Day 7: Babies, Babies and More Babies!

Well here we are, day 7 and exactly one week since we left the states for our long awaited journey to Ghana. It is hard to sum up our days in one short blog because there are many of us with so many great experiences every single day. Today however started with an early rise and shine along with another delicious breakfast made fresh from the staff here at the mission house. After breakfast we headed off to the church where we were able to watch the children at the academy sing praise and worship. I can’t say that I have ever enjoyed watching children sing and dance as much as I did this morning. It was truly a pleasure to experience and witness their enthusiasm and love for Jesus. After praise and worship Lina, Jennifer, and Chelsea were able to stand up and talk to the kids about fear and believing for Gods protection, focusing on what the bible says in Psalms 91.

After praise and worship we walked as a group over to the hospital excited and ready to start our day. Not knowing what we were in for Vanessa, Katelyn and I walked into the OR in order to prepare for a C-section.  The C Section went well and the Doctor was so welcoming, even encouraging questions from us. A beautiful baby boy was delivered without any complications to a grateful mother who had recently lost her previous child. The joy and excitement on her face once she saw her healthy baby boy was simply amazing. We were even able to brighten her day by bringing her baby a new outfit, hat and blanket all donated and made by people who supported our trip here. After we buddle up the newest baby boy a few of us were able to pray with the mother and ask God for protection over her new son’s life.  

As the day progressed it proved to be quite busy with additional surgeries.  Others were able to stand in for another C-Section where a healthy baby girl was delivered shortly followed by the last surgery of the day on another woman suffering from severe abdominal pain.

After a long hot day (and by hot I mean we are all usually glistening and wet with sweat) we walked home laughing and sharing stories. While at the house and eating another delicious dinner Jennifer was able to tell the team about her day in the men’s ward. There she was able to connect with one of her patients. The young man she was caring for was struggling with severe pain and his health was drastically compromised. The patient knew Jesus but admitted that he didn’t know how to pray. His eyes were sad and empty and his body was frail. However under all of this she saw a man, a man that was God’s son.  She asked him if he wanted her to pray with him in order to receive the Holy Spirit and teach him how to pray. He answered with a nod of the head and Jen was able to minister to both him and the nurse that day.

Its experiences like these that allow me to see how each and every one of us are called to be here. Though we are all nursing students desiring to learn and become the best nurses possible, God has also placed a special calling on our lives. It has been such an honor to bond with these ladies, patients, and the staff at Manna Mission. The experiences and memories we share have already become priceless, engraving a special place in my heart. 

Caren Sims