The experiences, memories and challenges of providing health care to our global neighbours over the past two days could fill a book.
Tuesday was full of firsts as the medical team ran its first clinic in the village of Nyamboi. Doctors had their first cases of severe malaria, tropical ulcers like yaws, and even a scorpion bite. Our dental team dealt with a child who could not open his mouth due to an untreated jaw fracture, while our optometry team had their first cases of trachoma. My daughter Claudia witnessed, for the first time, the appearance of a child near death.
A huge volume of patients were cared for by this unbelievable team effort and a Canadian and Ghanaian logistics team that is second to none. Every single team member worked hand in hand with our Ghanaian friends and colleagues to achieve results that surpassed our expectations.
Back at the compound the hernia team had an extremely busy and productive day and were ready to join us for dinner when yet another emergency arrived. Without a moment’s hesitation they were back in the OR theatre. Around 8:00pm our leaders were debriefing together and planning for the next day with the NEA team leaders when a messenger came running: another patient with a strangulated hernia who would not survive until morning without help.
Our day ended with a little birthday party for our pharmacist Mary. Her teammate Francois presented her with a lovely gift: a shoe box full of treasures from the team, including a tea bag, stickers, protein bar, and some Imodium. Special entertainment involved Leslie singing “Lavatory Man” — an ironic choice considering our growing body of latrine stories and unfortunate mishaps.
Today we were greeted by refreshing temperatures of 18-20 degrees and an NEA security guard wearing a winter coat and hat.
After an early morning bus ride our medical team was back to Nyamboi and hard at work by 8:30am. At 9:08am Leslie, one of our most seasoned triage nurses, came running towards me with a frantic pitch to her voice that I had not heard before. A 16 yr old boy with severe malaria arrived by car and was too sick to even walk. Dr. John and our nursing team of Joan, Val, Jessica and Lissa jumped to action. After IV antimalarials and IV fluid he was sitting up by noon and was discharged from the clinic mid afternoon.
Other highlights today included the start of our laser eye clinic to treat glaucoma. Yesterday Dr. Mai identified a patient who was blind and unable to walk unaided from acute glaucoma. After 24 hours on medication and laser surgery today by Dr. Martin, her vision was completely restored and she walked herself out of the clinic.
At the end of the day the Chief of Nyamboi presented the team with their first ram and a large pile of yams. He thanked us profusely and sent us off wishing us “more grease to your elbows” and a prayer that God would replenish all that we had lost in serving his people.
The last two days have also required incredible flexibility, adaptability and resilience by this team and our leaders as they faced each challenge that came their way. Abraham compared it to the story in the Bible when Jesus was in a boat trying to get to someone needing help when a storm arose. Our storm today involved power challenges. Magdi reminded us that “machines failed but we humans did not.” This was so true as pharmacy kept going despite computers not working for two hours, the surgery team kept operating when their A/C broke. (It got to 35 degrees and even our Ghanaian anaesthetist said it was hot!) When the laser surgery clinic’s laminator went down (needed to provide patients with their official medical record), they simply found an iron and carried on.
After our incredible day of work, Patience prepared a feast including pumpkin ginger soup with fresh bread, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, pasta, salad and fresh watermelon. We are not suffering and the few pounds some of us were hoping to shed do not seem all that likely!
There is an African proverb that says, “If you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today.” A lot of stones were lifted over these past two days — I wish I could speak of them all — as this group of dedicated volunteers continue to serve NEA and their vision for sustainable health care for all.
Love to all our family and friends back home, who we are missing very much.
Barbara Bruinse Fracassi says
Wow…Congratulations to the whole team on the amazing work that you are all doing in Ghana!.
And to my truly wonderful sister Val…love you Sis. Stay strong and we will see you soon.
Barb
Barbara Bruinse Fracassi says
Wow…Congratulations to the whole team on the amazing work that you all are doing in Ghana! It is hard to put into words how I feel and think about the great disparities between the availability of health care across the world. You are saving and helping so many with so little.
And to my truly amazing sister Val…love you Sis. Stay strong and we will see you soon.
Barb
Heather W says
Congratulations to first time Gramma, Kim Lawson! A new big and healthy baby girl. Your work in Ghana supports so many new moms who don’t have all of your grand daughters opportunities… Thanks for giving to others when “home” keeps pulling.
James Hicks says
Well done all of you.
Big hello to Rob Hicks from the Chi gang.
Dr Jo Hicks says
Dr Jen
Could you let Rob know Ted has an interview please !
Jo x
Michelle McGregor says
Thank you for the wonderful updates, it’s amazing the work you are all doing.
To Margie McGregor, we’re all thinking about you and hope you are doing well!!!
Love,
Bradley, Michelle, Katie, Janey and Ali XXOO
Sandra Stark says
To Carlye from Aiden: I hope you are having a great time Mom and I hope you are helping patients and fixing them and you are doing a good job and you are having fun. Love Aiden.
From Brandon: I wonder how much people you will save in all of those weeks you are in Ghana? Keep working:) I love you. Brandon.
Just finished dinner and reading the blog together
Peter here…your stories are so emotionally inspiring. You are doing what really matters far from Trumpland. Bless each and every one of you.
Anne O'Shea says
Amazed you have the energy at the end of the day to give such detailed updates which are greatly received. You really are an amazing group. Hi to the surgical team and sending all my love to my daughter Kathryn.
Francesco says
We are all very proud of you, keep doing the good work!
Susan Duckett says
Dr Carlye and Colleagues, It is indeed a great privilege to play a small part in supporting this international effort to help those in most need. You are all truly being Christ to others, and seeing Christ in others in this mission of love and caring. What an incredible answer to those who ask “But what can I do?” to help this broken world.
Jen Simpson says
Great job on the updates Jenn! It is such great work you are all doing there. The kids and I look forward to reading about what you have all been up to. Stay healthy everyone!
Lots of love to John
Jenny, Rowan and Calum
Dr Jo Hicks says
Thank you for your updates -we so look forward to hearing about your amazing work and adventures. Keep up the great work and keep well.
Note for Rob-Bedford won against Epsom 10-5 very tight game. Onwards to the finals …. I’ll clear the diary !
Love to all especially my fab hubby
Jo xx
Sandy & Erik says
No contest – these journal entries are your reader’s inspiration at the start of a new day! We’re praying and cheering you on Team – way to serve, invest and LOVE in Jesus’ name.
The herd at home send tight hugs Lissa!
Susan B says
Awesome stories! You are making such a difference for individuals, families and communities. Friends in Port Perry are praying for you all, for good health, stamina and wisdom.
(Hi Tony! xoxoxo)
Stephanie says
Miss you mom! Glad everything is going well and you guys are safe! Everything is well at home 🙂
See you soon!
Helen Goodal says
Hi to all the surgical team. Sounds like your doing amazing work. Gerry, I hope you have your socks pulled up and trainers securely on!
X
Lorna Adams says
Brings back memories Dr Jenn!
May Bakah says
Hahaaaa …….my Lesley never disappoints with her ‘Lavatory Man’ solo?. Keep up your hilarious spirit LesLes – a much needed entertainment for such an incredible Mission. Yeeey, go Team Nursing!! Joan, Sandra, Nurses, You ROCK! Keep the fluids (living waters) flowing. Wow, sights restored and life-saving surgeries? Team Martin and Magdi, we salute you all. These updates are unbelievably impactful. Dr. Jen, you are a superwoman, finding time amidst the busy-ness to help us journey with you. Thank you. The Lord keep you all safe and the Angels of God encamp around you. Strength for the days ahead!!
Sandra Stark says
Thinking of you Carlye. Picking the boys up tomorrow. I will share the newsletters with them. They can post their own message. Great work. Very inspiring. Love. Sandra and Dad
Meagan Patry says
I read these posts and feel that our daily troubles are nothing compared to the struggles others face in this world. I now see more clearly the adversities that others around the world have to deal with and our first world problems become insignificant. The determination and strength that each of you are putting forward to care for people has enlightened me. I am so envious of all of you for taking the time and energy to make a difference in this world, you are all truly inspirational. My love and thoughts go out to you and your families.
p.s. Laurie Patry (mom) your daughters and Benson love you and miss you so much. We are so very proud of you.
p.p.s. I had my first articling evaluation and it was the best evaluation Doug had ever seen. I deserve to be here, thank you for always believing in me, love you xoxo.
Nicole Sabatine says
Reading your posts are the highlight of my day! Dr Jen you so eloquently summarize your adventures, giving us all a visual reminder of our time in Ghana-
Especially Leslie’s “lavatory man” song! I hope the Imodium won’t be Mary’s most cherished gift! 🙂 Tears well up in my eyes with each blog, thinking of how proud I was to be apart of this amazing team, and of your efforts again this year. Thinking of you all and praying for your strength and safety. I can’t wait to join you again! Nicole Sabatine
Colleen L says
Sam the Lavatory Man is always best sung by my Mom! A great Girl Guide song!
For Mom to have a frantic pitch in her voice it must have been really bad, because not much phases her. Very proud of you Mom, Helen and Sue!
Love Col
Barb Brazier says
Just love keeping up to date on the important work being done on the ground. What incredible work you are all doing. What a day you have every day.
Dan the original Lavatory Man is honoured to make the newsletter with Leslie’s singing and I believe it has now become an annual thing !!! I can just hear it !!!
Thinking of you all
Barb and Dan the Lav Man back home
Alice Watt says
Happy birthday Mary! And I hope the computers, Rxtrack and printers are up and running again! Praying for you today and this week. May God bless you and keep you!
Karen R says
This brings back many memories of my missions experience and the ingenuity required at times to create something from nothing! Love the iron laminator! Way to be resourceful in less than ideal circumstances and being the heart of Jesus. Praying health and energy, unity and blessing…and a little MacGyver wisdom!
Joan says
Wonderful update. Praying for continued safety and God’s blessing on the team.
Kathy Bayless says
So appreciate your insightful updates and descriptions. Makes it a bit easier to “visualize”. You are in our thoughts and prayers throughout each day and there is a longing to be with you!!!! Such vivid examples of care, compassion, and capability.
Blessings
Kathy & Tim B