What!! Only 1 month left. :(

This trip has gone by too fast! I still remember saying that prayer on my first night in Kpando. I was so overwhelmed wondering what I had gotten myself into. My prayers were definitely answered!! This trip has been amazing. I'd be lying if I said it was easy. I went 1 month without running water. The culture is so different than American culture. I miss American food a lot! People drive so crazy here. But despite all the difficulties, I've loved experiencing another culture and way of life. I think I've helped a few people along the way, too! Also, I think I helped teach some Ghanaian PTs some new exercises and techniques.

I enjoyed working with the therapists at Ridge hospital today. However, I had a hard time dealing with some of the cultural differences today. There is a lot wrong with American culture, so I'm not trying to say everything we do in the US is better than Ghana. However, their lack of professionalism at times and lack of dedication to their job really frustrated me today. I guess I am not as laid back as I thought I was. I am so use to time schedules so its hard for me to see people come and go as they please when they are in the middle of treating a patient. Also, the doctor/nurse/therapist, patient relationship is so authoritarian. A patient could never question a doctor here. A student could never question their teacher. I value PT students. They are in school learning the newest and best research. They need a mentor in order to understand how to apply that new technique or treatment. Here a student may know a better way to perform a certain exercise or treatment, but a superior will just tell you you are wrong because I'm more experienced than you. I feel like that must stifle the learning process very quickly.

Okay enough of that. I am all about embracing differences. I will focus on the positive! I helped patients today! I showed the therapists a few new exercises. I showed them how I interact with the patient so they understand it doesn't always have to be an authoritative paternalistic relationship. I'm a PT because I love what I do. Hopefully, they will see that being a therapist is fun even if you have to work the whole 8 hours you are at work. Haha!

I haven't quite embraced Ghana Maybe Time!

This is what I had to keep telling myself today. 

:)

I think its the prayer/saying used at 12 step meetings, but I think it applies to everyone:

God grant me the serenity 
to accept the things I cannot change; 
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Love, Kari