Today was paediatric day in our surgical theatres. Our Ghanaian anaesthetist Eric suggested we consider giving the children a touch of sedation before bringing them in for their anaesthesia so that they would be less scared of our white faces. Dr. Karen, who does a lot of paediatric anaesthesiology at home, took charge and the team made arrangements for all the kids to receive a brand new football along with small drink of Fanta laced with an oral sedative prior to being wheeled into the theatre. Let’s just say that a very happy group of kids came in and out of their surgeries without any complications and barely a cry or whine was heard.
Our anaesthetic nurse Debbie has been just brilliant. We are thankful that these kids not only had their hernias repaired but they and their families had a very positive health care experience overall.
The only complication of the day involved a sterilizer which sort of caught on fire. Apparently Dr. Dan didn’t blink an eye and just kept operating whilst singing his jazz tunes. Thankfully the fire put itself out and no harm was done (except for the sterilizer).
Miraculously, one of the NEA staff remembered there was another sterilizer on the compound. Before they knew it, a four foot tall industrial sized autoclave suddenly appeared and was in working order. We have no idea where it came from but Ashley and Sara can now sterilize the entire team’s instruments in one batch, saving hours of work.
The medical team was on the road at 0630 for the long and bumpy ride to the remote village of Yaara. Stepping off the bus in Yaara is always one of my favourite moments of the mission and this year was just as special as ever. The drums were beating, the women were dancing in a circle and David’s brother Chief Joseph, the Queen Mother, elders, and women leaders were all ready to greet us. Many of us joined the circle and tried without much success to find the beat of the drums. The village presented our team with yams, bananas, oranges, papaya, watermelon and Jessica received her own yams and a chicken.
Abraham tried his best to keep the welcome festivities and speeches short so that we could go straight to work as the crowd was enormous. What amazed me about today is how our team is just so committed to providing the most thorough and compassionate care to each and every patient they come in contact with despite the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of other people who are waiting.
There are many amazing stories that could be told about this day but there is only one that I will share tonight.
Word was received that a very ill young woman in the village was too weak to get to us. Our paramedic Greg made a house call to the far corner of the village and when it became apparent that she needed immediate care, a taxi picked her up, drove right through our crowds to the door of our nursing station. Our doctor of the day was Dr. Andy and he was faced with a difficult and heartbreaking situation. It is cases like this that, quite frankly, cause an anger to rise up within me. A situation like this would never happen in Canada or the UK and it is unacceptable that a young mother in a village in Yaara is not given the same opportunity for health and life that we have. If the doors to NEA’s hospital were open today, I have no doubt that this situation would have looked very different for this woman and her three young children. Those of us who came in contact with her today will not soon erase this injustice from our minds.
Every afternoon around 3:00pm each team member, volunteer and translator on the medical, surgical, dental and eye team are handed a quote. This Franciscan Blessing was handed to us yesterday:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at poverty, injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may wish for health justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world.
Amen.
This post is one in a series of Ghana Health Team 2018 Updates. You can subscribe to receive these updates by email.
Jessica Smith says
Its so interesting and inspiring reading about the accomplishments of this team. Keep up the great work! I’m so proud of my mum, Jane, for going on these trips. Hi mum, miss you lots and I can’t wait to hear all about this trip when you get back! xoxo
Jessica Smith says
Getting to hear about the work the whole team does is so inspiring! You’re all doing an amazing job, keep it up. I’m always so proud of my mum, Jane, when she goes on these trips. Missing you lots Mum, and I can’t wait to see you when you get back!! xoxo
Kara says
I just love seeing the amazing pictures in all of the blog posts. The child holding their new ball pre-surgery was so lovely ! Thank you for the amazing work you are all doing.
the bakers says
megan we hope you are having a fun time. we can’t wait until you come home. have a great time.
Nichola Blunt says
Such amazing stories from an amazing team.
Wow, how long have they been hiding s full sterilizer lol!!?? Great news.
Hope you all enjoy a rest this weekend a and good luck at talent night Surgery team!! Love from Nicky x
Simon Hale says
Cap doffed to each and everyone of you.
Gets me every time I read these blogs.
Did I say how proud of you I am, Rebecca Jones.
Big Love xxxx
Paul says
Love reading your blogs truly amazing what you can accomplish each and every day .You amazing people give all you can in a long day it must feel awesome .Val you are missed but in a lot of picks so we can still see and here what you are up to every day Callie misses her mom walks all is good at home..all or love Paul Nick Cassie Callie .keep up all the great work all the best to all..
Heather Smith says
I now know I am spending too much time on social media (right Dr. Josh?) but I wanted a like button fir each comment I’ve read and a LOVE button for yet another heartwarming blog.
The Franciscan Blessing causes me to ponder what more I can do and deepens my appreciation for all you are doing.
Ruth Oppenheim says
I agree with a previous comment . Thank goodness you are all just foolish enough to think you can make a difference.
Each morning the first thing I do here in Australia Is to read about what you are doing in Ghana.
Your daily challenges , victories and traumas make me realise how insignificant my worries are and how much good there still is in our troubled world.
Love to all especially my dear sister, Nurse Leslie
PS. Fanta and a sedative- great idea!!
Karen Ingram says
Another day of pure pride that this dedicated team are all changing lives, making a difference for so many .
What an amazing Team !
Keep up the excellent work .
Hugs to my good friend Nurse Leslie . I know you are luving every minute of this experience.
Aiden Czmorek says
HI Mom (Dr. Carlye), I hope you’re saving lots of people’s lives and you’re not overheated. I miss you a lot. I can’t wait til you get back, and while you’re there, save as many people as you can.
Love Aiden
Nicole Demers says
Jenn your beautiful depiction of Yaara and stepping off the bus to the drums gave me goosebumps, and took me back to the sounds and rhythm! I have tears in my eyes (I swear it’s the hormones) thinking of how amazing the work of this team is, and of all the times we’ve imagined the doors of the NEA hospital open and similar situations avoided; lives saved. I’m thinking of you all each day, wishing I was enjoying the heat instead of snow … and a fandango with you all!! Sending strength and love.
Judith Gooding says
The Franciscan blessing is very stirring.
And you are living it out, one person at a time.
Making an incredible difference. Thank you.
Judith says
That quote is amazing.
Reminds me of an old gospel song, “Little is much, when God is in it.”
And if little is much when God is in it, imagine how much your team’s “much-ness” is accomplishing.
Amazing.
Jo. Smith. says
Loving the blogs,you are all doing a wonderful job .
Wendy Higman says
Reading your blog is such an emotional experience. You are all working so hard and are so dedicated. There’s not much that phases Dan and even less that will keep him from humming Jazz! You are such a determined and innovative bunch and you always seem to find a way to overcome so many of the adversities that you face.
Amazing stuff. Keep at it!!
Lots of love from the Higgies xxx
Caitlin Skerratt says
Dancing under the canopy at Yaara was one of my favourite moments last year – I hope Dr. Charlie kept everyone dancing in time again this year! We have lots of snow in Halifax right now, and when I read this post all I can think about is the whole team working tirelessly in the intense heat. Each and every one of you are incredible. More hugs to my mom, and please tell Kim that I miss counting the records with her! Now, enjoy your weekend “off”!
Debbie Edgell says
All of us at Uxbridge Health Centre miss you Jenn and Carlye! …. and we are wondering where we can get some of that Fanta!
Love and best wishes to all of you wonderful people!
MelB, MelT, Jan, JoHanna, Jill, Mary, Dale, Sue, Julie, Kathy, Peggy, Zena, Dawna, Justyne, Ginny, DebD, DebE, Shanie, Robin and all the docs
Paul and Jean Haughn says
We read the Ghana reports with tears in our eyes and thanks in our hearts for the
lives that are being cared for by the dedicated medical team. We pray for each of
you, thanking the Lord for all He is doing through you to bring health and hope to
so many.
Anne-Marie says
To the entire Team ! Just can’t believe the miracles you are making happen every single day !! I’m reading your blog to my colleagues in the Chemo Clinic at Scarborough Cententary every day … even as seasoned nurses there are glassy eyes!!
Continue to stay safe and be strong!
Love you Wee Jenny!!
See you soon!
Love your family !
A-M
Andrea Baynton says
How amazing is the work the team can accomplish under some of the conditions and circumstances you are facing. I am in awe when reading your blog each day. That is wonderful hat the children received a ball and ought of sedating them before their surgery. It must be frightening for them and this made it so much more a pleasant experience. Take care.??????
Jennifer Harper says
Wonderful stories!
Hello to my sister Martha!
Lots of snow in Ottawa!
See you soon!
Love
Jennifer
Karin Stovell says
God bless & sustain each of you in all that you are doing. Thanks, Jenn, for keeping us updated on the amazing work of this fine team. The story of the sterilizer is such a wonderful image of how God provides.
May He continue to watch over you all & those you are caring for.
Karin & Murray Stovell
Trevor Smith says
As a child I remember Fanta seemed to make everything feel better! So proud and humbled of the work the whole team is undertaking. Please tell Jane that Luna and I think it’s very quiet without her! BTW another big dump of snow overnight so more shovelling in Uxbridge…..
Pauline Pankewich says
Look at what you have done so far in less than a week! Amazing
May God strengthen and give you wisdom as you continue to heal in His name
Doneath Stewart-Forrest says
One person at a time, one day at a time is how we will fight injustice. There will be always be so much work do but with people giving of themselves as the Ghana Health Team.. inroads to justice will be craved and created.
Toni-ann we miss you. Seeing the gratitude of the Ghanaian people I am sure is overwhelming and thought provoking for you. Love always Mom.
Rebecca says
Bring some of that Fanta home for those of us having surgery here in Canada!! Ha!!
You are all loved and prayed for daily!
Love you sis and Jess!
Tiara Folkes says
What a blessing to find a new serialization machine! ?
First major snowfall of the year here in Ottawa.
Thinking of you.
Tiara
Amelia Wilson says
I love reading the blogs every morning Mom and am so glad to hear that everything is going so well!
Miss and love you Mom and Jess and I hope you have a great weekend!
Martin and Caro-Claire Wiles says
God bless each and every one of your amazing team.
May He continue to give you daily strength and wisdom as each day you are presented with yet another heartbreaking situation that you have to deal with.
Much love from the Wiles in Orillia
Sandra Stark says
Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. Very beautiful. Also woke up to your blogpost. Also beautiful. At least you appear to have an ongoing supply of fruit and veges as you travel from town to town. Wonderful way for people to express their gratitude. Who is bringing home the goat and chicken? Carlye is very good at putting out ?. This one turned out to be a labour saving strategy, however. Blessings come in many forms :). Love to all.
Christine says
Congratulations on your hard work, you are all truly inspirational. We can’t wait to catch up with the daily blog and hear about your triumphs and mishaps!
Love Christine
Jane Cox says
How amazing is the work you are all doing. Touches my heart every time I read a blog. Well done Ashley for saving the. Huge lump in my throat realising my daughter Katie Rivett is out there making a difference.
Carry on the good work everyone.
Much love
Jane xxx
Elsa Hicks says
Laughing about the steriliser, glad Ashley’s got a new toy! I have just finished our daily reading of the blog in the welsh wagon on our way to school this morning
The Yardley kids send our love and have a great Friday! Xxx
Tom and Julie Eustace says
Such a touching story. Our hearts break for the young woman and her family. You are empowering a community, and that will make a difference,
“A spiritual lift comes when we allow the Lord not only to enter the problem but also to carry the burdensome weight of it.” (Jan Dargatz)
Missing our girl Leslie at the “wrinkle ranch”.
Mary Bristow says
I thank God that each one of you are foolish enough to not only think that you can make a difference with the inequality and injustices of the world….but you ARE making a difference….one person at a time….giving it your all! May God bless everyone of you, and continue to give you the strength and endurance required to carry out His mission!!