Forever in Our Hearts

It’s hard to believe that our 5 and a half weeks is already coming to an end. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate all the work we have done here better than some time at Coconut Grove Beach Resort! As we drove through the gates of the resort we were all mesmerized by the lush greenery and endless palm trees. After 5 and a half weeks in the hustle and bustle of several Ghanaian communities, this was true paradise! We stepped off the bus and were greeted by 2 employees of the resort with fresh coconut water straight from the coconuts.  I thought I was dreaming!!!

Fresh coconut water

The view at Coconut Grove Beach Resort from the restaurant

It wasn’t long until we all ditched our bags and headed straight for the pool. Needless to say, after 2 long days of travelling and a communal shower, we all needed a good dip! As I rushed to the pool I could feel the salty breeze against my skin and could hear the forceful waves crashing against the shore. Before jumping into the crystal clear pool, I threw my belongings onto one of the many lounge chairs lining the pool deck. The pool felt so refreshing after a long day on the bus, and the sound of the birds singing above us had a relaxing effect. I could have stayed in the pool forever! After a quick swim we all headed to dinner to fill our empty tummies. The table was facing the beach so that we could watch the turquoise tide make its escape further into the horizon. Talk about dinner with a view! 

After dinner I sat on a bench overlooking the ocean, this is truly the right place to sit and reflect on everything Ghana has taught me. Reflecting back I think I can speak for all of us when I say that this trip has been life changing! We have all had so many experiences that we will never forget. Although some may have been challenging, they have made us into stronger individuals and into stronger nurses. This practicum has opened our eyes to global health issues that are present around the world. I think we are all grateful to work in a health care system that has an abundance of resources available at hand. Though the resources are limited here, the nurses and other healthcare workers never fail to improvise with what little they have. An incredible thing the witness! One thing to say about Ghana is that they don’t lack the love! The people here are extremely friendly and welcoming. I could tell by the way the children waved to us as we passed by their community during our long bus journeys, and how welcoming all the staff were at every clinic, hospital, and school we visited. They made us feel like we were family and part of their team. We shared a special relationship where they learned from us and we learned even more from them! Not only did we form a relationship with the Ghanaian people, but as a group we formed a special bond. Before starting this practicum, all 14 of us were practically strangers, besides seeing each other in class, we didn’t know much about one another. And boy has that changed! The friendship that we created is one that will last a lifetime. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of women to laugh, cry and witness this  beautiful country with. We have a bond that can’t be broken and I wouldn’t change it for the world! Thank you Ghana, for all the beautiful experiences that you have given us. Thank you for expanding our minds and more importantly our hearts. Thank you for allowing us to view the world through a variety of lenses. You have forever changed us all and for that you will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later..... 

Our Family

Posted by Hayley Stapleton 4th year BSN student UBCO