Sunday morning began with a church service under the trees and canopies of the Carpenter compound. David Mensah arrived wearing his traditional regalia of the senior chief position he holds in this tribe, a role in which he leads other chiefs. The service was full of dancing, singing, testimonies to God’s faithfulness over this mission and then Pastor Jacob preached the sermon. He spoke on the story of Esther. When impending danger and death were facing her people she took action and she arose ‘for such a time as this.’
“We are writing our own Bible story here,” Pastor Jacob kept repeating over and over again. It was a service none of us will soon forget.
After church, Dr. Rob Hicks asked David to explain his role as senior chief, and, gathering under the mango tree, a large group of the team received an amazing lecture on Peace and Conflict in Ghana. This is a key sector of NEAs development work and David uses his role as senior chief to train local leaders in peace and conflict resolution techniques. He works very closely with the chiefs, many of whom are now Christians, to teach them to lead ethically and Biblically. Maintaining peace in the Mo tribe is so critical to the development work here.
After a lunchtime celebration of Margaret’s birthday with our little banner and tiara and a shoebox of treats collected by Francois, our afternoon was filled with wonderfully relaxing activities: napping, attending one of three book clubs and playing games under the gazebo. Dr. Neil ran a fun activity in the dining hall where everyone brought their devices with 5 favourite pictures from back home and pairs would have 5 minutes to share with one another about their 5 pictures after which you would rotate to a new partner.
At 4:00 pm our weekend of rest came to an end and all teams went to work to prepare for what will be four more very busy days of work. By suppertime we were ready to go. Suppertime is definitely worth noting. David Mensah carved two big NEA turkeys and we enjoyed fresh tomato soup with homemade croutons followed by turkey dinner complete with roast potatoes, gravy, stuffing and fresh vegetables from the NEA gardens.
I didn’t think I would have any patient stories to tell you today as we try very hard to allow our team to rest and be off duty on Saturday and Sunday. It is the only way they can maintain the pace of their work for the rest of the week. We put measures in place to have all medical emergencies directed to Dr. David and Collins, our Ghanaian colleagues. This is why I was so surprised to received the report at dinner of four very special patients and a truck.
Dr. Andy noticed a sick child sitting near him during the church service and recognized impending danger. The grandmother scooped this limp child up to take him home but Dr. Andy intervened. He mobilized his nursing team and diagnostic team and they treated this child for severe malaria with injectable antimalarials and watched him until he was safe to go home.
Nurse Sandra and Dr. Carlye were heading to the residence for a nap when they came across an exceptionally unhappy child and a worried mother. This 2 year-old had a strangulated hernia — impeding danger once again. They quickly brought him into the compound where one of our surgeons, Dr. Elke, was just exiting the lunch room. Her hands of mercy reduced the hernia and the child’s screams of pain immediately stopped. His surgery would have been done in the morning but he also has malaria so it will be deferred until Thursday.
Surgical nurse Aaron was strolling around a noticed a woman slumped over at the gate. Taking the time to find a translator he discovered this woman had been walking for three days to get to our eye clinic to have her glaucoma treated in her left eye. She was blind in her right eye already and was desperate to get to our eye team to save her from blindness. Aaron took it upon himself to find Dr. Martin and Dr. Toylin and within minutes the laser was fired up and her eye was saved. She was then given food and a place to stay before she would make the long three day journey home.
Dr. Kyle and Garrett and Greg were heading to the residence for some R&R when they noticed a big truck stalled on the side of the road. The driver was under the truck dealing with a leak of some sort. With dental head lamps on they tried to fix the problem but to no avail. The took it upon themselves to find NEA’s chief mechanic and successful emergency surgery was performed with a welding iron. I wish I could describe the look on David Mensah’s face when he heard this one!
So much for shielding the team from work today! Each of these cases involved impending danger or death (well maybe not so much for the truck) and like Esther, our team made a choice not to turn a blind eye. Rather, they chose to arise, to take action for such a time as this.
At the end of the church service we were asked to greet one another with a hand shake and the blessing “May it be well with you,” and so it seems fitting to extend the same to all of you — our loved ones, family, friends and colleagues following our time of service here. May it be well with you.
With love from Carpenter and thanks for all of your wonderful comments. They continue to be one of our daily highlights!
Ruth Oppenheim says
I have missed so many of your postings Jenny, but thanks to my niece, Colleen Landry, daughter of Leslie Feddery, I can now catch up on all your wonderful deeds in Ghana.
I am moved to tears by your dedication, professionalism and compassion.
Tookie darling, I am so proud of you and everyone else on the team.
Paul Johnson says
Very moving to read these updates on what is happening each day!
A big shout out to Ash Gayton who is currently working there! I’m very much in awe of all the amazing things you are doing and very proud of all you’ve achieved and you’re determination. Truly wonderful!
Take care and safe travels home.
Paul
Kristina Drury says
Thank you for the update. I’m really enjoying reading about all your experiences, adventures and impact. Always impressed and in awe of the great work, the whole team is doing!!
Sending extra love to the Drury team. Dad, love that you are staying in shape by playing volleyball with the young ones and Mom, way to go on the relay race!! Looking forward to hearing how the rest of the trip goes!
Lisa Fairbrace says
Huge admiration to Rob,Nicky and all the team. Love to read the updates and proud of you all doing such selfless wonderful work. Stay well and strong to continue all your fantastic work.
Clare Smith says
You are an amazing group of people and the work you do makes such a difference to so many! To Nicky, Rob and the rest of the team, stay safe guys and we look forward to hearing all about your adventures on your return!
Andrea Baynton says
It is such a pleasure to read your blog each day and hear about all the good work you have done. You are in the right place at the right time for the patients. What an incredible experience. I am in tears sometimes reading your comments.
Polly Parrish says
Dear Rob, Jo and Tedd, enjoying the blogs and thinking of you out there in the incredible heat with all your colleagues, your daily challenges and doing such a wonderful job, (and Tedd with the footballs!) lovely to see you all in the photo you happy tribe!
Love Polly x
Looks more fun than the office! Good on you Hicks
Dicky x
Nancy Morley says
What a tireless team!! I? am amazed and thrilled my daughter esther has this opportunity She and Renee will have so many memories to share with colleagues at Southlake Twelve hour shifts may seem a breeze !! Love u girls. So proud of you. Love mom
Ashley Duncan says
I look forward to receiving this updates every morning. It is so incredibly gratifying and humbling reading about all the work you guys are doing and I’m sure the lives you are changing at the same time. I love that you also take the time to respect the culture and really interact with all the people you meet. The experiences that everyone is having is humbling to see and all those amazing experiences both professionally and personally will bea huge take away in your hearts forever. I am so greatful that all of you get to take the time to help people who in some cases may not even ask for it. Please let my sister Kaitlin know I miss talking to her everyday and that her niece Tiana loves and misses her Auntie soooo much and we can’t for her to come home and share all of her experiences. Cant wait for the next update. All the best in the last leg of your amazing journey everyone!
God Bless and be safe.
Mary Meservia says
These stories are the highlight of our morning read – we are in such awe of all the great works your team is doing and look so forward to hearing firsthand details. Greg – Poppa would be so proud of you using your mechanical talents! Lots of Love – God Bless Mum & Dad
floyd fockler says
I am so pleased that Dr. Patterson has finally joined the Ghana health team. He is a great asset I am sure.
Thank you Andy,
Floyd.
Brittany Jones says
A big hello (complete with even bigger hugs) from home to Kim Lawson! As much as things are running well here, we still miss your presence with us and feel it when you’re away. We have to say that we’re so proud of you and thankful to God for how He is working through you there as you help serve our brothers and sisters in Ghana! Don’t worry. Though the temptation is always there, we haven’t thrown too many big parties at the office while you’re away… but there will surly be a party when you return! Love, Brittany, Katie, Marion, Mark, Joe, Nana & the rest of your natural and work family!
Dawn Crawford says
Shout out to our Northampton hero’s. Rob, Nicky & all the team.
Absolutely loving the updates, you are doing amazing work out there,
Very Proud of you all
Lots & lots of love
Dawn Crawford xxxxxx
Tanja says
These stories gave me goose bumps. I look forward to your updates so much! Truly inspiring! Thank you so much 🙂
Please give my love to Barb and Dan from cousin Tani
Ingrid Otter says
Looks and sounds like your meal was lovely, love the group picture. Look forward each day to your reports, so awe inspiring. Great how you adapt between humans and trucks!!! Continued good wishes for everyone and HEY to Dan and Barb!!
Lucy Williamson says
Greetings from Yardley Hastings to the Hicks trio and all the wonderful team!
We have just read out the latest blog while we have our supper together and we hope you have had another good day as you start your second week.
All your work is so inspirational and we feel the warmth of the Ghanian community and are so pleased to hear your stories.
We are loving having Charlie and Elsa here and they are in fine form!
Thank you for the beautiful flowers, Jo.
Sending our love and best wishes The Williamson + 2 xxx
Tracy Bees says
Hi Melissa, a week has gone by and it sounds like you have had a amazing time gaining great new experiences. We have a daily blog reading when i take Charlie around nan and paps they look forward to these as much as we all do at home. Even Auntie Dorothy keeps saying tell Melisa i am thinking of her. We are all so proud of you. Love you loads. Mum and zip xxx
emily norton says
To: Dave Norton
hey dad just thought you could use this quote to get inspired
” Never give up . . . EVER!” — Mr. D
Love, Em
Dawn Beyers says
Amazing messages, may our good Lord continue to guide and work through you all. Aaron, Ann sends her love and is soooo proud of you.
The blog today brought loads of tears of joy to dad…
Love you guys, God Bless xx
Mum
Karen says
I began reading these updates to travel along on the journey with my dear friend Margaret. The work you are all doing there is truly inspiring! It makes me have faith in the world that people such as yourselves are so willing to give. I hope someday I can do something like this. Thank you for all you are doing. Safe travels and a big hug to Margaret!!
Karen K
Sandra Stark says
Hello to all – especially Carlye – we too are fixing trucks here – toy trucks :). Not quite the same impact but lots of fun. It sounds like things couldn’t be going any better over there. It is great to read such good news. (Good writing Jennifer – great service for all). I am struck by how inspiring it is. And I am aware of how we take these cures and miracles for granted here. We have so much good news going on here every day and we rarely get to read and fully appreciate it. Such a shame. It would be a good balance to the limitless bad news. It reminds me to be aware of the power of bringing joy to others and feeling gratitude. Your spiritual tank will be filled and raring to go when you come back. Thanks for making deposits in mine.
Young Yoon says
Reading your updates are indeed my daily
Highlight! The four patients on Sunday were very blessed because you were there to help! They will remember your help for a long long time. Excellent work Ghana Health Team! God bless.
Nurse Kim, 2015 says
I also look forward to reading Dr Jennifer’s blog. They bring me back to a very special place! Shout out to Dr Bill and Caitlin from Markham Family, and my peep and amazing RN Nicole…?
Cathy F says
May it be well with you all. Special shout out to Barb and Dan – sending lots of love and hugs.
God bless
Isabella von Haeften says
We’re so proud of you Elke! Ghana needs more brilliant surgeons like you but we definitely can’t wait for you to come home either. We’re so inspired by the amazing work you and your team are doing and wish you lots of luck for the remaining week. Sending lots and lots of love from the whole family! Dicken bussi!
Heather says
Thanks Jenny for your tireless updates…they are always welcomed…Let Dave know we were thankful for his call yesterday and also thankful to be facetiming Emily at the same time of the call…(tears are welling up…lol) And also let him know the Chargers beat Buffalo…Blessings to you all…Heather
Mike says
I read the blogs with a great deal of interest. So much crucial work being done. Very well done to you all especially my little sis, Dr Anne, keep up the good work sis, I’m proud of you (and the rest of the gang)! With much love to you all especially little sis! Big bro, Mike xx
Tim Brazier says
Please tell Barb that last night after an Herculean effort we opened the jar of homemade pickles she gave us. Not sure how they put that lid on because it had to be literally pried off but well worth the effort. So inspired but what you all are doing. xo
Scott Barkey says
I am amazed at how encouraged i am by your work there in Ghana. Knowing and seeing how God is using each and every one of you to do such a powerful and needed work is amazing.
I am thrilled to be a small part of it even if just in a supportive roll of my superstar Wife Tracey.
Somebody do me a favor and give Tracey a big hug from me and her 2 boys at home and tell her we love her, miss her and are extremely proud of her. (Feel free to embarrass her a bit too)
We pray for you daily and will continue, knowing the Lord is doing a great work there.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Blessings to you all.
Scott Barkey
Christine says
I look forward to your postings each morning Dr Jen. I read them each morning in my car before I head into work for the day and each day without fail I find myself misty eyed and astonished at all the lives that are being impacted for the better because of the work your group is doing. It really is incredible.
Hugs and love to Grandma Bailkowski from a walking baby Marcus and Josie 🙂
Dane says
Hello team – and Dr. Carlye in particular! – amazing to read these stories and hear the impact that you’re having. We are following along closely at home.
Carlye – The boys had a really fun sleepover here on Saturday. Great kids – and very proud of their mom!!
Love,
Dane, Hil, Jack, Stella + Henry
Diana (on behalf of Shepherd Village) says
These are such beautiful updates! All the seniors and staff at shepherd Village wait very anxiously for all the updates and new stories. All the seniors love seeing all the pictures more so of their favorite pharmacist, Martha! Everyone is doing such an amazing job! keep up the great job and stay cool!
Aly Fowlie says
I continue to be in awe at what you are doing there and I impatiently wait for your blog every morning.. the stories coming through blow my mind.
I wish you the very best as you start your new week.
Loved seeing the group pic today. Hi Barb and Dan xxx