Today’s blog is dedicated to Dr. Joshua Smith, our colleague and team member who could not be with us this year. Our team misses you, Josh, and our best wishes and prayers are with your family at this time.
When David and Brenda Mensah returned to Ghana to begin their integrated development work, David became very discouraged. Everywhere he looked there was suffering. Simple basic human rights like having clean water to drink did not exist. At one point he said to his wise wife, “Brenda, did we make the right decision to come here?”
Her response was this — “David, we will save them one by one”.
David is very wise too and he knew that we needed to hear this story today. As the crowds swell to proportions we have not yet seen and a hernia wait list that seems likely to reach 400, discouragement can set in as we begin to feel like the dent we are making is so very small. David reminded us that the only way to move forward is to deliver quality health care one by one and then watch to see the ripple effect. We must never underestimate what God can do with one life saved. We might be saving a David Mensah who will grow up and be a game-changer for his people. We might be saving a child who will one day be a difference-maker to his or her generation. When we save one man from hernia we save up to a dozen lives, because now that man can go back to his farm and there will be income to feed his family and send them to school. The ripples can spread far and wide as individuals are healed, communities are strengthened.
Today I had a special little “one.” Dorcas is 4 years old. She swallowed battery acid and was dying of malnutrition when she came to see us a year ago. It was a devastating situation and we did not have the capacity to do anything to help her. Leaving her in the capable hands of NEA with extra funds we raised, a referral was made to the highest level of care in Ghana. A lot has happened over the year and today this beautiful, happy, robust little girl paid us a visit, along with her mom and 3 uncles, just to say thank you. Dorcas’ only problem was that the family could not afford a critical medicine that she needed. Our wonderful pharmacy team happened to bring a 6 month supply of a very similar medicine and we were able to provide it to this family whose love for this little girl was just so apparent.
At dinner Dr. Chris gave a brilliant surgical team update that he organized by talking about something sad, something nice and something funny. I don’t think Chris will mind me copying his idea, so I present to you my top three list of sad, nice and funny events of today along with one extra category — interesting.
Sad
1. A surgery was cancelled today as the patient appeared to have advanced lung cancer with little time left to live.
2. A child from a very remote village who had a very, large painful growth between 2 of his toes for the past 2 months with no medical care. He could not walk. The suffering of this little one pierced my heart and the heart of Dr. David Hunter, our mobile surgeon, as we collaborated on how to help him.
3. We are seeing an unusually high incidence of orbital tumors that appear to be arising from the sinuses. Research is definitely required.
Nice
1. My Amelia was given a very special medal of honour by her nursing colleagues at dinner. Amelia worked in the oral rehydration (ORS) station today. She was responsible to ensure the mothers gave specific amounts of ORS every 15-30 min over a 2-hour period to the dehydrated babies. At one point there were about 8-10 babies in ORS at once and it was madness in that room. Her medal was a sachet of ORS tied around her neck with a string.
2. Dr Richard, a Ghanaian oral maxillofacial surgeon from the teaching hospital in Kumasi arrived today to join our dental team.
3. We found a short cut home tonight that shaved 55 minutes off our commute!
Funny
1. The places (on our bodies) we place our little package of frozen Fandango that Steve delivered around 2:00 pm as we are all wilting from the oppressive heat.
2. How easily you can talk yourself out of really needing to go to the washroom when you walk into certain latrines.
3. A team member who, in an apparent act of revenge, used another team member’s personal tupperware container as a receptacle of a certain bodily fluid. Said tupperware shall not be returning home.
Interesting
1. That a 10 year old girl can carry a huge pile of 3-4 foot thick tree branches on her head and remove one hand from the load to wave to us.
2. Ghana children don’t whine and seem to always do what their parents say the first time they are asked.
3. There is such a thing as a mushroom sandwich!
One of the quotes that Caitlin delivered during her 3:00 pm visit to us all said
I will not change the world; Jesus will do that. But I can change the world for one person. So I will keep loving one person at a time. – Kate Davis
Thanks to Brenda, David and Kate. The message we needed to hear on this day was very, very clear, and despite all that we are seeing, hearing, feeling, experiencing, and processing we will spend the next 3 days bringing our very best love and deep hope and tender healing to these wonderful people of Ghana … one by one.
Stella Shiel says
Esp.for Greg Meservia from “Grandma” Shiel. I just read eleven blogs forwarded from your mom about the fantastic medical ministry you are a part of in Ghana. I’m remembering how you used to read medical books when you were very young. Now you are living your dream. I’m so happy for you & so excited about all the team is acomplishing with God’s help & strength.
I am proud of you, love you & I’m praying for you & the team.
Dr. Wilson has a gift of transporting her readers to the very spot where the action is. Thank you.
Peter Fowlie says
Thank you Jennifer. What wonderful stories.
Peter Fowlie
Maria Steele says
Thanks a million Dr Jennifer for your daily informative blogs and to the whole team for all the
amazing and selfless work you are all doing so far away from home. We love to read all the stories and the impact you work do to so many, one by one!
Hugs and lots of love to our dear Esther, we miss you and are so proud of you!
Praying for all of you daily. God Bless.
Nancy Morley says
Thank you Dr Jen for your insightful book blogs!! I am in awe of the team’s incredible selfless gift of giving. I know u are being blessed in return and will have incredible memories. Esther (who at one time hated to leave home) enthused she LOVES Africa . Renee ,keep Esther on track We can’t wait to see you both.
Maybe Brenda remembers our teen years in Stouffville!!! Incredible my daughter experiencing a part of your life in Ghana Stay strong. U r in the right place
Uxbridge Health Centre says
Jenn and Carlye,
Love letters from your friends at work………
“I read your blog every day, they always bring tears to my eyes and I am so proud to say that I know both of you. Your work, your hearts are beyond words. Please take care!” ~ Hugs, Jan
“Happiness doesn’t results from what we get, but from what we GIVE.” ` Take good care, Dawna
“I can’t read Jenn’s blogs without tearing up! Brings back so many memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.” ~ Robin
“Reading your blogs every day and feeling very inspired by your words. Your work is beyond hard and I’m sure the heat is beyond hot. Thinking of you all, stay safe!” ~ Mary
“I hope your trip is exceeding all expectations. Thoughts of warmth and sunshine on this cold, snowy winter day. Creating change in the world is inspirational and I’m sure all who experience your blessings are forever grateful.” ~ Melanie T.
“Hey girls – get some sun for us! The rain and snow isn’t so beautiful here. Thinking and praying your trip will be wonderful and productive as you help so many in your care. Miss you!” ~ Heather W.
“Many blessings to our ‘Angels in Africa’. We are ALL so proud of you and your amazing team. It’s incredible to imagine the number of lives you are helping and healing. Cheers to all of you.” ~ Shanie
” Thinking of you both and all the team so often each day and so proud of the work you are achieving. Hang in there these last few days as I’m sure you are weary and a bit spent. We’re cheering you on from Uxbridge!
‘ Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. ”
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam ~ Dale
We are all looking forward to more stories when you get back!!
Bryan Fisher says
One by one each account touches us, brings us to tears, entertains us and astounds us. It is no small task just to write your accounts each day. We do so much appreciate it. It allows us to understand what you face and it allows us an insight into what we can pray for. May you all be blessed by the goodness of the Lord for what you are doing for these people who desperately need your skills and compassion. God Bless.
Gord Travis says
Keep up Gods work. Praying for all of you daily.
Peter Jensen says
Hello Jennifer, Carlye, and all amazing team members,
My friend, Andy Higgins, a decathlon coach, says, “focusing on everything is focusing on nothing.” One at a time is it a good rule for life given that multitasking is a myth. It is so easy to say and so hard to do when so much is that stake… but that doesn’t make it any less true. Being present to what happening is a lifelong challenge most of us. When you act like you have time it is amazing how much time you acquire.
Love to all!
Peter Jensen says
Hello Jennifer, Carlye, and all amazing team members,
My friend, Andy Higgins, a decathlon coach, says, “focusing on everything is focusing on nothing.” One at a time is it a good rule for life given that multitasking is a myth. It is so easy to say and so hard to do when so much is that stake… but that doesn’t make it any less true. Being present to what happening is a lifelong challenge most of us. When you act like you have time it is amazing how much time you acquire.
Love to all!
Peter
Susan Wagg says
Keep on serving and don’t let Satan discourage you the people need you more than we do here. God Bless you all and the work you are doing . See you sòon. Love and prayers for all the work you do and for a safe calm uneventful trip home. Sue Wagg
Henry, Sara, Samuel, Martha and Finlay says
Loving the blogs, thank you! It’s so fantastic to hear that you’re changing so many lives- one by one maybe but quickly combining to make such a massive impact!
Great work and looking forward to hearing more:))
Ingrid Otter says
Thank you Jennifer for your continued blogs!!! I read the comments before posting and I LOVED the comment from Steph, really took the same approach as you and you all really got updated on how things are going on, this side of the world… good approach one at a time, but so rewarding when they come back and you can see how well they are doing from how you treated them previously…
Lydia Higman says
It is wonderful to read about all of the fantastic work that you are all doing, and all of the challenges you are overcoming. Lots of love to Dan – I’m really proud of you and can’t wait to hear all of your stories when you’re back. Keep up the great work!
Phil zeidler says
When the opportunity arose for Anne to join this extraordinary expedition I knew she must go. The reason I knew is because she has a gift, a skill, a knowledge, an ability that few people have. Take that gift and apply it in a country like Ghana and it becomes truly astonishing, life changing, and indeed life saving. I can’t describe the overwhelming feeling of pride I have, not just for Anne, but for all of you and the selfless gift of time, knowledge, and sacrifice of Home comforts for people you’ve never met, who live on a different continent, who speak a different language, who could not be less like you. You are all extraordinary people doing extraordinary things and the very manifestation of humanity at its finest.
I know many of you will shy away from praise, be modest about your contribution, waive off acknowledgement of these great gifts, and sure there’s always more to do, but all just stop, and reflect for a moment, and take pride, you are doing what few can and fewer will….you are all amazing human beings.
With love
Endra Musewe says
Jennifer and team it’s such a privilege and blessing to read your blog every morning… it really brings to mind that if each of us on this side do something for someone what a difference it would make… my prayer has been that God would multipy the work of your hands as He uses your hands and feet as His tools… God Bless each you and your families as you are part of this transformation of Northern Ghana…
Toys we love you… know you are enjoying the Ghanian food… looking forward to hearing the testimonies…
Ruth Patterson says
These wonderful daily blogs keep making my day- Jennifer definitely has a gift for writing! I keep sharing some of the blogs with all our family members and friends who have supported this mission, and have been getting back lovely comments. I will share this one from Dr. Lam: “If there’s one thing that can get Andy to smile for a camera, it’s holding a baby :)” and this one from Cynce: “We are very proud of the work that you do Andy and honored to support your efforts”. All is well back here in Stouffville, firewood has been stacked and donated to others, and leaves have been raked!
Dr. Josh Smith says
Thank you Jennifer and to all of the team for the incredibly kind and thoughtful words. Everyone here is reading each update every morning and today’s message was particularly timely. Safe journey through the rest of this week and safe travels home.
Shaun says
So glad to get these updates and that everything is going so well.
News from Byfield, Northamptonshire is that the Utility Area and Cloakroom (that’s English for ‘latrine’) is fully repainted!!
Keep changing lives. Lots of Love.
Cathy Duncan says
The tears and laughter continue to flow every time I read the blogs. My heart and soul has never been touched so much in my entire life as it has been since the team began its’ mission. You have been there for those people at a time when they needed you most. It is a true testament to the character of all the team members who have given so much and expect nothing in return. You are angels on earth. This world needs more life saving, game changing people like you. Although you will leave with work still to be done remember what you did for the thousands of people you treated. I anxiously await the return of my beloved daughter, Kaitlin D. For the time you have left as you say continue “one by one”.
Graham Wilson says
Great job as always team! We can understand how it seems daunting but look at the difference you’ve made in the msny lives that you have written about! We know there are thousands more too.
Great job with the rehydration Meli! Great job with he doctoring Jenn! I love you both and can’t wait to see you on Sunday.
I don’t want to tell you what to include in your blogs but I think we’re ready for an update on how many marriage proposals Magdi has received.
Sue says
Love reading the updates Jennifer
You are all doing brilliant job as always
Will never forget my 2 times in Ghana and would love to go again but it seems unlikely
Take care and stay safe
Sue Johnson xx
Olivia Wilson says
Way to go, sounds like you guys are doing an awesome job!
I’m slightly offended that my mother is making jabs at me from across the world (Interesting point #2), but I’ll get over it.
Keep it up!
Jo and Chad Smith says
We , in the UK , can think ourselves lucky that our sad news is on a far smaller and less depressing scale than that from Ghana.
At home in reverse order ,the nice news is that the children in need appeal on the BBC television in the UK raised more than 50 million pounds for disadvantaged children in the UK , the sad news is that none of this will make it’s way to Ghana .Your daily blogs have left us both feeling very lucky that we , and our children and grandchildren , grew up in the society we did .
More news , mainly for our daughter Dr Anne and any others there from Northampton , in the proper order this time .The sad news is that Northampton Saints have dropped a few places in the aviva premiership but she will be reassured by the nice news that Wasps are now 2 places above them .
Andrea Baynton says
That is a very good motto and helps one day at a time. Thank you again for your interesting recap of your day. Take care
Judith Gooding says
Continuing to be amazed at these wonderful reports.
My prayers are with you.
Ashley Duncan says
I look forward to receiving these updates every morning. It is so incredibly gratifying and humbling reading about all the work you guys are doing and the lives you are changing at the same time. I love that you also take the time to spiritually connect with all the people you meet. All of these experiences will forever be a huge take away in your hearts. I am so grateful that all of you get to take the time to help people and shed some light on what is really important in this world. I feel like I myself have been on a journey with all of you. Please let my sister Kaitlin know I miss talking to her everyday and that her niece Tiana sends her a prayer every night and we can’t wait for her to come home and share all of her experiences and catch her up. Cant wait for the next update. All the best in the last leg of your amazing journey everyone!
Good Bless and Be Safe
– Ash
Young Yoon says
Yes, helping and saving lives one by one is a perfect idea. Because one soul more precious
than the universe!
Excellent work Ghana Health Team.
We are very proud of you, Angie!
Mom and Dad, Christine and Ed.
Kelly Bruce says
Hang in there MIGHTY team!!!! You are making such an incredible impact and difference in SO many precious lives , families, and communities!! It is SO amazing and inspiring to follow your journey through Jenn’s wonderful blogs!!!! I wanted to share a Bible verse that I read this morning right after reading the blog….
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint – Isaiah 40:31
Sending my love and prayers to you all !!!!!!
One life at a time!!!
Kelly Bruce
Lynda Lawton says
You are all doing an amazing job.
Stay strong and well
I do wish I was there with you all playing my small part….. maybe next year.
With much love to you all
Steph says
We’ve so enjoyed Jennifer’s blogs and we’ve been told that they are read every night. So not knowing if there is a character limit to the comment filed, I thought (maybe not the best idea…) that it would be nice to reciprocate with some news from home (home being Ottawa or Ontario or Canada or whatever silly thoughts go through my child like addle brain) . First lets start with the weather.. its cold, it’s snowy and its icy. Forget those packages of frozen Fandango, no need for them here. The Grey Cup is playing this weekend between the Boatmen and the Stamps, should be a good game as long as you can avoid your butt from freezing on the benches if you happen to be at the game (did I mention it was cold here?).
On to politics. You know what, I think I’ll skip that one. Too much silliness and not enough responsible actions being taken North or South of the 49th parallel. Let’s just say that it’s good to know that there are 60+ of you actually doing good in the world. Otherwise it would discouraging to read the newspapers about sexual harassment, twitter nonsense or the habitual hateful news of some other gun toting person wrecking havoc.
On to Sports. Hockey is in full swing. The Habs are terrible, the Leafs suck (they’re actually very good this year, but the suck non the less) and Ottawa rules the roost (do I need to mention where I live?). NFL football has passed the halfway mark with the usual suspects ruling the league but a few surprises have squeezed in (Jags, Eagles, Rams and Vikings). You probably heard a tectonic shift occur last week when Italy did not made the world cup! The whole country is either in mourning or forming a lynch mob to tar and feather the players and coaches.
The college strike came to an end today with back to work legislation. It’s been an ugly 5 weeks for many of the students and faculty that were picketing. No winners anywhere on this one and lots of egg on the face of college management and Ontario government.
Man, I really don’t know how Jennifer does it, this is really hard to write. Or maybe she has a far better source of inspiration to create the lovely tableau of news, updates and activities of the team. I’ll sign off now, feeling inadequate of my efforts and wanting more news from Ghana. Be well and continue your great work!
Tom and Julie Eustace says
Very touching. Thank you Jennifer.
Pauline says
Greetings to you wonderful people from a very cold Calgary where I had to overnight last night as my flight to Abbotsford was cancelled due to fog
I guess you would not mind some of this cold!!!
I just read your blog from yesterday and of course I am sitting at the gate in the airport and had to reach for my Kleenex
Amazing what you have achieved in less than two weeks congratulations
May God bless and keep you in his care
Trevor says
Thanks for another wonderful blog, which will be in the Christ Church website within the hour! Please say hi to my wonderful wife, and Dr’s Andy and Martin, I do hope the latter is behaving himself!
Lori says
Keep up the great work!!! My daughter Renee is there with gour group ! I sure miss her and hope she is well thanks for the updates!
Alice and Jason Mah says
THANK you Jenn, for sharing these precious daily vignettes that we look forward to reading every day. It allows our family to join in with you in all these beautiful moments of kindness and goodness that you are all a part of there.
Special hello to David and Brenda, Dr. Andy (what a great photo!) and a shout out to Sherry, Linda and the Pharmacy team. Keep up the good work!
We love you all and will keep you in our prayers.
Sending Much Love,
Alice&Jason
‘08 Ghana Health Team
Shirley Elson says
So enjoying your commentaries – keep up the good work – and God bless your day.