Ghana and more Ghana!

Day 18 - Wednesday 30th Jan 08

Here is a picture of the delivery suite......

I was working in the clinics and the Hospital yesterday - very busy as usual.

Left early and went to the Arts Centre (as it was closing up) which is a huge flea market type place where you can buy souvenirs, etc. I got a taxi with the nicest man (the taxi driver) called 'Bobby' who came in as my escort with me. I was very glad as people shout 'sister' at you and 'haven't we met before', and grab you and take you into their stalls and really pester you and don't leave you alone at all, unless you buy something!

Traffic there was fine, however, coming back was a nightmare! We're talking a few hours stuck in fumes! But the time passed quickly as Bobby was teaching me 'Ga' which is one of the dialects around Teshie, the area I am in. He also popped in to his home and I met his wife Rita and his beautiful daughter Grace (I think I was the first White person who had ever been to his house - so I was quite the novelty!) When I got back to the house I went in and got some fish that I had bought and not eaten to give to them - he was so grateful, and was explaining that his friend would store it in his fridge for him (the only man in his village/area to have a fridge).

When I got back I had missed a dinner the American's all went on to a local 5* hotel called 'La Palma', but no-one had remembered to actually tell me!

So I said my goodbyes to the American's as they left really early thursday morning, I have so many e-mail address and mobiles from Ghanian's let alone American's to contend with!

Anyways, way back in one of my posts about 2 weeks ago I mentioned about the names of the shops/stalls. Well I have been storing them up and think I have enough gems to share with you.

They are all named traditionally with Biblical references, however, the translations sometimes seem strange to me, see what you think, here are a few:

- Living God Beauty Salon

- Overflowing Grace Pharmacy
- Justice Drinking Bar
- Trust in God Cold Store

- By His Grace Fashion & Home Store

- Glory Oil Shop

- Clap for Jesus Shop

- By His Love, Grace and Mercy Business Store

- Have No Fear Take Away (I think this one is my favourite!)

Below are some pictures that I have tried to post a few times (hopfully they'll work this time!)

Some more pictures.........

One from the Island of Ada with two of the American's - a nurse practioner Melanie and Dr.Gene.

Me hard at work at one of the Mission's clinics, think its at Teshie-Mona, a week last Wednesday.

A huge thank you so much to everyone who has posted messages and made contact with me whilst I have been in Ghana. I have looked forward to them every day and they have made my days much brighter! So Thank you very much and another shout out to the best big sister and friend in the world and the best nephew!

p.s. has Sam met baby Thomas yet?

love to all Lucy x x x

I will be seeing you al soon!

Life At Manna Mission.

Day 16 - Tuesday 29th Jan 08

Back and full swing into the clinic at the Hospital today, from early till late.

I'm going to post some pictures of how life at Manna Mission Hospital really is......(computer permitting!)

To the left is part of one of the women's wards.

Here are some of the school children at the 'Manna Academy' walking home from school.

Lots of love

miss you all x x x

The Beach and The Island of Ada - Alorkpen.

Thankfully - just wrote a huge blog which I thought I'd lost again - but I think it worked - yeah!

Day 14 - Sunday 27th Jan. 08



Got up early again - am so looking forward to an un-interrupted night's sleep and a lie-in (at weekends anyway) when I get home!



Went to the service again at the Manna, because once you're invited its very rude to decline. Well, one of the American's, the head Pastor/preacher conducted the sermon! The ending of the service was something out of a comedy sketch, whereby people 'fainted' and fell to the floor once the Holy Spirit had been blessed upon them from the Pastor - very dramatic!



The American's after the service went ahead near to the island of Ada where the clinic tomorrow is.



Anyways, went into the Hospital for a bit and then I headed for my first visit to the beach!

It was great and I took some study with me. However, didn't get much done as people kept coming up to me every 5 minutes (probably because I was on my own) aking if they could be friends with me. I had a lovely little girl called Mavis who came and sat with me for hours, and a lady who wanted me to hold her baby and have a picture of me with the baby! I tell you, being in Ghana will be the closest I'll ever get to feeling like a celebrity!



As the American's are staying in a hotel tonight, the house is so quiet! Played cards and taught Becky how to play Backgammon and had some popcorn! I also didn't have to queue for about 3-4 hours just for a shower, it was bliss!





Day 15 - Monday 28th Jan. 08



Got up and drove with Steve (we broke down just once) and some of the staff from the Manna to the hotel where the American's stayed last night, 'Manet Holiday Hotel'. There is this little area where there are some quite large houses with yatcht's and hotels a million miles away from the the other extreme of those lives of some people from Ghana.



We loaded our equipment and ourselves into 2 narrow boats and headed to the island of Ada. It was quite a short boat journey and on the way we saw some people fishing in boats with nets and the beautiful unspoilt surroundings.



Arriving on the island the islanders all come and greet you especially the hundreds of children. They collected our things and carried them all for you. Some of the children were so funny and kept touching your skin, then laughing and running away to repeat the same thing over and over. The clinic was really hectic and busy, I hardly had a chance to look around.

Above is a photo of one of the houses and children. Infront of the houses you can just see that there are hundreds of the most gorgeous shells that have been placed like a collage into the sand.

Headed back after a few hours, but would have loved to have stayed longer.

Some of the American's got tickets for the Ghana football match against Morocco yesterday score 2-0, wish I could have gone with them, but they could only get hold of a few tickets, which caused a lot of controversy, as not all their group got to go!


Miss you all loads

Really looking forward to coming home - just a few more days now!


Love lucy x x x

Clinics with the Narcissitic Chief & the Schoolchildren! Crocodiles, Rope Bridges & Slavery!

I have not been able to post for a few days - for all those reading I'm sorry!

I'll try and make this a super-blog and write as much as I can and maybe add some pictures, if it works.....

Below is the picture I promised I'd post of me holding a baby 'African style' , I've just realised that I haven't actually posted any photo's of myself yet!

Where was I up to???

Day 11 - Thursday 24th Jan.08

Went to a place called 'Akbomen' which I was told is a typical African village, with houses/huts made out of mud which during the rainy season some of the walls get washed away and have to be re-built!

After we arrived we started setting up clinic again, the same as yesterday. However, before we commenced seeing patients had to respect the village Chieftain and present him with some gifts. We were told that he loves looking in buckets of water at his own reflection, so we gave him: a small hand-held mirror, a football for the village children and some chewing gum! He seemed very happy and he was the first patient to be seen. I had my photo taken with him and as its digital he loved that he could see the picture straight away!!

I made friend's with a lady called 'Rebekah' who held my hand and alike most of the Ghanian's exclaimed, 'You are Welcome, You Are Welcome!'. She showed me around the village and took me into her home and introduced me to her husband and said that this was my home too. I think she and some other people came to the clinic because she didn't want to miss out on the action. Saw some really good classical signs and pathology at the village and took some pictures, which I will bore the medics with on my return.

We finished earlier than expected, it was a much quieter turn out than yesterday so one of the leaders decided that we go to the 'Aburi Botanic Gardens'. It is created by the British and has some vegetation, some ylang-ylang, cinammon plants and some other big trees and stuff.

Another Ghana football match tonight (they won 2-1), so a very long drive home in the traffic again as everyone trying to get to a TV for the match.

Day 12 - Friday 25th Jan 08.

Went to a place called 'Afienaya' today, a few hours away from where I am in Accra. We set up clinic at the bottom of a school playground, and had a huge audience with all the children. I think every one of us got mobbed by children at one time or another.

Saw lots of patients again today.

The 'Mission' team I am with are American's mainly from Florida, and belong to a religious denomination called, 'The Assembly of God'. Well I don't think I've mentioned it so far, but as well as having the medical tables they also have an area whereby they pray for the patients. All I am going to say is that they are quite interesting in their methods which are very overt! I guess I'm not used to their beliefs and ways, they have the power of the Holy Spirit to heal, God talks to them through people on the TV and they speak in 'tongues' (basically unintelligible gobbly-gook!) hope I've not been too judgmental in my descriptions!

After the long journey back in the mini-buses, it was nice to catch up with Becky and Steve. They ended up going to the Ghana match on the Thursday and they said that the atmosphere was amazing.

Day 13 - Saturday 26th Jan. 08

I am very grateful for the American's who have come to do their 'Medical Mission' as I wouldn't be doing the things I am doing if it wasn't for them. Also, as they invited me to go with them today to go to 'Cape Coast'. We had to get up even earlier than we have been doing in the week - like before 5 o'clock! After a very long and hot bus journey, where the bus broke down twice (thats a good day!) we ended up at our destination, the 'Kakum National Park Rainforest'.

It was a beautiful hot day so we walked around and then arrived at the canopy walk, which is a collection of about 7 rope bridges, (which swayed from side-to-side quite a lot), suspended in the trees approx. 700 metre long!

It was great - don't know how I managed it, especially as I always managed to be behind the 'bigger' Americans who when they walked made the whole thing shake and made me hold on for my life!! We saw some butterflies, birds, monkies but sadly no elephants!

We stopped off for something to eat at a hotel/restaurant called 'Ron's Cottage'. It had a lake all around it and crocodiles. I made up for the lack of animals at the National Park and was even brave enough to have my picture taken with a Croc!! If you look close enough you can see the terror in my face and the beads of sweat!

After my escape from the croc's we drove onto 'Cape Coast Castle' which is a very famous area in history. It is where orginally a lot of trading took place and was known as 'Britain's Gold Coast', however, it is probably better known for its mass export of slaves before the slave trade was abolished. It was a really powerful place, you got to walk in the dungeon's where thousands of men and women were shackled together. There is also a famous area called, 'The Door of No Return' where a tunnel lead from the dungeon's/cells to where they were shipped to 'the Americas'. It is now a very busy fishing port. The area is beautiful and it was lovely to be beside the sea. We had to leave before our guided tour ended, it was a shame as I would have loved a bit of extra time to explore the area a bit more.

Worked out had been on the bus in total for around 8-9 hours today!! Although, we had fun on the way back the American's trying to copy my accent and them teaching me how to speak American! I'm going to be coming back speaking half African Ga and American and I'm going to be confusing everyone!

The Slums Near the Sea!

I'm still here - don't despair, just haven't been able to bully anyone into using a computer for the last 2 days. (Afraid no pictures today!)

Day 10 - Wednesday 23rd Jan 08

Went out with the 'Mission' Team to a place called 'Teshie-Mona', a slum area quite near to the sea (drove through it at the weekend). Played with the children and gave out toys and shoes to them. We set up tables for those consulting, we also had a pharmacy, a triage, a glasses/optician's table and a vitals table - all outside under canopies. News spread quickly and we started clinic. The queue just got longer and longer. To keep everyone in line (we only had so many medicines) we drew a number on their finger or thumb nail and gave them a piece of paper that corresponded.

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

It was so busy and we were obviously treating just on symptoms and clinical signs. If we wanted to examine properly we used a bench behind a screen. We had children with terrible infections and adults with chronically raised high blood pressure to name but a few.
They had a formulary with them of the American drugs they brought out, so I'm going to be getting all confused when I'm in England and asking for 'Acetaminophen' instead of 'Paracetamol'!

When we stopped for something to eat - I felt so bad eating in front of them, and them all watching me - so gave some of my food away.

I didn't realise but the clinic had come to a close and people still kept coming to the tables, mine especially. People brought their children to me and said 'I'm begging you, I'm begging you'. I couldn't say no. We then handed out bags of paracetamol and ibuprofen out like they were sweets.

Went back to the Hospital and popped into the Hospital, a lady was 6cm dilated and another due for a C-section. So scrubbed up and went into theatre. The lady had a beautiful baby girl. However, as my first time in theatre over here it was quite an experience! The lights weren't working properly (it was now evening and dark) and the doctors were laughing and joking like you wouldn't believe and answering their mobile phones. The lady who delievered had the hugest fibroids, which I obviously got to hold when they stitched her back up. They brought her husband into theatre (and bearing in mind the women was conscious) they were joking with him about not having sex with her or tying up her tubes. The husband nearly leaned over and touched her fibroid uterus, which was quite funny! At least they got his consent, I guess. Went to the delivery room and had just missed the other lady by a few seconds, she had a beautiful baby boy.

By this time - absolutely shattered! So headed back to the house and had something to eat and a shower eventually! Showering in the dark (apart from a flashing strip light) due to the electricity overload. I also hung my trusty torch up. Felt like I was in cheap budget horror film!


Thursday (yesterday) went to a clinic in a village which was fun - will have to tell you all about it when I next get to a computer - which could be after the weekend!

Have to go now as the lady wants to lock up and is afraid he boyfriend's going to 'bounce' her (i.e. dump her) if she's late.

Love lucy x

miss you all

An Orphanage, a market, coffins and the American's!

Day 9 - Tuesday 22nd Jan. 2008

I was woken up to my door been knocked on, with one of the adminstrator's and some men coming to collect (and in the process) dismantle a pair of bunk beds that were in my room. All for the 'Mission' team - the American's, you would think there was going to be a royal arrival or something, they have tidied up more are cleared stuff from the corridors in their honour.

Teshie Orphanage

I had organised prior with the hospital a visit to the orphanage quite near to the Hospital. However, when enquiring about a taxi from outside the hospital I got confued with the money (Ghana has cedi pronounced 'seedy') the notes and peswas (the coins), however, the monetary system changed over last year and the guy was still quoting me on the old money and I thought he was ripping me off, so I decided to walk some of the way there. So started walking and quickly made friends and a lady called Alice looked after me and got me to the right place - bless her.

What a waste of time though!! The visit had been pre-arranged, however, the 'Madame' wasn't expecting me and there was only one little boy there because all the rest were in school! Silly me! Anyways, I may visit at the weekend or when they come back from school one evening.

A Market

As I was really clever and didn't have my guide book and maps with me (a little lost on the direction front) I ended up in a taxi not heading towards the Hospital but the city centre, Accra.

I was sharing a taxi with a few other people and I was dropped off by the main market with them. Well, as you can see from the picture on the left, one can only describe it as manic and of the busiest places I have ever been in.

Can you also see the lady at the bottom left of the picture carrying stuff, I think its tables on her head?! Thats how all the African ladies carry stuff - its amazing, I have some great pictures of women carrying, for example, a plate of fish, to a sewing machine all on their heads, but not at the same time!!

Wandered round I decided the place I knew was 'Osu' (where I had had the Burger and chips) a suburb of the city, so a nice man called Charles took me to the 'tro-tro's'. They are like mini-buses with as many people packed in as possible and it cost the equivalent of about 12 pence! Once there I picked up a bit of food and did a bit of souvenir shopping. I then got another 'tro-tro' to the 'First Junction', which is a junction off the main - Beach Road, which is close to the hospital. they have no road signs so you have to do a lot by memory, or rely on the very good nature of the Ghanaian's. They are all so friendly and helpful.

Coffins

Just by the 'First Junction' they have a shop where they craft coffins/caskets, (or trunks as they call them). They are amazing and I think quite famous the world over. As you can see they are made to what sort of trade the person who passed was in. I saw: boats, fishes, cockerel's, car's and a family picking up a coffin in the shape of a biro pen!

They should do something like that in England, it would certainly lighten up a funeral when the coffin was brought into a Church and it was shaped into an animal, such as a tiger! I'm still trying to decide what I'd like my ideal one to be??

Probably an ELEPHANT!!

The American's

When I got back I had some lunch and headed into the Hospital.

I gave some of the balloons and colouring pencils I brought out with me to some of the children on the children's ward and saw some patients.

Went back to the house and met the American's! There are 20 of them in total in all shapes and sizes! There is a family of 6 (who have 4 girls ranging from 18-8), their grandparents, a few nurses, a Doctor who studied with Dr.Seth the creator of Manna Mission, and some men.

I felt like I was in the Big Brother house and still haven't got to grips with all their names.

With them all in the house, the queue for the shower last night was a joke, it took me over an hour to get one. Also, the electricty is being overloaded and the lights and fridges are all going on the blink! Patience and a torch are definitely neccessities over here.

It looks like I will be helping them with their 'missions'. They have about 9 huge suitcases full of medicines and we will be going out to the poorer areas and running free clinics. They were all counting up and measuring quanties of the drugs into however many days worth of clinics. I've been told it will be a real eye opener..........

A Typical View from the Hospital Entrance!

The Manna Mission Hospital at Sunrise!

Its just taken so long to post this picture - I'll try with others, but I may not be successful with them!

love lucy x

What's In A Name?

What is in a name?

I love the people's names' over here, I'll name a few for you......
- Comfort, - God's Glory, - Ernestina - Zebenah, - Justice, etc, etc, a lot of them very biblical.
twins called - Augustus and - Augustina
even brothers named - Friday, - Saturday, and - Sunday!!

The shops/stalls are called really different things too. I'll have to tell you about them later on in the week, when I've collected more of them - they're gems!!


Monday 21st Jan 08 - Day 8

UPDATE: - I'm about half way through my stay now!

I'm a day behind my posts, but that doesn't matter I still have lots to write.......

The medical stuff........

Yesterday, I was in clinic with a Dr.Chiki, a Nigerian Doctor working in Ghana, who's training to be an Obstetrian/Gynaecologist. He's really good and we saw again a variety of cases, including, a few cases of children with (parotitis) Mumps, a stroke, huge fibroids (more common in people of African origin), a threatened miscarriage (I had to do a bimanual examination on her and elicit whether her cervical os was open or not!) to name but a few, and of course a lot of Malaria. As Nigeria were playing football yesterday he kinda disappeared for a few hours which was quite funny, although not for him as they lost!

The health service is much different over here and some people pay a fee for health insurance yearly, which is dependant on how much they earn. Others have to pay for everything, and although it doesn't seem much to me its all relative. They have to pay for: the consultation, medications and even, for example, the amount of gloves you have used! I guess that and access to healthcare is why so many people present late with symptoms.

Its also really hard to encourage people to comply with drugs, for say hypertension (high blood pressure). However, I'm not too sure how the system works and the range of drugs they have, but its great to see the Doctors' who prescribe certain ones to some of the people because they don't have the money. I don't think Britain realises how great the NHS is at times!

Had my first hot shower last night, think I had fiddled with the system the first night I was here, which is why it wasn't working properly - oops! It was sooo nice. Although it could be my last, as tommorrow a 'Mission' arrive - 20+ people from America!!

Even attempted my most ambitious meal yet - sausages and potatoes. It didn't go too badly, however, I didn't really like the taste of the meat so had a few potatoes and then my usual fail-safe of toasted teacakes and biscuits! It had taken me hours to make as well.

Then fell into bed at a very early hour! Don't know whether its the weather or the work or just 'Africa Time', but I get tired so easily.....


A Big hello to my biggest fan - my big sister BIG SHOUT OUT FOR ROSIE!!
(who is, might I add, the bestest of friend's and sister's a girl could ever ask for!!)
it was great having a chat yesterday too!
Can't wait to see you when I get back

and......big kisses & cuddles to Sam.

The Universal Language of FOOTBALL!

Have just tried to post some photo's, but after a few attempts, its unfortunately not worked!

The weekend

Saturday - Day 6

Got up and went into the Hospital for a few hours.
Then Becky and Steve came and whisked me away and took me for a tour!

We drove into the city of Ghana - Accra, amongst the crazy drivers. Honking is the way forward over here, you wouldn't get anywhere on the road of your horn didn't work! The roads are sooo busy and it takes a really long time to get anywhere.
They have public transport called 'tro-tro's', which are like mini-buses which fit as many people in as they want to and just pull over whenever they see a person at the side of the road.

We saw the last minute preparations for the African Cup of Nations - like still painting and actually building some roads, with one day to go!! The place has been cleaned up a lot too for the football, so I am probably seeing some of the city with a biased view to what it normally looks like. We drove past the football stadium the 'Ohene Djan Sports stadium' which is right next to Independence Square a big archway celebrating Ghana's independence from England in 1957.

They took me to 'Frankie's', a diner, which apparently has the best burger and chips in Africa (and one of the best places for food in Accra), so it would have been rude not to try it and it was really good, but after days of eating crackers and toast, I could hardly eat it all!!

After, food we went food shopping - stocking up on supplies.
Thanks Ruth for the chocolate buttons! They were yummy and a great way to introduce Yanks to the world of Cadburys. However, I think I'd have been very lost and lonely without them - and they've been really good and kind and have been looking after me, like telling me the price of stuff should be so no-one tries ripping me off, etc.

Driving back to Teshie (the area where I am staying) we drove through some real poverty stricken areas - probably the worst I have ever seen in my life before. It really takes your breath away and makes you quite speechless...........

Sunday - Day 7

Didn't do an awful lot today, the Hospital quite quiet.
Went to Church at the compound, which was quite an expereince. I had to stand up in front of everyone as well - very embarrassing!

After Church and Sunday School Class which was an early start and took up most of the day!
I managed to sit out in the sun, the first time since I've got here. Its strange weather called 'hamatan' where its is very dry and occasionally windy. As the soil is very red and dry, it blows and gets everywhere. Its a bit like there winter, because there is no tropical rain for the crops or water stocks to replenish.

Later on, I was invited with Becky and Steve to one of their friend's Stacy's (a boy - who they met over here in Ghana). He's in the US Navy and has a TV and they often go over and watch the American Football on CNN. It was great to just relax on a sofa and have a BBQ and just chat to people. He lives in a really nice and upmarket area of Accra, where a lot of the Diplomats and ex-pat's live and they all have their own personal security..... Its hard to believe so close to the slum areas I saw yesterday.

Well, whilst they were watching American football, the 'Soccer' was on with the all important Ghana - Guinea match. Driving to the Navy guy's house you could see the distant light of a television on in areas, such as, shops and petrol stations that had loads of people gathered round to watch the match! We were driving when Ghana scored first and there were riots in the streets with hundreds of people including children running out into the roads with flags, trumpets and whistles, etc. The atmosphere was amazing.

Miss you all loads

love lucy x x x

Stopping Traffic.......ME!!!

Lots to talk about - only a little time, as there is a class due to start any minute!!

Day 5 Cont....
So, where was I.......yes I had been catching babies.

I decided to go for a run in the early evening just before sunset and it was the most memorable run ever! I ran around the compound and as I have mentioned before, you get a lot of attention, so much so, I (yes - little old me) was stopping traffic quite literally! I ended up doing a circuit twice.
On the first, I got waves, giggles, points and stares, etc. (Probably at my 'elephant-style' running and beetroot red face)!!
On the second circuit, I was re-enacting the Pied Piper, a lady joined me, then children followed as I ran back laughing so much!! That surely doesn't happen in the UK, not to me anyway!!

Back at the house, the American couple have been lovely. We played cards on Friday night (wahoo - I tell you the social highlight so far!!). Becky's grandma was Amish, so we played a card game called 'Dutch Blitz' which is a little bit like a game we used to play in the Rapp family house, 'Racing Demon'. Also played Golf, which is a bit like 'Splodge'.

Catching Babies!

Day 5

Well so far this morning I have been in the delivery suite/room catching babies.
Its adjoined to the 'ward' where the other expectant mothers in labour are, who can obviously hear everything! And with very limited pain relief, (sometimes none) you can hear the screams from quite a distance.

Some of the practices are completely different here, like, tying the umbilical cord with string. Hygiene and working in a sterile field has a lot to be desired too, but, I guess who I am to point this out, just because I have known a way that differs. There is one theatre here as well, but for obstetric purposes it is only used in absolute emergencies. So when the baby girl that was delivered this morning had meconium stained liqour (the baby poo's into the amniotic fluid - a sign of fetal distress), I was thinking that after a while they would take her to theatre, but very relaxed the midwife just kept on going at the same pace and the baby was fine.

I may not be able to post on the blog this weekend - just in anyone is expecting it, but I will try.
This is because, I am using the computer's that belong to the school and it is shut at the weekend.

Am going to to try and actually see the sun for a while this weekend as I haven't really had a chance yet since I've been here.

Anyway, lots of love

big kisses back to Sam

miss you

lucy x x x

The heart the size of a human head!!

Day 5
I won't go on about medical stuff for too long, but their was an amazing case that came in of cardiomegaly ('big heart'), but it is soo big its the size of a head. On the chest x-ray you can hardly see any lung and you can palpate (feel) it way into his abdomen!!
Well for the medical boffins - the cause?
Well he has a few medical problems: Congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis (failure) due to alcoholism and he is HIV positive as well!! Not so great for the patient.

The cultural divide is quite different to the UK too, because alcohol is frowned upon, this man was left in a room on his own and treated quite poorly and is due to be kicked out of the Hospital, because he used to be an alcoholic. Can you imagine patients in the UK being treated like that because they drink and smoke - the wards would have hardly any patients!

Anyways, I was in clinic this morning and a lady came in with her gorgeous daughter who was about 3 years of age. I started playing with her and the Doctor translated and said that the mother wanted me to take her back to England with her!! She was being really serious too!
The Ghanian's are very lovely and welcoming people and obviously being White in a Black world I stand out a bit. I get calls and salutes and the children just giggle and shout 'aunty Lucy' (they call all the White women 'aunty') or 'odami'. But I have been told that they see White people and immediately think of money and a better life.......

Don't worry Danny I won't be bringing any babies home with me - don't think I will be able to get children through passport control and customs unfortunately!

Love to all

Lucy x x x

Bug's Life!

I had my first run in with some crazy, flying cockroaches last night! So at the first opportunity I'm going to get some 'raid' or the strongest insect repellent possible known to man!

Talking about bugs, have been on the delivery suite and you wouldn't believe the difference between here and the UK. There are 2 beds (make-shift blocks of wood) in a room and dried blood from centuries ago still on the floor. The incubator/baby cots are crawling with ants and other kinds of insects and I just want to scrub the place three times over.

Last night I had a companion in my room too - I've named him Eddy the baby Lizard! Apparently, though its good to keep the lizards in your room as they eat all the bugs. I'm just scared that I'm going to wake up with a lizard on my face in the middle of the night!!

It was lovely to have company last night, finding more out about Ghana and the Mission and just talking about allsorts. They also have a cat (it has no name) who is also great for chasing and catching the lickle and big bugs!
Talking about company, we are to be joined in the house on Sunday by an extra 20 people with a team, don't know where they are all going to sleep! Or what kind of duties they will be doing.

Day 3
Got up to find no water from anywhere- so I am very stinky as haven't had a shower yet or brushed my teeth! Having said that its so hot that once you have one, you want another straight away.

Sorted out going on ward round this morning at 6.45, so got up ridiculously early to find out that the night Doctor had done it at sunrise about
5-6 o'clock! With not a lot to do, I had a cuddle with some of the new babies and introduced myself to some of the women in labour.

Joined in the 'devotion' too which is morning prayers. I was asked to contribute so - made up some words on the spot! (I was nearly speechless, which is not usual for me!)

Joined the clinics again, first helping do some vitals. A little girl of 5 came in with her mum, who was having an acute asthmatic attack which I helped diagnose and then prescribe nebulised salbutamol for. Felt like I am really making a difference here, who knows what would have happened if she had been left to wait for longer in the huge drop-in-clinic queues!

Then I was in clinic with a lovely Dr.Nathaniel who was getting me to do consultations. Saw and felt some great pathology. Still, it is making me realise how much more I need to do, before I am in such a position to make decisions, etc. Half way through the clinic there was a down pour of rain and I was half tempted to run outside to get my longed for shower!!

Am dreaming about a hot bath, a lovely bed and comfort food already!! ..... and I've only been gone for a few days, feels like weeks.

Love lots lucy x x x

AKWAADA! Welcome!

Hi all!

So much to write so little time!

After 2 flights and 3 airports later, I arrived and breezed through customs.

For all those that didn't know I had been in contact with an amazing company based in Leicester www.intercare.org.uk (that had let me supermarket sweep style) pick drugs and medical supplies off their shelves, so I had been a little worried that I may be stopped and have them confiscated.

However, in the UK & Amsterdam I was stoppped at the X-ray machines as I had an opthalmascope in my bag, an old metal one that comes away in pieces and must have looked like a GRENADE or something!

Anyway, enough about airports and flights, I got picked up at the airport and taken to the Manna Mission. Everytime you stop in the car people at the side of the road come and try and sell you stuff, from water to loo roll!
Exhausted, I made it to Manna House, where the accommodation is, just 5 minutes walk from the Hospital and the Academy (school).

Vieda the housekeeper was there to greet me and I was given a plate of watermelon and biscuits. No-one else is staying at the moment, however, there is an American couple who are staying for a year and are due back from a Christmas break any day. Then I was showed my room, and the bathroom, in the DARK, as the lighting wasn't working. Thank Jess and (the best sister in the world) Rosie for sorting me out with a torch!

So locking myself in the house, like in an old horror film, a big plank of wood over the doors from the inside, I got into bed and slept alright.

My First Day
Monday - I got up early and headed towards the hospital. I met a load of people their names I can't all remember! I gave over the supplies I had brought them, for which they were really grateful. I was then taken shopping to a supermarket near to the city for food and much needed water. I was also given a tour of the complex.

After this I went into clinic, its a drop-in basis every day of the week, with ante-natal clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well. The consulting rooms are tiny and so hot! I saw a few patients with a locum doctor and then I was sent to my own room. I have never seen so many patients before. Taking the best histories I could, especially with the language barrier, and examining them I was checking with the locum and then diagnosing nearly everyone with Malaria and prescribing drugs. In the clinic people don't give you a minute and as soon as one patient is opening the door to leave, another one is coming in and sitting down!

Before, I knew it, it was 8.30pm and starving! The clinic had a few people left, but the night Doctor was taking over. I headed back to the house, now dark, and scared myself at some noises in the distance, to find out it was some nearby very skinny goats grazing! Had something to eat, however, I still haven't managed how to work the cooker or kettle yet. Althought, I am on my won there are plenty of creepy crawlies to keep me company!!
Went to the bedroom, to do some work (the lights now on again) to read and fell asleep!

Day 2
Had to be up again early, so had a cold shower (haven't managed to work the hot water in the shower) and headed towards to hospital. Helped out in the ante-natal clinic this morning and in this clinic there are a few patients at a time being seen by 1 or 2 people! Taking brief histories as well are quite shocking when they tell you how many children they have and how many are alive now. I nearly passed out from the heat and lack of food and so had to leave mid-afternoon to get some food. I've just quickly had some and am heading back in to the Hospital, but knowing the computer is only able to be used from 9-4, I thought I'd take my chances and write to you all. I have just met the American couple briefly too, they are called Steve and Becky and they've just been telling me a bit more about the place and how they'll get the hot water and cooker working for me.

Well, got to go, fingers crossed it works!

Lots of love

Lucy x x x

Welcome to my first blog!

For all those who have ventured onto this page - (may it be your first or last)
HI.

Its was a Gannon family idea - so thank you for the inspiration.

Well - I fly on Sunday 13th Jan.2008 and I will be staying at:

The Manna Mission Hospital
First Estate Junction RoadTsuibleoo (Last Bus Stop)
Post Office 1032
Teshie Nungue Estates
Greater Accra
GHANA

Just in case anyone wants to send me post, however, it may take weeks to arrive, just to warn you...

Its a Missionary run hospital which has a few different wards, as well as a delivery suite & an operating theatre. It also has a School and Church on site.

I've also been assured that there is e-mail/internet access - which is why I've set up this site.

Hope to be in contact from Africa in 5 days time!