Every morning at 5:45 am, a group of us from Canada, UK and Ghana gather to pray for our mission and our teammates. While it is early for us, the NEA staff have already been up for hours making breakfast, packing lunches, washing buses, and organizing surgical patients. The logistics team leaves at 4:00 am to organize the crowds and set up the clinic prior to our arrival. Dr. Kyle’s translator Moses looked a little sleepy today at the dental station: he had stayed in Yaara all night to guard the building that contained our supplies and medications. The commitment of the NEA staff towards this health program is hard to describe in words. It truly is their program.
Breakfast was extra special as Abraham presented Dr. Magdi with his gift-wrapped personal luggage which finally arrived from London at 3:00 am. Katie and Bex almost missed their breakfast as they discovered the ostriches on a morning walk and could not pull themselves away from these magnificent creatures.
Off to Yaara we went, and despite our long journey the physicians were consulting at their desks by 9:15 am. I cannot say enough about my colleagues. We are used to practicing in quiet consultation rooms where we can concentrate, examine patients under good lighting, and use specialized equipment to help us arrive at the correct diagnosis and treat the problem. Here, Drs. Carlye, Charlie, Sue, Kate, Helen, Mary, Andy, Anne, Karen and I are working in the hottest, most noisy environment imaginable, gathering information through a translator, dealing with unfamiliar diseases, while always ready to respond to an emergency.
Our ability to diagnose and treat with excellence is only possible due to the support and clinical information we receive from our nursing colleagues in triage, weights and temps, diagnostics, the nursing station, and then from our team of pharmacists at the end of the line who so professionally dispense the medication needed along with the counselling required. Our Ghanaian health care providers are the most invaluable resource of all. Today, was an extremely well run clinic and we were on the road by 3:45, thanks to an outstanding team effort.
I took a few moments today to visit our eye clinic. I watched as every patient moved through Barb’s auto refraction station, Dan’s intraocular pressure check followed by a full eye exam and slit lamp by Dr. Pete, Dr. Mai, Dr. Josh or Dr. Martin. After this, Jane checked her database for the required prescription and finally, our Ghanaian volunteers pulled out a pair of donated eye glasses they required. In addition, hundreds of sunglasses and safety glasses are being dispensed. It is a truly amazing operation and I’m hoping my pictures will come through to you so you can see for yourself.
The laser clinic only ran for a half-day today, but rather than taking a well deserved afternoon off, Martin took a short cut to Yaara to help his team in the village, and Marion popped into the OR to see if help was needed. They next thing she knew, she was scrubbed in and assisting Magdi with a hernia repair. What a change of pace for Marion who, although a nurse by training, has worked faithfully on our eye team since 2007.
You know you are a great leader when your team can function without you. Dr. Rob, surgical team leader, joined us in Yaara and in his absence his team worked non-stop from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, completing 35 procedures. They are now up to 180 in total and we thank God that there have been no complications. (Nothing blew up or caught fire either.)
What would a trip to Africa be without an insect story? Today, it is all about the ants. Poor Dr. Carlye set her backpack down on the grass and when she picked it up and slung it on her back, it became apparent that she had set it down on a fire ant hill. The back pack flew off and a group of translators rushed to her and began slapping her head to toe trying to knock off hundreds of little ants without much progress. Finally one of them said, ”Madame, you must take off your clothes!” which is the only way to properly deal with these type of ants in your pants. Thankfully, there was a latrine nearby for Carlye to duck into.
This evening, Kim and Dr. Mai went into their room to find a group of a larger ants having a party. There were thousands of them pouring from a hole in the wall and the floor was almost black. We considered blowing three whistles but Kyle our protector kicked into action with a broom and Birkenstock. I ran like a mad woman with arms flailing to find Soale, because that is what you do when you have a problem in Ghana. I frantically explained the situation to him. He paused (as he always does) and responded, “They say good luck comes to those with ants in their room.” Kim and Mai did not find that funny. He followed up with “This is very normal for us,” Well, it’s not normal for us, Soale! But the best response came when I asked him if these ants bite. Another pause. “Just a little, but it is not critical. Don’t worry, I will send for silicone.”
It has been quite a week indeed. According to Kim, over 2600 patients have received health care in Mo Land since our arrival. The only appropriate way I can find to sum up this week is to tell you about a Fulani boy who came to see me today. The Fulani tribe are nomadic tribe and typically their children are uneducated. I was seeing a Fulani family at my station and one of the boys was standing right beside my chair. His mom, the translator and I were reviewing the children’s histories when this boy started to speak in a loud, strong voice for about 30 seconds. He would stop speaking, looked at me, looked at Dr. Mary sitting at the other end of my table, and repeat this 30 second speech. He did this three times. Curious, I asked my translator to find out what he kept repeating. The translation I received from this 6 year old boy was, “You have such kind hearts. Had it not been for your help, most of us would die.”
I want to thank God for making what happened this week possible and for watching over NEA, our team and our patients. I want to thank each and every one of our families, our friends, our donors and our supporters for your role making it possible for us to be here for this time. Thank you for your prayers, your good wishes and your encouraging comments that are read to us every evening and make us laugh and make us cry.
As they say in the UK, we are knackered. Tomorrow is a day of leisure and we could not be more ready. Tours of the NEA compound and Carpenter village, a trip to market, book clubs, and the third annual Ghana’s Got Talent show are planned. On Sunday, we will go to church and in the afternoon, Ghana will take on a Canada/Europe for a very competitive volleyball and football game. The outcome will not be hard to predict.
Signing off until Monday …
This post is one in a series of Ghana Health Team 2018 Updates. You can subscribe to receive these updates by email.
andrew stewart says
Praying for a sustainable, lasting impact of the great work you are doing in this community. Thank you all for your personal sacrifices in making this happen. special greetings to brother Martin S. -DAS
Marian Sloss says
Greetings from Meaford, Ontario. I have enjoyed reading your daily blogs on behalf of the Ghana medical team. What an amazing job you are doing! Blessings as you continue through this coming week. Our prayers are with you. Special greetings to my brother, Martin.
Marian Sloss
Marian Sloss says
Greetings from Meaford, Ontario. I have really been enjoying reading the daily blogs sent on behalf of the Ghana work team. Such an amazing job that everyone is doing. May you continue to be blessed during the remainder of your time there. A special greeting to my brother, Martin, and continued prayers for all.
Marian Sloss
Barbara says
Hi All, Please tell Val that we are sitting at the kitchen table with Dad, Dad is here for Sunday dinner:), reviewing all of the ‘books’ Dr Wilson has written. Dad wants me to write that he is so proud of Val and the amazing work the team is doing. Dad says that he misses her and wishes for her and the team’s safe return.
Take care everyone and see you soon
Barb
Mike Brown says
Well done all what a great effort. Good to see Dr Pete in action – was wondering why I’d not heard any noise about the Ireland/All Blacks result you’ve been too busy! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures when we catch up in London in December. MC and Katie in NZ
Martin and Caro-Claire Wiles says
Although I am a day behind reading this latest report, once again you have left me with eyes brimming over and a heart full of Thanksgiving for the amazing team you have that is ready to take on “almost” everything (Ants excluded) that is pitched at you. AMAZING!
God be with you all and may you have a time of rest on your day of refreshment and Sabbath blessings to all
Much love from the Wiles in Orillia xoxo
Jo Hicks says
I’ll keep it short unlike my son ..
So so proud of you all -hope you had a restful weekend and are ready to smash the week ahead
Kisses for Rob
Love to you all
Jo x
Maria assefuah says
To my friend and college Rebbecca Jones . I am so proud of you for doing this for the people of Ghana as you know i have been coming to Ghana for the past 20 years . I know how hard you work and with the heat of Ghana it must be unbearable for you . I know how kind you will be with all your patients . Especially the children . The people of Ghana are so lucky to have you. Cant wait for you to come back to work for you to tell me the wonderful time you spent in Ghana and all the stories you have to tell me . Ps if you have any chance please bring me some fresh groundnut paste . Thank you . So proud of you and everyone else giving their time and expertise to help the people of Ghana . Best wishes M aria Assefuah.xx
Maria Martin says
Hi Rebecca Elizabeth Jones!! Hope you are ok? We’ve been for lunch today with Simon, at the St John Winebar! It was lovely to see, he’s missing you so much! We are all so very proud of you, you are all doing such an amazing job!! Travel safe darling! See you soon x sending lots of love Mia xxxx
James Jensen says
So awesome to see you in the photos Carlye! I assume you are tired but you look full of energy. Keep it up!
Xoxo JKL
Ted Hicks says
Dear everyone,
Having been stuck in the Napoleonic Wars for the past week, it is only now that I have sat down to read all the blogs from this year’s trip; it makes an excellent change to get out of the mundane history books and into some real authorship (these reports really need to be put into a book Jen!!).
People look at all the photos from last year’s trip that cover my Uni room wall and ask me what I did in Ghana and I quite literally haven’t the words to tell them (which is a unusual situation for me it has to be said). Where does one begin in answering that question? Do I list some highlights? Like triage with Leslie, assisting my old man in theatre, football in the field, or Greg’s wardrobe? I suppose Ashley would pipe up from the back of dinner and answer my original question saying that I did ‘not much’, which I guess is fair in comparison to the rest of you heroes. Ashley I was pleased to hear about your sterilising machine solution – I know this big new multitray type deal would have put a smile on your face. I can only hope that someone is finding the time to put Eric in his footballing place – I’m counting on you guys in Sunday’s game against the locals!
In all seriousness, it is difficult to find the words to describe the good you guys are doing. Every year you’re back at it fundraising, organising and travelling to Carpenter – and that’s the easy bit! The tens of thousands of patients you see have their lives given back to them by you, that is true. The 300 (yes you can make it surgical team!!!) surgeries you guys complete prevent needless suffering for hundreds, again this is true. But in the general brouhaha of the jampacked two weeks, it is easy to forget the legacies of your work. Children get to grow up with their parents, because of you; they get to grow up, get married, then have children without fear of problems in childbirth because of the programmes you have started; they get to become doctors and nurses through the inspiration and training you give; they will be able to go to their local, state of the art hospital thanks to the legacy you have left. The man in the airport was so right to say that history will remember you all.
General rugby news Dad – Wales beat Australia by 3 and Tonga by lots, now up to I think 3rd in the rankings. Dingwall scored his first Saints try vs Wasps, whilst I was getting my first college rugby yellow card – o the how the paths of life twist and turn. England are rubbish but that’s old news. Ireland beat the All Blacks and are now favourites for the World Cup. Other things around the world are happening I guess like May’s Cabinet collapsing and the country heading into post-Brexit depression, but that’s the essentials covered. Movember dinner was good too with Charlie. Dave, a big well done to CC on her interview!!
I apologise for the big long rant, I thought I should make up for the absence of messages thus far from me. Whilst I am slightly offended with my dear father’s comments about it being the ‘best first day ever’ on the one trip where neither I nor his wife is there, I guess 35 operations in the first half day is good enough cause for such a claim so I’ll let you off – surgical team let’s get to 300! There’s a warm blue glow in the sky to the South, I can only assume that it is the glare from Greg and Francois’ shirts.
All my best to everyone, keep smashing it. Particularly Robbie, Dave, Pete and everyone from the UK team – much love to you all.
‘Dr.’ Ted Hicks – Lead Surgical Store Room Manager and Captain of Football 2017
Ian Gayton says
Half way into the time you have there, so much achieved yet so much more to do! You all work so hard with so much dedication and love. I’m proud of you all and humbled as there are probably others in the team like Ashley who have health issues and are in pain every day yet ignore their own issues to give fully to others.
Talking of Ashley I found it rather amusing that his name and “skipping” should have been in the same sentence, I’m still trying to recall the last time I saw him skip!
I look forward to the blogs of your second half of your endeavours and wish you all well and our thoughts are with you. Can’t wait for the 29th and to hear your telling of your time there Ash(ley), love you!
Dad & Marie
Sam Cunningham says
It’s so lovely to read these daily blogs. Espescislly good today to read all about the eye clinic and see a picture of Pete, I’m missing that face! Keep up the great work & really look forward to seeing you next week!
Darlene says
Wow, just amazes me how many people your team have helped in just a few days. Keep up the great work. I love reading and seeing the pictures you send. You all deserve a little R/R tomorrow.
Alisha, I have some news for you I got my birthday card on Friday. Love you
Meghsn Simpson says
180 surgeries to date – woot woot! Our fingers are crossed that you will hit your goal of 300.
A successful surgery is nothing without a strong recovery team. Keep up the good work Mom (Sue). The patients are lucky to have such a talented and upbeat nurse to wake up to.
Love Meg, Molly, Bridget, Jared and Murphy
Sarah says
Congratulations on all your successes in your first week. A special hello to Sue and Leslie :). All the best!
Mac Phillips and Sarah Phillips
Agnes Ward says
Wonderful to see a pic of my Thursday friend, Barb. You look as if you have used a refractor all your life!!!
Absolutely love receiving your messages each day.
Miss you..
Love Agnes
Jonah Baker says
I cannot wait until you get back to Canada. Only 9 more days!! Love Jonah
Kaitlin says
I hope everyone enjoys some much needed “relaxation”. I love reading these blogs every day. Brings back such great memories. Cheers to another amazing week ahead. Sending prayers!
Thecla Cunningham says
You are all incredible.
Hello to Pete my wee brother in the Eye Clinic. Great to see you in action.
Much love from
Thecla Ewan & Lorcan in Kent.
Anthony Shearing says
Thanks for the great updates. Ben and I look forward to reading them every day. Glad you are all getting a well deserved day off. Keep up the amazing work. Nice to see a picture of Dr. Helen, we are looking forward to having her back. No ants here in Muskoka just a couple feet of snow.
Lynda Lawton says
So proud of you all and so sad not to be with you this year.
As ever, every story is inspiring and makes me realise why I need to offer my skills again…. maybe next year.
With all my love to you all
Lynda xxx
Lydia Owusu Ansah says
Wow!!!!! So inspiring….. God bless you for putting smiles on people’s face….The Fulani boy said it all……..can’t wait to join this wonderful team
Michelle du Preez says
I love reading these posts, they are so inspiring. Your love and care for patients you’re serving brings this quote to mind
“Preach the gospel as all times, use words when absolutely necessary” St Francis of Assisi.
Please give Barb and Dan a huge hug from the du Preez gang. So great to see pics of the two of you.
trevor smith says
Wonderful update Jen, thanks for sharing. Big hugs for Jane, please ask her not to spend all her pocket money on fabric tomorrow!! Hope you all have a very well-earned rest day.
Aly Fowlie says
These wonderful daily blogs bring a tear to my eyes every morning as I read.
Wonderful to see you, Barb and Dan, hard at work.
I am so proud and absolutely amazed at this wonderful team working so hard and making such a difference to so many lives.
I am also grateful for these beautifully written blogs. Thank you.
Xx
Max McDowell says
Mom and I are so proud of you, Dad!
Love Max
Laurel says
Hello from snowy Newfoundland. You guys are wonderful. I’m grateful that was part of this in 2016, and this year enjoying reading your stories and appreciating the amazing work you are doing. I hope you have a relaxing weekend <3
Don says
Great work by everyone! Fabulous pictures, especially the one with Martha!! Love Don
Simon Hale says
Wow! The bit about the 6 year old boy’s translation “You have such kind hearts. Had it not been for your help, most of us would die.” Very powerful words. He’s sums up in one short sentence exactly how it is. You must be all so very proud. Amazing work.
I Hope you are all enjoy your well deserved weekend off. PLEASE, can somebody keep their eye on Bex (Rebecca Jones) at the market – she is a professional shopper. I’m worried what she may bring home.. Bex, we have no room… 😉 I have visions of you coming home with an ostrich…
Miss you much, Bex xxxx
Rachel Teakle says
So enjoying your detailed updates, Jennifer! You are a great writer as well as a great doctor! Wow, 2600 patients so far! Great job organizing everything, Kim! Hope your room is now ant free! Praying regularly for you all as you continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in Ghana. Enjoy your well-deserved rest days! Praying for renewed strength and energy as you enter the next busy week.
Ruth Grant says
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. So proud of the work you are doing and especially that the local people are so involved and committed to clinical care.
Safe journey to Martin especially and try to avoid those pesky ants!!!
Love Ruth
Ian Stewart says
Godspeed to all you! Such amazing pictures. The faces of joy amongst all of you, staff and patients alike, is spirit-lifting.
Special greetings to my brother Martin Stewart!
Love
B.
Sandra Stark says
What a beautiful speech from that young man. Good on him. He wanted to make sure he was heard. Loved the ant stories. Carlye, remember when that happened to you at the cottage many years ago ( not fire ants of course but a nest). You sure stripped down fast that day :). Always funny after the fact. Hope you didn’t get too bitten. Heading to Canmore today. Love hearing about everyone’s day. Very moving.
Judy steelebeckett says
May God continue to bless the work and the workers. Your blogs bring back wonderful memories of my opportunity to work beside the team. Wonderful to see so many Names and faces I recognize. Praying for your rest and rejuvenation this weekend.
Kind regards
Donna McKenney says
Thank you for yet another visually informed glimpse into a day of your awesome team.
Thanking God for giving you health and strength to keep up the pace as you serve so many.
Enjoy your well deserved break.
We are preparing for the Santa parade here in Uxbridge.
Margaret says
What incredible energy and spirit you all have. It is seen in every picture and read in every word of your beautiful stories Jenn. Be kind to yourselves during your well deserved rest days and sing and dance your hearts out at Ghana’s got talent. Love and prayers sent your way. With you in spirit.
Margaret
Peter Jensen was says
Jennifer thank you for the photos …a picture is worth a thousand words…although your words are awesome! No camera around when Carlye was dealing with the ants?
Love and blessings to all!
Peter
Lisa Hurlburt says
Hi everyone! It is so great to hear these updates every day!
Wow, two ant stories in one day! I hope you didn’t have many bites Carlye! The ant carpeting in the room sounds like quite the team building activity!
Special hello to my beautiful mom, Marion! Very proud of you for many reasons, but today particularly for deciding to be a scrub nurse for a day! Shouldn’t surprise me, you are always looking for where you can be helpful and always are wanting to be busy with something! We all miss you here, and love you very much!
Rick and Ing Otter says
Thanks for including pictures of some of the people you mention in your blog. Glad you didn’t include any ant pictures, cause just reading about it made me itchy….. Hope everything is much improved on that front. WOW, you all have certainly accomplished so much and so glad to hear you are able to have a break. Good luck with the game! Take care Dan and Barb..
Amy Howran says
Keep up the great work! You guys are amazing.
Love the updates. May the rest of your trip be insect free!
Garrett Bent says
Hey everyone!
I am so glad the first week went well! I just wanted to give a special shout out to the dental team, wishing I was there alongside you! Being in Ghana would sure beat having to do exams, and the sunny hot weather would definitely beat the rainy cold Irish weather!
Anyway, enjoy the well deserved break everyone and good luck in the second week to come.
Bryan Fisher says
I agree with Karen ..YOU ARE ALL AMAZING. We look forward each morning to receiving your daily accounts. You are indeed Christ’s word and work in action to these people that you serve and to those of us that stand with you in prayer. We are so thankful that you take the time after a very busy day to organize your thoughts and compile these messages. Stay safe.
Hi to Dave Norton.
Betsy Convery says
Oh Jennifer, my heart is so full after reading today’s blog. Your words transport me back to Yaara as well . It is if I am working alongside everyone one of you, again. A big shout out to Marion, Carlye, Joan, Charlie and Sandra. God blesses your work in His name, and may he continue to bless the whole GHT. You are doing His work here on earth. Thank you so much.
Love, Betsy
Shayla says
I am so grateful to be able to read these updates daily! What each and every one of you are doing is so wonderful. If these messages get read aloud, can you pass on a HUGE thank you to Greg for his heartfelt surprises he left me for my Birthday today 🙂 You never cease to amaze me! Sending all my love.
XO
Jennifer Harper says
Wow the pictures really tell the story of your great work!
Nice to see my sister Martha doing an excellent job, as usual!
Love from Jennifer
Cathy Fleming says
Hi Barb and Dan
Love you for all you do and proud of you for volunteering again! You are my hero’s!
Cathy
Tom and Julie Eustace says
OMG! What an ant story! I’m itching as I tyoe….and to think that this is a relatively normal occurance for these wonderful people. Hope you all enjoy a well deserved break.
Hugs to all, and especially our dearest Leslie. Trying to keep Lovey entertained, but the “buffing” is becoming worrisome.
Karen Ingram says
Good Morning all from snowy Muskoka. As I read your blog with my morning coffee I am overwhelmed with the work you are doing. Proof that you are all making a difference.
You are all amazing !! Keep up the good work . Be safe.
Hugs to Leslie
Kate Ducharme says
What a great start! So proud of you Auntie Bea (Barb) and Uncle Dan. Best of luck to the whole team – such amazing work! Much love, Kate & boys