Tuesday, May 6, 2008

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. . .
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” MARGARET MEAD



Mead’s words seemed to be the theme of the last week I spent in Sierra Leone. Once Dr. Maggi arrived, conversations flowed, ideas percolated and the wheels were set in motion.

Thanks to the energy, compassion and vision of a few committed Individuals, there are exciting opportunities ahead for health care in Sierra Leone. I am privileged to have been on the periphery of this circle of positive change and it appears as though I can be part of this new frontier as the future unfolds.

It has become increasingly clear for a variety of reasons (economic, social and logistical) that WAFF needed to move out of Freetown and head Up Country. There were many discussions and brainstorming talks as plans and ideas evolved.

My final weekend in Sierra Leone was spent assessing potential sites for WAFF throughout the central and eastern provincial districts . It was an extraordinary opportunity to see many hospitals and clinics first hand, as well as meet many key people in health care. Samuel Pieh works wonders with his endless supply of contacts and his cell phone which enabled us to pack in valuable meetings everywhere we went.

It seems as though we have secured an absolutely ideal location for WAFF in Bo, which could well become a prototype health center for all of West Africa. (More details to follow).

For everyone who has ever said that they wanted to work with me somewhere, this will be your opportunity in the months and years ahead. We definitely CAN & WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Sierra Leone. There will be volunteer opportunities for everyone and there should be safe and secure accommodation available too. It is all very exciting.

I will be in touch with all of you who have ever expressed an interest in volunteering (I have an ongoing list!) when I return to Maine. I will continue to do blog postings too despite not being "out in the world".

Meanwhile, I am in Paris for a few days enjoying the company of Philip and Monica. I am cushioned from too much culture shock at the moment, but will start exploring this amazing city on foot. . . ’tout suite’, right now. . .

Love, Helen

Friday, May 2, 2008

Friday, May 02, 2008

Last days. . .

Today was my last official day at WAFF, as tomorrow I am headed Up Country again to Bo with Dr. Maggi, Amanda, Sam, John and Poppa the driver to assess new horizons for WAFF. Sunday I depart Sierra Leone.

Today was a big day. I observed about a two hour surgery of the removal of a uterine fibroid, very impressive to watch Dr. Maggi in action with the great assistance of Dr. Lewis and Dr. George. The woman looked as though she was about 6 months pregnant and lo and behold the fibroid was huge. Dr. Maggi reckons on a scale of 10 it was about a 7-7.5. It was great to watch all the theatre nurses in action too. There were always a few extra challenges to deal with such as procurement of supplies and having the power cut out twice during the op. The woman is doing fine post op. Even though she did not have a fistula, WAFF has been doing a few ‘extra’ surgeries for women who have fibroids, etc. . .

Later in the afternoon there was a "discharge ceremony" for 10 women who have been here for the month that I have been here. Hawa Sesay was one of the women I picked up in Kagbere three weeks ago and delivered to WAFF. I also observed her fistula repair and spent a lot of time with her postoperatively. Today I presented the presents at their graduation, including farming tools: a cutlass, rake, shovel and hoe which I purchased with some of my birthday donations. All 10 women were thrilled and looked so beautiful in their newly sewn dresses. They all danced and sang their traditional songs with the nurses and it was very festive. At one point the floor was shaking considerably! It was a lovely time and they gave me a special "Tenk-hee" song and blessing which left me in a puddle. I will miss them all.

Click on the photos to enlarge.