The end of another summer, only this one not quite as sedentary as last. As I sit outside, enjoying the cool air, watching the sky darken, my thoughts turn to a small village in Ghana. Kyekyewere. You know, that Village I have visited several times now. The one where I am working to build a health clinic. Only my last visit turned into a near death experience for me, thus the long absence from work on the project.

You see, we women shave in the USA. My accommodations with the Sisters were beautiful, but most of my 3 weeks there we didn’t have any running water into the house. So, making do as one does in Ghana, we would bucket water in for toilet and bathing. Drinking water was all bottled and purified. Yes, I know I am a nurse and a pharmacist, and I am more than aware of the problems associated with the lack of clean water, but it really never occurred to me that bathing, nor shaving could have near disastrous effects. That small little spot under my arm I noticed prior to my departure turned into a massive cellulitis by the time I got to New York about 48 hours later. And, yes, I will admit, not following my Doctor Daughters instructions of going to the hospital immediately, almost cost me my life. But I was so close to home….so close…. I could make it home. Yes, that I did, and, on the humorous side, know how to get through the packed waiting room at Barnes Hospital. But as my blood pressure continued to fall, more IV’s started , more tubes being put in and the questions of my next of kin, religious preference, legal advisor, and oh by the way how do you feel about intubation began to hit me, I realized just how sick I was. Thank God for the many prayers from the Sisters in Ghana, The Christian Brothers there, my friends here, I made it through, but am not 20 anymore either, so the healing process has been long.

Over the past 15 months of recovery and getting my life stabilized again, my thoughts turn to Kyekyewere daily. Friends have come and gone to Ghana this summer. How I wish I could have joined them. Friends from Ghana call and wonder where I am, but I don’t think they quite understand how sick I really was. Sister Irene and Sister Laurene are here for the summer, and will be going back soon. And so will I. The doctors have given me clearance to go, providing I get some gamma globulin and carry a stock of antibiotics. Water…well, a little bleach in the bathing water should kill the bacteria or maybe just not shave at all! There is much to do there, so I plan on spending almost 2 months overseeing on the clinic building and getting legal papers taken care of.

On the last trip, Nana, the Chief of Kyekyewere, titled over the land for the Clinic to the Walbridge Settlement Foundation. I was able, through your generous donations, to purchase a block making machine and the last I heard over 2000 blocks for the clinic have been made. Sand and cement and labor from your donations made these blocks. I went to Barclays Bank to get papers to open an account there. A trip to Tamale in North Ghana gave me insight to a beautiful health compound Dr. David has established for the HIV/AIDS patients. He also brings in lepers from the East for care. It was an amazing visit…so clean, patients so well taken care of, so orderly. A goal to reach for. Seeing the round huts for patients and family to stay in, peeking into the operating room, visiting with some of the patients, and a very nice (and very tired) nurse spending an hour showing us around are just examples of the orderliness and generosity of the people there.

So you can see why my thoughts turn to Kyekyewere daily. There is much to be done which necessitates a longer visit. But I am anxious to return. Anxious to see Nana, his wife, Daniel and Naomi, Lydia, Sisters Irene and Laurene, my new friend Emelia in Tamale, Sydney in Tamale also. Mercy in Accra, Edward, Emmanuel and Joseph my drivers and dear friends. Anxious to see how the children have grown and what new babes have been born. Anxious to spend time in the heat, (yes, that too), see what new adventures await, get some stakes out for the building, meet with Nana and his Elders….so much. And maybe even an ice cold Star beer!

Things are moving along. This past 15 months has given me time to reflect on plans, develop goals, think about what is important to teach the people. Your help will be needed. Any donations will be more than appreciated. Money for the building primarily, but also some medications to purchase while there. A donor has given me a microscope to take this time. Various donors have contributed almost $3000 for the building…this will go a long way. And anonymous donor has given $2500…can we meet that? The people are so grateful. They have enjoyed pictures I have taken of various donors. The people in the Village can see a face from across the world that has given up a couple of lattés, or a piece of clothing…for them! They are grateful.

Keep you posted on the plans. Medase!