Week of 20240623 - Ghana Week 15: Hospitals; Explosion; Blown Tire; Goodbyes
= Sunday, I had "runny tummy" and was not working at full strength. Instead of being at church an hour away, we were called upon to bring Sister missionaries to Cape Coast Teaching Hospital near us. I submitted an incident report: an Elder had lost his wallet while helping a neighbor. I agitated to get the Area to send a truck to Takoradi so the Office Elders there would have a vehicle when the mission splits. I split my lists of who needs Ghana card renewal soon and who has prepared records of deceased relatives to receive ordinances in the temple.
= Monday, I updated my files, summarized the purpose of each file, and sent the files to the Office Elders who would remain in Takoradi after the split. I sent apartment issues and a mission map to the new facility manager for the Takoradi mission. I weighed myself on a scale set aside to weigh suitcases and found that I was within five pounds of what I weighed thirty years ago.
= After Steph's weekly and monthly medical meetings, we picked up the Elder who had been badly burned and brought him to the apartment next to ours. Somehow, the wave of heat from a trash explosion had missed his eyes, but his face and one arm had been badly burned. Another missionary had then doused him over and over with water, not giving his skin time to cook; that had helped.
= After she worked with other Elders and we watched Don't Miss This (scripture commentary), Steph collapsed on the couch and didn't move from there until 0300.
= Tuesday, we stayed home. An Elder new to driving in Takoradi hit a pothole that broke fist-sized hole in the side of a tire. I submitted a report for that, handled laundry and bills, and journaled. Steph listened to conference talks and brought out ramen with spinach and egg: nice.
= Wednesday, the doctor debrided and re-bandaged the burned Elder. Blessedly, the skin was already turning pink and growing hair. Another blessing is that the doctor stayed in Cape Coast this morning to complete the procedure even though he had been called to Accra to assist there: something that happens perhaps once a year. We brought the Elder to the apartment next door, worked at the office until 5, then after a KFC run worked at home. Then I worked on the journal and pre-packing for Friday's departure.
= Thursday. We drove an Elder to a clinic associated with Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Takoradi. A website says this hospital was established in 1938 as a Military Hospital by the colonial government of the Gold Coast for the then British West African Royal Force based in Takoradi during the Second World War. But it was the place to get his work done, and after four-and-a-half hours, we were back in the truck. We dropped him at his apartment and visited briefly with the other Elders there.
= Friday, we drove to Takoradi for the second time in two days and checked into the Best Western hotel there. Then we had Chinese at Han Palace with the other senior couples of our mission. One fun aspect was that the table had a giant lazy-susan surface at least a yard across. We each ordered what we were most interested in, then shared it. I dealt with clothing issues during the meal, mostly working with individuals who wouldn't be in our mission in a couple of days.
= Saturday, we were at the chapel on time for Zone Conference, but it was the wrong chapel. We quickly found the right location and the last such conference we would attend in Takoradi. Later, trying to find the mission home to unload cargo for the new mission, we found ourselves in Takoradi market center in places so narrow that people in the street often helped us navigate the crush of vehicles and people.
= We eventually joined the other seniors at Noble House restaurant across from the Chapel Hill chapel. President Morgan had arranged and authorized this gathering and another gathering tomorrow for the seniors to come to terms emotionally with the mission split. It included the new office couple, who made it to Takoradi on time after all by making themselves ready for the “first available” flight to Accra for immigration requirements and then a trip to Takoradi.
Man with two kids in arms. I wonder whether he couldn't afford the KK or couldn't wait for one going in his direction.
We're cooperating, looking for a fair path through the maze of potholes at this location.
Emmanuel Heaven Home Furniture Enterprise - God with Us
The KK says "Shoe Man". To the right, the medical clinic and grocery store are closed; it's Sunday.
This is a pharmacy. Good as any, better than some.
The barber is alternating scissors and razor blade to do a touch-up to this bald-headed man. Notice the professionalism of the robe, clipped to keep the hair off of the patron.
He's carrying a sewing machine.
This is where we'll pick up water sachets for zone meetings. (Sachets are 500 ml plastic bags that you bite the corner off of in order to consume the contents.)
Our Monday meeting included Office Elders and Assistants in Takoradi, there early from our group to support and belong to the new mission. The extra image overlaying the screen is a reflection of President Morgan.
Greenery, to be fed to what?
Imagine coming over the hill and finding cattle in your lane.
They're bigger than they look at a distance.
Usually ice cream is sold via bicycle. She's selling it from her head.
This transfer point is on the north side of Pedu Junction.
First Aid (sprained ankle).
These Elders lived in the house next to ours.
Don't Miss This (scripture discussion)
One side of our house, viewed from the Elders' porch.
Clearly the only way to carry this much
Birds in the lawn next to Oak Tree Medical Center. I can't identify them, but perhaps one of you can.
The stool is to set your wares on to distribute them.
A rarity: an aboboyaa {[motorized] "tricycle"} with a cover
Most cargo travels the "last mile" via aboboyaa.
I see this and think of learning line-upon-line.
Taking turns dodging the same potholes
Loads are transported in unusual ways.
I filled our truck bed with garments for the Takoradi mission. That left just enough room for suitcases. (We have a local distribution center now; they don't.)
You can put your fingers in the hole that a pothole blew in this tire in the Takoradi area. (No, not our vehicle.)
A tenth of a cedi; one cedi; five cedis; ten cedis. It is as if our smallest coin was a dime.
Boats like this one are used to stretch a net far from shore.
I wonder how rocks this large are moved, let alone loaded onto this truck.
I accidentally triggered a monochrome filter. This is a taxi stand.
These trucks look larger than what we see in the States. Count the tires.
Where motorcyclists congregate. Missionaries in some areas catch a ride: two plus the driver.
God's Time Is The Best Aluminum Shop
Trying to pass at a traffic bump
The man on the ground has to get the sacks to the man on top.
As in hospitals, signs are often donated to government agencies and schools by businesses. This checkpoint barrier is an example.
I can't balance a jug on my head. In the background, an aboboyaa drives on the shoulder against the traffic.
Getting wares through a door in the box without taking the box off of your head
Often, a government agency will mark a structure for removal.
Advertising God's Favour Catering Service
They have vacation classes here, also.
Sekondi School for the Deaf. The Barilleaus (office couple at our mission) have interaction with this school.
Madam Stella Girls Hostel. [Hostels differ from hotels in that hostels provide a dormitory setting instead of private rooms.]
Brain Trip is the name of this Montessori school.
Carmeluse uses locally sourced lime to make a wide array of products supporting both building materials and agriculture.
She makes this look easy.
Joy in Heaven funeral, wedding and pastries fashion home; next to Nyame Tumi So {On God's Power}
Mother and baby; four men loading
Pallets, though we seldom see them in use
Flag-design bracelets, handmade, shown to us by a friend
Perhaps this road will be widened?
Imagine carrying our babies this way.
Seems like a tough way to transport chest freezers.
An ambulance (or hearse). We have not heard of paramedics here; ambulances usually transport *between* hospitals as necessary.
Everyone wants to pass. Notice the second motorcycle (driver's head in front of the car).
Notice the oncoming truck.
Acts 1:11 - Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
The ad is for concrete panels, ridged to use in place of clay roof tiles. Here we see means of transport.
You can even get homeopathic products at regular hospital pharmacies.
A website says this hospital was established in 1938 as a Military Hospital by the colonial government of the Gold Coast for the then British West African Royal Force based in Takoradi during the Second World War.
One of these birds in flight outside the hospital.
Clearly, they don't mind company.
Some trees here have serious roots.
The main hospital campus is under serious construction.
The taxi says Nyame Tease {God Lives}. The van says Still The Battle Is The Lord's.
Kremlin Medical and Surgical Centre, up that road.
The lady on the right is carrying a baby.
Nkwa Na Ehia {Life Is Important}
Some buildings are richly decorated.
He's starting a fire on the shoulder; that's common here.
God Is My Strength fashion house
The only electrical items seen from here are fans.
A food joint that doesn't seem to have much room to sit down but otherwise looks inviting and is open Monday through Saturday
Adom Ara Kwa (probably {Just a Grace}) Food Joint
Bicycle riders have a tough time here.
A passenger in the truck ahead is making a street purchase.
These men are welding. When you see bright lights out here, don't stare at the lights for long.
Two drums in the space for one
St. Andrews Senior High School, Shama-Takoradi
This sign remains a mystery.
But this is clear enough, though Bosch does many different things.
We have seen ladies carrying water this way, though it's unclear what this lady is carrying.
Passing. See the oncoming vehicle in the background?
And then things got stranger.
Everlasting Grace Enterprise
The only way to carry suitcases
Nana One Guest House Bar and Restaurant
Missionaries live in the right-hand end of this subdivided house.
A high-end water filter is on the sink platform. The cement block on the propane regulator provides extra pressure in case the O-ring or regulator is inclined to leak.
Multiple vehicles passing up a blind hill
Or using our lane when we could not use the shoulder.
But in the process, two of us had to take the shoulder.
The right-hand business says "You are warmly welcome".
Two passing two, up a hill
As we stay well back of this mess, we're getting passed.
The yellow van hasn't pulled in yet.
This decommissioned toll booth is a magnet for vendors.
In a village, this truck dropped off salespeople on foot to sell these cakes.
You see the oncoming traffic.
The van makes it, but not by much, and trucks the size of that yellow vehicle don't yield very much; they can't.
Appropriate segue: roadside graveyard
Carrying a cooler; her hand isn't touching it at the moment.
And she's carrying a load.
I'm curious, but I have not learned the meaning of this sign.
Invoking an Egyptian queen to sell clothes.
The lady in the foreground is carrying her sewing machine, bag, and purse.
The load doesn't have to be even.
This is unusual. What will this cage be used for?
Advertiser providing shelter for individuals who are waiting for a ride
Nice walkway from the street
They'll settle this before we get involved.
Not a pumpkin, but what is it?
Have coins? People will bring you much of what you need.
I did mention that fish are important to this village.
Yes's she's drying her clothes on the beach.
Really, most of the coast we've seen has a rocky breakwater. Real beach access is rare.
Rotary is not as active in Takoradi as it is in Accra, but it does have a presence.
Build your own shop with rocks and poles.
I pulled over and Steph crossed this ditch to buy fabric. (The vehicle in front of us stopped and the driver wandered off, leaving the passenger apparently puzzled.)
A reminder that floor #1 overseas is above the ground floor
And under British influence, what Americans call an elevator is a lift.
Instead of replacing asphalt shingles, this hotel is preparing to thatch the roofs of its out buildings or at least disguise the shingles.
I have the best view, and it isn't the window.
We ate at this Chinese restaurant.
The Sroufes are in the foreground. To their right are the Eastmonds. The Barilleaus are at the window. We're on the left. Elder Eastmond and I had fun with the large lazy susan and finished off the dishes everyone else was done with.
This hotel has two styles of outlets. This style had two holes with superimposed slits. So, the gray plug goes from three pins to two. The white plug provides extra outlets at this end, and the extension cord reaches to other devices.
When there's no one else to take the photo.
Our last Zone Conference in Takoradi
Her load is almost as tall as she is.
God or Jesus are referred to in every context.
I wonder whether this was intended to be a pun.
Takoradi has world-class potholes.
We ate at Noble House Restaurant in a somewhat fancy, second-floor dining room overlooking the Chapel Hill chapel.
For patrons who wanted to eat or drink outdoors, the restaurant had a large display of a football game. (Americans call it soccer.)
We try to make life easier for them...
..
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