Three years ago, our team cared for a little girl named Dorcas who swallowed a caustic substance. Due to the damage in her esophagus, she could not eat and was slowly dying. With funds raised from our donors back home, NEA was able to send her to Accra where she received a feeding tube and ultimately the surgery she required. She and her mom stopped in to see us today to thank us for working with NEA to save her life. Our paediatrician Dr. Anne and I were remarking how the entire mission three years ago would have been worth it just to save this one little girl.
The village clinic started with a bang when our doctors and nurses simultaneously cared for a man with a poisonous snake bite, a young child near death due to dehydration from diabetes, and a critically ill young mother. All three of these patients were stabilized and transferred to hospital for ongoing care. Talk about unbelievable teamwork under stressful conditions!
Back on the compound, many children received their operations today. One little boy had an anaphylactic reaction to his antibiotic, but thankfully the team was well prepared and acted fast. This evening he was so happy to find two new football jerseys and a pair of new football cleats on his bed. How thoughtful of the team to bring these items to make such a scary experience a memorable one. Lee-Anne, Becky, Laura and Dr. Karen have a schedule for checking on the kids throughout the night.
The funniest story from today came from Dr. Simon. He had a difficult case that was being done under local anaesthetic which means the patient remains awake during their surgery. When he finished this technically difficult procedure, he simply said to himself “Hallelujah”, to which his patient surprised him by responding with a resounding “AMEN”, to which the translator translated a second resounding “AMEN!”. Apparently, this isn’t something that happens every day in the UK, and Simon is now wondering if he should be referred to as Pastor Simon.
The main health issue on the team today is fondly known as “cankles”. This is a condition where your ankles are so swollen that there is no distinction between them and your calves. There seems to be an epidemic of this today due to the heat and long hours on our feet. Not very attractive, but we will take cankles over diarrhea any day.
We celebrated a birthday tonight and Bex really seemed to love her gifts including the tube of toothpaste she received from the dental team. We were privileged to hear from Dr. Mensah tonight. Today is the 29th anniversary of their arrival back in Ghana as a family. He shared stories like only he can do, and wanted us to know that because of our work, his tribe feels that God cares for them.
At 3:00pm each day, our two students Josh and Elsa hand deliver an inspiration quotation and treat to every team member. I will end with today’s quotation from Florence Nightingale which seems so fitting considering the work of this remarkable organization called NEA began 29 years ago to this day.
So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself.
Dr. Jennifer Wilson, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, DIMPH
Jo says
Non medical news for Dr Annie and Northampton team Saints 25 Lyon 14 ,
Jo and Chad
Mary Lynch says
Following all your updates with interest. Such great work, am full of admiration for all u all are achieving. Lovely to see photos of Dr Pete at work & nodding off on the bus!
Take care & God bless all
Slainte
Mary x
Caro-Claire Wiles says
Hello to all
Can’t wait each day to see what will be going on and the exciting things that have taken place every year since that first team went in 2007.
Dorcas’ story is another reason that each year there have been miracles that have taken place that have made it all worth while!
God is blessing you all each day and giving you daily strength and our prayers continue to be with you . Much love from the Wiles in Orillia.
Ruth Oppenheim says
Love reading the daily updates, although I am in Australia so they come through in the middle of the night.
Each time I read your blog, Dr Jennifer I am struck anew by the compassion, energy , expertise, devotion and fabulous humour you all bring to this most important work.
Studying the photos, the ingenuity you bring to setting up full clinics in difficult situations is truly amazing.
Give my beautiful sister Leslie a big hug from her little sister down under. I don’t know how she does it!
Sam Cunningham says
It’s so good to read these daily updates & hear what amazing work you’re all doing. Loved seeing the pictures of Dr Pete today hard at work & asleep on the bus, no change there! We miss you Pete, especially at 6.30am when I have to walk the dog in the pouring rain & freezing cold! We love you more than chocolate (yes, that is a lot!) Also great to see Dr.Rob, Dr. Jo & the lovely Elsie, can’t wait to hear all your stories! Love to all & keep up the good work xx
John Hewertson says
Full of admiration for all your wonderful work. Dr Anne is a superheroine. Didn’t realise that there was more than one Dr John in the world!
Dr John II
Stacy says
Love these updates Jenn!! Read them everyday. Keeping you all in our prayers!
Simon Hale says
Dr. Jennifer Wilson, you are so absolutely right when you talk about the story of little Dorcas and the damage in her oesophagus. Imagine the life she would consistently be suffering if it wasn’t for the surgery she undertook due to you guys being out there. So worth the mission just for Dorcas but there must be hundreds or even thousands with similar stories of lives saved thanks to every single one of you out there. I’m going to start blubbering in a minute…
…So rapidly changing the subject… Can you all keep an eye on Rebecca as I’ve gotten word that she’s been to Cipro Club… And without me!!! Any excuse for a few snouts and a drink or two… Stick to the job in hand Bex.. And on the subject of Rebecca – I hope you had a lovely Birthday and that you were spoilt rotten??? Sounds like it with the gift of toothpaste… Looks like a big tube judging by the ‘lavishly wrapped’ box…
I keep on saying this but it can never be said too much, and that is – what an absolutely selfless and incredible thing each and everyone of you is doing.
Rebecca Elizabeth Jones, we all miss you very much but are so proud of what you are doing. One week down, one week to go. Miss you loads Mwah Mwah xxxx
Kate Inchley says
Another great read about your work in Ghana its always so inspiring what you manage to achieve .It was lovely to see a photo of Elsa we miss her lots .Hard to believe you are nearly half way through your time in Ghana. We haven’t managed to speak with Ted or Charlie yet phone’s off they are either working or playing !! but I leave a message .
Take care lots of love to all ,especially Dr Rob Dr Jo and Elsa
Mum and Dad xxx
Olivia Wilson says
Keep up the great work!! Can’t wait to hear more! About what grandpa said…try not to bail on dad no matter how tempting. He may be pretty useless there but he’s usually helpful at home. Love ya!
Bernadette says
Love seeing the team in action!!! God truly has his hand in all that you do. Thanks for each of you doing what you do “making miracles happen each day” God Bless……..Bernadette
Jo. says
So proud to see my daughter Dr.Annie joining with you all in the wonderful work you are doing.
tom leyden says
Message for Karen Leyden ,
Well done to all of you – hope you are enjoying the heat there.
You & the rest of the Brits there will be glad to know that when you get the back the NHS will “apparently” be sorted as all parties promising wheelbarrows of cash.
If i were you I would stay there longer to do more great work in order to miss the electioneering
Christine Harding says
Hi Jenny, Seeing the dirt floor in the picture of our Joshua, made me realize what a miracle it is for the GHT to be in Carpenter. Thank you for the updates and wonderful photos. Amelia and Jessica are well fed and happy. A hello to Graham also. What a neat idea to call the theatres, David and Brenda. Maybe in the new hospital also? Love, your mom
Tom and Julie says
Thank you Dr. Jenn for another great summary of the day’s events…..never a dull moment is an understatement!
There is no greater joy than making a fundamental difference in the lives of others; your hearts must be full.
Please pass along to Nurse Leslie that Lovey is in fine form and ZigZag is enroute.
Katie rivett says
Dear beautiful team,
Firstly, I’m howling at David Cresseys sons message!
Seeing these photos really does bring memories from last year flooding back.
Have you played spoons yet?
Bex, happy birthday! I’m glad you were spoiled. I still think my birthday box last year with the Ghanaian rocks inside was better.
You are all doing an amazing job, keep up the good work & I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings you all.
Love Katie xxx
Susan Phillips says
How wonderful to read of “Everyday Miracles ” in Carpenter.We are thrilled to learn how this amazing team welds together and launches into action in perfect harmony to save lives that would otherwise be lost. Hallelujah indeed! Friday already, and some well deserved downtime and recreation and a chance to give the cankles a rest .Cant wait to hear about Ghana’s got Talent no doubt Les will have you all in stitches. Missing you all Love Sue
Pauline Pankewich says
Keep calm and keep treating !
Kate says
So thankful to read these updates at home. Very proud to be colleagues of Dr John and NP Cheryl. We miss them but are so happy they are sharing their vast knowledge! Please pass along to Dr John that his basketball team is missing him and won’t win until he comes back!!
Dr. Jenn"sDad says
Hi Jenn. Enjoying your. Blogs and the great photos.
Have not seen any pictures of Graham?? Hope you didn’t leave him out in the villages. All is well here– the girls are enjoying themselves and putting lots of mileage on your new car.
All is well in Uxbridge. Hi. To Josh and Graham. Mom and I are so proud of your group’s accomplishments.Keep up the good work.
Beth Calloway says
Hey Dan,
I hope you’re okay and making the most of this extraordinary experience, I am so proud of you and all of the work that you are doing. I look forward to hearing all of the stories you have when you get back home. Missing you lots, especially not having someone there to make me tea haha!
The weather here is a bit grim, cold and wet so make the most of the heat whilst you can! Love you lots xxx
To everyone else,
I look forward to these posts every day, not just to see how Dan is getting on, but to see all the amazing work you’re doing. Today’s post brought a tear to my eye, the work that you’re carrying out is really making a difference. You are all honestly an inspiration, and it’s clear that you really care about these people and they care so much for you. Keep up the good work and I hope the cankles situation gets better!
Stay safe,
Beth xx
Joan says
I look forward to reading your updates Jenn, I can envision every scenario you describe. The flurry of activity in the nursing treatment area first thing in the morning gets everyone on their toes and working together. I’ve not had any panic messages from Sandra, Val or Leslie so I know that all is going as we planned. Keep up the good work everyone. Love seeing the pictures of you all hard at work.
Miss you all.
Sue Doubtfire says
Hi Lisa. Love reading the blogs everyday. Keep up the great work. Love mom and dad??
Jennifer Harper says
Wow sounds like another very productive day!
Love to my sister Martha
Jennifer, Christopher & Spyro
Trevor, Ellie and Jess says
So glad the blogs are now coming through so I can catch up on all the wonderful work that has been undertaken. Truly inspirational. Surprised Dr Rob hasn’t been handing out rugby balls. Best wishes to all and a big hug for Jane.
Deirdre says
Just loving reading all the updates! Message for Pete to say Zach was here for pizza making lessons on Tuesday and treated the lads in halls to pizza on Wednesday, think he’s gonna be very popular! Rory passed another exam on Monday so a great week here (apart from more flooding!) Stay safe and strong xxx
Lindsay Cressey says
For David Cressey
Hi dad,
Just been to the dentist and am now eating a chocolate crepe. Nice seeing the photos of you and everyone else. See you soon.
Love From Tom.