So Landon was in Ghana the last week and a half. He had a great time. We had a great time here. It was good all around. We all felt prayers and love from so many!!!
Below are the notes we took on our notes app on our phone everyday. It is how we knew what the other person did. Landon's is in blue and mine in purple. Its a lot, sooooo you can just skip to the pictures if you'd like :)
FRIDAY the 24th
Flew to JFK. Becs and Luke saw me off at the airport after we went to brunch. Went to Shake Shack. Everyone told me to enjoy it because i would be sick of chicken and rice in a couple days. Boarded for Accra at 11:40 pm.
At brunch with Landon and Luke & then dropped Landon off at the airport. We picked Jax and Ty up from school/play date and came home and watched Star Wars. Then we went to Costco and got ready for the week
SATURDAY the 25th
Landed, made it through customs, Jonathan’s VISA was expired so that was a concern for about 30 minutes.
We then loaded onto buses and busses 4 hours down the “highway” to Cape Coast. There was significant traffic getting out of town and then the “highway” became a potholed road with frequent speed bumps. Our van didn’t have AC and made for a long ride. My bladder also almost exploded.
Made it to Coconut Grove Resort, unloaded, got rooms arranged, and crashed.
Coached Jaxsons basketball practice. Then Jax went to a birthday party with Sol, they went tubing. Me and ty and luke went to the Children’s Museum (thanks to mama and papa Woolf)! We Angelina over for dinner. Then Angelina stayed til midnight and talked with me. I love her. (PS my parents and Landon’s parents had lunch today in AZ and that made me really happy!)
SUNDAY the 26th
Breakfast at the hotel. They made omlets to order. Also had Kenkey which is a fermented corn dish. Drank Bissap which is a ginger drink. Also had some freshly husked coconut. Omelet and fruit were good, though all the fruit is warm. So there’s that. No hot water in the shower.
Its things like this I stopped complaining about after driving through our town of Elmina. It’s the poorest place I’ve ever visited. That said, there is a smell of burning trash, human waste, and dirt that is common in all poor communities. The difference here vs Argentina is that here there is added fish layer on top.
The LDS Elmina ward was held in an old building on the main road. No AC. The power went out in the middle of the first talk but the speaker continued without pause.
EQ was held on the balcony/the hallway proving my point that it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, or what type of chapel you’re in, there won’t be a room for the EQ.
The Ghana people sing their hymns with gusto, even without accompaniment.
After church I invented coconut golf while waiting for our van. We then went to clinic and saw the hospital theatre (operating rooms). We took our devices and materials that we will be using during the week.
After clinic we went to the Elmina slave castle. Approximately 4000-5000 slaves passed through during the height of the slave trade. It was a sobering reminder of what humans are capable of doing to each other.
We walked home through town. Children mobbed us as we distributed candy and soccer balls.
Dinner at the hotel, cold shower, and to bed.
Kobe Bryant died, which just effected me for some reason. We went to church, Luke screamed. Went to Nates ordination of the priesthood. Then to Hailey, Hazel and Harpers house for nap time and Sunday cousin play! Nate and Sarah fed is dinner. I talked to my mom tonight for a few hours.
MONDAY the 27th
We woke up in time to get to breakfast at 7am. I woke up at about 5 with the intention of going for a run, however, it was completely dark until after 6. At that point I figured it would take too long to run, stop sweating, and then shower before catching the bus at 7:15 to go to the hospital. That and there is a “crocodile pit” somewhere here at the hotel and I didn’t want to accidentally find it running in the dark.
We made it to the hospital and had a quick meet and greet with the hospital CEO and administrators. We then met with the team of anesthetists and gave a quick training on peripheral nerve blocks and TAP/QL blocks.
The first patients made it into the OR a bit before 10 am. (There is absolutely zero sense of hurry here). We did two airways cases, three ears, and two general surgeries (an open chole and ex-lap). The ex lap was an 8-year old kid that got hit by a bus while riding his bike. Honestly, he probably would have died had we not (specifically Nate Richards) been here.
Otherwise, the anesthetists are pretty good at what they do and what they can do. There are some significant differences as far as the standards that they hold themselves to. For example, it is common for the anesthetists to leave the room for extended periods of time. This caused a couple problems today, including once a patient began waking up and reaching for the ET tube. The surgeon (Nate Page from Phoenix Childrens) called this to the attention of the anesthetist only to realize that he wasn’t in the room. Matt Hoops (Anesthesia from Spokane) then took it upon himself to keep the anesthetist in the room at all times.
The feedback our team gave the CEO last year was that they should consider hiring MD anesthesiologists. They did this recently. One started today. They have another starting next week. I believe that will go a long way to establishing some more consistent protocols for them.
They feed us lunch at the hospital. Today we had rice Jollof ( a spicy rice) and chicken. We ended up finishing and leaving the hospital sometime close to 7pm.
Dinner was the the hotel next door, we ordered pizza. It was decent. After dinner I went for a 3 mile run along the 0.2 mile stretch of beach in front of the hotel. It was so hot and a sweat so much. I have no idea how my shirt will be dry by the time I fly home.
This morning we had a simple egg breakfast with fruit! We talked about the Liahona and what things in our life guide and direct us. We had a slow morning, which was great. Ty built legos, me and Luke read books. I straightened from the weekend. During quiet time I worked on Taxes and backing up my blog.
Then we went to the children’s museum after school again. Jax was really missing Dad and did not want to go. I pulled him aside and gave him a big hug. Then I told him “it’s okay you miss daddy. I know you don’t want to Marco Polo him but I think it will make you feel better.” He cried! He Marco Polod Landon. Then we headed into the Children’s museum. We were there for two hours and the boys had a blast. I had time with each of them while the others happily played. Landon Marco polo’d Jax back and suddenly I had my boy back again “I feel so much better mom! I feel a little closer to dad now.” Man he loves his dad.
After the children’s museum we went and got Ruby Snap cookies for ty Ty’s FHE. He taught us about the scriptures and needing to read them every day. We sang Scripture Power and Snowman song. Then watched Dude Perfect and ate cookies. And while cuddling with the boys on the couch, I saw all of the ways God had helped me today through others (you know who you are!!) I ended the night working more on backing up my photos and deciding how I want to organize them!
TUESDAY the 28th
Got up, had breakfast (I’m liking the Bissap ginger drink) and got to the hospital. Jonathan have a talk on ACLS and we started cases. There were two not so straight forward airways that made us sweat, but all patients did well. We even did the very first laparoscopic surgery (Lap chole) in the history of the Cape Coast teaching hospital.
We also taught three more TAPs/QL blocks.
By the end of the day i was feeling pretty sick (maybe it was the fried rice and chicken for lunch? Or I was dehydrated?) either way i has to step outside of the operating theatre about 30 minutes early because i thought I may vomit and i prefered doing it in the grass vs in the toilets.
Fortunately, I made it home, kind of skipped dinner but had plenty of water and felt good enough to have Jamie lead Jonathan and I in some yoga before bed.
John and I also tracked down some perfect erasers that work beautifully for my epidural model that I will instruct with tomorrow
We had play group this morning at our house. I’m glad I did that, it kind of got me going this morning. I took a little nap during nap time and read the scriptures. One of the things Landon blessed me with is that id make myself food. And I’ve been doing that. There is just a part of me that knows I can’t risk not being good. So I’m doing all the things: water, sleep, food, prayer, less phone, less unimportant things. It’s been really good for me! It’s also interesting how it doesn’t feel much different than a normal busy week! Other than not having time with him a right, I normally do all the things on my own. We went to the children’s museum again with Oskar. We were going to do the planetarium but it was closed! We came home and did baths and jammies. Brealynn and Zach brought us dinner, ate with us and then played games with us! It was the best and I’ll love them forever for that. This trip has let me see that we have a community here! Oh my heart. I’m grateful for it. And we have to move. #inabox
WEDNESDAY the 29th
I was still feeling a bit off this morning so I skipped breakfast (and lunch). This morning I taught epidurals using my models. I think the anesthetists were sincerely excited. They also worked really well. We even had one wet tap.
In the OR (“the theatre” in Ghana) I placed two epidurals for patients (the first two epidurals ever at this hospital.
I also successfully placed an US guided femoral IV after multiple failed IV attempts in a three-month old.
Overall it was a successful day. Me and the two AZ docs (Nate Page and David Crocket) left early to go to the Cape Coast slave castle. It was sobering. We took a cab home and had dinner, I FaceTimed Becs (I miss her), we watched a couple funny Instagram videos, I showered, and went to bed.
Another highlight of the day was that we got the hot water to work! Turns out we had to turn on a switch in the living room labeled “air conditioner.”
We went to the children’s museum with Hal, Cope and Lace! After school I took the boys to the library. Audrey watched Luke and Ty during Jaxsons basketball game. Which made coaching soooo much easier. This game was against all of his classmates and the boy that’s made fun of him the last few months. He was nervous. And he won! He played so well. He is really very good. The night ended with Cafe Rio from the Peterson’s. I’ve been taken care of this week by so so so many. I continue to thank God every night for make this week feel happy and burdenless.
THURSDAY the 30th
Today had very high, highs and a very low, low.
For the day we went with the “non medical” contingent out to Agona Swedru, a small town approximately 2.5 hours from Elmina.
There, we went to a school that was founded and is permed and operated by Amos and his wife Grace. He is currently serving as a Stake President and her as primary president. They have three young kids that attend the school with about 220 other kids. He was trained as an electrical engineer but felt that he would be best of service in education.
It is a public school and the kids are taught per the government issued curriculum (from 1st to 8th grade). However, because it is private he has also incorporated religion into the teaching. Currently, they’re favorite song they have been taught is “I am a child of God.”
We were given a tour of the school, which, though certainly nice by Ghanian standards, falls extremely short of what would be passed as accepted by even the poorest of American standards.
The children then put on a cultural performance for us. I even got I pulled into the dance at one point. I think I held my own in our group of white people.
I was In spired by the school and by Amos and Grace. They are living the law of confederation as purely as I’ve seen it lived. I felt the spirit in their school. It is a sacred place and an experience that changed me.
The children were a joy. We played hand slap and they were fascinated by my watch.
After the school we went back to the hospital to help finish up. It turns out they had had multiple trying cases including unexpected bleeding and a could not intubate situation required waking of the patient and placement of an awake tracheostomy.
While we were there we were informed of a code situation in the pediatric floor. We were told by Jenny Richards (Nate’s wife) who happened to be visiting the ward with the non medical people.
We took our emergency airway box we prepared and provided for them and responded. I believe the child (probably aged 13-16) was dead when we arrived. He did not have a pulse and appropriate life saving measures (ACLS) were not being performed. We assumed management of the situation and performed appropriate CPR for 45 minutes before calling time of death. At one point we had briefly gotten him back, but it was very brief (only a few seconds).
It was a very emotional experience for me. The mother was literally wailing outside. It was traumatic for the entire contingent of our non medical personnel who had never experienced anything like it. It was another reminder that we as anesthesia have much more to offer this hospital.
Shortly thereafter we arrived to a reception hosted by the hospital CEO and the chief of the region (a position and title of royalty which I am still trying to understand) who also serves as the head of the hospital board. Among other things he graciously thanked us for displaying “humanity” not just “Christianity” and applauded our efforts to make a change. He then presented us each with a ceremonial pair of sandals that represent and are worn by royalty. It was a gracious gesture and I was once again inspired, though the overall feeling of the day was obviously influenced most significantly by the death.
We had a great @comefollowmechats this morning. We listed all the great things in our life and that just felt like a great way to start the day. I worked out. Me, luke and Ty cuddled on the couch and watched Tangled. It was honestly the sweetest! We all just sat together for 90 minutes. I took Ty to school and picked up Jax. We went and got cheesys from Taco Bell, our Luke down and played games. A little mini date with my lil guy.
After school we decided on a park. We drove 25 minutes to only stay at the park for 15. It was freezing! We talked to Landon on the way home. I miss him! When we pulled in, it was 4:57, Landon had to go to bed, and it hit me. I hade to do bed time again alone. And I’m sad. We came upstairs and I started dinner. Jax read, Luke and ty fought/played. I was about to lose it an hour in. And I text my friend Maddie for some extra motivation “put your kids down at 6:30” she said. And suddenly I realized, I could do that. And just that alone made me feel less confined.
I peeked my head into Jaxsons room and asked if he could help me before dinner. He instantly put his book down and cleaned the entire house while I set dinner up. Then ty got in jammies and got Luke jammies. And by the time dinner was done, everyone was ready for bed and the house was clean. We had a great conversation about babies, and how breast milk is made, and the differences between boys and girls. I told the boys how much Jax looooved breastfeeding, and even showed the boys Jaxsons milk drunk baby state. They all thought that was hilarious. I was bored tonight. I’m missing him a lot! I’m grateful for the ways we have been able to communicate. Even though it’s chopping, it’s so much better than it would hAve been 10 years ago! And that’s a wrap for today
FRIDAY the 31st
Less OR today, more “fun.”
Only one case in the OR. We have the team all of our remaining supplies and gifted them stethoscopes. They have us Fanny packs and t shirts. I also gave away my shoes and a scrub hat.
After we said goodbye at the hospital we drove to Kalum conservation park and did the jungle canopy rope walk.
Honestly i think the most tiring thing here (other than the unrelenting heat and humidity) is the travel. Our vans do not have AC and the roads are not well maintained. It makes for slow, bumpy, hot, and exhausting travel.
I also think i am still not completely recovered from the death yesterday. That took a fair amount out of me.
We finished the night with a dinner reception for the hospital staffs and their families (60+ people). They gave us more gifts (ties and bracelets). When they give gifts they do it as a “presentation,” individually and with a picture. Their generosity and warmth is inspiring. (For example I complimented a nurse on her bracelet and she tried to give it to me).
I am beat.
I could tell this morning we were unraveling. We did our @comefollowmechat then we said an intentional prayer. To help us get through the day. We went to the Museum of Natural History, thanks to the free tickets from Jamie and her fam. It was fun, but I forgot to eat breakfast so by the end of it I was running low and almost lost it.Gratefully, we got food in me. Then Jax went to play with Oskar, Luke and North. And Ty and I had a mini date while Luke slept.
Once Luke woke up, we headed out for the rest of the day. Library, Dino park and food court, then I-Spy walking around the mall. The night ended reading multiple books about sexual health. The boys and I have read lots about how babies are made, and body parts and names, and consent, and secrets aren’t safe. I’ve been blown away about their instant attention and questions. Both Jax and Ty. I feel really proud about the openness we achieved this week! And can’t wait to be even more open in the future!
SATURDAY the 1st
Last day. We started with a golf “tournament” this morning. We played two holes. Scramble, anesthesia vs surgery. We won, naturally. On the opening drive Jonathan sent the driver head about 120.
We then piled into the vans and headed the four hours back to Accra. Once there we made a quick stop at the temple (very cool temple and grounds) then went to a market to stock up on souvenirs. We are not at the airport preparing to get through security, shower, eat, and start the 24+ hour journey home.
My parents have been married 40 years today! That’s amazing and they have the best married in the whole wide world!!! Basketball practice this morning. I’m so grateful for Luke and Ty who were so patient. I really believe kids adapt and low practice with them is easy! They just sit and watch. Jax practiced basketball all day! Ty built forts! Luke played happily. We ended the night going to Josh’s basketball game. I made it, well almost. No more nights by myself. My dinner was guacamole and chips. It took everything in my not to have dinner delivered. My gas tank is on low :). Good thing he comes home tomorrow
SUNDAY the 2nd
He's home, who cares what else happened :)
