Kim Reaves’ Blog

Arrival to Africa

Greetings all!

We arrived in Ghana on Friday morning. It has been an interesting few days. Our first experience with the people of Ghana was the ease at which we flew through customs and then as we exited the airport we were greeted by David with a sign “Ashley and Kim Reaves”. Shortly after that we were swarmed by a large group of men wanting to carry our bags…for a tip. We weren’t really sure who was with the mission hospital and who wasn’t so we probably tipped a lot more than necessary. We then drove to the mission hospital via dirt roads and partially paved roads with pot holes. We passed the beach and snapped a few pictures. We were welcomed by smiling faces upon entering the Manna Mission. We were taken to the Mission House where we were given our first mineral (a coke in a bottle). We then walked up the dirt road to the hospital. Dr. Alborh spoke with us briefly and then Emily (another visiting student) gave us a tour of the facility. We then had lunch prepared by Vida at the mission house. Ashley and I took a nap due to all the jet lag. When we ventured back to the hospital the office was closed so internet access had to wait until today. That evening Ashley and I figured out how to start a gas oven and cooked a “meal in a box” that Ashley brought. Emily and Katlyn came in later that evening and answered a few questions for us.  I had a hard time sleeping that night because of the six hour time difference. I listened to my ipod for several hours. I probably shouldn’t have taken the nap during the day.

Saturday morning we went shopping through Teshie and the surrounding area. We found some shops that had crafts made by the local people and I got several gifts for back home. I had pizza for lunch at one of the fast food restaurants with a Coke Light Across from where we ate lunch their was a group selling T-shirts but I am not one to bargin for prices so I didn’t buy anything. We had a few more stops on the way back to the mission including stopping at Gilbert’s (Emily’s driver from when she lived here before) house. He had a coconut tree in the backyard which I took a picture of. We also stopped at Koala which is a grocery store that has imported products which meant we found pasta and Ragu. That ended up being our dinner for the evening. Sunday we attended church services in the morning and then we went to Bojo beach which was about 2 hours away from where we are staying. We also grabbed some food from  ”Papaye” on our way back to the mission hospital. Junior, Dr. Albohr son, was nice enough to have us over to his place to eat. We looked through the pictures from his recent engagement and wedding. All-in-all it was a good weekend.

We started in the hospital this morning. I started in the lab where they do a lot of smears, pregnancy tests, urinalysis and such. The guys that work in the lab are nice and have been telling me what food I need to try while I am in Ghana. I am very excited that I have the wireless internet working to my phone and can now check email regularly. Ashley worked in the pharmacy this morning and really enjoyed it. I think we are going to do a week in each prior to seeing patients but I am not completely sure.

I have definately been in a large amount of culture shock since I have arrived but I am trying to adjust. I am not sure exactly what I imagined but I don’t think I was really prepared. I am hoping to see a lot of malaria and interesting things. The people are nice so I have no doubt my experience will be unique and something I will remember for the rest of my life.