Aug. 12, 2003

Dear Friends,

Many of you will remember Ali, the 83-year-old WWII veteran with a serious foot infection who became a Christian because, "God is one, and Jesus is God." His wound is much better - he is able to farm again - but he was not able to "pass water" anymore. He had secretly stopped eating or drinking as a way of managing the problem, but we found out about it because he collapsed on the way to the clinic for wound care. We had heard they could do prostate surgery at the teaching hospital in Tamale (one of three teaching hospitals in Ghana), so I drove him there last Thursday to check it out.

Hospitals here in Ghana assume family. Patients are expected to bring someone along who can get them food, bathe them, do their laundry, and fetch any needed medicines, etc, for them. Ali does not live in a family compound, he lives in "Legion" - government housing for retired soldiers. His family ties are a bit vague - certainly he doesn't have children in Yendi. He does have a "wife" who cooks for him, but his neighbors say she only spends time with him when his pension money comes in. As I waited on Thursday morning, these neighbors prodded her along to get Ali's things packed up - a bucket for bath water, small pot and spoon for eating, and some general-purpose cloths. They packed a suitcase for her, as well, and asked me to let the people at "Legion" in Tamale know about Ali. I wanted to ask the church members in Tamale to check up on Ali - but I had no idea how to find them.

As we waited to see the surgeon, I noticed a boy in obvious pain. He had all the symptoms of acute appendicitis, even the beginnings of shock, and in America he would be seen immediately in the ER. Here, he suffered, lying on a bench, while patients with less urgent cases who registered before him were seen. I could do nothing to help. When our "turn" came, the surgeon explained that since the hospital building has been largely condemned (not enough cement in the foundation), they are almost completely shut down. Also, the man who made the irrigation fluid needed for prostate surgery had a stroke, so they can't do that procedure anymore at all. But, Ali's problem did not appear to be his prostate, anyway. I persuaded the doctor to try to find out what the problem actually was instead of just sending us back: "Yendi is far. The road is very bad." He admitted Ali to the first floor for tests and possible surgery.

By this time Ali was exhausted. A wheelchair was located and we proceeded to the ward. The elevator door was open (the "first" floor is above two others) and it was turned off - the operator had gone for prayers. After a long wait, the guard at the stairs locked that gate and operated the elevator for us (most of the people who come here have never been above ground-level before, so elevators have operators to maintain calm). The nurses at the ward added an extra bed to the area that was fullest - apparently the empty areas were condemned. While Ali went for tests, I ran errands in town.

When I returned, I was sent up some stairs to pay the deposit on the hospital bill. It was about $35, because of the likelihood of an extensive surgery. The nurses would let us know if he used all of this up, at which time we would have to pay more or be evicted. I waited to pay the deposit for a long time. The person who issues the receipts had gone to prayers (good Muslims go to the Mosque to pray five times a day) nearly an hour ago and had not returned.

Two young men were also waiting. I struck up a conversation with them - they spoke English. Probably they could also read - would they like World Bible School lessons? They took them, paused, and then asked, "Is this associated with any particular church?" I explained that the lessons are just a general Bible study meant to get people to use the Bible, rather than men, as their guide, but I am with the Church of Christ in Yendi. "Oh, we also are with the Church of Christ - in Salaga. We know McVey. He went to America, didn't he?" "Yes, I just heard form him - he is well." "We know Samson Laar, too, and Brother Isaac." "They are my neighbors in Yendi. Do you have a family member here at the hospital - will you be staying in Tamale for some time?" "Yes, for some days." "Could you please look in on our Yendi church member and let us know how he is - he is at first floor male surgical." "Our patient is there, too!" I introduced them to Ali and gave them telephone numbers and a phone card. They called the house and the clinic to update us. What a "Godsend!"

Now (Monday) they have gone home, so we will send someone to Tamale tomorrow to inquire about Ali's status. There is apparently no way to gain information by telephoning - who would we call? It is amazing how much simpler life in the USA appears from this perspective. Yet, I know most of you reading this wish you were living in the "pioneer days" with its slower pace. We humans are never content.

We appreciate your prayers.

In the Service of Our King,
Linda Benskin

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  Updates

Jan. 09, 2004: Greetings from the Benskins
Oct. 15, 2003: Prayers of Thanksgiving
Aug. 12, 2003: Tamale Hospital
Jul. 17, 2003: Great Visitors!
Mar. 10, 2003: Furlough
Jan. 07, 2003: New Year's Greetings
Dec. 01, 2002: Thanksgiving
Oct. 19, 2002: A Glorious Day
Jul. 28, 2002: Campaign
Jul. 02, 2002: PHCW course resumed
May 6 & 10, 2002: The Tata
May 01, 2002: Change of Seasons
Apr. 12, 2002: Home again
Mar. 29, 2002: Yendi News
Mar. 13, 2002: Rain!!
Feb. 01, 2002: Tamale
Jan. 03, 2002: New Year Greeting & update
Dec. 12, 2001: a Christmas Message
Nov. 08, 2001: Yendi Projects
Sep. 24, 2001: Ghanaian reaction to 9-11
Dec. 09, 2000: Yendi Update
Nov. 13, 2000: One Year in Ghana
Oct. 18, 2000: Benskin Family Update
Oct. 10, 2000: Attachments
Oct. 05, 2000: PHCW Course Completed
Sep. 23, 2000: Prayer Update
Sep. 04, 2000:
Aug. 15, 2000: Benskins re-united