I departed from Beijing to Addis Ababa Ethiopia, a 12 -hour flight and made a connection flight to Accra, also 5 hours, 50 minutes. I am a Ghanaian and have been away from my home country for 9 years in pursuit of my medical education. It was imperative to see my family before proceeding to my service learning site on my arrival.
Though, my family knew I was coming home to do a volunteer service learning rotation but upon breaking the news to them that, I would be going to Nalerigu in the Northern part of Ghana, they were startled and my brother being caring advised me to take along an umbrella and a sun protective lotion because, the temperature in the North of Ghana is very high as compared to other regions. My brother’s advice prompted me to reflect on INMED students and other international volunteers from Western countries with cool temperatures but opted for their services in the tropics. Kudos and may God bless such volunteers and those preparing to come. I became more motivated after reminiscing and had the zeal to do more and offer my service to less and forgotten ones in my country.
I took a 50-minute flight from Accra to Tamale airport and from there, I was directed by the BMC hospital Director to Nalerigu. It was somehow worrisome since I was alone in a private cab to Nalerigu. Soon, I arrived at Nalerigu, BMC. A sigh of relief upon seeing the hospital entrance. The maintenance director helped me with my luggage and led me to the guest house. I settled down quickly and got myself organized for the task ahead of me.