It is definitely hot here in Bolgatanga, or Bolga as it is usually called. We are sweating up a storm, but unfortunately not sweating off the pounds (all of the white bread and palm oil makes up for that). After jumping through some PR hoops early in the week, we began our work at the Tongo Health Centre, a clinic in a smaller village on the outskirts of Bolga. It's been neat to see how a smaller, more rural clinic works, and to become more aware of signs and clinical presentations of various tropical illnesses in the earlier stages. After two rather uneventful days, Thursday brought about a meaningful experience. We had the opportunity to see two births that morning, almost simultaneously. Although the second birth was smooth and successful, with a healthy baby and mom, the first birth was not so smooth, and the baby did not make it. Definitely one of the hardest, most heartbreaking things I have ever had to witness and be a part of. The infant mortality rate in Ghana is reported to be around 300 out of every 1000 births. Thank goodness Jackie and I have each other here to talk about things and cry together, otherwise I don't know how I would deal with some of the things we have seen here!
After a difficult day, otherwise, things here have been really good. Today we went to Paga to the crocodile pond. We had to buy a chicken and then the guides there use the chicken to tease the croc while we sat on it and snapped pictures. Then they fed it. I have it on video. Pretty crazy! The croc we sat on was huge and apparently 99 years old! It wasn't too scary until smaller crocs started lurking up behind us when they caught wind of the chicken! The guide scared them off quickly though, and all was good. Later on we went to the market and I bought some beautiful fabrics and bowls made out of callabash.
I love being here in Ghana, but part of me is beginning to miss home. Traveling has really made me appreciate certain things about home that I previously took for granted. This trip has definitely led me to catch the travel bug, and Jackie and I are already talking about doing South and Central America sometime next year once we (hopefully) have jobs and (hopefully) money!
Next week we will be going to a different rural clinic and then spending two days teaching first year nursing students at the nursing school here. Looking forward to that! I cannot believe how time has flown by and that we only have about a week and a half left here. Geez!
I am very impressed with how well my body has handled traveling! I was expecting to feel awful/sick often and spend a lot more time in the loo! But that hasn't been the case. I am feeling good, I am safe, and I have managed to turn down all of the marriage proposals that I have received thus far.
Hope all is well at home! Cheer extra loud for Canada tomorrow for me!!
Love you all,
Kels
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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