There is so much I could tell you about what happened in the life of the Ghana Health Team today. Instead, I feel compelled to tell you about one little boy. His name is Bernard.
Bernard is seven years old and he has a massive umbilical hernia. The protrusion coming off his abdomen was so large he could not even run. He could not go to school because the other kids bullied and beat up on him due to his deformity. His father died, and his mother needed to work all day on the farm, leaving him to fend for himself during the day.
Ernestina, our dear health care colleague, was visiting the Eastern Region of Ghana when she saw this boy roaming the streets. She was concerned about his protruding abdomen and asked the women in the community about him, “He is a bad boy. He runs with the bad boys”, she was told. Ernestina brought the boy to see her, realized this deformity was a massive hernia and sent for the mother. She had taken Bernard to three hospitals, but the surgery to repair the child’s hernia would cost her over a year’s worth of wages. She would never have these funds. Ernestina and her husband decided to pay for transportation so that they could make the eight-hour journey from Eastern Region to Carpenter. Bernard was seen by our surgical team and had his hernia successfully repaired on Thursday.
On Sunday at church, there is always a time for people to share testimonies about what they want to thank God for. Bernard’s mom walked to the front with him trailing at her side. He was stooped over and walking slowly from the pain from the incision stretching across his abdomen. With Ernestina translating, Bernard’s mother gave a special testimony thanking God and NEA, and the team for intervening in the life of her boy. She had lost hope that she could give her son a meaningful life and now his life is changed forever.
Bernard continues to recover on the compound. Every night, Ernestina moves a mattress onto the floor of her tiny room where he and his mom sleep. Ernestina will accompany the child back to Eastern Region after our mission is over and has decided to care for him during the day for the next two months so that his mom can continue farming to feed the family. When I thanked Ernestina for all she did and will do to help Bernard, she just shook her head and said, “He will be a meaningful person”.
Bernard’s story and Ernestina’s role in it, speak to me in so many ways. It is a reminder of the great health disparity that exists in our world that we can so easily forget about. No seven-year-old child would be in this predicament in any of our home countries. It is a reminder that every life matters, is of great value, and deserves an opportunity to live a meaningful life. It is a reminder of the incredible care and compassion that Ghanaian health professionals like Ernestina show towards their patients and their willingness to make personal sacrifices for their well-being.
I was trying to imagine Kim and I pulling a mattress into our room every night on this busy mission for a mother and child to sleep on. It is a reminder that poverty is complex and that many interconnected challenges impact health.
I found myself thinking about this boy and Ernestina all day today. Will their story change how we see the world? Will their suffering change how we live our lives? Will it change how we practice medicine? Will the solidarity that continues to grow in our hearts toward the people of Ghana fade when we return to our busy lives at home?
A John Wesley quotation delivered to each team member settled my troubled heart, and these words often prevent me from feeling paralyzed by the overwhelming wrongs in this world:
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.
This little boy has given us a lot to think about.
Dr. Jennifer Wilson, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, DIMPH
Bernard’s story and photos are being shared with permission from Bernard’s mom.
Pauline Pankewich says
Oh my goodness how Bernard’s life will change thanks to Ernestina and your team- where are the Kleenex????
Linda Dove says
Hello all! We’re missing Cheryl Dove but who could not feel moved and proud on reading Bernard’s story? You are doing good work, appreciated by a humanist and Wesley fan like me
Xxx to our Cheryl
Linda and Gary
Jen Muir says
What an amazing story. I love to read the daily updates on all that is happening there! Your words give us back home a little taste of all the amazing work you guys are doing.
Sending lots of love & hugs to Nurse Loretta. Please let her know that I talked to Nana today, she won at bingo, so she’s doing well 🙂 She looks forward to the updates every day and hopes to see Loretta in a few more of the pictures!
Love from Jen & Nana (and the rest of the family!)
Doneath says
That was a heartfelt story Jennifer it brought tears to my eyes as you shared so much of yourself in how you told the story. Thank you for your wonderful reports and for being you. I really loved the John Wesley quote you shared. Bernard has been given a new lease on life…the team rocks!
Toni, I trust you had a great rest day on the weekend. It was remarkable to see so many Ghanaians richly dressed…I can only imagine how grand the celebration was, and how much fun and laughter you all shared in! It is good to rejoice in Him always! Continue to do all the good you can for as long as you can?. Love Mom XOXOXO
Shaun Patterson says
It proves that in this world that we live in there are amazing people that walk it! Each and everyone of you a inspirational. it’s not the large gestures that are meaningful, but the small ones weather it is pens, pencils or glasses to be able to see and learn or operations that are lifesaving to help a community that keep families together and wish to be in a better place! All of you have given the time and the skills to those that can not afford to improve there quality of life. You should be all proud! I am especially proud of my wife who is there for again with all the people who she cares for, however I do miss her! Be safe all of you and Love you Nicky P and see you soon x
Helen Dempster says
What a beautiful and poignant story Jenn – and it really captures Ernestina’s unassuming grace and kindness.
I am thinking about you all as you wind down your work in the villages and wrap up an incredible mission with some final clinic days on the compound.
Please pass on my love to my aunt Leslie who I know is in her element, practising the kind of meaningful nursing that she was born to do (and having tons of fun along the way).
And special hugs to the Huntsville continent of John, Cheryl and Karen.
I really miss being in Carpenter with the team, but I am there in spirit! Keep up the wonderful work and savour these last few days – they will surely be rewarding, exhilarating and emotional for you all,
Love,
Dr. Helen
Craig, Daisy and Chester York says
Wow what a journey you’ve all been on so far. It’s been very humbling to see all the stories and to witness all the fantastic hard work the entire team have achieved.
Daisy, Chester and I have been playing spot the Charlotte / Mum on the photos, which has been difficult some days, as a baseball cap and sunglasses are seemingly the perfect disguise!
Whilst it’s been business as usual here we’ve all been missing you loads and to say we’re looking forward for you come home would be an understatement. The entire rugby club have been asking a after you and wanting updates about everything you’ve been up to.
Enjoy the rest of the time you have there and you’ll be home in no time.
Best wishes to all the team and much love, hugs and kisses to you.
The Yorkies…
Karin Stovell says
Thanks, Jen, for sharing the wonderful story of little Bernard. Ernestina’s compassion & grace is a message for us all. Thank you for the hope you are giving to so many through your labours. I’m praying for each of you as you push through these final days, knowing you must be very tired although uplifted from the results of this tremendous work.
May God bless you & continue to give you the strength & wisdom for what is still ahead. Love to Marion & Sherry.
Joan says
Another post which got my tears flowing yet again. Thanks for sharing Bernard’s story and the part that Ernestina and the surgical team has played in returning him to full health. Keep up the great work team. You are in Ghana for such a time as this. Miss you all.
Simon Hale says
Well that was a rollercoaster of a read!! Beautifully written as per usual. Each and everyone of you must be so proud of what you are achieving out there, saving lives on a daily basis. Big up yourselves. Three more days of making a real difference and changing the lives of those less fortunate and giving them hope and a real future – just like Bernard. Wishing you all good luck for your final few days.
Miss you Rebecca ‘Bex’ Jones. Mwah, Mwah xx
martyn blunt says
what inspirational and moving stories.Experiences never to be forgoten, and what incredible work the teams are doing. love and hugs to Nichola from Mum and Dad xxx
Margaret Weir says
Blessings to you all, and especially to Ernestina, who has made an invaluable commitment to this little boy. What a witness to God’s immeasurable goodness!
Faith Atkinson says
Such a beautiful story. So glad the second week is going well, all your hard work is so amazing and you’re clearly making such an impact. Loving the updates and photos, so inspiring! Sending lots of love to Pastor Simon, Dr Dan and everyone! Love Faith, Josh and the gang xxx
Donna McKenney says
I was moved to tears with the story of Bernard. From survival to hope.
All I can do is repeat all the comments already made.
Thank you, team, for sharing with us. Both in stories of treatment taken and the encouraging words that motivate each of you.
We all have things we can do, wherever we are.
Susan Duckett says
It’s these amazing stories that change our hearts and our lives–stories of real people in real situations working together for the common good. “We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load” (from The Servant Song by Richard Gillard)
Linda Smethurst says
Dear All
What a truly amazing heart warming story. I am so thankful to the team for being able to help Bernard and his Mother.
May you continue to touch the lives of all who you meet.
God bless you all.
Linda xx
Caro-Claire Wiles says
Each day I find the updates are more and more emotional and I need to have tissues with me when I read them!
God bless little Bernard and his mother as he continues to heal and bless Ernestina as she is with them and prepares to travel home and watch over his care until he is well.
Bless the whole team and keep them well and strong for the duration of this mission season as it begins to wind down.
God love each and everyone. Hugs from the Wiles in Orillia
Susan Phillips says
What a touching story ,a living example of the dedication of Ernestina and her husband and the amazing coordinated efforts by so many on our team .This little boy and his family,will now have a future that was certainly doomed without surgery.He will go to school and become a contributing member of his community,and have future with hope and possibilities .Kudos to all of you especially the surgical and recovery room team.Well Done.
sally says
Sitting here with tears pouring down my face I think of what amazing work is being performed there by such a talented and generous team! Bernard is a meaningful person, as every individual is, and he will remember the good and hopefully will pay it forward as we all should do. To have the chance to change peoples lives in such a dramatic and meaningful way is a well-earned privilege that I admire so much. Keep up the brilliant work! A special Hello! goes to Pete Cunningham and the lovely Hicks Family xxx
Tom and Julie says
Such a heartwarming story. So very thankful that Ernestina happened across Bernard that day and changed his life in so many immeasurable ways; such a beautiful boy.
Your work has changed the lives of many Bernard’s over the years.
Missing our dear Leslie.
JULIE French says
Just can’t tell you all how much I am touched by all that you are doing and accomplishing and the stories you’ve shared. Blessings to all of you.
Ollie says
A beautiful story with an amazing result for one very precious child and his thankful Mom. Thanks for Ernestina’s faithfulness, the surgical team’s ability to correct such a horrendous problem and the post-operative care given-a picture of God’s grace.
Steph Feddery says
I continue to be impressed each and every day (and year) that you collectively work to improve the lives of those less fortunate than us. Being part of this journey is a passion for my mom Leslie and helping others comes naturally to her. Her excitement for this year’s trip was palpable and I know she is doing great work alongside all of you. I do hope the puzzles and treats have gone over well. Much love and awe!
Steph xo
Trevor, Ellie and Jess says
Thank-you so much for sharing, inspirational and sad in equal measure, but what a fantastic outcome. Keep up the good work.
Russ and Cathy Marsh says
Our prayers for little Bernard as he recovers. Surely you have changed his life and his lovely mother’s.
You inspire us here at home by sharing these stories.
Prayers for you all and a big ole hug to our Leslie.
Russ and Cathy
Jennifer Harper says
Wow this is very touching.
And Bernard is so cute!
Great work being done by all.
Love to Martha with the wild hat
Jennifer, Christopher, and Spyro
Ps It is wild here 🙂
Torey Smith says
This story and quote remind me of something my mother said before her passing, “be kind to those you meet, teach others to do the same, and try to leave the world in a better situation than you left it.” I’m so proud of my brother, Josh S. and all he is doing to fulfill our mother’s life philosophy.