There are numerous opportunities to serve outside the teaching and consulting we are doing. One opportunity is to volunteer at the hospital.
It is archaic to say the least. I spent just over 3 hours there doing data entry. I would enter a name, insurance number, and Rx amount…over and over and over again. I was getting pretty bored and thinking to myself that I wanted to serve in ways which were meaningful. I really did not see how what I was doing was really meaningful or making much difference. I knew it was helping them get organized, but what impact was it having? I spent some time talking with Michael who is one of the workers. I found out he finished college 7 months ago. In Ghana you are required to give 1 year (10 months actually) of service. He is currently doing that working full-time. The government will give an allowance. Michael makes 240 Cedi’s a month which is about $120. This is the only thing he does. He told me the unemployment rate is 40 something percent in Ghana. I realized I had found my purpose. I have made more in a day that he makes in a month. He shared with me how he is “tired” (stressed) with all he has to do. I can see how I really helped make his day better. I plan to spend more time there.
Filing room. The desk on the right is where I was working.
Chloee checking patients in. A chicken ran through right before I took this photo.
I found the chicken and had to get a picture of it.
I thought this sign was pretty funny.
The clinic itself was interesting. There were spider webs everywhere and it was quite dirty. Most of the stuff takes place outside. Chickens are running around everywhere inside and out. There is NO security when it comes to files. There was even a motorcycle parked in the filing room.
I could see it being quite difficult for someone from Ghana to come to America. It would probably be quite the transition for them. While at the clinic, Maddie and I were at the computer and the CUTEST kids came cruising in and hung out with us. We kept tickling him and he had the best little laugh and smile. I wanted to take him home with me.
Steven!! WOW!! I love reading these posts... I'm sitting here telling Shayly how amazing this experience must be - I feel like I'm getting a taste of the sense of accomplishment and gratitude you all must feel each day. Thank you for sharing. Tell Chloe hi for me and keep learning from each other :) Looking forward to seeing you here in NYC and hearing about your experience over dinner! Keep in touch.
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