The morning commute to Yaara is always interesting. After about 20 minutes on the main road we turn on to a dirt road that I fondly refer to as “Washboard Avenue.” After another turn, the road becomes more of a path lined by tall grass. Every once in a while we would pass a small village or a school. All the while the road seems to get narrower and narrower and the pot holes deeper and deeper. After crossing the amazing Makbraneth Bridge, we got momentarily stuck in a big mud puddle. Thankfully, our expert driver Simon got us out of it before we had to decide who would do the pushing.
Just under two hours later we arrived in beautiful village of Yaara, the place where David Mensah was sent as a young boy after his father died of a hernia. David explained it was a village that mistreated him so severely that he had to escape yet, many years later, it was one of the first villages that NEA brought its development work to. David speaks about this in detail in his book Kwabena.
After such a long and bumpy bus ride, many team members reluctantly headed to the latrines. Suddenly there were whoops of joy as we discovered brand new, never before used latrines built by NEA and the Makbraneth Foundation. These latrines had doors. These latrines had locks on the doors. These latrines had … wait for it … toilets, which quickly became known as thrones! Oh my, there was such a commotion as people started cheering from behind those doors and I believe it was nurse Joan who broke out into the Hallelujah chorus. The latrines were the topic of the day in the lunch room!
The school was quickly transformed into a a clinic due to the coordinated efforts by every member of the team and our Ghanaian volunteers. It is a logistical work of art (thanks Kim, Steve and Dave) as every canopy, hockey bag, table, chair and even garbage bag gets to the proper destination. While we were setting up, the beating of the drums began and soon the women started to sing and dance. The team made their way over to join the dancing, but Dr. Sue and some of our nurses had to miss the ceremony as they were attending to a critically ill teenager who needed stabilizing. David’s brother, Chief Joseph, and his elders were seated and had a great laugh watching us all trying to dance to a beat that we cannot quite find with sweat pouring down our faces in the already well over 30 degree heat. I have to say Dr. Anne and Dr. Charlie won the prize for most enthusiastic dancers!
When the drums stopped, greetings were exchanged and Ashley Gayton (one of our surgical team members who joined us today) presented the chief with a gift and Margaret from the eye team presented a gift to his wife. Dr. Rob and Elena brought a soccer ball for each village and Amelia presented that as wide-eyed little boys and girls looked on. The Assembly Man then spoke eloquently on behalf of the Chief and Elders and explained that our annual visit over ten years has become a strong motivating force to them. Our efforts and our presence year by year has motivated their community to do more and more to help themselves and improve their situation. For example, they have been advocating for many years for a health centre in their community and he announced that approval has been given. Soon a nurse and a midwife will be posted in the newly built Yaara health centre to provide year round care! We have all been praying and waiting for that day! He also commented that their health has improved not only because of the medicine and surgery, but because their community’s consistent interaction and socialization with us has added to their health enormously. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a ram, more yams and large piles of fresh pineapple, papaya, watermelon and bananas that neighbouring villages contributed to the group gift. The chief then called my daughter forward and his wife Hagar handed her the gift of a live chicken. As Dr. Andy said at dinner, the look on Amelia’s face as she held that chicken was priceless! The chicken fell out of the pickup on the way home but survived his attempt at escape. Poor guy.
All sectors of our clinic ran so well today and one patient at a time was treated with compassionate, highly quality care. Team spirits were very high despite the blistering heat. Our pharmacy and dentistry station were surprised and thrilled to be working in a brand new three-room school with electricity and fans. Sherry’s happy dance unfortunately only lasted for about one hour when they lost that precious power and out came the reliable old generators once again! It was an “hour of power” our pharmacy team will never forget.
Some of you will remember stories of Joshua, David’s nephew who, seven years ago, almost died from severe pneumonia while we were in Yaara. This tall growing young man paid us his annual visit and it seems like yesterday to many of us that we almost lost him as a sweet little baby.
Our newcomers took a brief walking tour through the village and salty bus snacks (highlight of the day) were handed out thanks to our Hunstville friends of John, Jenn, Cheryl and family. With God’s help, we arrived safely back on the compound before dark.
Back at home base the laser clinic was busy restoring sight and putting another big dent in the epidemic of glaucoma here in Ghana. Our optometry team is already talking about the next step — which would be cataract surgeries. No pressure Dr Toylin!?I’d love to report on how our surgical team’s day went but they still were still in the operating theatres when we all left for bed at 8:00, completing the 40th case of the day. What a long day they had, but they will be happy to enjoy another amazing meal of Fufu from Lucy’s yams and guinea fowl tomato soup. Apparently Lucy’s guinea fowl gave the NEA staff a very hard time when they tried to catch them.
Today was a day where our team values of service, teamwork, sensitivity, professionalism and resilience continued to come to life in so many ways by so many individuals in Yaara and on the Carpenter compound. Our sixth unofficial team value is “to have fun along the way,” and we are all thoroughly enjoying every moment of our time with our dear friends at NEA and the people of Ghana.
Mauriece says
I’m sure Dr. Toylin and everyone else there is doing a great job!! All of your patients and their families will be eternally grateful for sure.
Sandra Stark says
Keep up the good work. It is an inspiration to read. Lots of love: Sandra, Brandon and Aiden.
Kristina Drury says
Way to go Drury team! Great idea with the soccer balls. It sounds like you are all having a great time and making a wonderful impact. Thank you for keeping us In the loop on everything.
Looking forward to reading about your next adventure. Sending love from Brooklyn!
Ethan Newton says
Way to go Dad! Sounds like you all are making quite the difference in a lot of lives overseas. Very proud of you dad, and the whole team for contributing so much to those who are in need. Can’t wait to hear more about it
carol says
Love to colleagues and friends from Fenelon Falls – where it is cold and miserable – so I am dreaming of heat and sun….
Jennifer – Thank you so much for the ‘virtual video’ -I was along for the ride as you described the road to Yara and was filled pride and excitement to hear about the beautifully choreographed set up and I too was delighted with news of the private thrones! Best of all is the reflection on lasting and meaningful impact over time. So grateful to be able to ‘feel’ the story come alive.
Blessings to you all and to those you touch!
carol
Dyan and mike Muir says
Hi Ames and Sis. Thinking about you both and all the amazing work all the team is doing for so many. What a wonderful feeling of satisfaction at the end of each day, each person there must feel as you all lay your exhausted heads down. Take care, be safe and sending lots of hugs. X X
Ps. The daily postings are so much enjoyed and appreciated. Thank you.
Mike and Dyan. Xxxxxx
Jennifer Harper says
Sounds like a very productive happy day!
Glad everyone is safe. Great work you are doing changing lives every moment of every day.
Kang-il and Young-ae Yoon says
Wow! Thank God. Our optometry team has completed 40 cases of wonderful work on glaucoma patient in a day. It must be a long day, but they might feel it so short when they were enjoying what have done. They are planning for cataract surgeries. We pray for successful surgery on each and every case.
Elsa Hicks says
Sounds like an amazing and challenging day and I am very glad the chicken escaped!!
Hopefully all the surgical team have recovered from the massive amount of operations and another day of incredible work can be completed tomorrow.
Lots of love to Robbie, Jo and Ted xxx
Gina (friend of Leslie and Judy) says
What a rewarding experience for each of you, and for the townsfolk! Your writing is a joy to read. Fabulous progress.
Jean and Terry (Dan H's outlaws!! says
You are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work. Heartwarming and moving at the same time! Just make sure you look after yourselves as well as looking after your patients. You are making your family and friends proud. Good news about the latrines by the way!!?
Kristin Giller says
Jenn, you’re a wonderful writer! Enjoying reading about your work and travels. Hugs from UHC!
Ingrid Otter says
Must be so rewarding to see all the positive improvements in people who have been treated and come back to see you and the buildings where you treat them. So happy to hear the good news on the latrine situation at this location!! YEAH!!!!
Bob says
Anxiously await these daily updates! Very grateful for them! Amazing things are happening in Africa! Blessings to everyone!!!
Tanja says
There is so much to do – so much need… Must break everyone’s hearts when they have to pack up and go 🙂 Amazing work you are all doing! Much love to Dan and Barb from cousin Tani xox…
Marilyn Daniels says
With you all the way, praying every day! The travel challenges, latrine stories and even the gifts of rams resonate with years of service in Africa….and then there are the precious patients! My hearts yearns to be there with you! May God bless you for all you have sacrificed to bring His love to these dear people.
Meagan Olson says
Baby Joshua!!! Who’s no longer a little babe in nurse Joan’s arms! I imagine it was another emotional reunion to see him grow taller and stronger. I hope there is an updated picture of the two of them ?? he had such a profound impact on her first Ghana health team mission.
Prayers continue for the team as you are the hands and feet of our savior!
Dick Tompkins says
Each of you embody the best of humanity in sharing your gifts with those who need them most. Your selfless example of loving your fellow man is a remarkably bright light for all to appreciate. Thank You.
Donna McKenney says
Thank you for the detailed update. It is great to be able to share in your joy and accomplishments. Prayers continue for your good health and stamina.
Mali says
I could literally paint a picture reading along in your journey. I go through a roller coaster of abundant emotions as I continue from post to post. Many highs, tears of joy and extreme gratitude that they are so many kind souls to be giving back in the way you all are! Continue with all the amazing yet hard work Nurse Kaitlin and Dr.Newton. We are all cheering you on.
Take care & Many thanks!