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)