May 13-24: Part 1

I have finally been able to work through some barriers with my account security to get to my regular websites and update everyone on my first week. I have decided to separate it into two parts to break up the reading- as you all know, I love to write! Believe it or not I am now at the local internet cafe on my own computer connected via wifi! The country has really advanced over the past three years. Unfortunately, I was silly and forgot my camera to add pictures so for today, I have just one which was saved to my computer. I will plan to post more as able over the next week. 

After a very long 27 hours of travel from the time I left my house in Spokane to arriving at the hostel in Accra, my body was running solely off of anticipation as I never have been able to sleep well on airplanes. This fact, coupled with my preferred window seat on every flight, had several benefits however as it allowed me to watch the gradual sunrise on the way to Amsterdam and see the desolate Saharan desert in daylight for the first time. I was greeted once again with the hot, humid air that forms an instant sort of film over your body along with many overwhelming Ghanaians after customs wishing to give me a ride. My journey to Kpando the next morning took nearly four hours by tro-tro but like all travel, proved to be very eventful. I saw monkeys on the side of the road and three cattle tethered down in the back of a pickup truck, we stopped at one point and everyone except for myself and two others piled out of the car to relieve themselves in the bush, and we were swarmed by vendors selling meats as we took a ferry across Lake Volta which only introduced flies. Surprisingly however there were no break downs!

Grounds at the host compound in which I stayed at my last visit have changed a lot. There is an addition that was built solely for volunteer rooms which is complete with a bathhouse and toilet as opposed to the vaulted toilet and open shower stall I used before. There are already 7 people staying there though so I am living with the directors of the organization in my own round house on their premises. The accommodation is actually quite nice with a twin size foam mattress, shelves for my belongings, and desk. I even have an en suite bathroom. Although we have piped water, the supply can run short, leaving you to rely on the good old bucket shower. I have a normal toilet too but you can only flush if you defecate in order to conserve water and depending on location, this can be done only by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl. Finally, the schedule for light on is said to be 24 hours without electricity followed by 12 hours of power. Therefore, careful planning must be made to charge electronics and often times the evenings are spent by solar lantern. I have been fortunate so far though as it has only been light off three times.

My first visit back to HardtHaven Children’s Home was quick but rewarding. It is also in a new building and there are a handful of new kids. Small Christopher immediately came to me asking, “Auntie what is your name?” As soon as I said I was there before he took me around testing my memory of all the children’s names. They were so surprised and got an instant smile if I named them correctly. Some were shy when they learned I had been there before and thought I looked much different after remembering that before I had worn ‘spectacles’. The thing that really amazed me is when one child said, “Oh auntie, you are the one who drew us the dog!” then they all came running for a hug. So awesome they would remember such a small act especially since I only spent such a short time at the home. The first Sunday of being here was my birthday. I celebrated in traditional Ghanaian fashion with surprise buckets of water being porn on me multiple times as a symbol of purification. The best was the final one as it was the least expected and got me completely soaked. The kids were having a blast as it is one of the few acceptable times for water to be ‘wasted’.       

It has been a mixed initial experience with my project where actual research has been slow to start due to Ghanaian time (translator not available, not convenient for staff to be interviewed, late for meetings, etc) but I have gained a lot of exposure to different experiences in return. Apparently this time around I have not yet sensitized my emotions or built that barrier between me and the reality of what I am seeing. I was nearly brought to tears twice in one day. I have had the special luxury of going to see extreme cases with Edem (the director) because I have been here before, I am a nurse so can handle unexpected health conditions, and due to the delay in my project. I am very grateful as I was hoping to do some little service on the side.

The first case is a 19 year old girl named Lovia who lives in a village about a 25 minute drive from Kpando. She is HIV positive and had stopped taking medication because she was feeling well. That is when the complications arose and she became extremely ill. She is now immobile and lies on a foam pad on the floor of a concrete house, completely exposed except for a small piece of cloth covering her genitalia. She is so severely malnourished that you can see every rib and her eyes are sunken into her thin face. She stared at me with pleading eyes and even knew a small amount of English. The worst part is her wound. It extends from her pelvic region down through her vagina and wraps around to her lower back. It looks very painful. The only cleaning supplies are antiseptic solution and antibiotic ointment. UNiTED also purchased some palliative care medication and nutritional support to make her more comfortable. My skills practice is not adequate according to Western standards as resources are limited; therefore although I have gloves I have nothing but my hand to apply the medication with. I gave her some donated mats to use as a clean surface to lie on between cleanings. I honestly do not believe she will ever be healed. In fact, I will be surprised if she lives the month I am here. Maybe I’m being too pessimistic but I have never seen someone who looked so poorly. She will likely die from a combination of infection, AIDS, and malnutrition. I also noticed her starting to cough up mucus more and am concerned about an opportunistic respiratory infection due to her suppressed immune system. I plan to visit twice weekly if possible between my committed project. I’m also trying to come up with a reasonable treatment plan that she will agree to the recommendations. Ideally, this would include intensive hospital care but I don’t know if it’s feasible.  

The last case is that which came as a referral from Margaret Marquart Catholic Hospital (local in Kpando). A one year old girl named Happy was brought in with a condition called Kwashiorkor, which is also a form of malnutrition where the tissues swell as opposed to the wasting appearance. Her case is so bad that she has the skin peeling away from her body, appearing as if she were burned. Her eyes are swollen and her extremities are thin. The girl does not have health insurance despite the fact I learned it is just GHc 4 annually for babies which is no joke just over $1. Her treatment will therefore be much more expensive. UNiTED sent her to the regional hospital in Ho for specialized care. The admitting doctor also believes she may have Steven Johnson syndrome. It really makes me think of the very hard decisions Edem must make as these are just two cases of how many in the community? How should he decide who to help and who to leave behind to suffer? 

But if anyone has this world’s goods…and sees his brother…in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?...Let us not love merely in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth! 1 John 3:17-18    

Part Two

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." ~Pat Conroy

It has now been almost 3 years since I last stepped foot in Ghana, West Africa and the thought of returning has never left my mind. I constantly think of the people I encountered, places I saw, and memories made, not to mention the ways in which those served also touched my life. I ended my previous post saying there will be a part two of my adventures and this is it! I leave in 48 hours...

The purpose of my travel will actually be much different than my last trip. In an effort to complete my graduate practicum hours to fulfill the program requirements for my MPH degree, I will be involved in a five week maternal and newborn health research project. As part of the Millennium Development Goals, improving maternal and newborn healthcare is an international priority. Factors which either influence or impose limitations on maternal and newborn health services are multidimensional at the individual, community, cultural, and national levels, thus raise fundamental public health concerns and the necessity to devise a plan of action for assessment, intervention, and evaluation. A lack of access to quality services has profound implications on the maternal and neonatal mortality rates in developing countries such as Ghana. These populations often live in impoverished, rural areas where significant barriers to optimal maternal and newborn health exist. As such, I will be evaluating the services offered through Kpando Health Center by direct observation and interviews with the Ghana Health Services director, staff in the antenatal, delivery, postnatal, and newborn departments, and patients receiving care. Based on conclusions, I will write recommendations as to what is good within their current system, what needs improvement, and how this can be implemented. This will aid in their current process of upgrading to a polyclinic status and help develop reasonable interventions to address maternal and newborn healthcare needs. I am looking forward to gaining insight into global maternal and newborn health, as it will not only benefit the local community but also support my nursing career by giving me a unique clinical perspective as I eventually plan to transition into becoming a nurse in the NICU. 

The opportunity to return to a place significant in my heart is thrilling as I will be able to continue pursing my dream of serving vulnerable populations in the developing world while working within a familiar environment. Having already been exposed to the culture and living conditions, I know what to expect and what emotionally draining circumstances may transpire. Although electricity/internet access will be sporadic, I hope to update my blog frequently to keep everyone connected with my journey. When I talk of my aspirations, people seem to be impressed and put me on some pedestal. I assure you that I am nobody special...just a young woman who is following God's will and doing what makes me most satisfied with life! So please just enjoy sharing in my experience for what it's worth, keep my safety and health in your prayers, and hope that I can be a blessing to others.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." 

Psalm 121: 7-8

    

Final Thoughts

As everyone already noticed, I began each blog entry with a quote for the day. In my daily journal, I had encouraging quotes to get me through and I wanted to leave off with a few of those which inspire me to continue with pursuing my passion!

Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths, He will provide us with strong shoes!

I know what is is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content! ~Philippians 4:11-12

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand! ~Woodrow Wilson

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can't cross a chasm in two small jumps!

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you!

Sometimes it's the smallest decisions which can change your lives forever! 

There is not thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue; there is no joy in merely doing things which anyone can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you'd never make!

Don't be frustrated by your inexperience. All green things inevitably grow!

You don't need a loud voice to be heard. All you need is something worthwhile to say!

Don't copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good, and pleasing, and perfect!

I can't tell you how many times I could rehearse these sayings in my head but still struggle with the decision of which direction to go with my life. My future is up in the air right now. I am torn with wanting to remain at home close to my family and settling down for a career in the states but also wanting to continue pursuing my dream! I am so incredibly thankful for my time in Ghana. It not only granted me the opportunity to serve others, discover a new culture, and travel the main tourist sights, but also taught me a significant amount about who I am as a person and what is important in life. It's like, when you are there, certain aspects of your life you miss from home but now after being home for just one week and having to adjust to my "old" lifestyle, I am already longing to go back. I know the path will sometimes be rough, but with the proper courage and support it will ultimately make a difference to others. I learned to love simplicity! Often times, I was in fact quite frustrated with my inexperience in medicine and wished I had all the answers, all the innovations, and all the knowledge to share. But the truth is, I am a new graduate nurse and I will always be learning. So much did I want to be able to provide much more than I was capable but this is my real opportunity... to equip myself with better knowledge, be prepared for conditions I might see, and construct an entire list of donations that would be beneficial to the immediate communities I served during my time abroad. It's intimidating to take that leap of faith but is the grass always greener on the other side? I do believe in my heart that I will come to the right conclusion for what I want in my life. It may take a little bit of time to reach that decision, but for now I just have to be thankful for the multiple doors that have been opened for my future! Thank you all once again for following me on my travels in Ghana and believe me, there will be a part two to my adventures!

Day 142-146

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way!

Well this is it and much to everyone's relief, I made it home safe and sound! I enjoyed a relaxing last few days in Ghana, doing nothing work or family related but rather taking some time for myself to process the experience I have just completed. I spent an entire afternoon by the pool, went to the market for a final round, and sat for 5 long hours while my hair got braided! Then it was only a matter of packing up my luggage and counting down until I left for the airport. It is definitely a transition moving from living in the Ghanaian culture for nearly 5 months and having to come home only for everyone to expect you to jump in where you left off. What they don't understand that is to me, it feels like life in the Western world has been on pause and by no means does it seem like fall or the holiday season. This opportunity will clearly be a stepping stone to my future. It has shown me a lot about volunteering in developing countries and what kind of work I'm drawn toward if I decide to pursue medical missions abroad. The hardest question to answer seems to be the most generic one of all that I get asked by everyone: "How was Ghana?" To me, it's like where do I possibly begin. I know most people likely just want to hear "oh is was great" and move on but there are so many things to talk about if only everyone was truly interested. Where to start... the complete differences in lifestyle, Central Regional hospital in Cape Coast, leprosy camp, medical outreaches, Tetteh Quarshie hospital in the hills, my time with UNiTED and the wound management program, HardtHaven Children's Home, weekend trips, host families, and so on. In all honesty, everything I will take away is so meaningful to life but really only something I can completely understand in depth.

I had the pleasure of spending one day in London with my Cape Coast roommate Shadee as part of my transit on the way home. The shock of being in England was probably made 10x worse as it was my first exposure to Western industrialization. It was actually slightly overwhelming to take in the new sights, busy city, transportation system, and modern conveniences. It sounds a bit silly to everyone else I'm sure, but I will never forget the moment I felt hot water flowing from the faucet for the first time (in the London Heathrow airport restroom!). To top it off, I enjoyed the longest hot shower where I could have stood there lifeless, allowing the water to flow over my body for the entire night. I really enjoyed learning how to work the underground tube system to get virtually anywhere in the country. Yes, I got to ride on top of a double decker red bus, which toured all of the major sights including the Royal Palace, Big Ben, Eye of London, St. Paul Cathedral, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and the Royal Parliament. I saw many traditional red phone booths and mail boxes and of course the black taxis. We went shopping on Oxford Street and one of the most prestigious stores called Harrods. I got fed very well by Shadee and her lovely family, especially coming from having no variety in meals to being offered platters of vegetables, meat, potatoes, dessert, and the traditional English breakfast. What more would my time be in England without taking numerous cups of tea! I found that English people all dressed in nice business attire, lots of pea coats and scarfs, and are some of the most respectful people with great customer service and accents! Because it was my first time out of Ghana, it is also where I experienced a lot of my firsts again: freezing weather (thanks for the winter jacket and scarf to Shadee and her sister as I arrived off the plane wearing my dress and flip flops!), not sleeping under a mosquito net, actually cuddling under a comforter and blanket, waking to a dark and quiet room free of chickens, music, or people sweeping, etc. Driving on the opposite side of the road was not as scary as I imagined, only had to consciously remind myself to enter on the other side of the car. The best part was when we had almost arrived to our destination and Shadee looked at me saying, "Heather you forgot to buckle up! We can get a ticket for that here!" It never even crossed my mind as in Ghana I got in the habit of just getting in the car and sitting down. Funny how it used to be the very first thing I would do when I sat down but safety went out the window in Ghana! The environment in England was beautiful with green pastures and towns with the small, cottage feel to them. Most of all, I appreciated the detailed architecture of all the buildings lining the city streets. It made me feel like I was walking in ancient times. I thoroughly LOVED my day in England and will definitely be making a return trip there one day! I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share another day of our lives together after 100 days since we last departed, but this also meant reality set in and I was on my way HOME:)

After a very long flight, I was reunited with my family and greeted with a bowl of Froyo right at the airport! It felt magnificent to give everyone a hug but it will take time to adjust to my previous life again. I want to thank all of my followers for devoting your time to reading my blog. I hope it served the intended purpose to not only share my adventures along the way, but encourage everyone to invest your own time into pursuing your dreams whether they be big or small. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and as one of the best ways to reflect on my experience in a depth that is hard to explain, I decided to accumulate a list (which I'm sure will constantly grow in my mind) of things I've always taken for granted but since have learned the simple things in life to be thankful for:
-running water that is both hot and clean
-reliable electricity
-private car that is safe to travel in
-my independence
-paved roads with minimal potholes and an extensive freeway network
-accessible and quality healthcare and education
-even walkways so you can look out instead of down
-few flies or insects and mosquitoes that are free of malaria
-variety of food to choose from and quick food preparation
-supermarkets that make one stop shopping possible
-comfortable seating in the home, cars, and public
-public toilets instead of squatting over open drains behind someone's house
-dust free environment to keep the air and buildings clean
-underground sewage system
-public garbage cans to make disposal environmentally friendly
-materialistic goods such as electronics, clothing, and forms of entertainment
-punishment that does NOT involve any form of corporal punishment i.e. caning
-quality family relationships with time for casual bonding and supportive/ involved parents
-safe, enclosed housing that protect from the elements
-washer and dryer to make laundry quick and easy
-sense of privacy especially in the hospital setting
-concept of time and efficient work ethic to promote customer service
-high speed internet connection in the home and free wireless in public

It is also only fair to thank the Ghanaians for teaching me ways of life that even my own people should take the time to learn from:
-greeting individuals as you walk past each other no matter what time of the day or what kind of mood you are in
-children who are respectful to anyone who is older than them
-beginning the day early with work and household chores
-clean maintenance of the school and home grounds
-community effort and trust to look after everyone's well being
-dressing up and faithfully attending church even when you have very little
-people selling all sorts of goods from their heads only to earn little profit (but allowing buyers to shop easily right out the car window)
-school uniforms and children who wear them proudly, not passing a judgmental attitude toward their peers
-no inhibition to speak your voice or sing loud and proud in public
-finding and being satisfied with cheap forms of entertainment such as music and dancing, playing with a stick and bicycle rim, bottle caps, or just sitting around to socialize
-incredibly responsible children who care for their younger siblings
-showing me that you don't have to have before you can smile, laugh, and be happy!!! 

There are so many things we can choose to ignore in life and decide to just continue on living how we do or we could really take into consideration what we see, hear, or read and use it to change the ways we think about life and possibly even impact the world around us. Though my lists are likely not all inclusive, it goes to show you there are pros and cons to every culture. Don't think because we have the materialistic things, advanced healthcare and education, or modern conveniences that we have it all because the truth is we do not live in a perfect society and there are many things we not only lack but can learn from those in developing countries. They have just as much potential as any other human on earth, the only difference being the circumstances of life we are brought up in. Know that you can make a difference in someone's life. You do not have to have much before you can give. The most important thing is a warm and open heart!

Day 126-141

The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are!

Too often the media shows only the negative in the world, including what life is really like in Africa... Yes, there is a significant amount of poverty. People are living off of next to nothing, wonder where their next meal will come from, walk miles for clean water, access to healthcare, and reliable education. BUT what is forgets to show is the hidden potential in the locals themselves. Not everyone lives in mud huts. Kids are not surrounding you, wasting away to malaria or being malnourished. I am not in denial that these things do exist, but the truth is Ghana is a developing nation and a lot of positive aspects are being introduced into the communities. There is that old saying that "if you give a man a fish, he survives for a day; but, if you teach a man to fish, he survives for a lifetime!" I believe that although giving allows for an immediate impact, it is just as important, if not more, to teach the locals so that they will become self sustaining when all help is gone.

Sorry for the slack in keeping my blog updated. These past two weeks have just been spent soaking in the Ghanaian culture. I have definitely seen more than I can possibly ever remember. There is such a range of social status just out the doorstep, even in developing countries. I have stayed with a wealthier family in Tema but last week it was brought to my attention that in a nearby community, it represents life in the slums. The drains were filled with garbage, houses were completely run down, no roads paved and barely even drivable on, and kids were walking around in torn clothes, wearing no shoes. Yet our mission, in the private car, was just to attend to the market and return home to the fenced in house, generator, tv, proper kitchen, and even wireless internet. How can privileged families see this exist practically from their backyard, knowing how fortunate they are compared to other community members, yet go home without giving it a second thought? Then again, if I reflect on life back home and travel to the right places, I am sure I would be faced with the same question.

With all intentions to make a long trip to northern Ghana for my last two weeks here, I had to make the decision to listen to that inner voice telling me for whatever reason not to go... It took a while to accept what I was feeling and break the news to my travel partner that I didn't feel right about traveling, but in the end I am at peace with listening to my heart. Instead, we made for a quick 3 day trip to Kumasi to conquer the largest open market in all of West Africa (Kejetia Market) and then have a relaxing day at Lake Bosomtwi. The market was so busy and intriguing to walk around. This also means it was overwhelming to take in the sights of people selling and buying anything you could ever imagine, walking on the uneven stony pathway, smelling the horrible stench in the air as we made our way (rather quickly) through the fish and butcher section, and just exploring. Although chaotic and nearly impossible for the tourist to stop and buy anything without being shoved up against someone trying to make their way through the narrow path, the market was actually set up in an orderly fashion grouping produce, meats, animals, clothing and textiles, home products, etc. all with each other. I am blessed with my wonderful sense of direction, not only for preventing myself from getting lost in all the shuffle of the some thousand shops, but also enabling me to walk the streets of the city center and gain a real sense of the atmosphere and daily lifestyle of those living in the capital of the Ashanti Region. At the lake, we rented a private chalet to rest in and enjoyed delicious food from some of the friendliest staff I have ever met while in Ghana. They actually seemed like they had good customer service and were happy to work if it meant making our stay that much more enjoyable. Basically the entire day consisted of a short morning walk to the nearby village, laying out on the beach in my bikini, listening to music, and eating. The only disappointment was the water along the shoreline had this green film on the top making it unlikely of any swimming. Oh and our room had a full length mirror! I know it sounds crazy, but I have only caught a glimpse of my face now and then and to come to a resort and see my entire body... oh the simple pleasures in life :)

I decided to go back to the hills and spend some time with my previous host family. My welcome home was just as I imagined! As soon as I walked through the gate, Kweku, Jessica, Samuel, Nancy, and even Emmanuel came running out to give me a giant group hug! They were so excited to see me. Jessica immediately told me I can teach her her homework like old times. She said I'm a good person because I help people with what they need. I am always willing to help around the house. It kind of makes me annoyed living with three male volunteers because they always leave the dishes behind in hopes that the kids will come around and clean up after them (which they do). They will see me cleaning up and not even come offer to help. The kids' faces always light up in surprise when I offer to help. They ask me why I am so helpful and my response is always because they are such great kids and hard workers; they deserve a break especially when it's something I am perfectly capable of doing. It's not my place to be here and constantly be served as a guest. I want to be part of the family. I know I have made my point clear as Dina occasionally asks me to set the table, run to buy oranges or minerals, etc. That's exactly how I like it because I can see she trusts me enough and is not afraid to ask. It seems like the light has been going out much more frequently than in the past. Almost on a daily basis, making it very hard to plan for charging any electronics. Dina called the kids into the room earlier than normal for bed and as I sat outside, I could hear them singing hymns together. Very sweet! I realized that is what I will soon be missing out on. Both Jessica and Samuel celebrated their birthday. It was very nice as Dina prepared homemade pizza, chicken, and fanice. We were all invited to join in and enjoy the meal outside. One of the Ghanaian traditions I had heard about was pouring water on the person as a reminder of when they were born. You better believe we turned it into a water fight! Evenings are always spent helping with homework and playing in the courtyard. All four kids were fighting over who got to brush and style my hair. They refer to me as their older sister, auntie, and mom. I love them all so much and am thrilled I had the opportunity to return even if it was for a short visit. Saying goodbye for a second time was much harder, practically bringing tears to both Jessica's eyes and my own, as this time I'm not sure how long it will be before I return. They always ask if I will come back again, which is always a difficult question to answer. It's wonderful when nobody wants you to leave. Of course I want to come back and visit but it's just a matter of when... Jessica says she is not happy I came to visit because I should stay FOREVER!!! I stare into each of their eyes, reflecting on how special they are and how great they have made my experience. I big thanks to Dina for opening her home to me once again, providing a place to eat and sleep and just be welcomed back as part of their family!  

Birthday Party! Back: Auntie, Elizabeth, Edna, Kweku, Dina. Front: Nancy, Samuel, Jessica

 The worst thing that happened was going to look at the pictures that the kids took earlier in the day when at that moment I realized ALL my pictures had been deleted from my camera! I saw my previous month and a half of life that was on this memory card flash before my eyes. Volta trip- gone. Tema- gone. Kpando- gone. Wound outreach- gone. Children's home- gone. My everything- GONE. It didn't take long before I busted into tears. Words couldn't possibly describe what I have experienced. Pictures give true meaning. It's ironic because the thought of everything being deleted crossed my mind when the kids were playing with my camera so I taught them never to press the button, then to learn that it was actually a Projects Abroad staff member who is my age... oh the anger and immediate change in mood as you can imagine. From that instance I was willing to do whatever it took to recover the lost images. I didn't find it possible but to my delight and much relief, you will be happy to hear I did in fact get the pictures back!!!

After months of counting down, I am now realizing how incredibly fast my time in Ghana has passed. It was about one year ago that I started planning my adventure and now the days have come and gone. It's a very difficult thing to express in words what I have experienced in this time away from home. I am now at my final days which have been filled with knowing it's my lasts: sleeping under a bed net, taking a bucket shower, drinking out of a plastic sachet, tolerating unexpected cuts in power, using an internet cafe, relying on public transportation, wearing mosquito repellent as if it was the new trend, and so on. I am so thankful to be given this opportunity, which has already opened many doors to future possibilities. I thank God for my health, safety, and guidance down this amazing path he calls his perfect plan for my life! I sit in hope that I will have the passion to continue and serve others once I return home and enter into reality. Serving the locals in my own community and contributing to those I have already impacted abroad. I wish everyone the chance to travel and not only see, but actually experience life from a different perspective!  


 

Day 115-125 (continued...)

It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you- the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God. ~1 Peter 3:3-4

I would like to pay a special tribute to what I have learned to know and love about those I will refer to as "The Children of Hope" of HardtHaven Children's Home (for purposes of trying to be confidential, I will use their first initial and age to share their individual stories):

1. D17 is a sick child, meaning he has been stricken with HIV. He didn't find out until 2009 and is still suffering emotionally to accept his condition There is so much stigma associated with HIV/AIDS that the person becomes ashamed and embarrassed. Because of this, he is unable to attend boarding school with his peers out of fear of being harassed over taking medications. His parents are gone and he was living under the care of his Grandmother, but she could no longer meet his needs. He is a very sweet young man but usually quiet. He enjoys joking around with the volunteers and pretend to be a "ghost" is he is feeling shy. He would prefer to lay in bed and review all class notes independently rather than joining in on group time.

2. I16 was working in the village as house help. He and his older brother moved into the children's home to attend school. He is smart and hopes to become a doctor but suffers from severe test anxiety, thus has been held back several times for inability to pass term exams. He acts like a tough boy when in reality I find him to be down to earth and a charmer. He even gave himself the nickname "Mr. Love"! I learned he is the one child who knows every other child's medication regimen and is really caring to look after the well being of the others.

3. J16: is a sick child. She is one of the original children that entered the home when it first opened in 2007. When "found" the doctor said not to take her in as it would be a waste of money. She wasn't expected to live for more than 6 months. She has a retinal disease affecting the eyes that will slowly progress to blindness. Supposedly there is no cure and corrective lenses do not improve her sight. She has opted not to attend the school for the blind as it would cause even more exclusion from the other children than what she already faces and "special" schools do not receive good education. At the same time, she is lagging in her studies because of the inability to see the chalkboard. She usually keeps with the Matrons helping in the kitchen or washing clothes. You have to ask her directly to join in on group time but once there, she enjoys participating with volunteers and receiving one on one tutoring. My biggest surprise was our final day together and watching her dance nonstop without inhibition amongst the others. 

4. K14: is a sick child and one of the originals. He is a true orphan and was found severely infected with disease. Ringworm was covering his body and he had also been invaded by a form of parasite found in freshwater which burrows through tissue and creates holes throughout the body. Because of this, he still suffers from kidney problems and an enlarged spleen. He is often very quiet and acts uninterested in most activities but really is the big brother type to the other children and will readily jump in to play if it means making them laugh.

5. B11: has an alcoholic father who was unable to care for he and his sisters, one older who was sponsored at the time and died of an untreated respiratory tract infection and one younger who lives at the home and he secretly is protective over. He has the biggest smile, prettiest eyes, and is very intelligent. He is so humble about his abilities and will silently accept compliments. I worked with him a lot, giving extra encouragement about his talents. Really just a great kid all around and in his heart knows he is loved.

6. J10: is a sick child and one of the originals. He is a true orphan and was living under the care of a loving and caring Grandmother who unfortunately could not appropriately tend to his needs. When he entered the home, he suffered from severe acute malnutrition and vitamin D deficiency, presenting as extreme rickets. He is one of the most content children in the house, happy to engage in activity or just sit back.

7. BE10: is a sick child. When found at the hospital, he was so severely malnourished and weak he was unable to stand, walk, or barely talk. His father is a pastor and was ashamed to have a sick son, so he kicked him out of the house to go live in the bush with his grandma. He is the observer of the group. He will stand over and make sure all is going as planned. He helps out a lot around the home and appears happy living here as it has given him a second chance.

8. BC9: entered the home simply because of his older sister. Not much information was provided but he gets along very well with the other boys of the house, is very active, and enjoys running errands in town such as buying bread.

9. G7: is the first born to his twin. Not much information was provided but from observation, he can be quite stubborn sometimes and likes things to go his way. He is often called to help the Matrons. Once you gain his attention, he can usually focus quite well and complete his homework independently.

10. SE7: is the second born to his twin. It is known he is a sick child but the method of transmission is unknown. He struggles a bit in school as it is believed he has dyslexia. Sometimes his letters or numbers are mixed around, upside down, or missing from a word completely. He has a difficult time concentrating but really enjoys playing games and dancing.

11. N7: is the very first officially adopted child of HardtHaven. Sh has an older sister who was living in the home but is now away at boarding school. Her background I don't know but as for her personality, she likes to call the Aunties to help swing the other children, really enjoys playing Candy Land, and likes having videos taken of herself. Yes, sometimes she thrives on being the center of attention!

12. P6: is a sick child. She is the younger sister of B11. Because of their irresponsible, alcoholic father, she was found at 2.5 years old and was completely capable of measuring out and taking her own medication. She loves to have Aunties to herself. Her penmanship is beautiful and she will often try to write class notes for the others.

13. A?: has an unknown true age. A cognitive evaluation indicated she would not develop past the age of 2. Because of her "disability" and psychologically impaired mother, she was abandoned and actually living on the streets. She was found eating her own stool to survive and inflicting self harm by banging her head against the concrete. Her head is thus misshapen because of the swelling and unhealed fractures. She knew only three Ewe phrases at the time, "I need water", "I'm hungry", and "I need to poop". It took the staff 6 months of counseling before she stopped playing with her feces and adapted socially to living in the home. Her middle name is after the woman who brought her to the attention of HardtHaven and her last name is that of the founder. Although she is a bit "special", knowing her history makes it a story of success as she s now attending school and developing cognitively. She is queen of breaking out in random singing or dancing. She loves to come up and give you hugs or hold your hand but fights for attention with the others. She will provide comfort to the younger children if they are crying. Her attention and listening skills are not the best so creativity in conveying a message is a must.

14. SC5: was originally a sponsored child. He was being looked after by his teenage cousin, which prevented her from attending school. One day Edem went to visit and found him sitting alone at the age of 1.5 years eating dirt. Bless his heart he held out his hand and offered Edem some to eat. At that very moment he was taken and he is still one of the first children to always offer his food to volunteers. He is king of demanding attention even if you are busy because he loves to have you look and what he is doing. He is very sweet but doesn't like to share time. He loves playing a hand clapping game and is a very good dancer!

15. C5: is the newest child to the home, entering January of this year. He was a sponsored child living out in the bush with a blind uncle. Edem went to visit late one evening and found that he hadn't eaten or bathed. He was more of a care giver for the uncle, helping around the house with various tasks, instead of being properly looked after. He is one of those adorable boys with big round eyes that capture your heart. He likes singing the ABCs and being cuddled.

16. W4: came to the home at 9 months of age with severe chronic malnutrition. His mother is psychologically ill so abandoned him. Usually the village would take over the care of the child, but because of the stigma associated with mental disorders, they held it against him as well. HardtHaven staff worked very hard at getting him to eat anything. He was brought up on rice water as nobody was lactating at the time and baby formula is far too expensive. Now at almost 5 years of age, he is still physically the size of a 3 year old but fortunately has not suffered intellectually. He is a boy full of energy and all over the place. He is very small and light making him the victim of being tossed in the air or swung around, which always puts a smile on his face.

17. K3: was sent to live with his Grandmother after his mother got remarried and the new husband didn't like the son. He was found malnourished and sitting in his own feces. He can always be a bit whiny and not clear on his needs, but loves any little attention he can get whether it's being chased or tickled or even just being held. His smile is gorgeous.

18. K2: was taken to the hospital for treatment of severe malnutrition. He was under the care of his Grandma but she died leaving no family members behind. He has a scar on the side of his face that actually began as a birthmark but due to ignorance it was scrubbed so hard that it caused an infection which spread. With being the youngest of the home, he is one of the favorites. He is full of exploring the surroundings and pointing out new things to Aunties. He enjoys singing songs and walking around in a serious manner.   

19. E2: is one of the Matron's sons. She began work at the children's home within the past month. He looks maybe 1 year old but is really the same age as K2. He doesn't talk, walk, and barely stands even if holding onto something. He has a pot belly and crooked legs due to vitamin D deficiency. He is now being supported by staff and volunteers to begin rehabilitation and specialized support to encourage growth and development.

There are far too many experiences I had over the past 3 weeks spent with these children to share them all. Whether it was tutoring with homework, reviewing notes, playing puzzles or games, drawing, dancing, tag, or swinging children around, each moment will be a precious memory.  I can't believe how in such a short time I could fall in love with "The Children of Hope". As I was receiving hugs goodbye by each individual child, I found myself beginning to choke up in tears so I had to speed up the process. They are all so special! They deserve to have the very best and are blessed to be under the care and support of HardtHaven Children's Home so that their histories can be turned into stories of success!

Day 115-125

But if anyone has this world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? Let us not love in theory and speech but in deed and in truth!
 ~1 John 3:17-18

One of the challenging parts of living in a third world, developing country amongst the locals and experiencing what their everyday life is like is realizing exactly that, they go through this on a daily basis. I can manage living in such conditions because I know it is short term but knowing the need lasts a lifetime and they don't know anything different is heartbreaking. Yet it doesn't stop them from becoming some of the happiest and most welcoming people I have ever met! It's one thing to always say what you intend to do, but without acting upon your words, nothing will ever change. I encourage each person reading this to find the need in the world you are passionate about and don't hesitate with taking that leap and starting something new. It can drastically impact the life of another no matter how small the deed:)

I have spoken a bit about my focus while staying in Kpando. Well over the last week and a half, my time there has already come to an end and it is driving me crazy to think that I am walking away with unfinished business... There is so much more to be done in the establishment of a new program but I am proud to say that in my short time committing to the care of 7 people, the slightest change has already begun! With me attending to the wounds on a daily basis, it was hard to know for myself whether or not there had been any significant improvement but after getting Jessy- the program coordinator- to come along after not seeing anyone since our initial assessment, I was overwhelmed with the compliments! She noticed a difference in each person and told me that even though I may feel like I am doing something small, it is still making a difference in their lives!

Mary is 70+ years old and has had the wound for 50 years on her foot. We were privileged to receive a box of WIC cavity filler, which is a foam product specialized for wound care. After using it for one week, the hardened edges of her wound have begun to shed, new tissue growth in the wound bed, and a large amount of exudate saturating the foam, indicating there is hope to bring about healing! The only problem will come in about 2 weeks time when the WIC has finished and we have no other option but to regress back to the Drez wound ointment and fabric gauze.

Thomasia is 70+ years old and has had the wound for 21 years after an accident with a machete. She had a skin graft within the last year but it didn't take due to limited follow up. I am most impressed by the transformation of her wounds as it has gone from blackened skin with the appearance of an abscess underneath the surface to healthy, pink tissue growth lying flesh with the surrounding. To see the smile on her face each visit when I am anxiously unwrapping the bandage to see the wound and then congratulate her on the progress makes my job 100% worth every minute!

Michael is 64 years old and has had his wound for the shortest amount of time of all the patients I see (which is still almost 2 years!) It has gone from being infected with crusted exudate and a large bloody hole on his heel to having a decreased depth and closing of the wound. There is still some small areas that appear infected and after having completed blood sugar and blood pressure screenings on everyone, it indicated he has severely uncontrolled hypertension. Ideally he needs to be seen by the hospital and prescribed oral antibiotics and anti-hypertensives, the only problem of course being the funding.

Comfort is the newest patient, with me having only seen her for one week. She is 62 years old, a known diabetic, and has had the wound on the base of her foot for 6 years. It is about a quarter sized hole in her heel and she is also missing her big toe. Her blood glucose readings were outrageous!!! She is not on any diabetic medication due to the inability to afford treatment. In my opinion, controlling the diabetes should be priority as it is likely the cause of delayed wound healing.

Foster is 34 years old and has had his wound for upwards of 13 years. We were initially considering the possibility of elephantitis but after report that the swelling has decreased, his muscles have relaxed, he is walking much better, and the wounds are slowly healing, we are now unsure because this is a non-curable disease. He was speaking with Ephraim (my translator) so excitedly that I have improved the quality of his life. In my opinion, the small work I am doing couldn't possibly have contributed to such progress but I had no other choice but to take credit for his compliment!

Esther is 70+ years old and resides at the central market. She is my disappointing story as she is the one lady I felt needed our attention the most. It is the previous posting's picture and also the one who walks around with the wound uncovered and open to all the dirt, flies, and garbage along the market. We feel she is embarrassed about her wound after our first visit when I took assessment and a photo. She now walks around with it covered (which is a plus) but on each visit refused to unwrap the area so I could help her clean it or provide more in depth care. She stated that another outside source is treating it each day and I should wait a while until returning. She then proceeded to give me all the supplies I had already donated to her back. I kept up on visiting about 3 times a week but each day was the same story. I left finally just explaining to her how much I cared about her and wanted her to pay special attention to her foot or else she would end up getting it amputated. Maybe future volunteers can persuade her better!

Agnes is 15 years old and has had her wound for 4-5 years. It looks like a deep puncture wound that unfortunately has healing in such a way that all the edges are intact but a hole remains in the center. It constantly oozes brown drainage. She is the girl I don't see our care really making any difference and the one I would recommend being referred to the hospital for further assessment.    

The patients were so grateful for the care I was able to provide, although my time was kept short. Ephraim shared with me that some of the locals were talking that I am a nurse. They said people come only to do research, ask questions, and take surveys and never to be seen again whereas I have devoted my time to give them something precious. I have shown I come because I truly care! I am making a difference by touching lives, even if it's just a few in the community. I do not want to be boasting over the compliment but it is really rewarding to know directly from the people I am serving how much they appreciate me contributing to their needs! AND it goes to show you that no matter how small a difference, it can and will change someone's life!

Having officially completed my volunteer work in Ghana, I have been thinking a lot about my experiences with both Projects Abroad and UNiTED. Although both were extremely eye opening and beneficial in their own way, I thoroughly enjoyed my time and felt my investment in a daily community based outreach program with UNiTED will have more of a lasting impact. It has opened the door for so many opportunities to stay connected and continue growing. Edem (director of UNiTED and co-founder of HardtHaven Children's Home) referred to the wound management program as my baby. It needs the right food, education, and support to grow into the optimal potential. When I'm not around to provide guidance, it will be left in the hands of a babysitter, whom I must trust to carry through with the tasks. Before I wouldn't have put it past me to return to Ghana again one day but wanting to experience different endeavors in other countries I wouldn't have expected to be so adamant about the day I return before having even left the country!!!! I know I have started a program and I definitely am not the type of person that can leave it in the dust without finishing what I started. So much more can be done to develop the program. Of course my curiosity will be seeing my very first patients once they are healed and knowing it is partially due to my commitment that a difference was made in their lives! My ambition is to create an internship program with Washington State University College of Nursing, so that other nursing students are given the opportunity to experience something practical, cultural, heart warming, life changing, and simply unimaginable:) It can mark the beginning of following one's dream, just as it has been an open door to my future! My work here is not complete!!!!!