One week Medical Mission in Ankaase

Homecoming---Maybe 

Last week was full of hugs, seeing family, friends and saying “see you later”/ “goodbyes”. Although the decision to head back to Ghana was sudden, I had the opportunity to visit friends, family and well- wishers. I have been blessed in so many ways by so many people and I am excited to return to Ghana and use the skills and knowledge obtained in the United States.

Prior to our departure from JFK (Sunday February 21), the pilot announced that there was a problem with the speedometer. This caused a two and half hour delay (original departure time was 455pm). We arrived safely at the Kotoka international airport (Ghana) on Monday, February 22 at 10am local time. I boarded another plane headed for Kumasi at 1145am and arrived 30 minutes later. For those not familiar with Ghana’s road system, this flight reduced my travel time by 5.5 hours.

My parents were so excited to see me that they forgot to pick me up at the airport. After borrowing a stranger’s phone, haggling with a taxi driver over prices and exchanging Dollars for Cedis (Ghanaian currency), I began my 12.8km/25-minute ride home. 12.8km is about 8 miles.  Of course my parents had planned to pick me up but Calendars were switched because of the arrival of a medical team from Dayton Indiana. The team arrived on Saturday, February 20 and began their work on Monday, February 22. I am still giving my mom a hard time about forgetting to pick me up.  It’s so much fun J

On the eve of my arrival, I met and travelled with the Indiana team to Akrobing Sarpong for a short service (crusade). A crusade in Ghana involves sharing the word of God with a group of people, singing and dancing in addition to a short time of prayer. Usually it is located on a side street in the full view of the public. Mobile medical and eye clinics are tools that can be used in evangelism, sharing the Gospel and inviting people to the Crusade.

 On Tuesday, February 23 we held a medical and eye clinic at the same location and treated approximately 130 people (101 treated on Monday). Thanks to First United Methodist (Andover-campus), we were able to provide 16 eye glasses.

Fortunately, I was chosen to translate for one of the doctors during Tuesday’s mobile clinic. Rev. Todd Nelson and the rest of the Andover mission team can attest to my Twi translating abilities. It really needs some workJ JJ.  But we had a good time and elicited a few laughs from patients in the process.

 A hemoglobin (Hgb) assessment of one of the patients showed a level of 3.9g/l (transfusion is needed for any value less than 7). This patient was advised to check-in at the nearest hospital as further tests were needed in addition to the transfusion. It should be noted that this patient was uninsured therefore the probability of checking in at the hospital was low. I have been heartbroken over this situation and amazed at how powerless we were.

We treated 105 people on Wednesday, February 24 at the medical clinic and 18 were provided with glasses at the eye clinic. We searched and located the patient with low hemoglobin from the previous day. She had not been to the hospital as advised. After rechecking her Hgb (4.0g/l), the doctors arranged to transport her to the Methodist hospital at Ankaase for transfusion. At this point, we don’t know the outcome but there's a ray of hope...

Some tools of the trade...

Waiting to be seen...Mango tree provides relief from the 100 degree temperature

Thank you very much for your prayers and support and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we enter into uncharted territories. We are traveling on Thursday, February 25 from Kumasi to Winneba for a two-day mobile clinic and ministry.

Stay tuned….

Doctors assessing a patient...

Thursday February 25 - Update on patient with low Hgb- We've been informed that the patient has received transfusion and is doing well. The doctors are investigating the cause of the extremely low Hgb.

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