I awoke this morning to an email from Rob, our surgical team leader in the UK, with the subject line “Changing Lives.”
These two simple words have been rolling around in my head all day. They are perfect words for today. They are a perfect rallying call as our ninth Ghana Health Team mission begins and as team members from around the world journey towards Carpenter.
The lives of patients will be changed. As individuals are healed in the context of sustainable development, communities will be strengthened and another “dent” will be made in the battle against poverty and hopelessness.
The lives of our Ghanaian health care colleagues will be changed. These heroes of our professions, so often alone and ill-equipped, will be surrounded by some of the best teachers that medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, surgery, anaesthesia and optometry have to offer.
The lives of our NEA colleagues will be changed. Can you imagine doing the difficult, patient work of development day in and day out and then having a team of 66 professionals show up to encourage you, to assist you, to equip your clinics and to bolster your efforts?
And our lives will be changed too. How they will change remains to be seen and remains up to us. It will depend on how we choose to embrace each day, face each challenge and engage with each patient. It will depend how open our eyes, ears and hearts are to what we shall witness there. One thing our veterans know for sure — we will not leave Ghana unchanged.
History is full of examples of men and women whose acts of service change lives and change history. Our poppies remind us of this even today. Ten years ago, none of us had any idea how many lives would change by this special partnership between NEA, GRID and the international health care community.
And so we set out for Carpenter with God’s help, and we could not be more ready.
Brian Feddery says
Thanks Jennifer for the awesome updates. No surprise to me that my wife helped out with children on the flight. It’s who she is, and always has been. I hope she didn’t push anyone out of the way to get to the child.
Jacqueline Luinstra says
Thank you for the update!! Wonderful to see the team!! God’s blessings as you set up today and the work begins!! ? Praying for everyone!!
Andrea Baynton says
Thanks for the update and good luck in your mission. Leslie I know with your wonderful personality you will help others. I look forward to your stories when you come home. So proud of you and your team and what you will accomplish. Safe trip.
Marjorie Miller says
To Diane Dugdale, I and your friends and family are so proud of you and your colleagues,
for the good work you do, Marjie Miller.
Cathy Duncan says
May your guardian angels watch over you all for the next 2 weeks. You are a wonderful inspiration to your family and friends. We miss you already “K” x o I look forward to hearing about this awesome adventure.
Lynda Lawton says
Sending all my love to you all.
I wish I was joining you again this year…. maybe next year.
Perry says
Great words!
Yvonne Doobay says
Thanks for the update and for the great photo of all of you. May the Lord bless you abundantly for all you will do for the people of Carpenter. Please let Martha know that everything went well at the pharmacy today. We are looking forward to the Remembrance Day service in the sanctuary here tomorrow.
Yvonne Doobay says
Thanks for the update and for the great photo of all of you. May the Lord bless you abundantly for all you will do for the people of Carpenter. Please let Martha know that everything went well at the pharmacy today. We are looking forward to the Remebrance Day service in the sanctuary here tomorrow.
Dr. Josh Smith says
Safe travels to you all! I’ll be reading Dr. Jenn’s updates closely and thinking of you all over the next two weeks.
Jennifer Harper says
Wonderful work you are doing.
Take care of my dear sister (Martha Bailkowski) who is traveling with you.
Steph says
A great looking crew ready to lend a much needed helping hand. Good luck and god bless!