REFLECTIONS – 8 MONTHS

We are currently on a break in Ghana as we took the opportunity to witness the wedding of one of our very dear friends. He can testify to the wisdom of waiting on God as He reveals the fruit of His favour. It is a reminder to us all that if we wait on God He will deliver at the right time with the right person. Those of us who have lived in the institution know how important it is to make the right choice, as this decision is usually for life and can otherwise feel like a ‘life sentence’.

For NY and his wife, we wish them all of God’s richest blessings as they begin their journey.

We have tried a new route of getting to the airport – first, the helicopter (very fast, but very expensive - $100 US/ per person); second, the ferry (relatively cheaper, but it can take between 2 to infinity hours – especially if they suddenly decide not to run for the night); and recently, the hovercraft ( also very fast, but expensive - $60US/ person, and not very organised- they tend to lose pieces of baggage…to other persons). We are yet to try the easiest, but least attractive option - the road. We were told it’s in a very deplorable condition. But what’s worse than the old Segbwema road!!!!!!!! It makes us think twice about travelling.

As we rest and eventually relax, it is a good time to reflect on the past 8 months. It has been very hectic, but we have seen so much change. The general main road network has improved as the government has contracted the project to an Italian company. The process has been impressive and it gives a positive feel of ‘development’.

The hospital has been managing its daily activities (however challenging), on the revenue from patient’s fees – but continues to need help with the monthly salary. It is a good position though, as it has proved that (with some other sustainable projects), the hospital can eventually survive without much assistance. Some other projects are in line for review, for example, the Mobile clinic and the fees for Children’s ward.

The second year students have completed the theoretical component of the obstetrics course and are now on the wards for the practical component. They are looking forward to going into the villages for 4 weeks and then to the public health aspect of the course. It has been challenging for all as the teaching method was vastly different from the usual as they were required to do loads of reading. The final exams will have an ‘oral’ component, a vast change from the norm. We are confident they will rise to the challenge.

We are slowly becoming seasoned West Africans. Little J is nearly totally Sierra Leonean as she has grown accustomed to having rice for breakfast, talking mainly Creole (and a little Mende) and playing with her many friends in the vast compound. We are all very used to waking up and expecting to see the sun, with the exceptional overcast day. It’s very hard trying to remember what it was like living in London.

One day we must go back for a visit.

We must thank all our friends who have put in place facilities to continuously help the Nixon cause, whether at the hospital or school level. We request the prayer warriors to continue to pray for strength and vigour to continue to perform at the level needed to keep the work going at a pace which results in some form of positive change. It’s not easy having to continuously be on the look out for possible agencies who need convincing (with the help of attractive proposals). Also, to teach at a standard against all the resistance and see the students rise to the challenge is very encouraging. We ask the prayer warriors to not only pray for the teachers but also for the students who are pursuing the course under some very tough situations.