It’s finally Saturday! Rounds this morning went well. The girl with heart failure is improving. Another girl, who I was sure was going to pass away a week ago is doing great! She had high fevers, seizures, and was pretty out of it for several days due to an unknown infection…but with several potent antibiotics, the infection is gone and she is doing well! I enjoyed making faces at her and seeing her smile and giggle in return. I thank God for hearing my prayers…for healing this girl and for me seeing a glimpse of the reason I am here in Ghana right now. After rounds, I passed out more coloring books and the children’s eyes lit up. They were so excited to receive something to do.

 

I got in a short nap before lunch…I was exhausted both physically, mentally, and emotionally by this week. I enjoyed my free afternoon to walk to the market in town look at the variety of food available (including greens, tomatoes, green peppers, ginger, yams…lots of yams, onions, carrots, oranges, bananas, and food from vendors including fried fish and other things). I did not eat anything…I have not had a GI bug yet and knock on wood that I do not. As I walked back from the market, most children I came across greeted me and wanted to shake my hand or give me a five. They yelled, “How are you?” Which was probably one of a few English words they knew. It was so fun to walk through the market and wander around town.

 

While English is the national language of Ghana, and the nurses and hospital workers speak English, 95% of patients do not. This language barrier is HUGE! I am never sure if the translator understood my question or if the patient did either; often, I get an answer that does not match the question I asked, and I have to try again by rephrasing the question. I finally get the information that I need, but the process can be frustrating. I also find it difficult to talk to patients about what we would consider sensitive issues ie assault because questions are phrased differently here. I am making it by, but definitely have a high value on language learning for possible longer term work in the future.

I have rounds again tonight at 8:30 pm (2:30 pm central time). Today is market day, which means lots of people in town and potentially lots of new admissions. Please pray that rounds go well and that we can be effective physicians and be attentive to both the physical and spiritual needs of our patients.

I am thankful for all your support for myself, Tyler, and my other family as I am away. I know it is not easy on them either with me thousands of miles away. We appreciate your prayers!