Wishing You All The Best

I've suffered from a bit of writers’ block in the last few months (maybe even the last year) but I'm finally removed enough from the experience to at least share this, comments written about my contributions to the healthcare sector in Liberia upon the ending of my contract in December 2020.

As I contemplate what next, and how to continue effectuating the changes that the Healthcare System of Liberia so desperately needs, I thought I'd at least memorialize those sentiments here. LinkedIn makes me nervous and my health prevented me from receiving these comments in person so they were sent & they are appreciated (still) and remind me why I was passionate to return to my maternal homeland and do this work to begin with :

Hi Freda,

I hope you're doing well and enjoying the holiday season in Liberia. I'm so sorry that we didn't have a chance to bid you a proper farewell before the end of the year, but our whole team is tremendously grateful for your years of work with RRHS, and you will be truly missed. I wanted to share some of the messages from the team:

From Colleague #1:

Thanks for returning home admist all the uncertainties and adjusting so very well. Your services and leadership greatly impacted care to patients and transformed health workers' professional attitude.

I wish you God's blessings in your future endeavours.

Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ❤

From Colleague #2:

Hi Freda,

I have learnt with a heavy heart that you are moving out of your post with the RRHS here in Liberia. Freda, you were an inspiration to many of us . You took up near to impossible tasks in order to improve services at RDH . You are such a team builder who showed us around and made our entrance and eventual work at RDH easier.

Thank you for the mighty services that you rendered while in Liberia.

May your heart's desires be full filled at your next assignment.

From Colleague #3:

Dear Freda,

Thank you for your efforts in the Yale Health Management program. Through your dedication to Liberia and our partners there, you helped position our team and our colleagues for success and laid the groundwork for permanent, positive impact in the health care sector.

Best regards and warm wishes for success in all your future endeavors.

From Colleague #4:

Thank you Freda for being such a helpful colleague, and for your dedication to the Redemption team and patients. We are very grateful for your contributions, and wishing you the best.

From Colleague #5:

Dear Freda,

Thank you for your incredible work over the last several years with RRHS. Throughout the time, you have embodied the spirit of accompaniment, deeply connecting with our colleagues, listening and understanding their priorities, and committing to supporting the staff and patients. Your leadership in the health management certificate brought the program to its current place, and you’ve been a tremendous mentor for all the students. Thank you so much for your commitment, your compassion, and your creativity in all aspects of the work.

All my very best,

From Colleague #6:

Dear Freda,

Sending big salutes and props your way! Your vision for and dedication to improving patient care at Redemption was impressive. I also have a deep appreciation for your fortitude — both in learning the systems and your colleagues' needs, and also in advocacy, teaching, and the slow slow process of change. I will certainly miss working with you and look forward to hearing how you thrive in your next role. Hope to connect next time I’m in Liberia and my door is always open if you find yourself near Seattle!

Wishing you all the best,

From Colleague #7

Dear Freda,

Through all of RRHS's twists and turns, you have remained a steady and strong voice advocating for the needs of patients and our colleagues. There has never been a challenge too big or complicated for you to take on, from air conditioners and computer classes to patient support groups and lunch-and-learns. Your commitment and empathy have challenged all of us to work harder and do better by our patients, and for that I'm very grateful. Please do stay in touch and keep me posted on your plans, and hopefully I'll continue to see you around town! Wishing you all the best,

Cover photo is from March 16th, 2020 the day the first case of COVID-19 was announced in Liberia. This purchase of supplies was made for colleagues at the hospital I would days later be told was too risky & unsafe for me to work from…#capacitybuilding 😏

More reflections to come…🙏🏾