Blog posts should be brief, but there is no way one could be brief when describing the past two days in the life of our team.
The surgical team put in a gruelling two days in the theatres. Yesterday a large number of children were operated on, and we are thankful to God that their surgeries were successful. Today brought some very difficult and challenging cases — large hernias requiring general anaesthesia — but this team, together with our Ghanaian anaesthetist Eric, have done an incredible job of preventing needless deaths from hernia. Their roster is full and Dr. Magdi has already booked half of the surgical slots for 2017.
Meanwhile, the medical, dental and eye team spent the past two days in the village of Yaara where NEA’s Director, David Mensah grew up. We were greeted by his brother, Chief Joseph, and elders who presented us with yams, fruit and a ram along with a special gift for my daughter Claudia. We were thanked “elephantly” and our visit was declared a historical event.
We worked so hard over these two days in extreme temperatures caring for a very large number of patients who have no access to health care. We wholeheartedly served each person, giving them our very best care at every station of the medical clinic, at the dental clinic under the trees, and in the 39 degree eye clinic at the church. The entire clinic ran efficiently and effectively due to our amazing Canadian and Ghanaian logistics leaders who always have had us home before dark every day.
Despite the incredible suffering and health conditions due to poverty that we see, the mood in the clinic is very buoyant and light and laughter is heard throughout the clinic — especially between team members and our translators.
Each day always brings a few challenges our way, but each one is dealt with collaboratively and quickly with our leadership team and the NEA leadership team. It is a beautiful partnership.
Each day also brings one or two cases that really stand out from the hundreds of patients we see and treat. Yesterday it was a sick baby who caught the eye of our lab technician Tracey just as we were beginning to pack up. I believe that baby would have died that night had she not received treatment. Today it was Dr. Helen’s infant patient — 3 months old with severe malaria who would have been one of the 10 million kids who die every year of easily treatable diseases like this. Due to a great team effort, and God’s grace, both kids survived.
I love this team. Everyone seems intent on going out out of their way to look for opportunities to serve, encourage and cheer each other and the NEA staff on at every opportunity. What fun. What a privilege.
As we approach the mid point of our mission we are all beginning to really appreciate small things we may take for granted at home — like a shower, a toilet, a breeze, like not being constantly soaked in sweat. As Dave said to me at dinner tonight, “Being here changes you”. Witnessing poverty and the effects of poverty with one’s own eyes changes you. Working and serving in challenging conditions outside of comfort zones changes you too.
The team will now enjoy two very well deserved days off. Excursions are being planned by NEA staff. We are all really looking forward to tomorrow night, which is the first annual Ghana Health Team Talent Show coordinated by Dr. Sue!
We are so thankful for the prayers, best wishes and support from so many of our friends, family, colleagues and community. Your support got us here and sustains us here. You can all be very proud of this group of amazing individuals that are representing their professions and countries so very well as they serve NEA and their ultimate vision of long-term sustainable changes in people’s health.
Until next time!
Bronwyn says
What an amazing team with memories to last a lifetime. Such incredible dedication and love for all. A special hi to VAL from Brony in ???
Linda Edwards says
What wonderful work this amazing team is doing! Such a positive force in the world.
A shout out to my dear, lifelong friend, Tookie, who is missing, I’m sure, the snow flurries we’re having today in Toronto 🙂
Love,
Linnie xoxo
Sandra stark says
Hi Mom. I think you are doing really good things saving people’s lives. It’s minus 2 here with strong winds and flurries. We’re not sweating like you guys. Brandon
I hope you’re having a good time. Keep up the good work. We lost our select hockey game but we worked hard. We won our house league game. I scored 1 goal and Brandon scored 2. Love Aiden
Hello team. So great to be reading good news. We’re inspired. Love to all. Peter and Sandra
Linda Edwards says
What wonderful work you are all doing, and in extreme heat! I know it has been particularly hot there lately.
A shout out to my dear, lifelong friend, Tookei – I see snow flurries outside my window. I imagine you won’t be donning your tuque just yet!
Love, Linnie xoxo
Kate Inchley says
Aways in awe of the great and wonderful work you are all doing out there , with such limited resources .
With love and prayers to you all, especially Rob Hicks
Keep the faith
Kate x
Mac Phillips says
Hello everyone. Bless all of you for your good deeds. A very special hello to nurse Sue Phillips ( Hi Honey) and Mrs. Feddery. I hope you are all getting time and a half. Stay safe Sue and I will see you soon, Love Mac.
Julie Smith says
Thanks for the amazing updates! I know you can only share little bits but it sure gives us a glimpse of the lives being changed through this team giving wholeheartedly of themselves to help others.
I have been praying daily for you all and will continue!
Colleen L says
Way to go Helen!! Everyone makes a difference to everyone they touch, see and speak to. So powerful and so amazing!
Have fun at the talent show and enjoy the well deserved days off.
Trevor Smith says
Thanks again for the blog Jen, inspirational stuff. I shall read this blog out at church tomorrow.
Brian Feddery says
Hi Jen,
I can’t believe you find time to sent out updates as often as you do. I’m sure I’m not the only one who really enjoys reading about all the wonderful work you, and your team are doing for the Ghanian people. On a lighter note, at your entertainment, encourage my wife, Leslie, she won’t need much, to perform “Flaming Mame”. It should be a riot. Thanks again.
Anne-Marie says
I am so proud of you all!!! True giving from your hearts and souls !!! Amazing to share your fantastic skills with a community that is in such desperate need of you help!!
You are all so inspiring !!! Be safe!!
Anne-Marie Mcloughlin
( miss you Jen.. All is well at home??
Tom Filosa says
To the Amazing Members of the Ghana Health Team 2016,
Back in Canada, we eagerly await each blog with the updates on all the incredible things you are doing this year. We are also reliving the many joyful, heart-warming memories that we brought home from Ghana with us last year. Reading Jennifer’s comments makes us forget the threat of snow tonight here and transports us to the busy village clinics and the camaraderie of a nightly dinner celebration with many wonderful friends and colleagues.
Congratulations on a job well done again this year. We’ve been bragging about your latest accomplishments to anyone that will listen (and there are a lot who do!). Keep up the great work. Save a spot at the table for us next year??
Love to all,
From the Markham Contingent of GHT 2015
Sheetal, Kim, Angie, Dr. Bill and Dr. Tom
Lis says
Val, it is so good to hear how you are all doing. We pray and talk about all your experiences. So excited for you all and so happy to hear of God’s blessings.
Love you
Lis
Gloria Ross says
Reading these blogs just makes my heart overwhelm with love. I can still picture the villages and all the wonderful people in them. I am so very proud of the wonderful work that you and the team are doing Jen. God bless all of you. Stay healthy and enjoy your 2 days of rest.
Gloria
Tess Dempster says
The Dempster/Cowling households are reading your posts with great interest. Enjoy your well deserved weekend of rest. I wonder if my sister will perform one of her specialties – Flamin’ Mame – for the talent show. Give a special Hi to Helen and Tookie. Tess
Karen Prosser says
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I am so happy to hear that Claudia is joining her Mom this year! I pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen the Ghana Health Team as you do this incredible, life-changing work.
Breda says
Well done This is how the world should work. I would much rather read this than all the political ugliness that social media has been populated with over the last few weeks. So so proud of my friend Tracey and you all
Francesco says
Very well deseved rest, enjoy your weekend!
Elsa Hicks says
You’re all doing an amazing job! Keep going
It’s really cold here, my hockey match was cancelled due to ice!
Everyone is fantastic and proud of you all (especially Robby)
Missing you
Lots of love
Elsa xx
Graham Wilson says
Way to go team! Jenn and Claudi, we’re so proud of the work you’re doing!
Days off always make me a bit nervous with you two but I don’t think there are any malls nearby. I’m sure you’ll find a way…
We’re praying for you!
Much Love,
G