Tuesday morning while we were eating breakfast, the rains came down. While this delayed the departure of our mobile team and made the condition of our road to Asantekwa rather “interesting,” we were thankful for the storm. It cut the humidity and with the temperature dropping by just a few degrees, we had a much more comfortable day of work for us. I noticed a few hoodies and winter coats on some of my patients.
Anticipating a very large crowd, our NEA logistics team arrived at Asantekwa at 0400 to organize the lines using ropes and vehicles. Let’s just say they got a standing ovation from us all at dinner, as their creative crowd control measures allowed us to do our job with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Some of you might remember that this is the village that a young woman died in our clinic two years ago. She came too late with a very serious medical condition, and despite our best efforts we could not save her. This death has and continues to deeply impact those of us who were there that day, and the root cause of her death has been a catalyst for some specific NEA programming that is now in place as part of the Leyaata Project. Today, Dr. Carlye and her translator Rachel, who is a Leyaata staff member, consulted on another young woman, who they were able to quickly discern was in that same situation. They intervened quickly and with help from NEA arrangements were made to urgently transfer the young woman to a hospital to prevent what surely would have been another needless death.
The eye team has been very busy seeing lots of interesting cases like vitamin A deficiency, central vein occlusion, congenital cataracts and glaucoma. Our laser was hard at work with 21 patients, and many of last year’s patients are returning for follow-up with wonderfully normal pressures in their eyes. As Dan reported tonight, their “clinic ballet” is so highly rehearsed that the team is working at maximum efficiency. “We may not be saving lives, we are making lives,” he said at dinner. I don’t disagree with Dan often (he is much smarter than I am) but I would argue they are doing both. When a farmer is given his sight back, he can now farm, and his children can now eat and go to school and are saved from diseases of poverty. The child growing up blind with congenital cataracts will not live to adulthood here. Their interventions and the ripple of their intervention are both making and saving lives!
Our dental team were faced with three very serious cases and with the assistance of our Ghanaian maxofacial surgeon Dr. Richard, all three cases were successfully dealt with. One was so serious that Greg, our team paramedic, had to rush in with his backpack crash cart and start some emergency IV medication stop a hemorrhage. Dr. Richard is now one of us. In fact, I just passed him placing a game of cards with Greg, Aaaron, Renee, Esther and Nicole under our gazebo!
The medical team applied every LEAN principle of efficiency to get through our massive crowd. With nursing constantly screening the crowd for the sick and treating minor ailments right from triage, we all worked steadily until the entire crowd was seen. Pharmacy carried a very heavy load of prescriptions with their usual grace, despite dodging bat droppings all day. At one point our nurse Esther (who works on an adult cardiac surgery ward ) was managing with ease at least four patients on IV fluids hanging from the rafters … half of whom were kids.
Back on the compound the surgeons started their day with another emergency case involving a two year old with an incarcerated hernia. He had been up all night screaming and vomiting in pain. Dr. Perry noted how rewarding it was to finally see that little one settled and comfortable as he recovered from his successful surgery. They had a very long day as eight of their cases required general anaesthetic. Oh, and there was an escape! Their last patient of the day was prepped and ready for a hydrocele operation and when it was time to roll him into the OR, he was gone. NEA staff went to try and find him but word on the street was that he was just too scared, ran away and was now in hiding. Poor guy.
There were many special moments scattered throughout this extremely busy clinical day. Dr. Carlye had a marriage proposal and wisely began to tell this gentleman about the weather in Canada. The proposal was revoked! One of the NEA pastors has been working very hard in his orchard this season to bring us a bag of his best oranges. Francois offered to say grace for dinner reciting the grace that he learned in as a little wee cub scout just a few years ago. And last but not least, I got a 20 point cribbage hand (without cheating) and almost skunked Dr. Charlie.
But the truly unique moment of this day involves the title of this blog. It happened to David Mensah, who went out to the village to search for the runaway surgical patient. As he was coming back towards the gate, he heard two men arguing. The topic of their argument — angels — caught his attention. One man was saying that these white people, bringing healing to the region, must be endowed by God with the spirit of angels. The other man was saying that no — we were just humans who have chosen to develop an angel spirit here on earth. David thought he would stop and listen. Just then Dr. Martin popped out of the residence to say that the power was off. The man turned to David and said “See, there is an angel right there.” (Side note to Heather: we are really trying not to let that go to Martin’s head.)
The one man then started to roll up his pant leg and started banging his leg. He told David that last year he had been to every hospital in Ghana with an infection that was causing his leg to rot. No one could help him until he visited our clinic and now his leg is perfect. He continued to argue with his friend (all the while banging on his leg) that the doctor and nurse who treated him were real human beings but they had developed the spirit of an angel to the level that was finally able to cure him. He was at the gate because he wanted to be first in line to come find his human angels to thank them.
Finally, not knowing they were talking to Dr. Mensah, they said to him, “And we also hear that there is a Ghanaian angel who coordinates all of this help from afar. Are you from around here? Have you heard of him?”
Oh, how David laughed when he told us this story, but he wanted us to know that his people are absolutely confounded by what they are seeing here. “You are angels to the people of the Mo tribe. Angels that come to stir the waters at the pool of Bethesda,” David concluded. He ended our evening by challenging all of us to continue to develop the spirit of love, compassion, generosity and service to humanity that brought us to Ghana — to this special place for this very special time of service.
Peter Akangbon says
Am Peter Akangbon a Deg/Mo by tribe. Am overwhelmed for the many support and love my people have received from you. It takes good hearted people for this sacrifice and I bless you through Christ Jesus.
helen stover says
I am Esther’s aunt. I knew this would be an amazing experience for Esther, but i really had no idea the depth of this experience. Emotionally, i am “undone”. What a privilege for you guys to be considered “angels”. What a privilege that you are Jesus’ arms and hands of love and healing extended to so many …thank you for your sacrifice and willingness to serve as Jesus did, to all he met…You are an inspiration. I can hardly wait to hear more stories from Esther. God’s strength and peace to you as you return to life in the “first” world…
Mauriece says
Very happy to hear all the teams are firing on all cylinders and working as efficient as possible. Also nice to hear that the Ghanaian people there are calling you guys angels. The two guys arguing were wrong by saying “These white people…”. The team is made up of different cultures and colours. Anyway, keep up the great work everyone.
Dyan and mike Muir says
Hi to Ames and Sis
You, and all of the team must be so exhausted by now, but what an incredible feeling of accomplishment by each and every one of you there for all the lives you have changed . You are all truly Angels. We wish you all the very best in your last days of this mission and look forward to your safe return home. Good night Kisses and super tight squeezes to our precious Ames and Sis.
Love mom and dad -mike and Dyan
Ruth Oppenheim says
You angels pack more into one day than most of us do in a lifetime!
Nancy Morley says
Can’t wait to see your BOOK/BLOG come out in print Dr Jennifer!! Sharing these stories of the wonderful compassionate work being done by the team …people are amazed!!! I am also amazed Esther never called for me to get the bats!!!
Dear Angels your friends and families are so proud of your endeavours and of the caring love u have shown. The blessings go both ways. Wing yourselves home safely.
Hailey Newton says
Thank you for these amazing and heartfelt stories. I am always taken aback by the compassion, hard work and kindness all of you display in your work in Ghana. A special shout out to my dad Dr. Bill!! Happy early birthday, sending lots of love to you from Canada! I am so proud of everything that you are doing, and couldn’t be more proud to have you as a father and role model. I am going into my second year of medical school, and all of your work is a constant inspiration to myself as well as my fellow peers. I have shared these stories with them, and all of us are moved by your dedication to the profession and aspire to be as great physicians and healthcare professionals as all of you. Thank you to all of you for setting such a great example for young health care professionals. I hope that some day I will be able to join you in your work!! Safe travels home everyone!
James Jensen says
Really cool to see a photo of you in action in this one Greg!
Matthew Duckett says
To Dr. Carlye and Greg and all the team, You are doing a great job. You are helping many people. Keep up the good work. I have faith in you. God bless you all.
from Matthew Duckett (Carlye’s brother)
Carolyn Zep says
Wow! How truly moving your blogs continue to be. Just reading your post makes me want to make sure I embody the spirit of love, compassion and generosity on a daily basis. Basic needs and basic humanity is so important and can be taken for granted.
I especially enjoy reading about the amazing work the eye team is doing and how they continue to brag about their efficiency. I’m so proud of my dad- Steve and the journey he is taking to provide care to those who may not get it.
Thank you all for being role models for humanity!
Young Yoon says
Another extraordinary work that you are all
doing in Ghana!
They will be remembered and appreciated all
your hard and kind works for a long long time! Way to go!
God Bless you all!
Tracy Bees says
Every blog brings me to tears. What an amazing job you are all doing. I can’t imagine how tired you must feel at times yet you still get up early each morning to care.
It seems you have been away for ever Melissa. Cant wait to see you xx
Kate Inchley says
It is truly awe inspiring to read your blogs, the wonderful things that have happened, and are happening, so many people being treated and healed . We talked again today about God’s protection in our home group and prayed for that protection on you all as you prepare to leave the place where you have performed amazing work and made a world of difference .
God Bless you all especially Rob ,Jo and Ted we look forward to seeing them very soon and hear all their stories .
Sean Morrison says
I love the daily updates from Ghana. You are all doing God’s work over there. Great post, Jennifer. Thank you.
Sarah Davies says
Thank you Jennifer for your inspirational and thought provoking posts keeping us up to date with the fantastic work that you are all doing whilst giving us an understanding of your daily challenges.
I think it is fair to say that I have not often thought of my little brother, Dr Rob, as an angel but the work that he, Jo and Ted are doing as part of your team is making a huge difference to so many people.
Glad the see that you are wearing a red shirt whilst playing sport Ted, your Welsh cousins are very proud!
Ollie says
What amazing and remarkable stories you all have experienced. It is obvious that you ‘Angels’ have been a source of love, care, joy and healing to so many. At the same time the Ghanaian people have been a source of love, joy and blessing to the Health Team. Thanks to the Ghanaian Angel who promised his people to return after receiving his education.
God continue to bless and give you strength as you conclude your clinics, pack up and travel home.
Much love to the team and especially Jenn, Amelia, and Kathleen. Love to David (Brenda also in chilly Stouffville) .
Francine (a.k.a. Elise's Mom) says
I truly enjoy reading the daily blogs. I have been sharing them with friends and family. Your group is an inspiration to all of us. Imagine what the world would be like, if more of us would dedicate resources, time and skills to organizations such as GRID? As stated by Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Your care, compassion and dedication is casting many ripples in Ghana, and ripples across the ocean to those inspired by your stories.
Your blogs and pictures truly highlight the stark differences and inequities in the world. As you struggle in extreme heat, we are bundling-up to navigate icy road and a cold blast of winter. As we enjoy cities and homes with good infrastructure (including indoor, well ventilated and aerated washrooms – we certainly don’t struggle to get the courage to walk in an outhouse- lol), people in Ghana make do with so much less. As we complain about the line-up at Starbucks, people in Ghana willingly line-up for hours for basic medical treatments. As we enjoy a publicly funded medical system, and at times complain about delays in getting particular treatments, people in Ghana struggle to get basic life-saving medical services. As we read your blogs and the amazing resiliency of the people in Ghana, it really shines a light on our Canadian privilege, and makes our woes and complaints look insignificant and unimportant.
Keep up your great work. “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” (Mother Teresa).
Shout out to Elise (a.k.a. Toune or Pumpkin)! We miss you and are very proud of you. Love you!
Doug Higman says
Such wonderfully written stories! Reading these is incredibly inspiring. You are a bunch of angels. Glad to hear you got a break from the sun.
I agree with Dan (who is also much smarter than me) you really are making lives out there. The effect of the work you are doing will be felt by people and communities you will never meet for generations to come, which is amazing!
Good luck in the last few days everyone. (Very proud of you dad! x)
Tanja says
Another wonderful post! I can’t even imagine how tired you are when you write them. Thank you for making these posts part of your busy day.
Tom Filosa says
Your blog today recounts the tale of Lydia, the young woman who died in Asantekwa. I am happy that her legacy lives on in the work being done particularly in her community and with the GHT. I will certainly not forget her.
Every time I read the blog I am amazed at the great work being done by everyone. As a part of GHT 2015, I was able to experience it all first hand. As the snow falls here and as I trudge through my day of worried well patients, it’s hard not to see the glaring excess of our society and the extreme lack of resource in places like Ghana. All the more reason to applaud your efforts.
Kudos to all of you for a tremendous job well done. Special shout out to fellow Markham-ites Dr Bill and nurse Kaitlyn and to my great friend Dr Sue. I wish everyone more successes in your final days in Ghana and safe travels back home.
Brian Feddery says
What a fabulous series of stories. It’s truly remarkable the incredible work you are all doing in Ghana. I’m finally seeing why all of you want to keep returning, to continue helping, and healing the Ghanaan(sic) people. It must be soooooo rewarding. My hat is off to all of you, especially my wife, of whom I am bigley proud.