who had severe malaria. Nurse Lynda got the malaria test done in a snap while Nurse Leslie got a very challenging IV going. Nurse Val in consultation with Linda from pharmacy prepared an injectable anti-malarial. Two hours later the boy was sitting up asking for water. He spent the afternoon under the watchful care of our nurses and by the end of the day was ready to return home to continue treatment there. A life saved before our eyes. One can’t help reflect on the timing of this massive medical team being here on the very day this boy developed severe malaria.
So many stories I could tell about today, including Dr. Chin winning a wet t-shirt contest when his dental tent was hit by a monsoon … but breakfast is at 0600 and we depart for a village clinic at 0630! I wonder what tomorrow will bring!
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*For a glimpse of the development work that team members would have seen today, watch our Sustainable Health video.
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Tim says
A little more follow up on the papaya leaf idea – if you eat a 2 inch square piece of fresh leaf every day in reduces chances of undesirable digestive upset, you know!! It also keeps intestinal worms away – you can even encourage locals to do it. Haitians are having good success with it, per Doctor Carmel at Children’s Lifeline. This treatment is very safe according to EU and WHO standards. Kind Regards, Tim Wise, spokesperson for Action for Natural Medicine. http://www.anamed.org
Jack Naylor says
Excellent work Nan (Lynda Lawton), super proud of you and the team keep on working miracles
Lots of Love
Jack (Naylor)
Tim says
Hi to the whole team. Thanks for the great news about the young boy – malaria is a bummer. Fresh Papaya leaf or leaf tea is a very effective treatment which people can use when you are not there. Keep up the good work, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Tim Wise
Brian Feddery says
Way to go Lovey!!! Knew you were the best. xoxxo
Besa says
So proud of everyone on the team. Mom, I miss you very much and wish I was there with you. Love you 🙂
David Wise says
Dear Carly,
May God bless you and keep you.
With love from Grandpa Dave
Nana says
Hi Carly, We are with you in spirit in Ghana. And we are very proud of your commitment to serve others in a foreign land. Nana
Auntie Pam says
What a vivid, colourful, inspiring account of the activities half way around the world. What a miraculous turn of events for the team to be there for that lovely, little child. So proud of Carly and her dental team!
Gord Wise says
Keep up the great work ! Our thoughts and our prayers are with you all. All the best and love to Carly from Dad, Shar & Joshy
Floyd Fockler says
Keep up the hard work Mom and the rest of the team. The lovely people of Northern Ghana certainly deserve your efforts.
Love Laura, Vanessa and Floyd.
Jess says
So amazing for that little boy! !!
Kyle in a wet t-shirt contest. …. sounds awesome!!!!
Penny says
Love the updates. Thank you so much for writing
Also would love to see some pictures if possible.
Praying all are well. And an extra prayer for Carly. We are all so proud of all the work you are doing
Vasil says
Thanks Jennifer for sharing this inspirational story! Keep the good news coming … would also love to see some more pictures 🙂
All are doing something, but … ONLY SOME ARE DOING EVERYTHING!
All the best Eni and the entire Ghana Health Team 2015!