Payton’s Blog

arrival and first day

I arrived to Manna Mission last night and got settled in.  The airport in Accra reminded me of a small open airport like the ones I have been to in Mexico; after the plane landed everyone went down some steps then onto a bus that dropped us at the main building.  As soon as I walked in I began to see a few people with white signs with names on them, but I did not see my name on any of them yet.  So I got my luggage and continued until I got to the exit…I must have looked anxious because a man that worked there told me that I should go outside to look, and this is where I finally saw my name!  What a releif! 

So Joseph was the driver who took me the 40min to Manna Mission.  The drive was uneventful but unlike anything I have ever experienced.  The streets were so hectic; there were really no traffic laws, and there were vendors lining the streets selling what seemed to be the most random items–apples, plantain chips, toilet paper, and super glue.  Anyway after getting out of the busy Accra traffic things quited down until we got to Teshie.  In Teshie the streets are lined by tiny store-front shops that look like a strong wind would blow them right over.  The streets were very crowded and loud, and people seemed to do a double-take when they say a white girl riding by. 

The staff here is so kind and welcoming.  Diana, the housekeeper, brought me some fruit, water, and a bottle of soda when I got there and then I met Maakporye.  She is in charge of the missionaries (this is what they refer to me as) and has been such a great help in introducing me to everyone and giving me advice on what to do.  I am staying in the mission house, which is a large 2 story house with many rooms, a kitchen, laundry, and 2 bathrooms.  My room has 2 beds, a rack for clothes and a bookcase; but the best part is airconditioning!  This seems to be a luxury because only the bedrooms and staff offices have it.  I must admit it was a little scary to be there alone on the first night, but today everything is a lot less intimidating in the daylight!  There is one person staying with me, Ebaneza (?spelling) he is Dr. Ablorh’s (the physician in charge and minister of the church) brother and is getting married Saturday.

 The first day at the hospital was pretty laid back.  I met with Dr. Ablorh and a few of the staff physicians.  I would call the staff physicians equivalent to residents in the US; they are relatively young, and are working here to repay the government for their medical school.  The ‘resident’ I worked with today finished her med school 3 yrs ago, worked around the country as an intern for 2yrs to repay for her education, then got ‘posted’ here.  She is starting a heme/onc residency next month.  Other than meeting everyone and looking around the hospital nothing too exciting happened today, but tomorrow I start actually working so we will see!