Sunday morning we were treated to a scrambled ostrich egg breakfast — only four eggs were required to feed all sixty-one of us.
After breakfast we attended an outdoor church service on the grounds of the compound. The worship band was amazing and the service began with a beautiful time of dancing and singing praises to God for who he is and all he has done. Despite the scorching sun, our team enthusiastically joined dance lines. We thought we did pretty well; that is, until Pastor Charles told us later that we dance out of tune. He said the band made an attempt to change the beat of the drum to help us out but it was to no avail!
My brother-in-law Bryan, who is part of our logistics team, was invited to preach the sermon. He did an amazing job speaking from Mark Ch. 5 while Pastor Ranse translated. Many of the NEA staff told me he touched their hearts and they want to recruit him off the medical team to join the pastoral training team in the future!
Sunday afternoon a local artisan named Peter arrived and a great deal of shopping took place. Peter explained to me that the income he earned from today is the equivalent of at least one year’s income for him and for the other artisans whose crafts he brought. “Now we can feed our families,” he told me with a big hug.
For dinner we were treated to a roast turkey and gravy dinner. We’ve been getting to know the turkeys roaming around the compound this week and didn’t know that two of them would be “taking one for the team.” They were delicious, as was the crème caramel Patience made us for dessert.
Later in the evening we were treated to an incredible presentation by the Leyaata Ane Project staff. Leyaata (which translates “rescue us”) is NEA’s year-round newborn and maternal mortality reduction program that receives funding support from the Government of Canada. Our team was impressed beyond belief with the incredible work that Mumuni, Rachel, Linda, Patrick and Prosper are doing to save the lives of countless women and children through this program that is working in 160 villages. Despite many challenges, the newborn death rates have dropped from 30/1000 to 5/1000 due to this program. We all expressed how proud we are of this team and how we want to do more to support them.
Ernestina, our Ghanaian medical assistant, informed us at dinner that we should expect extremely large crowds over the next two days. She suggested we go to bed early, “buck up,” and apply “more grease to our elbows” in anticipation of two very busy days in the village and on the compound.
We appreciate your prayers over these busy days!
Marie Verschuuren says
As a friend of Elizabeth and Steve Russell, I’ve enjoyed immensely keeping updated with the daily routines and surprises that they and the team are experiencing. You all deserve so much respect and emulation for the work you are doing in Ghana. Best wishes for continued success on this mission.
Stuart Logan says
You’re all doing an amazing job. Keep it up everyone. I’ll definitely be sharing the donate link.
Missing you lots Dr Kat and can’t wait to see you this weekend.
Stu xx
p.s. Bramble still misses you!
Sue Warner says
Looking forward to seeing pictures of the dancing and hearing all about your trip. The ostrich eggs sound interesting!! Keep up the amazing work; it sounds like a busy few days ahead. Love to Rob Hicks and Nichola Blunt from Three Shires. We are very proud of you and are missing you here. Take care.
Sue W X
Dr Jo Hicks says
So pleased to hear about the amazing work of the Leyaata programme-it makes the hospital build so important and we will continue to spread the word and fundraise.
Dancing out of tune -hope there are some videos !
-All good in the U.K -lots of rain and flooding. Our prayers are with you as you continue your so valued good work. All our love to Rob xx
Jo Ted Char and Elsa
Terry Mcgregor says
The updates are great seems like things are going well with the much help that is greatly needed. Seems like everyone is eating well getting to see some of the amazing crafts. I just would like say how great it is for my wife Margie to be part of this team so proud and want to thank her for the surprise call which made my day. keep up the good work and be safe my prayers are with you all.
tom bowman says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the team during this final week of “heavy lifting” we enjoy the updates and we once again have confirmation of why our daughter was given this gift of caring for others. We are so very proud of her and all the others. You are special people.
Tom and Jennifer
Joan Wilton says
Love the updates, wow, ostrich eggs, interesting. Sounds like you are all eating well and getting to enjoy your surroundings while giving such great much needed help. It would be interesting to see this talent show, sounds like so much fun. Please give our love to our dear friend Margie M so she knows she is in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to hearing all about these adventures she has been privileged to experience. Thank you.
May Bakah says
Hahahaaaaa……dancing out of tune must be hilarious and fun to watch. I’m sure Ernestina was right about the busy days ahead. We bless God for Project Leyaata and the amazing statistics on infant mortality. We pray for more grace and strength for the days ahead. Counting down already ??? Please don’t!! You all are such a great blessing. Dr & Mrs Mensah will surely miss y’all.
Jen Simpson says
Hats off to everyone! It sounds like you are doing an amazing job and that the team has melded together nicely. Stay strong and Healthy.
Love Jen Simpson