Two days of rest, relaxation and fun in the Ghanaian sun are great for the soul. We are so sorry to hear we are missing Canadian winter!
Saturday morning the team enjoyed a lovely sleep-in with the exception of the running club who were on the trails at 6:30 am. En route to breakfast we discovered the big NEA gazebo was full of African crafts, carvings, baskets, fabrics and clothing for our purchasing pleasure. This team clearly has a case of shopping withdrawal.
After breakfast David Mensah played the role of tour guide as team members walked around the vast NEA compound to witness the different sectors of development taking place. They received lessons in aquaculture, mushroom farming, shea butter production and animal husbandry to mention a few. How wonderful for our team to understand the context into which our health care delivery fits. The rest of the day was filled with napping, puzzling, yoga classes with Bex, book clubs, a tour of the village, a trip to a local market and some rehearsals for…
GHANA’S GOT TALENT!
We were all amazed by the creativity and variety of acts that took the stage for our 3rd annual talent show. As tradition dictates, the night was opened up by the simultaneous singing of the national anthems of our home countries Egypt, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Britain, Jamaica, Ghana, Canada, France, Germany and Senegal. The line up was fantastic. We enjoyed a game of Family Feud hosted by the eye team, poetry by Martha, stand-up comedy with Greg, a monologue about Francois’ new charity “Hoarders Without Boarders” (pronounced Hordairs Widout Boardairs), a nursing team skit entitled “Staying Alive” and a beautiful song called “Thank You My Friends” by Abraham. The physicians pulled off a coordinated hand-clapping skit which impressed! Dr. Dan brought his portable keyboard and expertly accompanied a number of parodies for Carlye and I, pharmacy and surgery. One of my favourite choruses belonged to the surgical team, sung to the tune of “Day Dream Believer:”
Cheer up knackered team
How hard can it be
To fix, 300 hernias
and we’re living the dream
One of my favourite moments of the night was when Dr. Carolyn, who was brilliantly playing the bachelorette in the “Dating Game,” asked Dr. Neil, Kyle and Francois (who were playing the bachelors) the final question of this hilarious skit. “If you could be a tooth … what tooth would you be?” After considering their answers, she wisely declined all three of them and decided to buy a cat. It is true that laughter is very good medicine.
Today was a wonderful day of rest. There are too many of us to fit into the local church so the surgical courtyard became our sanctuary. There was singing, drumming, dancing and joyous celebration for all God has done over this past week. Noah shared a moving testimony about a man with epilepsy who has received treatment from our team for a number of years. Prior to this, due to his regular convulsions, he was an outcast and banned from eating meat in his village. Now he is seizure-free, reintegrated into society, and invited to eat meat in the village.
David Mensah’s mother shared a testimony as well. Having lost her husband and her father due to hernia, she stood in the centre of the surgical centre that is preventing hundreds of deaths from hernia and thanked God for our team. It was quite a moment.
Dr. Martin McDowell led us in a medley of This Little Light of Mine and Give Me Oil in My Lamp and I must say we sounded beautiful. Pastor Rans preached a message about Queen Esther. He challenged us that we all have a purpose for which we were created but often we let fear stand in our way. Esther faced her fear, rose up and took action due to the imminent death of her tribe. Rans thanked God for our willingness rise up like Esther and act even though his people are not even our people. “Good works shall never be in vain,” he concluded.
Once the temperature dropped in the late afternoon, an NEA vs expat volleyball match was enjoyed by all. We lost by only one point in game one and then got creamed in games two and three. I think we are all such good friends now than NEA no longer feels they need to take it easy on us!
European football was next on the agenda. The local men’s football team arrived to take us on. We could tell by their warm up that we were in big, big trouble but thankfully NEA staff joined our team. Prior to the match, Dr. Rob presented them with brand new football jerseys which they promptly put on. It was an amazing match that ended in a tie even though we had 17 players and 17 subs to their 11 with no subs.
Next up was American football. Quarterbacks Dr. Martin, Greg, Dan and Dave gave a quick crash course to our friends and the game was on. It ended in a tie as well with big touchdowns being scored by our Dr. David Cressey and Dr. Kate.
It certainly has been a great weekend with some good ol’ fashioned fun. Speaking of old fashioned fun, I cannot conclude without sharing two Monopoly stories. Dr. Josh received some blog comments from home about a “Monopoly episode.” At the talent show, he was forced to stand up and give a monologue about the Monopoly incident of his youth. Turns out he was a rather mean banker, forcing his younger siblings to play for hours until he had all their money. Interestingly, Saturday morning I had a chance to present a Monopoly Board to the kids on the compound. Last year, some of the pre-teen boys on the compound asked my daughter Amelia if she could help them get a Monopoly board. We have no idea how they even heard about this game. With Brenda Mensah’s blessing, a deluxe Monopoly board was presented to Emmanuel, a 13 year old boy who is now the President of the NEA Monopoly Club. After reading the instructions, the boys played for 7 hours on Saturday and five hours today. I’m hoping they don’t invite Dr. Josh to play.
Monopoly
After we celebrated Debbie’s birthday at supper, our fun and games came to an end as all our supplies and medicines needed to be prepped and loaded onto the truck which will leave very early. Everyone went to bed early as we anticipate a full day in the village and in the theatres. We are rested, healthy and excited to finish strong as, over the next four days, we continue to serve each patient we meet with our whole hearts.
This post is one in a series of Ghana Health Team 2018 Updates. You can subscribe to receive these updates by email.
Tiara Folkes says
I am almost certain Dr. Josh took the opportunity to put his ref skills to work on Saturday.
Good to hear you are all rested up for that what I am sure will be a busy week ahead.
Love Tiara
Jessica, Bryan and Family says
Sounds like the weekend was a much deserved break full of spirit, laughs, and feel good stories. We certainly appreciate the Monopoly war story here in our home! We can’t fathom how much all your hearts must be bursting with love, compassion and pride for what you are all doing, learning and experiencing. Soak it up, and bring it all back to share with those at home. And no… you can’t possibly be missing Canadian Winter, we’re already buried in snow, and the Ontario ski hills are opening earlier than they have in the last 20 years! Enjoy the sunshine and warmth while you can!! Love to everyone.
Karen Ingram says
It is wonderful to hear that this hard working team enjoy some R&R . Good for all of you!
Well deserved ? Have a great week .
Hugs to Leslie
Heather Smith says
The description of Ghana’s Got Talent brought back many fond memories of my church camp days in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and the end-of- week talent show. My only wish is that Dr. Josh’s sisters could have been there to help deliver his Monopoly game rendition!
I am more than impressed by the work, and play, the team is doing and am so happy that it is in concert with the other work of NEA. May the week ahead be filled with success in your work and deepening friendships with all God’s people.
Susan Duckett says
Aiden and Brandon survived the grandparents and we are now on our way to the airport after an action packed few days
watching sports events in Uxbridge, Port Perry, Whitby and Aurora. You must have been channeling Monopoly as we too had a game on Saturday which spilled over to Sunday. Doesn’t always bring out our best traits. Your work in Ghana inspires all of us to do our best for God’s people wherever we are and whatever our talents.
Tess and Ron Dempster says
We enjoyed reading about your fun filled and restful? weekend. Talent shows do bring out the best (and worst) in everyone. You certainly sound recharged for the busy week ahead!
Emily Norton says
So amazing to hear all of the wonderful things happening!!
Disappointed my dad did not preform one of his original songs with his beautiful voice… maybe next time.
Prayers go out to everyone keep up the fantastic work!
Jennifer Harper says
This is so cool!
Love the talent show idea!
Hi to Martha.
Love Jennifer
Judith Gooding says
Glad to hear about your day of “rest.” It sounds like it was a lot of fun too. I can sense the joy in your reports. And no wonder!
May the Lord God continue to protect you and bless the loving work of your hands.
Lydia Higman says
It’s great to hear you’re all well rested and ready for the final few days! And excellent work Jazzy Dan – looking forward to seeing you when you’re home. Lots of love, from Lydia xxx
Kathy Dean says
I look forward every morning to read and learn about the wonderful contributions this team brings, your adventures, and difficulties to overcome. Well done to all.
Please let Anna Alton know we are thInking about her daily and give her a big hug from us.
Friends from Uxbridge
Graham Wilson says
Glad to hear that you got a couple of well-deserved days of rest and managed to feed the shopping bug! We’l pray that you have recovered enough energy to be able to face the busy week ahead.
Please remember that you are all extremely tired and it would be a good idea to try the talent show material out on well rested people before booking a venue back home!
Great job everyone!
Much love from the Wilsons!
Liz Jones says
Cant wait each day 2 read your blog giving us a small insight into wot u wonderful people r achieving. Well done all of u. Hope after your weekend off ur all refreshed and ready 2 continue your good work. God bless u all.
Gideon Kwame Sarkodie Osei says
I was at Jugboi in Sunday and heard many testimonies from the indegenes about the impact of GHT on their health for the past years. It was awesome listening with keen interest as a group of young men gathered under a Mango tree, taking turns in expressing their opinions.
I surely will be in Asantekwa on Tuesday to observe the outreach. Thanks to all for this kind gesture. The people are most grateful.
Lindsay Cressey says
Well done Dr David on your touchdown . Hope there were no injuries !! Love from Lindsay , Caitlin, Ben and Tom xxx
Judi and Randall says
It is wonderful to be able to read about the amazing work you are all doing and the hundreds and hundreds of people you are helping – a reminder of how incredibly fortunate we are on this side of the world. Well done on the touchdown Dr. Kate!
Doneath Stewart says
Toni-Ann, you had a great weekend! Happy to hear you got rest days, I know how hard it is for your to take a break, you have to be told…..lol. Make sure to enjoy those wonderful sun ripened fruits. As the Lord continues to make your hands and heart an instrument of His praise, know that Steve, Jodi and I are with you in spirit.
Love always,
Mom
Martin and Caro-Claire Wiles says
So good to read this wonderful account of your day of resting , relaxing and fun.
Hopefully this has given everyone a fresh burst of energy to take on the challenges for the upcoming week of clinics, surgeries and travel.
Continuing to prayer for each one .
Much love from the Wiles in Orillia
Simon Hale says
Sounds like a good (and more than well deserved) weekend was had by all.
Super proud of you Rebecca, giving up your spare time on your weekend to hold a yoga class. Big up ya self.
Hope you’re all energised and ready to kick ass for the final week.
I’m telling anybody that will listen about all the amazing work you’re all doing out there.
Amazing <3 xx
Peter Jensen says
I had no idea Greg had a sense of humour! High performance and recovery go hand in hand. Should be an awesome sprint to the finish line.
Love to all,
PJ
Elenor Paisley says
We always look forward to hearing your news from the health team.
You are a truly amazing, diverse group of dedicated caregivers. We pray for you daily.
Dr. Jen; I do hope you will put all of your health team experiences into a book. I suspect it would be a best seller!
Steve Craig-Paul says
I am glad the team is operating at high efficiency as I knew it would. You are doing amazing work. I miss the eye team and hope to rejoin next year. God move in his own way , I was sad to have to cancel out this year but my mother in law passed today . I am glad to be home for my wife and kids. I send you all my prayers
mary bristow says
Thanks for your lighthearted account of your weekend of fun and rest Jen–you do have a way with words!. Hopefully, you are all energized and refreshed for the week ahead. Megan, we are counting the days until you are home again! Love Mom
Neil and Cathy says
So glad to hear you were all able to enjoy a little R and R before the busy week ahead! Thank you so much for your incredible gift of compassion and medical expertise to the people of Ghana! Dr. Kate…Austin must be thrilled to know that all his coaching for the Western “Powder Puff” paid off!!!
Neil and Cathy Bacon says
So glad to hear you were all able to enjoy some fun and some R and R before you begin the challenges of the week ahead. Thank you for the gift you’ve given and continue to give of compassion and medical expertise to the people of Ghana…you guys ROCK!
Dr. Kate…we are pretty sure Austin is thrilled to know all his coaching of the Western “Powder Puff” paid off! Congrats Sweetie?
trevor smith says
Thanks again for a wonderful blog, pleased everyone managed to get some well deserved R&R. I read out an extract from the “Fanta makes everything better blog” at church on Sunday along with an overview of the first week. This was marked by a round of applause which for an Anglican congregation was most unusual!! Please let Jane I received her voicemail, but was as the Church Christmas market when she called. God Bless.
Bill Newton says
Hi Jen. Sorry this might be a bit long winded and might cause your “allergies” to flare up.
I awake each morning here in Markham ready to hang off your every word as I read the team blog.
I was at the FMF conference on Friday and met a lovely young woman in one of the booths who works for the organization that gets all those white boxes full of meds for the mission from drug companies. Amazingly she new all about your amazing work, the team and Sherry. We had a lovely chat. It’s amazing how the team’s work touches so many people and inspires us all.
And on Sunday I had the pleasure of seeing Terry Virts, a NASA astronaut, at Roy Thompson Hall (National Geographic Live). He gave a fascinating and inspiring talk. And he’s a Trekkie! But he said something profound and I thought of you, the team and the people of Northern Ghana. He showed many beautiful pictures of the planet as the ISS orbits earth, including a number of pictures at night. He pointed out that the pretty city lights you see from space really represent economic activity and wealth. North America lights up, Europe light up and so on.
Africa is dark.
I never realized it but you see poverty from space. You see suffering from space. He asked why some people live in the light and some people live in the dark and he paused. It made me think of how you often say that it’s just so unacceptable how communities like the ones you serve don’t have access to the resources the rest of us take for granted.
I’m sure if the ISS took a night shot of Carpenter this week they would see the bright light of hope you and the team are bringing to Ghana. Your work is amazing, inspiring and so important.
BTW – the astronaut was interesting and cool but he doesn’t hold a candle to you and the team in terms of how inspiring and impactful your work is.
Have a great rest of the week and a safe return home.
Love
Bill Newton
ps – I may need Dr. Rob to fix a hernia I think I got when I read about Carlye’s ordeal with the fire ants. I’m still laughing… Sorry Carlye.
Sandra Stark says
Madelyn and Timmy send their love Carlye. We are reading the blog posts together in Canmore. That sounds like an incredibly full and fun weekend. Well deserved. Heading into the last lap. Work your magic. See you soon.
Meagan says
I’m so thankful to hear you all had a chance to play, rest and recharge!
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you head into your final week. We know you will continue to humbly serve with love ??
Meagan
Ps: Mama (Joan) I’m also sending greetings from your hometown of Swift Current Sask! We had a great weekend visiting A&TK, S&E and kids, grandma O’Della and Ed & Helen.
All send their love and we miss you ??
Ashley gayton says
Hi Ash hope your arm is doing well?
Sounds like you had a good time on yourday off. Glad you are all having fun ,as well as working hard.
Nico has had the top part of his hair bleached blond. It actually looks goodi remember doing that to either you or Antony’s hair a fair few years ago . I was terrified it would turn orange.
Well you keep well doing all your work.
Miss you alot . Take care..lots of love from mum Nico & Mia xxxxxx
Nichola Blunt says
I can pictures the talent show smiles! Glad you have all enjoyed a well deserved rest and have had your shopping fix. Love to all, keep up the great work x