Our time is winding down in Ghana. We have experienced some unexpected hurdles this trip. The week before we arrived the doctors returned from a month stike. The nurses have not been paid for a month and yesterday the blood bank, labs and pharmacy went on strike. Despite all of this, the KATH and Hearts and Minds team worked together to make this a successful mission. Some of the KATH workers volunteered time without pay, to make sure our mission was a success. It was a true team effort.
Today was filled with packing up the supplies at the hospital and taking inventory. We then decorated for the patient party and made sure the parents were well educated on how to take care of their child before they left the hospital.
We lined the halls as the patients walked to the party(Gallery). It was like the red carpet, camera's were flashing and the children were smiling from ear to ear. What a wonderful sight!
After a short celebration, one of the patient's mother spoke to the team conveying the gratitude of the families. Then the time all the kids had been waiting for arrived, the soccer balls were handed out.
Most of the patients have been discharged and are heading home to begin a new life while the rest of us begin to pack to return home forever changed. I have attempted to put into words our experiences since we arrived in Ghana. Hopefully I have succeeded in making you feel like you were a part of this journey. Thank you for your comments and the participation answering the question of the day.
Tonight we are going to have a small get together at the hotel for the people we worked closely with all week. Then we will be leaving at 7am for the bus ride back to Accra, where we catch a late night flight home to our families and loved ones.
A special thank you to Bev, Judy and Christine for once again putting in countless hours planning this trip. A big thank you to Francis, for without him the trip would not be possible. Until next year!
Great work! Congratulations on another amazing trip!
Best wishes for a safe (and delay free!) trip home
Posted by: Liz Swanson | November 12, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Looking forward to seeing you Bev. What a difference you have all made in so many lives. It is well worth the trip when you see these children and their families lives changed. Thank you all for all you do. I am very proud of you Bev and Lauren. Have a safe and quick trip home.
Posted by: Len & Jackie Small | November 12, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Congratulations on another year of bringing life to the children of Ghana!
We have followed your blog from CICU here in Boston. How blessed we are to know all of you. Wishing you safe travels home! We are excited for the new life these children will experience through the work and love of all of you on the Ghana Team!
Posted by: Jess, Erik and Ethan Lindberg | November 13, 2011 at 01:50 AM
Congrats to everyone!! You should all feel so proud for completing another successful mission. Each of you are so vital to the mission's ability to be completed.
I hope you all have a safe flight home!! See you all very soon!!
Posted by: Lily | November 13, 2011 at 12:29 PM