The medical team set out at 0630 for the remote village of Nyamboi. The chiefs and elders were waiting to greet us and we quickly moved to the greeting ceremony where the chief’s closing remarks were, “I pray this consistent relationship will endure forever.” My Amelia presented a gift to the chief; Elise, our star pharmacy student, presented a football to the village; and our birthday girl presented a gift for the chief’s wife. Renee celebrated her birthday with us and Nyamboi village invited about a thousand people to her party!
Our logistics team had their work cut out for them today as the crowd was very large and loud and pressing in constantly. They have a very tough job.
Our triage team of Sandra, Greg and Les did a great job screening the crowd, deciding who could be treated for minor ailments and sent home, and who needed to be seen by the doctors.
Before our nursing station was even set up, the whistle blew. The whistle sounds when there is a major emergency. Every day we have one physician assigned to deal with emergencies and they respond together with Greg, our advanced care paramedic, and one of our nurses. Two unresponsive kids with severe malaria were carried in as Dr. Charlie got to work. Soon thereafter a man having severe angina and heart failure arrived. It was no coincidence that Dr. Charlie is a cardiac specialist. Set up or not, the team was ready. That is one thing I love about this group of people — they are always ready, always prepared for anything.
All team members worked extremely hard in extremely hot and loud conditions today and provided such compassionate and excellent care to a large number of patients. We thank God that all the critical patients turned around in time to go home.
The eye team tells us they had awesome day as all systems were running effectively and the volunteer eye team — now called “Badama” (Barb, Dan, and Margaret) — have really caught on to their new roles. Back the compound, Dr. Angela and Marion restored sight to 2 patients with glaucoma and dealt with some eye emergencies.
Our surgical team started their day with an unexpectedly challenging case that required all hands on deck. Dan was so impressed with the teamwork that is necessary when working in our low-resource conditions here. Twenty-three lives were changed in that OR today.
At dinner, each team leader designates someone to report to the group on how their day went. We share about the patients we meet, the challenges we face, and of course there is always a lot of laughter as we hear about things like … wedding proposals (Sue has had 3!), dental drama (Francois), aches and pains that surgeons didn’t know they had (Dan), and happy dances over simple things like power (Sherry) or frozen Fandago at lunch (all of us).
I am so thankful to God that our team’s health has been wonderful. The only exception is that latrine phobia has kicked in. It is real and is it quite common to hear team members wishing each other luck as they pass one another on the latrine path. Dr. Carlye, our team doc, kindly ran a constipation clinic after dinner and it was appreciated by many. Our gazebo is now buzzing with excitement as Esther the local seamstress is selling her cloth for the outfit she will make for many of us.
Well, 0545 is coming very quickly and it is time to rest. As they say in Ghana, may God grant us tomorrow.
Much love to everyone back home — we appreciate your support and comments that feel like a little lifeline to home.
Anna Pilon says
Such great stories, such important work! Love the new name Badama!!!
I look forward to reading more
Malcolm Phillips says
Here is some good news from Canada – The Toronto Maple Leafs have won 5 games in a row! Wow! I hope you are all well and happy in your kind and generous work. A special hello to Sue ( 3 proposals?), Amy and Leslie. See you soon. Mac.
Kristina Drury says
Thank you for keeping us updated. Sounds like a good, yet busy start to the trip. Impressed by all the amazing work and support each of you are providing thus far.
Quick shout out to the Drury team!!! My little Brooklyn community is very proud of you both. Looking forward to hearing and sharing more. ? Kristina
Judith Gooding says
I am enjoying reading these blogs each day. Yours is such an important ministry. God bless every part of it.
Brenda Fleming says
The first thing we do is run to check the mail for updates from the team. It’s so exciting just to read about what u are actually doing. It’s a windy, rainy night here so your not missing out on our weather. Take care of yourselves so you can continue to care for all of those who need you most. We miss you Renee and Esther, and will have a ton of questions for you when you return. Bless each and every one of you for all your hard work.
Tara says
Jen!!! A wonderful blog and incredible work!!! Truly inspiring! John Simpson posted and that is how I saw it. Sending love and hugs,
Tara Pollock (Altimas)…
Simona says
My family and I have been praying for you Emilia!! Loved hearing you talk with excitement about this trip while visiting… can’t wait to hear all about it when you come down for a good old Arizona trip. PS… almost out of my Canadian chocolate.
Ingrid & Rick Otter says
so glad to hear how well everything is going baring the latrine situation….. wow 1000 people to your birthday party, what a celebration. Sounds very rewarding and that you have bonded in a great positive manner. Thanks so much for your colourful updates, look forward to seeing your post in my email.
Charlie, Elijah, Debs &Simon says
We love reading your amazing news at dinner-be safe and brilliant all love Charlie, Elijah , debs and Simon xxxx
Ron Wagner/Sandy Wagner says
What great blessing for us as we read these notes of GOD AT WORK in and through each of you. Ron And I share and pray. May God give each of you energy for each day and the JOY of being in His service. Thank you for sharing, Jenn.
Susan Duckett says
My daughter-in-law has been reading the updates from your medical mission to me over the phone. I am amazed and stunned at the wonderful work that is going on out there. I am so proud to think that you Greg (Meservia) are a part of this team.
Love Grandma Duckett (94 yrs)
Your updates are so appreciated Dr Jennifer. I’m not sure how you find the energy to compose these at the end of your very long, very intense, very hot days! Thank you.
Dr. Carlye’s mom, Susan
Joanne trotter says
I admire you all for being there. It is a life changing experience for health care provider and patient. I will always remember the brigade experience in the honduras. Awesome people. Joanne trotter
Kathy B says
Providing this context not only helps “visualize” what is transpiring but also what is transforming. Deep gratitude and joy bubble up with each insight. Our God is an AMAZING God and you all bring such encouragement and hope in a world too often characterized by narcissism.
Young Yoon says
My heart is pounding as I reading the report! So many excellent work is going on!
Praying every day for you. God bless!
Alex Pretty says
The kids and I cannot wait to read your updates every morning! Makes us so aware of our many blessings here at home.
Jack says…”make sure Dr. Jenn lets me know about anything to do with snakes!”
Virginia wants to know all about the babies…….
Truly amazing healing that takes place in such a small village of care.
Stay safe and healthy.
xo
Mary Meservia says
Greg – we are loving the blog – such super stories retold by Dr. Wilson. The two of us are praying the rosary together every day and are feeling spiritually ignited by Team Ghana. Much love to all of you and an extra hug and kiss to you and Dr. Carlye. Love Mum & Dad and Uncle Jig & Auntie Mary xo
Aly Fowlie says
This brings a tear to my eye …. way to go Badama…. love it.
Loving following you. This amazes me.
Carol says
As I sit here reading this report quietly in my kitchen in Ontario, my heart is overwhelmed by the stories of the Lord using you in such powerful ways to change lives, restoring sight and life to so many dear ones. Thank you for your willingness to take your abilities to Ghana and bless our brothers and sisters there!
Joan Wideman says
Praying for your team as you continue this wonderful work!
Jo and Chad Smith says
thanks for your report enjoyed reading it keep them coming.
Ruth Patterson says
I love reading these stories every day and am sharing the highlights with our family. A shout out to Dr. Andy from me, Erik and Russell: ” Keep up the good work, Dad! “
Jennifer Harper says
So glad things are going well.
Peter Fowlie says
You make my morning fun. Love your blog. Excellent story.