We might be a little knackered — another fantastic word I’ve added to my vocabulary thanks to our UK friends. It has been a busy three days, and today the team worked and worked and worked from dawn until dark. Over the past three days, our Ghana Health Team has cared for 2,795 patients (1,298 medical, 444 eye, 70 laser, 105 surgery, 160 dental, and 718 pain clinic). We feel honoured and privileged to be visiting the sick and working alongside NEA and our Ghanaian health care colleagues. This very full day contained so many special moments. I’ll share a few of them….
Happy Moments: This year we have two portable ultrasound machines which have, as Dr. Carlye said tonight, been a game changer for our ability to provide a higher level of care at the bedside. Today, Dr. John was able to tell a patient that she was expecting twins. In Ghana, you are considered a woman of honour if you give birth to twins so this was a moment of celebration indeed.
Creative Moments: When a child with glaucoma needed a particular eye drop that we didn’t have and a post op patient needed a suspension we didn’t have, Sherry was able to compound them by using the oral version of the required ingredient. She was in her glory putting these more specialized skills into action.
Funny Moments: Charlie and Sandra, whose room is right next to Neil’s, had to put a sign on their door to prevent Neil from continuing to stumble inadvertently into their room day or night.
Interesting Moments: Today we witnessed yaws, onchocerciasis, leprosy and hydatid disease. Before you look these up, make sure you really want to know about the lifecycle of a worm. Dr. Helen, who has a tropical medicine diploma was really in her element.
Life-Changing Moments: A 17-year old patient, blind in one eye, was identified by our eye team as having vision threatening pressures in her good eye. Across the field, she went to our laser clinic where Marion prepped her and Dr. Josh performed the first of two laser procedures. When her family said they could not bring her back for the second procedure tomorrow, the NEA pastors kicked into gear and made arrangements for her to stay . They were determined that she would not miss this opportunity to restore and preserve her sight.
Alarming Moments: When an emergency occurs on the compound, three whistles sound. This triggers our doctor of the day, and Jessica, our ER nurse to jump into action with a backpack stocked and ready with emergency medications and supplies. The whistle blew twice this morning, with seizing patients. When a whistle sounded for a third time this afternoon, Dr. John and Jessica arrived to find something very unexpected indeed — a child with a whistle.
Selfess Moments: At 8:00 pm, while we are all eating dinner, hearing team reports, and enjoying comments from home, Becky and Le-Anne slip out to make their ward rounds. At midnight, our Ghanaian colleague Collins is on duty.
Delicious Moments: Today at lunch, we enjoyed NEA’s famous donuts that are fondly known as “Sweet Bad”.
Milestone Moments: Emmanuel, our Ghanaian pharmacy colleague, was proudly in charge of Uber Hour today. I still need to explain Uber Hour but I’m too tired.
Miraculous Moments: We continue to dispense medication to thousands and thousands and thousands, and yet our supply that Sherry spent all year procuring just seems to never end. #loavesandfishes
I’m sure I could carry on with another one hundred adjectives to describe the moments that made up this day of service, but I’ll send along some pictures so you can see for yourselves.
Dr. Jennifer Wilson, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, DIMPH
Andrea Baynton says
Thank you for your wonderful stories. I read them this morning having my breakfast. I don’t know how you have the energy to write the blog but it is so exciting to see what everyone has been doing for the day. The stories are so heart warming to read. Andrea
Liz Jones says
Having just enjoyed your latest catch-up from dr Jen I cannot help but be amazed with what you have all achieved during your time in Ghana. Thousands of people’s lives have been touched by your expertise and love – truly life changing. Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude 2 u all. Becky we miss u so much and can’t wait 2 see you. Safe journey home 2 you all. God bless. X
Judith and Ron Gooding says
Continuing to rejoice in all the good reports and praying for your remaining time there.
Dale Dawson says
Dear David and Brenda, Dr. Jennifer, Ghana Health Team and all our beloved Friends in Ghana:
These updates and images are absolutely wonderful! Thanks for sharing the rich and varied experiences of each day. We are inspired by every act of kindness and compassion, and so very grateful for the incredible skill of each member of the team! You guys are amazing! You are the provision of God in the moment of need! In the words of Jesus, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) May God grant you strength and grace to continue the good work! We are praying for you every day, that your compassion and wisdom will not run out until the work is complete!
Love and blessings from all your friends at Uxbridge Baptist Church,
Pastor Dale Dawson
Carolyn Zep says
I am SO proud of my dad- Dr. Steve C-P and all of you! I attended a Pediatric professional development conference today and couldn’t stop bragging and showing pictures of the amazing work all of you are doing to my multidisciplinary team of colleagues!!! We are all so impressed and grateful for all of your devotion and hard work over there. Thank you for making the world a healthy place!!! P.S- Where is the occupational therapist on the team?!?! 😉
Doneath says
Yet another wonderful update that feels so real… I can even feel the sun in the pictures!
Toni, well done. As a team you all came, saw, and conquered! Love you always my daughter. Safe journey home. Love Mom XOXOXO
Amanda D says
Way to go mom! Having the house full of supplies is worth it in the end ?. Love & miss you, Amanda.
Lindsay Cressey says
For Dr Dave Cressey;
Dad , we re missing you , loving seeing the happy and busy photos of you and the Hicks . Really looking forward to seeing you on Sunday .
Lots of love CC, Ben and Tom xx
Sara and Henry says
Thank you for the daily updates on the wonderful work you’re all performing. We’re ever impressed and continually humbled by the life changing work you perform- on such a massive scale for the resources available to you.
We’re so lucky to live in a Country where great health care is provided, although it’s so often taken for granted.
Sounds like it’s been another year of amazing experiences. Looking forward to hearing more when the Hicks return. Love and Best Wishes for an uneventful journey home!
Christine, Niall and Fin says
We have loved keeping up with all the fabulous stories and photos from Ghana 2019. They have made us laugh and cry. The work you all do over the 2 weeks is incredible, you touch and improve so many peoples lives! Sending our love to Neil….I will be glad to get my ironer home ? xxxx
Susan Phillips says
Well done good and kind servants.One last day of extraordinary effort and then home at last .Congratulations ! A warm hug for my dear friend Antje may your closing hours and transportation bring you all home safely, thankyou Jenn for your lovely blogs no matter your fatigue.We are so very proud of you all.
Love Mac and Sue
Dawn Crawford says
Loving reading the updates & seeing the great photos, amazing work everyone, we are all super proud of everything you do. Some very touching stories, Sending lots of love to Nicky & Charlotte & the Northampton crew ?? xx
Sean Morrison says
Sean here again. I added emojis in my last message. They populated as question marks. I can’t edit them so just wanted to clarify….
There is no doubt in my mind. We NEED peanuts, Carlye. xo
Sean Morrison says
Another great post. Thank you, Jennifer!
My thought and prayers go out to you all as you prepare to embark on the journey home.
Carpenter > Accra > Amsterdam > Toronto. ? ? ? ?
Carlye, I can’t wait to see you at YYZ on Sunday. Don’t forget the peanuts. ?
We love you.
Sean, Lucas, Aiden & CZ
Jennifer Harper says
We too love these updates.
So wonderful to read about all the great work you are doing.
Safe trip to Amsterdam Martha
Love
Jennifer, Christopher & Spyro
Trish Ehrlick says
I have enjoyed waking up every morning to read about the amazing work you are all doing there. There have been a few tears and many smiles and a few good laughs. Thank you for keeping us all connected on this journey. Ms. Ryan I have told you before, you never fail to amaze me. If only the world was full of people just like you making a difference! Safe travels my dear friend.
martyn blunt says
congratulations to all the teams,fantastic work by all. we cant wait to hear more stories from Nichola when she arrives home. safe journey.
love mum and dad.
Anne Nicholls says
I don’t know any of you except my cousin Anne Embleton but just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed all these daily updates and photos here in the UK. What impressive work from you all, such a terrific team! It has been really wonderful to see what help you have been able to give to so many patients. Congratulations on a fortnight of selfless duty, which clearly will have long term benefits for this great community. Safe journey home when the time comes and love to Anne Embleton!
Darlene says
Good morning team,
I just love reading all the updates, and seeing all the smiling faces. Each and everyone of you should be very proud of yourselves, I know that I am very proud of my daughter Alisha and friend Sherry. Time to go to work now and put some smiles on my seniors faces. Also I get to read with some little JK / SK’s later today.
Kate Inchley says
Such a pleasure to read the updates ,no matter how tired you are ,you keep smiling . You have accomplished so much in 2 weeks here’s to you all settling down next week . Rob and Jo to the good old NHS and Elsa to school . Looking forward to seeing you and hearing all your news
Thank you Dr Jennifer for keeping us informed of all your successes I know there are many and the lovely photo’s. Enjoy your last days .
Kate xx
Jo says
Safe journey home.
Brian Austin says
Thank you Dr Jennifer for your posts. They have been absolutely wonderful to know and understand what has been happening – with tears and laughter. An extraordinary happening.
Saw Dr Helen on WhatsApp video last night and she didn’t look just a bit knackered, she looked ******!
Sherry’s miraculous medication sounds a bit like the magic porridge pot – Dr Helen will explain. Anyway, congrats to Sherry.
It seems to me that everyone is wonderful. God bless you ALL and all the Ghanean patients, too.
Emilia Burca says
I have been reading Jenn’s blogs for the last four years but for 2 of those years I was fortunate enough to be able to hear them in person. They were one of the highlights of my day.
I will be praying for everyone’s health and safety and for enjoyable fellowship as you enter into your remaining days in Ghana. I know that this has been a wonderful, exhausting, amazing, really hot and trying at times 2 weeks, well done everyone……to the surgical team…….how many chairs have exploded this year?
This is so much bigger than so many may realize. Embrace these moments and experiences. Cherish the memories and friendships you have made. Take care.
I’ll see the Kitchener crew soon! Safe travels home.
Emilia
Linda Dove says
Enjoy your last few days Cheryl! Love you and miss you, and can’t wait to hear all about it – might take all winter!
Safe travel and sleep enroute – that’s what we’re hoping for you xxxx
Linda and Gary
Pauline Pankewich says
Your team rocks- God has so blessed the people you are curing may your energy continue in these last few days
Christine Harding says
We are laughing at the Neil sign, but the unforeseen expertise that Sherry, Dr Josh and NEA pastors displayed was wondrous. Can someone send a photo of Dr. Jennifer? God bless each and every one of you. Her dad and mom.
Kaitlin says
Such a good read today.
I loved each and every moment 😉
Great picture of Dr. Kyle!! I was in stitches about Neil lol.
You guys have all done such an amazing job!!! Keep up the great work.
Sending lots of prayers.
Kaitlin
Xoxo
Jennifer Simpson says
So inspiring and I am in awe of the organization and efficiency of your team. Well done everyone! Thank you for these amazing updates. They make my day!
Vilija Govedas says
Every day in my son Daniel’s Grade 12 World Issues class the students are required to search up an event that happened somewhere in the world and present and discuss with the class.
Yesterday he presented the Ghana Team’s 2019 journey and the story of Bernard. Daniel’s presentation was particularly timely as the day before the class discussed the human hierarchy of needs, which begins at the desire for a pair of shoes. The need and desire for a healthy body isn’t in the model, although yesterday the class agreed that health should be included as the first need.
As I read the daily blogs I am overwhelmed by the number of people you all have given health to. We take it for granted. Your work and dedication is outstanding.
Safe journey home! Get your parkas ready….it’s 4C. And Lori, don’t forget to give the planes a pat!
Vilija and Terese
Sue Doubtfire says
A big shout out to the whole team for all the great work you’ve done.
I love reading the blogs daily and look forward for the next ones.
A big hello to Lisa D from the family.
Love mom and dad
Trevor, Ellie and Jess says
Another uplifting blog, and may the “loaves and fishes “ never run out. Hard to put into words how proud we are of you all! I do hope Jane is keeping Martin and Josh on the eye team in check!
Tom and Julie says
Loved reading about all your “moments”. Especially loved the pic of the improv tooth extraction; such determination relieve a little boy’s suffering; well done.
We continue to be in awe at the wonderful work you all do and how many souls you have enriched. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
Hugs to dearest Leslie. We miss her so.
Tracey Barkey says
Blessed moments: I am truly blessed to read the blog each day knowing God is working in every situation.
Smiling moments: Great pics of everyone working together! Glad to see the great smile on Graham!
Shocking moments: Although it has warmed up, be prepared for that thermometer to drop about 40 degrees as you think about your journey home.
Home moment: Babcock was fired! Keefe is in. Go Leafs go!
Continuing to pray for you all!
Tracey
Christine Bailkowski says
Once again, loved reading all the updates this year. Thanks for keeping us in the loop and for all the pictures!
Big hugs and love to Mom, Martha, Grandma, and one half of kapa-kapa. Looking forward to seeing you in a week! Fingers crossed for a smooth meet up with Dad… I won’t hold my breath though!
Love Christine, Mike, Jojo and Marcus
Maurene McQuestion says
This has been a phenomenal journey for your team and those for whom you have treated and cared for. You do amazing work and I have enjoyed reading this daily update. Please say hello to Anne Embleton for me. Wishing everyone a good trip back home.
Gail and Harold Kukasch says
To all the volunteers and especially to our daughter Cheryl, we are so very proud! Thanks to all of you for your selfless efforts. We look forward to seeing you safely at home and hearing more of the many experiences.
Joan says
Thanks for sharing these moments with us. These are all moments that you will remember and which reaffirm your purpose for being in Ghana.
Aly says
Oh I love these updates.
What amazing stories from an incredible team.
Love to Barb and Dan.
XX
Love Aly and Rob
Vivian Ryan says
Please say Hi to my sister in law Karen Ryan. We are so proud of you and everyone there, such amazing work being done.
Karen I know you are in your element in Ghana and this is something you always wanted to experience and do, helping people.
Come home safe, looking forward to hearing about all the work you have done and the people you have helped.
Vivian
Liz Haase says
Lovely reading all of your successes. Well done to all involved. Very moving.