Children's Hospital Boston in Ghana

A Few Thoughts...

I am quite proud of the efforts of the entire group this trip. Once again, our trip was full of both anticipated and unexpected challenges. It was inspiring to see this group handle these simple and complex problems with as much tenacity and compassion, resourcefulness and gumption, as that which I regularly witness at home in Boston.

I was heartened to see our partners in Kumasi engaged and eager. I was comforted by the now familiar sights and smell of Ghana welcoming us again. It reminded me, once again, that the delivery of complex care is often limited by resources, but isn’t, at Children’s Hospital Boston – Kumasi Branch, by will.

Mark (Cardiac Intensivist)

Godsends...

I’m sitting on Delta Flight #167 heading home from Ghana and reflecting on my fondest memory.

Patience, Miracle, Blessing, Charity and Godknows are some of the names of folks that we met this week.  Patience is the Director of Nursing and is one of our “Godsends”.  She is always there for our team and the nurses.  That’s why we were so grateful to give back to her.  A group us spent an afternoon at her parents village (“some of the poorest of the poor”) to bring books, pencils, crayons and clothing to her people.

 

We were greeted by hundreds of children that were taught to politely ask “How are you?” and introduce themselves.  Many of them had never seen a white person (and those that know me know that I’m really white!).  Fascinated children touched my hair and skin.  A hand written program was passed out. The children sang and danced.  Poems were read. Ceremomial greetings were shared with the elders.  This was a celebration and the blessing was ours.

 

We rushed off to get back to the hospital to care for the cardiac patients. As we were pulling away there was a last knock on the bus door and a gift of local bananas and oranges was presented. There was a clear exchange of goods, smiles, fascination and good will. HOPE is what Patience says is our greatest gift to her people. Joy and happiness is the greatest gift I receive from them.

 

It is difficult to express how the past three missions have impacted me, but I can say with each trip the journey feels a little closer and the commonalities seem more apparent.

 

Moira (CICU Nurse)

Many Parts Make A Team

When I look back on this week’s events, I remembered being on the airplane flying from Boston to Accra. I had pulled out my crochet hook and two skeins of yarn and very quickly crocheted a scarf.  My aunt taught me how to crochet when I was 10 years old and now “slightly” older, I can crochet with my eyes closed.

This is my 3rd mission to Ghana and even though some areas of it ran like a well oiled machine, there were other areas where the engine bucked, sputtered and almost stalled.  The challenges we faced this time were unimaginable and I quickly realized that no matter how many times you do something, you can never quite do it enough to do it with your eyes closed.

I would like to take this time to thank each and everyone on the team for not only your hard work, your dedication and compassion but for your incredible adaptability.  You all kept the engine running! 

  “Something unpredictable and in the end it’s right---I hope you had the time of your life.”      

Thanks to all,

Judy (CICU Nurse)