“There is absolutely no way that we are going to fit all of those boxes, our luggage and all of the volunteers on that bus.” This was my first thought as I surveyed the scene at Dr. Charletta Ayers’ and Dr. James Aikins’ home on a sunny Saturday morning in August. Our final packing session prior to leaving for Ghana had the feel of organized chaos. Pink and white ribbons for Kumasi, Blue and white ribbons for Cape Coast; a simple yet effective way of getting luggage from across the Atlantic to the correct location in Africa. In spite of my trepidation, through a combination of teamwork and the help of individuals with a very keen special sense, we were soon on our way to JFK airport.
We quickly became an effective team at loading and unloading our luggage and supplies, at JFK Airport in New York, the airport in Accra, and eventually for those going to Cape Coast, loading the bus that took us to our final destination. As a result of needing to fold my 6’ 3” frame into an airplane seat for over 12 hours, I unfortunately experienced very little sleep. On the bus ride from Accra to Cape Coast, I found that my mind raced with thoughts as I sat in an exhausted stupor. I stared out the window of the bus, and saw for the first time, a culture completely different from my own.
People lined the streets of Accra, men and women of all ages, some wearing colorful traditional dress others in clothes similar to those I would see at home. Many women and children carried goods on their heads, selling everything from clothing to peanuts, to the people driving through the city. The buildings lining the streets varied from beautiful new multilevel buildings to rundown one room wooden huts that served as small shops. The difference between where I found myself and where I had come from was astounding.
After unpacking and arranging medical supplies at District Hospital, the true business of the mission began. My role, as one of the four Junior Volunteers, was to sort through and organize multiple bins of medical supplies. We kept the physicians in the operating room and in the clinics supplied with everything they needed to care for their patients. The surroundings appeared primitive, but the surgeons, anesthesiologist, and nurses were able to overcome many obstacles and performed the needed surgeries. I was allowed to observe in the operating room, and I would have to say it was the most amazing thing I have ever done. Being able to open up a human body and remove disease, then sew the person back together and cure the person is pretty impressive. The surgeons took the time to teach, not just the residents, but the junior volunteers as well. The work went very late at times and the conditions were obviously not what everyone was used to, but everyone kept a positive attitude.
The people who came to District Hospital, hoping to be seen by the IHCV team, arrived very early and waited for many hours in order to be seen. I was impressed by how polite and respectful the people of Ghana were to all of us. I will always remember their smiling faces, and the warmth of their welcome. Unfortunately, not everyone who wanted or needed to be seen, could be seen. Many people with serious needs will have to wait until next year.
As a seventeen year old high school senior, I realize that I have been given an opportunity that few will experience. While I began this mission believing I would help people who were in need, I found that I took away much more than I gave. I am certain that I will remember the two weeks that I spent in Ghana for the rest of my life. My experience with the people of Ghana and the practice of medicine has already served to shape who I am, and who I will be. My experience amazed me beyond anything I could ever have imagined.
