Camp Tag 2 (Accra)

02.02.2022 (see in english below)

Day two begins with a really good breakfast. Afterwards we go directly to the camp at 8:00 a.m., where most of the registered patients were already waiting. On this day we were placed differently in the 'Arts Center' because there is an event at the same time. This has 2 effects: on the one hand we could hear the speaker all day long and the cheers of the audience and on the other hand we were slowly and steadily cooked over the almost 9 hours until everyone was 'doctored', because it was a really unhappy place with a lot of sunshine and little air. Anyway ... it started and this Wednesday it was the turn of the mostly complex cases that should have a joint prosthesis and other special cases. That was actually the absolute world premiere for the joint prostheses, which, apart from the connecting parts, screws and threads, were created in the 3-printer. Chris G. took the lead. Since the first prosthesis was fitted after the first difficulties, we opened a few stations and were able to serve 3 patients at the same time.We kept making minor adjustments to the joint because we noticed little things during the adjustments. Sebastian in particular has contributed to very good optimizations.In the meantime, Ramon has optimized his skills in covering/covering, i.e. the actual optical finish of the prostheses, so that he was able to train two new helpers very quickly. I would even put it this way that he was able to expand his station so quickly, and incidentally drove Sebastian and me from 'HIS' table that he was able to found the subcontractor 'Mahrou & Friends Inc.' at around 12:30 p.m. and 3 had employees.A 'special case' that day was a boy who was very young. His amputation was also somewhat unfortunate, so that the stump was out of the question for all procedures already known. After a brief consultation, Chris G. transferred the case to us with the aim of giving him the opportunity to play with his hand and thus get used to the unfamiliar frame on his arm. He should then get something specially adapted at the next appointment. Sebastian then had a very good idea for upholstery and suspension and I then built the frame. After 90 minutes, which were repeatedly interrupted by waiting for the glue, it was done and the little one was overjoyed ... his mother even more.

We were able to handle mostly everything on our own that day and by 5:00 p.m., all three stations managed to serve the large number of waiting patients. We did not expect that but we are all the more delighted.

In the early afternoon, there were playful outbreaks at 'Ramon & Friends Inc.' when Richard suggested that Ramon was my son. Ramon had a bit of trouble keeping his laughter down while I briefly thought about making Richard disappear ;-) It was a lot of fun. From then on, they were known as 'Dad and Son'.

Shortly before the end, we were 'forced' to participate in a dance on the stage next to us. A professional dance group had been training there all day. We had no chance to say no and it turned into a rather unique experience: 3 sweaty movement dyslexics and Martina on stage with the whole group ... entertaining yet questionable.

In this way, we successfully ended the day in our own brew and after a thorough clean-up and sorting action, which was much needed after two days, we set off on foot to the beach. Martina (Mrs. Microsoft) knew a small beach bar. However, it should be mentioned that a time announcement in Ghana cannot be taken literally. The beach bar was supposed to be a 5-minute walk, but it turned out to be nearly 20 minutes. Nevertheless, it was a great way to end the day for everyone with delicious food, a little beer tasting, and the realization that the words 'Butter' and 'Buttering' can be interpreted very differently. If you only listen with half an ear, the conversation can completely derail both in terms of meaning and content ;-)

After dinner, we headed back to the camp and took the bus to Nsawam, the area where Ogidi is from. Only 35 km away from Accra, the journey took us about 90 minutes. This was due to the roads, the heavy traffic, and the sudden end of the road. The small detour, which pushed the bus to its limits, eventually led us to our destination, the 'Country Lodge'. A completely unexpected, large, clean oasis. But you shouldn't praise the day before the evening: well-built, well-maintained and decorated. Those were the initial impressions. During the tour of the rooms, the first 'incident' occurred ... this time of a humorous nature. We wanted to offer Ramon the 'honeymoon suite' (photo). His reaction and expression completely had us in stitches. I have never seen Chris G. laugh so hard. It was a priceless moment. I then took over this interesting room and everyone else also settled into their respective rooms. After about 10 minutes, the WhatsApp conversation started, which Chris G. ended after half an hour with the words 'Welcome to Ghana'. What happened? There was no/almost no water. Just figuring that out and understanding the shower system took some time. We had to mix boiling hot water and cold water in a bucket to use for washing. But even after figuring that out, there was still no water. Only from the sink faucet. Long story short: there were problems throughout the hotel that continued until the morning. So, we had to make do with a 'cat wash'. The chat, with its different pleas for help and theories, will surely be part of a post-event 'analysis' ;-) In the end, everyone survived the lack of water ... but after a long, hot day, it was a bit unfortunate.

Conclusion of the day: certain things are taken for granted (by us). But actually, they are not. 'Welcome to Ghana'.

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