Our day began with morning devotions under the gazebo with all of the NEA staff. The pastoral staff sang two beautiful songs for us, testimonies were given and Dr. David Mensah gave another inspiring address. He wanted us to know that our mission of medical, surgical, dental and eye care to Northern Ghana has had unspeakable proportions. He described an enormous ripple effect as we have been steadfast about saving lives over this past decade, and concluded with a text from Galatians 6:9 that encourages us all to not grow weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.
It was hard to get everyone to breakfast as Peter the artisan returned with another gazebo full of goods. Our suitcases are full and Peter is one happy man.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning, taking inventory and packing away our equipment for 2019 under the skillful direction of Joan, after which leftover medicine and supplies were organized for distribution to the local health care facilities.
Tonight we had a feast under the stars with all of the NEA staff, translators and volunteers along with their families. There were well over 200 of us. The children were over the moon with excitement. Our expat team were sporting new outfits, thanks to Esther and her seamstress team that made 34 outfits in total. A cow was killed and the kitchen prepared a wonderful roast beef dinner.
We were all surprised when David announced that the Chief of Yaara travelled to Carpenter in order to see our team off. Chief Joseph gave a beautiful speech asking God to give us the proper thanks due for our sacrifice. He asked that the Lord send us home safely.
The NEA team presented each of us with a fresh jar of NEA’s organic peanut butter. David asked us to tell our families that they are loved by NEA every time they eat it. The music and dancing began after which David called each team, along with our translators, to the stage for a dance-off. It was quite a sight. The prize was given to Nana Tibalakala (Dr. Mensah) and his brother Nana Yaara Kooko (Yaara Chief Joseph). Their dance was so fantastic. The children’s’ performance was definitely runner-up. It was a perfect end to our mission.
There is an African proverb that states,
If you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today.
This team of Ghanaians, Canadians and Europeans lifted a lot of stones over this fortnight, and the mountain of poverty and ill health was moved just a little bit more. It has been an honour and a privilege for us to serve NEA, and we return home having gained much more than we have given. We return home better than when we came as the lives of our brothers and sisters in Ghana have been imprinted in our minds and on our hearts forever.
All eyes are on the Leyaata Hospital that will be built on these very grounds over the next two years. Our collective vision of sustainable health care is almost here. This is the biggest mountain that NEA has ever considered moving but we are committed to cheering them on towards their vision and assisting them in any way we can. Please help us.
On behalf of our team and all of the patients we were privileged to serve, I want to sign off by thanking God for all he has done.
I want to thank NEA for inviting us into this partnership.
I want to thank our leadership for their wholehearted commitment to every detail of this mission.
I want to thank each and every member of this outstanding 2018 Ghana health team for the unique role they played in making this mission an overwhelming success.
And finally, I want to thank all of our family, friends, donors and supporters who have made it possible for us to come alongside side the people of Ghana for such a time as this.
Let us never grow weary of doing good. Let us never grow weary of doing good. Amen.
This post is one in a series of Ghana Health Team 2018 Updates. You can subscribe to receive these updates by email.
Betsy Convery says
Thanks for your daily blogs. It is so heartwarming to hear of all The GHT is doing in Northern Ghana. Blessings to you all , and to David and Brenda, and all the NEA team who make this effort in spreading God’s kingdom here on earth! The next 2 years will be so exciting, as everyone works toward a common goal! A hospital in Carpenter!
Terry & Audrey says
Safe travels.
Thanks for the well written daily journals.
Human kindness is alive and well! Your dedication/hard work in changing the quality of life for so many is an inspiration to all of us.
Thank you
Ps. Hi to Joan!
Andrea Baynton says
What a tremendous time you have had in helping everyone and the joy in giving and receiving. What a learning experience and I have so enjoyed reading these emails. Safe trip home to everyone.
Darlene says
Well done team 2018. Thanks Dr. Jennifer Wilson for your daily blogs, I will certainly miss reading them everyday. You are an amazing lady to do all of what you do everyday for everyone. Thanks for letting Alisha experience an awesome new chapter in her life.
Keegan says Aunt Alisha we are baking with Nana today. Keegan and Lalayla love you very much.
Safe travels everyone back to your home towns.
PS is there a follow up at the church after you are all rested up.
Judith Gooding says
These blogs have been wonderful to read,
Your 2018 mission will have eternal results.
May God bless you will safe passage home.
Jo Hicks says
Safe trip home to all destinations.
An awesome mission this year and looking forward to hearing all the stories from Dr Rob and the Northampton massive.
Onward to getting the Leyaata Hospital built and opening its doors for the people of Northern Ghana.
Prayers and love until next year
Jennifer Harper says
Safe trip home!
Awesome work!
Jennifer
Sandra Stark says
You guys are really cool. To ant Carlye. Love Madelyn.
Glad you are home soon. Thank you for sharing. Well written Jen.
Great work all. Glad you got to dance!
Luanne says
Praying for travelling mercies and rest.
Margaret Hart says
Well done Team 2018. May you continue to be filled with peace, joy and a sense of fulfillment for the gifts you shared and received from the beautiful people of Ghana.
Sam Zeidler says
Well done
Alison says
Amazing work, everyone. We can’t wait to hear more about it when you return ?
Rob Fowlie says
Thank you so much for your photos and updates. We are proud of the work you have done. Safe journey home everyone!
Lauren Meservia says
Safe travels everyone! Look forward to hearing your stories when you’re back in Canada Greg!!
Trevor smith says
So proud of the work you have been undertaking, and have loved being able to share the updates with friends. Safe travels, God speed.
Anne-Marie says
I am just in awe of each and every one of you sharing your expertise with these beautiful people! I know it must have been incredibly exhausting but how you must all feel about the great changes you’ve made to their lives !
I hope you have a safe journey home
Xoxo
Anne-Marie
Karen Ingram says
This morning I read your blog and the tears flowed….
I am in awe of this amazing team . Just look at all the good you have done in such a short time!
Congratulations on another sucessful venture . You have changed the lives of so many .
Life is good.
Safe travels for all .
Martin and Caro-Claire Wiles says
Each one of your daily posts has been a wonderful experience for us to join in with you and the team as apart of the amazing work that everyone does .
God is indeed blessing Carpenter and we will certainly be praying for the new hospital that will be under way in the next two years
God bless Dr David and Brenda Mensah and all who cared for you and your needs and to the surgical team from the UK and the team from Canada, all who have shared their medical knowledge in order to care for the many patients that have been seen and for the lives that have been saved as well.
Now our prayers will be with you all as you make the long trip home and we know that your families will be waiting for your return with open arms.
Much love always from the Wiles in Orillia. XO
Donna McKenney says
Oh so surprised. The blog appeared after I did my first post. Thank you for the concluding remarks.
Donna McKenney says
Today is one of mixed emotions. Sad that there was no blog from Dr Jen.
Thankful for God’s provision for the team over the past 10 days. Praising Him for your safe return.
I really am amazed at how God has brought together such a wonderful team from around the world.
Deirdre Westwood says
Safe home Pete and all the team! Speak very soon. Hope you have yer thermals packed for landing!!
Aly Fowlie says
Oh what joy it has been reading these daily entries.
Safe travels home everybody.
Xxx
Jonah Baker says
I can’t wait until you come home:-). Safe travels back to Canada. We love you!