Wednesday May 21, 2014

Wednesday May 21, 2014

Today was our final clinic and it is my favorite clinic that we partake in.  We went to Agbogbloshie or E-waste.  This is one of the most toxic places in the entire world.  It is home to tons and tons of electronic waste from many developing nations.  It is nicknamed “Sodom and Gomorrah” because of the horrendous conditions and crime that takes place here. 

In anticipation to come teach we had to meet with the elders of the site.  These individuals allow us to come into the otherwise closed off area.  This is an area of work, living, and safety for thousands of individuals.  When outsiders come in, they are a little bit weary.  We have a good relationship with the elders so they allowed us to come.

We set up the clinic in a little building that they have on site. Many of the men came in and helped us clean it up and prepare it for the clinic.  We then took a tour of the site.  It is an industrial wasteland.  Filthy, smells like grease, and home to thousands.  There are many little sites within this area designating someone’s business or personal spot.  There are piles of trash and what looks like a mess is actually an incredibly crafted place.  They have set up separate zones for different types of parts, metals, and sectors depending on the type of work happening. 

Walking through is just amazing.  I took some video that I will upload when I return to the states but it doesn’t do the site justice.  It seems awful that people are allowed to call this place home. Children grow up there.  A river runs right through the middle of the site and empties out at sea.  Google earth it; you can see the color change because of all the trash. 

The clinic went so well.  Because working is their livelihood here we made sure to make the clinic quick so we could get them in and out and not take up a lot of time.  We saw 178 people today!! Most were men, a population that many of our clinics do not see.  We saw many with high blood pressures and were able to educate them on basics to try and lower it.  We had so many donations that we were able to give t-shirts, soap, body wash, toothbrushes, paste, floss, condoms, and ORS rehydration solutions. 

These men are so grateful.  They show it by being completely obedient while the teaching is going on.  They ask great questions.  They bring up concerns and they listen.  That is what we want and they totally do it.  When I tell them that their blood pressures and temperatures are fine they get so happy.  And then for them to receive a new t-shirt and other donations was awesome for them.  They lit up when we gave them the donations.  This clinic is by far the longest, and most hot clinic and takes the most energy but I love every minute of it.  The people here are so strong and amazing.  I am so glad we could do this for them. 

After the clinic we all went home, changed, and dressed up in our hand made Ghanaian clothes.  We all looked pretty tight.  We headed into town and had our fancy dinner.  Usually this dinner is reserved for our final night but we have plans so we moved it.  It was really fun.  We had Chinese food and got some pretty weird food but it was delicious.  I had way too much cake tonight but man was it good.  I love me some cake! 

On the way home, Kwame our driver put in some American music.  We were belting out some good 90’s and 00’s love songs from the bus windows.  The Ghanaians were definitely into it.  It was a really good day.