And the beard disappeared…
Last week’s post included a section about my adventures as a bearded man in Ghana. Due to all the fun I was having, I decided to shave off the beard. But I am just as warm now as I was before the beard came off. But if a clean shaven face keeps the cops from getting too excited each time they see me, then I’m all in JJJ

On Wednesday March 2, Drs. Cameron and Curtis Gongwer including Dr. James Blechl and I traveled from Ankaase to Kumasi for the Methodist Health Conference. This was a 2-day conference aimed at providing networking opportunities and continuing education for participants. Participants were employees from the Methodist health system and included lab technicians, nurses, physician assistants, physicians and hospital administrators.

Presentations included living a missional life, praying with patients, childhood anemia, gestational diabetes, type II diabetes, management of stroke, leadership and management and a few case studies. It was a very rewarding and educational experience.

On Sunday March 7 (independence day in Ghana) we escorted Drs. Gongwer and Blechl to the Kumasi airport. They left for the US on Sunday night and are safely home. We’ve had a wonderful and blessed time working together.

From left-right: with Drs. Cameron, James and Curtis at the Kumasi airport

Our awesome driver  and friend Mr. Agyeman

I returned home after the airport to spend time with my family. I have been helping my mom with her bread making business when I’m not busy. What I mean by “help” is telling stories and trying to keep the behemoth mosquitoes from my legs and arms while everyone works JJ Most people in Ghana like fresh bread so most bread makers bake new bread every day. This means you have to start baking at midnight, finish by morning and start delivery before people have their breakfasts.


waiting to be baked

I traveled with the CEO of the Methodist hospital to Ankaase on Tuesday March 8. Because of the caliber of roads, it feels like riding bumper cars whenever you travel by a vehicle. Unfortunately, a taxi driver run into the back of our truck as we were on our way to meet staff members at the hospital. Thankfully, it was a minor accident and we suffered no harm. Even the truck came out unscathed.

The new building for Ankaase Hospital

happy faces at a local school


Update on patient with low Hgb:  I mentioned in a previous post about a patient with low Hgb who was taken to the hospital for an emergency blood transfusion. Further assessment showed a uterine fibroid which was subsequently removed. Her labs are now within normal limits. We are pleased by her outcome and give God the glory.  Much can be done here to help those in extreme need but the challenges are outstanding. Yet there’s always a ray of hope…



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