Day 9: Fruitful Friday

Today started like many of the other mornings with yet another early start. It’s interesting as our time here progresses we are starting to develop a routine. With a house full of 12 ladies one would think it would be quiet challenging to mesh, however it’s been a pleasure and breeze adjusting to everyone. In addition to our early mornings we are also learning how important breakfast really is as our days are long and the heat is intense (and for a native Floridian, that’s saying something).

After a quick breakfast the group headed off to the hospital for another wonderful day of clinicals. We first had devotions where we were once again immersed into the overwhelming and glorious sounds of the Ghanaian people worshiping. The sounds of their voices praising God never get old and I find myself looking forward to this time everyday. After worship the hospital administrator asked if we would stand up and share either a testimony or devotion that was on our heart. Enthused and honored, 4 of us stood taking turns and sharing stories deep from our hearts. One thing that took us by surprise was the translator who had to repeat everything we said in their native language. As Ms. Poore and Dr. Catts have prepared us, the four of us rolled with the punches and all delivered heartfelt and great messages, not only encouraging the congregation but each other.

Kayla, speaking for her devotion

After devotions the group all went to their designated units. Kayli, Chelsea, and I were able to pass out multiple outfits, shoes, hats and blankets to children.  The smiles on their faces and appreciation make every pain-staking obstacle getting to Africa worth it.

A 1-year old little boy wearing his new onesie

Daniella, an 18-month old, wearing her new dress and sandals!

At noon clinical ended and a group of us headed back to the house for homework and to work on projects (A constant reminder that no matter how glorious it is to be in Africa, we are all still nursing students). The other group of ladies headed out to teach the students at the academy about AIDS and Hepatitis B prevention. The kids were in grades 4^th – 8^th and were ecstatic to have the girls at their school to teach them. There were about 100 kids present and the girls came prepared with two fun filed and action packed skits. As the group performed it was apparent that the skits were definitely a hit. Jen had the star role as the HIV Ninja and the kids absolutely loved it. After the teaching, the girls opened up the floor for questions from the children. To all of our surprise the kids used every second of the 20 minutes allotted for questions. Their questions were not only educated but also in-depth. It was truly a pleasure to see they really wanted to learn and know more in order to stay healthy.

Jen, the HIV Ninja, and the students attacking the soldiers (aka white blood cells)

After the presentation we all came back to the house for a much needed break. Right before dinner we were honored with the privilege to learn an African song, which was in the native language of Twre (pronounced Tree). Two of the ladies who we have all grown to love, Patience and T.K. taught us the song and coached us through the pronunciations and melody. It was a challenge at first with the pronunciations but after much practice and laughing at our American accent and attempts the song started to sound beautiful and come together. We are all looking forward to the day we get to sing it as a group in church Sunday.

T.K. and Patience teaching the song in Twre

Finally as the night started to wind down, we enjoyed another wonderful dinner surrounded by each other. After devotions and planning for the next day we all headed upstairs for what we called movie night. Movie night consisted of 10 girls all piled in a room with 8 bunk beds while playing a movie on an IPad (as you can see we have learned to improvise while in Africa). 

Caren Sims