“We Want To Start Well”

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As is the custom here at NEA and Leyaata, the staff gather together every morning under the Noah Ampen Gazebo for a short Bible lesson and prayer before the work day begins.

Morning Devotions

Dr. David Mensah was the speaker on Monday morning, and he warned us that he needed extra time to speak because “We want to start well!” he proclaimed. The Bible reading was from Ruth 1:8-18, and it was read in English, Twi, and then translated to Hebrew by our teammate Dr. Shmuel Yablonsky.

Dr. Shmuel Yablonsky reading Scriptures in Hebrew

Dr. David Mensah, the master orator, used this story to inspire us all to be people like Ruth, who refuse to let life’s difficulties or pleasant distractions cause us to veer off track from helping humanity.

Usually, it takes a couple of days for our GHP to settle in, get their feet under them, and begin the work. That is not the case with this team. All systems go with our teaching, training, and service as we fall into the familiar rhythms of this partnership built on a foundation of deep friendship, respect, trust, and shared vision.

I’m certain I have the best job in the world as I circulate around this sprawling facility and see our partnership teams huddling everywhere —strategizing, planning, listening, addressing obstacles, and delivering.

Amanda and me making morning announcements

Eye Team Huddle

Nursing Huddle

Rehab Huddle

Post-Op Care Huddle

Diagnostic Imaging Huddle in the Control Room

Neglected Tropical Disease Huddle

Dr. Carlye and ER nurse Charles

Isabella shadowing in Pharmacy

Isabella looking at malaria parasites

There is a lot of laughter and a lot of sweat (well, except for some who enjoy working in A/C, but I won’t name names now, will I?).

Surgical Partners

Surgical Team

Surgeries are underway!

When I popped into the dental clinic this morning, our Leyaata Dental Team was following up with a Leyaata staff member who had a dental emergency on Monday. “Yesterday, I was suffering. Today, I can eat again,” he told me while permitting me to share his story and this picture.

Dental team with Samuel who received emergency care on Monday

A large power outage affected our residence Monday night, leaving us without light, fans, and water. It reminded me so much of our early years in Ghana when we didn’t have the luxuries that NEA generously provides us with now —”the good ol’ days” when the headlamps went on at sunset, bucket baths were taken under the stars, and there was no cell or wi-fi. I think it is good for us to go without these things from time to time.

Due to strict privacy regulations that Leyaata Hospital must adhere to, I cannot share details of patient stories. Still, I will share photos of our teaching and training with permission from course participants.

Leyaata Trauma and Emergency Pediatric (LTEP) Course

LTEP Training

LTEP Training

LTEP Training with Ernestina overseeing

Trauma Simulations

Trauma Simulations

Our dear colleague Ernestina leading the staff in a song during a break from emergency training

Leyaata’s vision is crystal clear — to become a leading model hospital in quality patient care and the best Christian health care centre preferred in Ghana and Africa. We have started very well and pray for health and strength to stay focused on this vision and give Leyaata our best selves for the next two weeks.

This is the stunning Leyaata fabric which is used to make uniforms and curtains within the hospital.

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