As always, I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the summer weather while it lasts. ...and how quickly it will end - time sure flies!!! I've had an eventful week - and I don't remember when I wrote last, so figured it was time. As usual, I'm running short on time, but will try and give a brief glimpse into all life's goings here.
I WONDERFULLY was able to have lunch with Rosemary, Jonathan & Heather (the 3 others from Kingston/Bethel that have been here in Ghana) and had a really refreshing time. It was so nice to catch up, go for a little walk, share some feelings/stories with fellow 'pants' wearers, 'soccer' players, partakers of 'fries' and other Canadianisms that I've learned to appreciate. I'll admit, our time together didn't last long enough, but it was refreshing none the less. And for those Bethel-ites out there, don't worry, Rosemary got a photo!
Today I helped in the delivery of 2 babies at the hospital which was very exciting for me. Things happen a little rushed around here and with only 1 'delivery' room, 2 people delivering at the same time often becomes a bit of an issue. Last week, for instance, one lady delivered her baby on her bed (in her room), with no one there (besides the other patients in the room). When someone yelled that she was about to deliver, by the time we got to the room, the baby had already been born. Today on the other hand, things ran a little smoother as there were fewer patients on the ward. However, the one woman was having a hard time, and had she been in the 'western' world, she would have had a foreceps delivery. However, that doesn't happen here, so after pushing for nearly 2 hours, the doctor (who was called out of surgery) had to pull the baby out. It was quite an experience... Ladies out there, I have REALLY learned to appreciate the western's maternity standards... I know we often say things could be better, but BELIEVE me, the support and dignity a woman gets at home is more than a woman could imagine here. It's amazing to see these women do it all on their own - I've been truly impressed. Leanne, I'll be really interested to compare stories with you!!!
I've definitely become an expert with immunizations and though the standards and techniques are quite different, it's been so nice to both get the experience and be a help. I was able to train some of the other volunteers as well on how to do certain immunizations so that was neat. Last week I was able to spend quite a lot of time in the operating room ("theatre") here and saw some amazing operations. The most amazing was the removal of an ovarian cyst that was nearing the size of a volleyball. It looks like she came out of it fine and will possibly still be able to have children - but once again, I've really come to appreciate the Canadian health care system. This particular woman waited a year to have this surgery simply because of insurance. She could not afford it, so had to apply to get the insurance, etc, so in the end could possibly not be able to have children because of money. It's situations like that, that nearly break my heart, but it's just the reality of the system over here, and deters me even more from the American health care system. The staff here work so hard (often 7/8 am until 3/4 pm without a break) and use every piece of their brain in their work - it's amazing and intriguing to see. Electronic fetal heart monitors are a WONDER.
We generally leave the hospitals around 2 pm, have some lunch, then head off to the orphanage for a few hours (feeding and bathing time). Although they're long days, it's been nice to have a little piece of both worlds.
Next week I head on my trip to Northern Ghana. The details are not known to me yet (haha - this is good for me and my obsession to know things ahead of time, lol) but I'm looking forward to it. I'm a little anxious about the fact that I will know no one else (I didn't end up getting a roommate...long story... and the other girl who came late and had orientation with me and was supposed to travel on this trip with me has ended up with malaria and typhoid fever, so is going home...but don't worry, she'll be just fine!!) - but I have no doubt the trip will be an experience of a lifetime.
Well, I've really got to run, but thanks again for your kind and encouraging words - keep the emails coming!!!
Love and peace to all,
the still unmarried Teresa :)
another volunteer and one of our company's employees in their Ghana jersey's
our daily snack spot
my host mother and me wearing the dress she made me
a common scene - both the billboard and the locals carrying fruit (etc) on their heads
another volunteer and one of our company's employees in their Ghana jersey's
our daily snack spot
my host mother and me wearing the dress she made me
a common scene - both the billboard and the locals carrying fruit (etc) on their heads
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