It was not hard to choose the title of tonight’s post.
Our morning began under the gazebo with the NEA staff as our hosts led a beautiful time of singing and prayer for this mission and for our families back home. Abraham, who is in charge of this mission and who will be the administrator of the NEA hospital, shared a message which he entitled “Right on Time.” He explained that there would be many sick people that would come to us “right on time,” and that in healing those individuals we would wipe away many tears and restore joy to many communities.
You know where this is going … about an hour later an eighteen year-old man arrived with a life-threatening strangulated hernia.
Everyone kicked into action: pharmacy had their medications ready to go and that surgical and anaesthesia team saved a life before the theatres were even completely set up. Right on time indeed! I had the privilege of bringing Abraham in to see Dr. Martin and Dr. Kat and our surgical nurses in action — and to see for himself the significance of what he had just shared with us moments prior.
Our medical, dental and eye team ran a clinic for the families and friends of the NEA staff who needed care. We were struck by the seriousness of many of the cases we saw — some heartbreaking. Dr. Steve looked after one of our sickest patients of the day, who had severe sepsis requiring fluid resuscitation. She was too sick to return home so she is spending the night with us on the compound where our nurses Jessica, Joan and Sandra are caring for her. We pray she makes a full recovery and are thankful she, too, arrived right on time.
It has been a very full day, yet back at the residence there is much laughter, visiting, reading, and journalling going on. And shopping. We women find a way to shop even when we are in remote, rural Northern Ghana. A local seamstress has some very happy customers this evening.
I’m extremely thankful tonight for this team of selfless men and women who, on our very first day working together, executed their duties with excellence, with compassion and with a sense of humour that resulted in an incredible team effort right on time.
Abraham was bang on.
Judy Kennedy says
Dear Laurie and all the wonderful team in Ghana,
Your stories of helping others leaves me in “awe”. I think you are all very brave. Laurie, your nursing gifts to help others is an inspiration for me. I love you and pray for everyone .
Love,
Judy
Joan Wilton says
Enjoy reading these posts and knowing everyone is doing wonderful things for such an important cause. Awaiting your next post, saying prayers for safety, good health and adventure for your team. A very special prayer for our wonderful friend Margie.
Terry Mcgregor says says
Sounds like everyone is doing a great things for these people, keep up the great work and my thoughts and prayers are with you all keep well and am so proud of you my closest friend Margie.
Joan Wilton says
Awaiting your next update, praying everyone is well and safe. Proud of our good friend Margie and the rest of this group for all you are doing.
Trevor Smith says
Wonderful update as ever, you are all in our prayers for the wonderful work you are doing.
On another note, could you please ask Jane Smith to go into her settings on her phone under messages and turn off iMessages. For that to work, she needs constant wifi hence our texts which are being sent as imessages are not getting trhough?
Carly Patry says
Mommykins! I just want to say how proud I am of you and all the good you do for the world. I hope your enjoying this experience as much as you did last year. I’m thinking of you constantly and cant wait to hear about your amazing journey.
Love you to the moon and back.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo
Stuart Logan says
Great to hear you all got there safe and you’ve hit the ground running. I’m looking forward to hearing the updates.
Keep up the amazing work everyone!
Kat, I’m really proud of you.
p.s. Bramble misses you
Tom and Jennifer says
Tonja and Colleen we are so proud that you are able to be part of such an amazing team with such a journey in your young lives. Thinking of you and praying for you daily. Looking forward to every update. Hugs
James Jensen says
It’s inspiring to see the incredible work you are doing. Go Carlye and go team!
Anthony Shearing says
Glad to hear everything is coming together. We are looking forward to following along with your updates. We are thinking of you all the time. Good luck.
Anthony, Graham, Fiona and Ben
Jo Hicks says
Up and running team 2016! I can picture the choreography of care from the clinic to theatre and wards. I would love to be there with you. Please send love, respect and prayers to you all.
Especially to ‘Rooster’ Rob and let him know we are missing him-we haven’t got out of bed on time since he left ! Jo Ted Charlie and Elsa
Scott Barkey says
I so look forward to these daily updates what a great work you are doing.
Know that you are in my prayers continually. My day is filled with great thoughts and prayers for the whole team and the work the Lord has for you there.
Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Finally, I know these will be read aloud to the group so tell Tracey I am so proud of her, and that I’m praying for her and I love her. (Did she just go red in the face) someone give her a big hug for me. 🙂
Blessings to all
Scott Barkey
Susan Fockler says
So proud of you GHT! I know how challenging it is to “hit the ground running” after 2 days of travel and a time change. “Good on ya”, as the Kiwis say. I am especially proud of Linda and Sherry, who are leading the Pharmacy team. You go girls!
Francesco says
Great job, Everything is going to be very good and I am sure people will appreciate very much your good work!
Panda is offended you did not take him and he also travelling to Ghana soon with Nico (private joke for Natasha).
Jessica Simpson says
So excited to track this voyage you have all undertaken. My mom is there with you this year further exemplifying her unique ability to adapt and act under pressure. I can’t be more proud of her, and selfishly grateful for my genes! Reading the blogs will let the rest of us breathe the good you are all doing for a community that so greatly needs it. Thank you all for your contribution to humanity.
shirey sanders says
Jessica – my dear grand daughter – I pray for you every day – you are an amazing woman. Take care of yourself as well. Love you to bits. Grandma.
Jonathan B says
The world is very lucky to have caring people such as yourselves! Thank you!
Pauline Pankewich says
You are an amazing team of people God be with you and give you the strength and wisdom to heal these people who need your help
Blessings to all of you
Cheryl Dove says
I look forward to these team updates–thank you! Amazing work done by an amazing team. Congratulations on your successes. Thinking of you all often. Best wishes for another great day tomorrow!