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You are here: Home / Ghana Health Team / 2019 Health Team / We Are Friends Now

We Are Friends Now

2019/11/22 By Dr. Jennifer Wilson

Yesterday was the final day of our Ghana Health Team clinics. We were operating, lasering, pulling teeth, making house calls and seeing patients by 7:30 am. I could write a book on the stories of this very day alone. Our goal was to finish strong and we did. In fact, we finished the way we started — with excitement, teamwork, resilience, compassion, excellence and a lot of laughter. Then the emotions began to flow as the reality of the end of our GHT (and our fatigue) set in.

This morning, many were up at 6:30 am for running or yoga after which we met under the gazebo for final devotions. The pastors sang two beautiful songs to thank God and our team for all that has happened, and I’m sure there were at least five or six harmonies. Dr. Mensah spoke on Exodus 36: 2-7 and Shmuel read the scripture in Hebrew. It was powerful! This passage talks about how Moses asked his people to give of their belongings to build the temple but they gave so much that he eventually had to restrain them from giving more. Dr. Mensah used this story to thank us and the entire Ghanaian team for giving and giving and giving so much that now, he needs to restrain us. “You have given more than enough”, he said over and over. We were grateful for his words to provide some closure for us today.

After devotions, we walked to the construction site of the Leyaata Hospital and took our picture on the doorsteps of the future emergency room. My heart was actually racing with excitement at this special moment which felt a bit like the passing of a baton from our short-term medical care to what will be the sustainable health care of the future in Ghana.

After breakfast, all the team leaders shared a brief report and we said our final words to this wonderful, wonderful team. I was holding it together well, until Kyle shared what a little boy said to him after his dental procedure yesterday. The boy looked at Kyle and said, “We are friends now.” Indeed — these four words sum it all up. This work is about all the precious relationships amongst our international team members, our Ghanaian health care colleagues, NEA and most importantly our patients. It is the relationships that have been the foundation for the success of this team and these relationships will continue to be the foundation of the future.

In 2007, a Ministry of Health official came to visit our first Ghana Health Team. He thanked us and asked for our ongoing support “until we can stand on our own”. I have never forgotten those words and it is truly what NEA and our GHT leaders have been working towards. Well, that time is fast approaching. The hospital construction is ahead of schedule and it is now the right time to close our short term work and pour all resources into helping NEA open the doors to the Leyaata Hospital.

There is much to be done. Our leaders are meeting after lunch to map out the next phase of our involvement which will involve mentoring and consulting as we launch this model hospital together. Oh, how exciting it is!

On behalf of our team, I want to send such a heartfelt thank you to each and every friend, family member, colleague, supporter, former team member, and donor who has made this mission and the other 10 missions possible. Without your support, none of this would have been possible and 7,080 patients would not have received the care they so deserve. I hope you will continue to follow us along as we work toward the launch of the Leyaata Hospital in two years time. You can do that by subscribing to the GRID newsletter.

One of my favourite songs I’ve learned in Ghana was sung this morning and is perfect — just perfect — to express what is in my heart as I sign off…
“Unto the Lord be the glory, great things He has done. Unto the Lord be the glory, great things He has done. Great things he has done, greater things he will do. Unto the Lord be the glory, great things He has done. Amen.”

Cheryl with Humu who speaks eight of the local languages – an invaluable member of the team.
Yup! It’s a viper. While Jess was starting the IV to give him anti-snake venom, the man pulled the dead snake out of the container to show her. I thought she handled it very professionally.
Moses Theatre named after David’s grandfather who also died of a strangulated hernia.
Martha and Daniel in pharmacy counselling.
Karen’s triage station included a hen and her chicks.
This gal tried to get to the clinic by making her own wristband with plastic and a cotton ball. It worked!
Lauretta observing a dental extraction.
Someone brought diagnostics a centrepiece of flowers.
With her father’s permission, I’m sharing this photo of this happy young girl who can now go to school because she can see.
Mamma Mia tunes playing in the eye clinic. I caught Jane singing in this shot.
Best friends Dr. Dan and Dr. Simon simultaneously operating on this man’s bilateral hernias.
Dr. Karen administering spinal anaesthetic.
Toni-Anne
Barb
Dr. Pete
Dr. Charlie
I’m so grateful that my husband and son were finally able to join me in Ghana.
I found my three triage nurses in tears after triaging their last patient of 2019.
Physicians, Cheryl and Ernestina
Physicians, Cheryl (our NP), Ernestina and our translators after the last patient was seen.
Carpenter Running Club… out at 6:30 am this morning.
GHT Nurses in a Leyaata ICU room.
The final Ghana Health Team posing on the steps of the Leyaata Hospital’s emergency ward.

Dr. Jennifer Wilson, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, DIMPH

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Filed Under: 2019 Health Team, Ghana Health Team

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rebecca Ferguson says

    2019/11/23 at 8:04 am

    I’m crying more than ever this morning as I read. I remember the dream of sustainable health care for this region starting in your heart Dr Jenn so very many years ago. All things are possible with God and his people!!!
    Travel safe home. You are all loved and appreciated.

  2. Tom and Julie says

    2019/11/23 at 4:06 am

    Such a moving summary and tribute to the outstanding progress you have all achieved over the years. Bravo Dr. Jenn for such a fitting report. We could sense the emotion in every word, and the pride, satisfaction and sadness in the accompanying photos.

    Your journey has touched so many souls, but more importantly, that journey will continue for many, many years to come within the walls of the hospital you all are now a part of in perpetuity.

    We have missed of dearest Leslie, and so look forward to her safe journey home. Currently enjoying our new ZigZag; she is everything we hoped for.

  3. Barb Bruinse Fracassi says

    2019/11/22 at 9:57 pm

    You are all amazing people to have given so much to those so far from your home. God bless you all.
    See you soon Val.

  4. Andrea Baynton says

    2019/11/22 at 9:24 pm

    What a fantastic journey you all have had over the years in helping the people and the new hospital. I have really enjoyed the stories and have learned much from the blogs. It must be hard to say goodbye but what a difference you have made. Safe journey home Andrea

  5. Peter Jensen says

    2019/11/22 at 9:23 pm

    Everyday miracles. I will miss these updates. To be moved emotionally daily fills a void and it is so wonderful to focus on the good. A safe trip home to the whole team …the whole ‘caring’ team.

  6. Darlene says

    2019/11/22 at 8:37 pm

    I made a phone call today to a long time neighbor and family friend. Most of the Uxbridge health team probably know who I’m talking about. This message is from Shirley. She told me that she prayed everyday, for Team Canada and Ghanaian people. She wishes you all a safe journey home.

  7. Doneath says

    2019/11/22 at 8:36 pm

    Congratulations everyone, you have made your mark in the lives of many Ghanaians and you will not be forgotten!

    Toni-ann, I am so proud of you words cannot say. Miss you, love you happy you are coming home XOXOXO. Love Mom.

  8. Sara and Henry says

    2019/11/22 at 5:51 pm

    Another amazing trip with so many wonderful successes. Well done all. Rob, Jo and Elsa – pop round for cake when you get home. Xx

  9. Caro-Claire Wiles says

    2019/11/22 at 5:29 pm

    I am hardly able to write this time! The tears started almost before the first paragraph ended and continued to get stronger the more I read .
    I thought they reached the peak when I saw Jenn with her two boys Graham and Josh but as I scrolled on and saw that final picture with the team at the new hospital I they were flowing Big Time! and I don’t even have a tissue at hand!!
    These past years have seen so many miracles and I think back to that November in 2007, as Dr Jenn was with us in Martin’s hospital room at home and we prayed for her and the team before they left on for that 1st trip.
    Our prayers are now with all your team as you say your farewells to Ghana and begin to prepare to come back to all your loved ones who will be so glad to see you.
    May you travel in safety.
    God bless you and much love from “Mr Martin” and “Mrs Caro”

  10. Margaret says

    2019/11/22 at 4:26 pm

    Incredible work once again by such a truly beautiful group of people. Thank you for sharing with all of us. God bless you all as you make your way back to your homes. May these treasured memories continue to bring you peace and joy.
    Margaret
    GHT 2017

  11. Ruth Oppenheim says

    2019/11/22 at 3:21 pm

    What an honour it has been to follow your dedicated journey of selfless care over the past fortnight.
    I have been moved to tears on many occasions and laughed as well at the many exuberantly funny times you shared.
    Safe travels home and as ever, a big hug and kiss to my darling sister Leslie, of whom I am so proud.

  12. Don Bailkowski says

    2019/11/22 at 3:05 pm

    Congratulations to everyone on a job well done! Safe journey home. I look forward to meeting up with Martha in Amsterdam!!

    Love Don and Riley

  13. Darlene says

    2019/11/22 at 3:00 pm

    Wow, what an amazing adventure Team Canada !! Each and everyone of you should be proud of yourselves. I’m sure there are stories and memories to share with family and friends when you arrive home. Safe travels. As I sit here reading this blog the tears are flowing. Thank you Dr. Wilson for going above and beyond your doctor duties. The pictures are more than a million words. I would also like to thank Ochelle ( We Are Friends Now) for the updates. Miss you Alisha

  14. Karin Stovell says

    2019/11/22 at 2:29 pm

    Well done good & faithful servants! Thank you for your tremendous care of our dear Ghanaian brothers and sisters over these two weeks. You have certainly worked with your hands & hearts. Praying for a safe & restful journey home for each of you.

    Murray and I are excited to see the Leyaata hospital rising up from that red dust, David. We are praying for you and all those involved in its build.

  15. James Doran says

    2019/11/22 at 1:41 pm

    Jennifer, how wonderful to be part of your journey with the daily bulletins thank you so much for that and keeping us all at home in touch with loved ones with your updates and photos too. What an amazing job you have done, and have been doing all these years. Reading the Blog has brought us here at home close to the people of Ghana and I am so pleased that Gill got a chance to share in what your have been doing all these Years. Rob thank you for the call to ask her, and Jennifer and your team for making it happen for Gill. We missed her here but so proud of all the work your teams have done – remarkable. Safe journey home to you all. Gilly we look forward to seeing you Gilly and hearing more first hand.
    Lots love Darling – James and Girls.xxx.

  16. Jennifer Harper says

    2019/11/22 at 1:24 pm

    Not a dry eye reading this!
    Safe trip home
    Love to Martha
    Jennifer, Christopher & Spyro

  17. Sandra says

    2019/11/22 at 1:09 pm

    Thank you for all of it. Home awaits. You have been missed.
    To Carlye- we will be leaving for Canmore as you arrive. We are looking forward to giving you a big hug. See you Dec 1. All our love and gratitude to an amazing team.

  18. Diana says

    2019/11/22 at 12:54 pm

    What a wonderful blog for the ending of another year filled with lots of hardwork, dedication and long hot days. Staff and residents at Shepherd Village had loved each and every blog and the wonderful pictures. We thank each and every single person on the team for the amazing job and dedication everyone has achieve.
    We can not wait to see the progress of the hospital and the how it will turn out! We are patiently waiting 🙂
    Hope to see our favorite Pharmacist soon. Hi Martha!

  19. Linda Smethurst says

    2019/11/22 at 12:50 pm

    Dear Team
    Congratulations to you all on such a fantastic two weeks!
    You have done such amazing jobs and helped so many people. The photos are so good thank you for sharing them.
    I trust that you will all have a safe journeys back to your homes.
    Well done & God bless.
    Linda xx

  20. Jo/chad says

    2019/11/22 at 12:22 pm

    Well done we are so proud of all of you especially our daughter Dr Annie,for the wonderful work you have done to ease the suffering of these wonderful people .
    Look forward to having you home.

  21. Kate Inchley says

    2019/11/22 at 12:02 pm

    Well done . well done you have all been amazing and still smiling !!! Layaata Hospital is going to be great .
    Safe journey home for all . Tell Rob, Jo, and Elsa they will need their coats and macs its raining cats and dogs here.
    Love Kate and Peter xx

  22. Greg Meservia says

    2019/11/22 at 11:39 am

    What another amazing journey this years’ mission has been to follow along with. Nothing quite beats being there with everyone of course. Were there any stand up comedy acts at this years’ GGT? Did we finally get a win in on the football pitch? I hope everyone took turns lugging around the red Rapid Response Team backpack and no backs were harmed!

    To see the work that’s already been put into the Leyaata Hospital is overwhelming, and I can now share the photos whenever people ask about health care in northern Ghana. How very surreal this must have been for all of you. And what an accomplishment.

    As this mission comes to an end, get home safely everyone, wherever home may be. Fort McMurray AB (we’re only minus 5 today!) says hello to everyone, especially Dr. Mensah. And of course Dr. Caryle, miss you cousin!

    The entire Meservia and Duckett clans are thinking of the Ghana Health Team 2019.

    Much love,
    Greg

  23. Agnes Lobbezoo says

    2019/11/22 at 11:31 am

    I am crying as I read this, because of all the wonderful things that have happened in all these years this has been offered to the Ghanaian people. And the blessings and countless blessings you all have been. It feels like the crying end of the best movie ever.

  24. Tracey Barkey says

    2019/11/22 at 11:23 am

    Great things He has done indeed! Enjoy the “fatted calf” tonight. It will be quite a celebration. I am sad to miss.
    Prayers for safe journey home.
    Tracey

  25. Trevor, Ellie and Jess says

    2019/11/22 at 10:55 am

    What a fantastic and uplifting way to finish. Well done one and all. By the way, I do hope Jane was only singing and not “mummy dancing” as well!

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