========================================================================================
Saturday 1:30 a.m.
Just a quick note as we wrap up the week here at the VOH. It has been one long and hard day.
We did finally get the last patients through the medical clinic this afternoon with the help of everyone doing their part and a little organization. It goes without saying that everyone did their part, used their gifts, to make this a great mission. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!
This morning at Senya was the biggest crowd we have seen there. What was us seeing 5 kids with cerebral palsy and a few of them with mental illnesses and checking out the 20 or so kids in the school there at the church----BLOSSOMED. All by word of mouth. We weren't there for anyone else and now the building was filling up fast. I ended up playing triage and writing out symptom to aid the 2 Doctors who were seeing patients in the only room in the church, the small office. Many of the symptoms were obvious as was the prescribed treatment. We finally had to leave as our time had run out. I wish we could have seen them all but I know the crowd would have never stopped. We did make a difference there in the lives that we got to touch. Please pray for Senya and all of the people that didn't get treatment.
The song "Jesus loves the little children" will never be the same if you could look into the precious eyes that I got to look into today. These little girls with dark complexions, shining skin and beautiful brown eyes with long curly eye lashes.
We did finish the night out at the beach for a meal and singing with everyone that helped us from the VOH around a camp fire. Everyone is gearing up for the travel. David and I are the only ones still going--do you think he looks like the "energizer bunny" or maybe his father. Just thinking and not very well at this time. Several of us are meeting at 5:30 to walk to the beach for the sunrise. Please continue to pray for us and know that I am missing being there as well. We have a lot to accomplish today before we leave.
Love to All,
Paul
==================================================
Sunday, March 22, 2009 8:18 AM European Time
As you can tell by the time zone above, we've made the first flight in our journey home.
We had a full last day. Many of us took a sunrise stroll down through the edge of Fetteh to the beach. We returned to do our final packing. The load on the truck was less than half the inbound load. Then we had a cultural presentation by the children that included drums and dance. It was a delight.
Our drive into Accra was also interesting as the pace was slow, and the vendors surrounded the bus. When we were turned loose at the Art Market, we endured much to make a few purchases. Some were better bargainers than others. It is always overwhelming, some thrive in the environment, others are overloaded.
We did the traditional lunch at Franky's. Fran ran into an acquaintance there. When we arrived at the airport we unloaded and repacked bags. Getting through check in was smooth. We were very pleased that the gate waiting area is now air-conditioned. Our overnight flight was on time. Here the team began to go our separate ways. Seven went to Rome, one has different connections, two return directly to Philly.
One bit of irony to note. The servings at Franky's were huge. Many could not "clean their plate." We were on the continent where our parents said people went hungry and we should "clean our plate." Here we sit on this continent where there are hungry people, but there are many that eat well as we do. While thinking of this, I remembered stareing into last night's bondfire. The size of the fire, though not big by our standards, was equal to a large portion wood used in the cooking fires that night in Fetteh. As hard as we may try, we still remain indulgent.
James
====================================
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
12:52 PM
Dear Kym,Ryan,and Kaleigh,
I miss you and am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. I am doing well the clinics are going well too. We saw about one hundred fifty people in the eye clinic yesterday. It has taken three people to replace Ryan, Alex, Austin, and Pepsi. Many people have asked about Ryan.
See you on Sunday,
Love,
Dorian
=======================================================================================
We have returned from our final morning at Senya - and it was very memorable. We left some fun things and some suggestions, but more importantly we leave our prayers that God will continue to hold them in His Hands. It was hard to leave, quite literally and figuratively. There was a crowd beyond what we have seen on other days. I am sure others will have more to say about it. One more afternoon in the sun taking vitals to go.
Love to you - Michelle
======================================================================================
12:52 PM
Dear Kym,Ryan,and Kaleigh,
I miss you and am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. I am doing well the clinics are going well too. We saw about one hundred fifty people in the eye clinic yesterday. It has taken three people to replace Ryan, Alex, Austin, and Pepsi. Many people have asked about Ryan.
See you on Sunday,
Love,
Dorian
=======================================================================================
We have returned from our final morning at Senya - and it was very memorable. We left some fun things and some suggestions, but more importantly we leave our prayers that God will continue to hold them in His Hands. It was hard to leave, quite literally and figuratively. There was a crowd beyond what we have seen on other days. I am sure others will have more to say about it. One more afternoon in the sun taking vitals to go.
Love to you - Michelle
======================================================================================
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19, 2009 4:10
I have been working in the eye clinic. Its been amazing. I have figured out a lot of stuff about eyes. Its actually pretty fun when you get the hang of it. I got dehydrated today and i almost fainted. They made me drink like a thousand gallons of water. But im ok now. Sometime today im going to go pick out fabric for my African shirt : ) : ) with lots of bright colors!!
Were leaving Saturday morning @ 11:00 o'clock am to go to downtown Accra to shop and get something to eat. And then were leaving Ghana @ 8:00pm. To go to Rome, Italy
This has been the MOST LIFE CHANGING EXPERIANCE I HAVE EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been supercalafragilisticexpiealadotiously amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to come back every year!!!!!!!!! Thank GOD that i got to come, like i said in one of the devos "I never thought in a million years i would EVER BE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY IN MY LIFE!!!!!!! : )"
Mom, Dad I love you see you soon hopefully i will get to talk to you from Rome! Love guys sooooo much ttyl!
Sincerly,
Austin Hall, G-Man
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
Thursday 7:45pm
It just can't be Thursday already. Where has the time gone? Today after working with the Kindergarten teacher and watching her break into groups---finally---so I was so excitied. Unfortunately, she kept each group over 30 minutes and there were 4 groups. Okay, maybe we'll work on that tomorrow.
I went with a group to Senya. I went last year, but it was hard to see such poverty.. The teacher is 20 years old. She has a 9th grade education. As I walked in, she was smacking hands with a switch-lots of hands. They had to put their hand on her desk and just take it. She scared me! She told them to write the sentences she put on the board and not give two answers or "I will kill you!" Okay, not a phrase I would recommend for teaching children. She used it at least twice that I noticed. After a while she came to talk to me . I told her I was a teacher. She asked for my help. Well, ...who am I to say no when the holder of the switch asks for help?! By the time we left, I had sung several songs, danced with them, and yes, my fellow preschool teachers, we did Tooty Ta! Glynn, I did not promise to give her enough money to continue her education, so you can relax...(about that-heehee.) She was grateful for all the help and promised to toss the mean ole smacking sticks and to be a bit kinder and more gentle with the children. She is going to let them get up more and get more exercise. I also suggested she find a new phrase besides "I will kill you." She assured me she wouldn't kill them. How encouraging coming from the teacher!!!!!!!! She has NO supplies. The only thing they have are little booklets to write in and pencils and pens that needed to be replaced. We are going to try to send a care package to her and the preacher's wife. Michelle is getting their "lists" tomorrow.
I met a girl named Abigail. She wasn't in school today because her family ran out of money. Her sister was at school, but I guess sending both was too much right now. I finally found out it costs $7.00 a term. That's $21.00 a year! Hopefully, we'll have Abigail back in school tomorrow. She was missing her friends at school. She took me home with her and I got to see inside her home. There was a concrete block pen thing that was pretty big where they kill chickens and goats. Both were running around all over the house. Of course, the only way you knew you were inside was the walls. So the chickens really didn't look out of place. The baby goats were so cute. Poor baby goats have no idea what their future holds!
Shelves, shelves...wherefore art thou, shelves? One long shelf has been made tonight, and that's the first. It is looking pretty clear that we will not get to attain our goal for this year of getting all the shelves loaded in each room and the room cleaned up. We may get the staff room finished, so that is a great thing.
Vicki, Richard tried to go back in a field behind the well. The teens there were yelling at him to come back as that is a favorite place for spitting Cobras. They were afraid for him to try to come back, but Blake whipped out his video camera and said "Okay, Richard, come on back!" So, he cannot be kept in control. Even the people here are yelling at him in fear of what he is doing!!!! He also stole a pineapple and took another down into the life of crime with him. Oh, and Vicki, he said to tell you he's behaving. It's not true, but that's he said.
Everyone here gets along great and we are having a good time together although we are all exhausted by the end of the day. Good attitudes abound. It is amazing what being in these conditions can do for your perspective.
Glynn and crew- I love you ! Michael and Amanda, hug my babies for me. Christopher, it is disappointing to not get to see you this year, but I'll come soon! Timothy, take care of dad! Teachers, can't wait to share teaching stories with you. Farragut family, thank you again for your love and covering us in prayer!
Love, Jean
===============================================================================
Today has been a great day. I had been assigned to teach Grade 8 English whose reading assignment dealt with (you'll never guess) different types of satellites and how radios and cell phones work on Earth. Ok, those of you who know me well know that, even though I USE my cell phone quite well, I certainly know NOTHING about how they work!
Enter James East. I told him my problem and in ten minutes we had a lesson complete with two-way radios, a cell phone that could ring in class, and a complete explanation of four different types of satellites. We went armed with the equipment and a space book he had brought to the Village from the U.S., and VOILA! Gail and I had an instant guest speaker! There was even a point in the lesson where he used his Crocodile Dundee hat and spun it around at the same rate he spun himself; he even made me dizzy!
The children loved it, the teacher thought we were all geniuses, and the stage was perfectly set to continue on with a writing portion, which turned out to be our best session yet.
Question: Where else could an English teacher go find an engineer with snow pictures and a physicist with two-way radios in West Africa and have an instant fabulous lesson complete with props, computers, and guest speakers? Only at the Village of Hope!
I hope your day is great. I know mine was!
Love you,
Dianna
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thursday, March 19, 2009 8:53 PM Accra time
Hey everyone,
Another day in Africa for us is almost over, but one never knows what is next...like eating ice cream which the orphanage kids and the team just did and then a kazoo chorus erupted after distribution of Mardi Gras-colored kazoos to all the children and adults! What a sound! Jesus Loves Me played on a kazoo, in two melodies! Joy in children faces, more from the kazoos than the ice cream even.
Another notable moment today was when I saw an elderly gentleman with about 1/3 of his lower foot missing from an old injury, just about as putrid a smell as I have ever smelled from a foot! Basically, a mass of irregularly surfaced raw meat and fat, but really not bad looking. There was little to do, but add some antibiotics and redress it with a wet to dry gauze dressing and supply the family with some dressing materials.
My day was punctuated by reminding my patients that "A joyful heart is good medicine..." from Proverbs 18:22; what can take away our joy? It only leaves when we give it up, so I challenged each of my patients to hold to their joy as a life preserver...I reminded my self of this all day today.
If you have not noticed, our family is having a wonderful time here; thanks to all of you that are praying for us all and for those of you that encouraged us and helped us to come.
Jon
=========================================================================================
I have not done well with putting my thoughts onto the blog, but fear not, I have been thinking. J I have had a great week thus far, spending lots of time with my "special" children, with one very good assistant. It is awesome to see them experience new things, like bubbles and beach balls. Thank you for all your prayers, I know they are working.
For my family, I love you and am thinking of you much. (Mom I am doing ok J ) To David and Abigail I hope you are having fun with your dad and you are taking good care of him!
Michelle
=========================================================================================
Thursday, March 19, 2009; 9:45p.m.
Today has been a great day. The whole crew is doing an awesome job in all their respective areas. Our education folks are relentlessly working on lesson plans and meetings with all the teacher. This is a real hands on part of our mission as they are working up lessons and classes and then demonstrating them(teaching strategies etc). Our preschool team is pulling some long day in the hot classroom and loving every minute of it. Armed with a lot of toys and educational manipulative they are making a difference. That also means they are cleaning and organizing as they go. This is the first year we have had a French teacher with us. This is a big deal as all the countries around Ghana are French speaking.
Our medical folks are excellent as well. They are working under stressful conditions and large numbers of patients. You won't believe some of the conditions when you see the pictures. On my morning adventure there was at least 60 people already at the clinic before 5:30. It was great to speak to the older Ghanaian women dressed in colorful garbs and many of them are in their 70's, and 80's. In the clinic yesterday we saw people ranging form a few weeks old to 96. Many of these walked to the clinic from their villages and we have seen a few chiefs at the clinic as well. Our special mission in Senya at the church there is going great as well. We are all rotating out there and doing our part to aid in the medical and rehabilitation of the kids. It sad to see these 5 kids who suffer from some form of cerebral palsy and mental retardation drag themselves over a rough and I mean rough, unfinished concrete floor. Two of them are dragging or walking on the tops of their disfigured feet and the bottom of their feet are turned up. On Tuesday as Michelle raised one up to help train and strengthen them to walk, their little shorts would fall off. The only thing keeping there underwear on was pins. Their bodies were extremely thin and frail. They have wore out the bottom of their pants literally on the floor and the hard wood bench that they sit on in front of the chalk board.
Blake and I conducted a Preacher seminar that started at 9 this morning. I was able to admonish our brothers with MANY words(that is Biblical you know) for about 31/2 hours. We had a great time, talking about spiritual maturity and an array of other things they ask about. I was admonished to get our Doctors to invent something to turn me black--and they laugh; to which one of the preachers pointed out that I was dressed in all black. We had lunch and we concluded our afternoon session with only a couple of hours before we were to be in Fettah. at the church to teach or may be preach a little. I believe we had about 20 preacher --one from a Liberian refugee camp. Many of them have 2-3 churches that they are preaching for. They alternate days and ride their motorcycles very fast between the church on Sunday morning.
Everything is going great--Thanks so much for all the prayers and love shown to us. Missing you all.
Love,
Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------Thursday, March 19, 2009, 10:26
We "rolled" in the eye clinic today. Almost double the number of patients todayas yesterday. We continue to be the "last ones out" though to finish serving our people. Without power again for part of the day but THEY never complain about it so how can we--at least here. May God help us to carry that patience & acceptance of whatever state we are in back to the states. Last day of the clinic tomorrow. Thanks to the packing genius of Joyce Phillips &the estimating skill of Dorian, we have plenty of glasses left even though
we have given out record numbers. The mosquito nets to prevent malaria also began to be distributed today. The doctors are rotating going to Senya each morning. Shawn & Sheena went today. Got to listen to recordings of Fetteh church singing & the Village of Hope chorus (NEW this year). Wonderful! TO KAYE--All my love & admiration for the supportive & loving person that you are. I can feel y;our love & prayer from here. It sustains me. Shawn & Sheena are doing well. What a medical team along with Jon , Ruth, Fran, & Delores!! We have received the last two days of your blogs which help greatly. I met JJ Bekoe's friend today but not him. More on that when I get back. We miss you & look forward to seeing you Sunday night.
David
=========================================================================================
I have been working in the eye clinic. Its been amazing. I have figured out a lot of stuff about eyes. Its actually pretty fun when you get the hang of it. I got dehydrated today and i almost fainted. They made me drink like a thousand gallons of water. But im ok now. Sometime today im going to go pick out fabric for my African shirt : ) : ) with lots of bright colors!!
Were leaving Saturday morning @ 11:00 o'clock am to go to downtown Accra to shop and get something to eat. And then were leaving Ghana @ 8:00pm. To go to Rome, Italy
This has been the MOST LIFE CHANGING EXPERIANCE I HAVE EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been supercalafragilisticexpiealadotiously amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to come back every year!!!!!!!!! Thank GOD that i got to come, like i said in one of the devos "I never thought in a million years i would EVER BE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY IN MY LIFE!!!!!!! : )"
Mom, Dad I love you see you soon hopefully i will get to talk to you from Rome! Love guys sooooo much ttyl!
Sincerly,
Austin Hall, G-Man
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
Thursday 7:45pm
It just can't be Thursday already. Where has the time gone? Today after working with the Kindergarten teacher and watching her break into groups---finally---so I was so excitied. Unfortunately, she kept each group over 30 minutes and there were 4 groups. Okay, maybe we'll work on that tomorrow.
I went with a group to Senya. I went last year, but it was hard to see such poverty.. The teacher is 20 years old. She has a 9th grade education. As I walked in, she was smacking hands with a switch-lots of hands. They had to put their hand on her desk and just take it. She scared me! She told them to write the sentences she put on the board and not give two answers or "I will kill you!" Okay, not a phrase I would recommend for teaching children. She used it at least twice that I noticed. After a while she came to talk to me . I told her I was a teacher. She asked for my help. Well, ...who am I to say no when the holder of the switch asks for help?! By the time we left, I had sung several songs, danced with them, and yes, my fellow preschool teachers, we did Tooty Ta! Glynn, I did not promise to give her enough money to continue her education, so you can relax...(about that-heehee.) She was grateful for all the help and promised to toss the mean ole smacking sticks and to be a bit kinder and more gentle with the children. She is going to let them get up more and get more exercise. I also suggested she find a new phrase besides "I will kill you." She assured me she wouldn't kill them. How encouraging coming from the teacher!!!!!!!! She has NO supplies. The only thing they have are little booklets to write in and pencils and pens that needed to be replaced. We are going to try to send a care package to her and the preacher's wife. Michelle is getting their "lists" tomorrow.
I met a girl named Abigail. She wasn't in school today because her family ran out of money. Her sister was at school, but I guess sending both was too much right now. I finally found out it costs $7.00 a term. That's $21.00 a year! Hopefully, we'll have Abigail back in school tomorrow. She was missing her friends at school. She took me home with her and I got to see inside her home. There was a concrete block pen thing that was pretty big where they kill chickens and goats. Both were running around all over the house. Of course, the only way you knew you were inside was the walls. So the chickens really didn't look out of place. The baby goats were so cute. Poor baby goats have no idea what their future holds!
Shelves, shelves...wherefore art thou, shelves? One long shelf has been made tonight, and that's the first. It is looking pretty clear that we will not get to attain our goal for this year of getting all the shelves loaded in each room and the room cleaned up. We may get the staff room finished, so that is a great thing.
Vicki, Richard tried to go back in a field behind the well. The teens there were yelling at him to come back as that is a favorite place for spitting Cobras. They were afraid for him to try to come back, but Blake whipped out his video camera and said "Okay, Richard, come on back!" So, he cannot be kept in control. Even the people here are yelling at him in fear of what he is doing!!!! He also stole a pineapple and took another down into the life of crime with him. Oh, and Vicki, he said to tell you he's behaving. It's not true, but that's he said.
Everyone here gets along great and we are having a good time together although we are all exhausted by the end of the day. Good attitudes abound. It is amazing what being in these conditions can do for your perspective.
Glynn and crew- I love you ! Michael and Amanda, hug my babies for me. Christopher, it is disappointing to not get to see you this year, but I'll come soon! Timothy, take care of dad! Teachers, can't wait to share teaching stories with you. Farragut family, thank you again for your love and covering us in prayer!
Love, Jean
===============================================================================
Today has been a great day. I had been assigned to teach Grade 8 English whose reading assignment dealt with (you'll never guess) different types of satellites and how radios and cell phones work on Earth. Ok, those of you who know me well know that, even though I USE my cell phone quite well, I certainly know NOTHING about how they work!
Enter James East. I told him my problem and in ten minutes we had a lesson complete with two-way radios, a cell phone that could ring in class, and a complete explanation of four different types of satellites. We went armed with the equipment and a space book he had brought to the Village from the U.S., and VOILA! Gail and I had an instant guest speaker! There was even a point in the lesson where he used his Crocodile Dundee hat and spun it around at the same rate he spun himself; he even made me dizzy!
The children loved it, the teacher thought we were all geniuses, and the stage was perfectly set to continue on with a writing portion, which turned out to be our best session yet.
Question: Where else could an English teacher go find an engineer with snow pictures and a physicist with two-way radios in West Africa and have an instant fabulous lesson complete with props, computers, and guest speakers? Only at the Village of Hope!
I hope your day is great. I know mine was!
Love you,
Dianna
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thursday, March 19, 2009 8:53 PM Accra time
Hey everyone,
Another day in Africa for us is almost over, but one never knows what is next...like eating ice cream which the orphanage kids and the team just did and then a kazoo chorus erupted after distribution of Mardi Gras-colored kazoos to all the children and adults! What a sound! Jesus Loves Me played on a kazoo, in two melodies! Joy in children faces, more from the kazoos than the ice cream even.
Another notable moment today was when I saw an elderly gentleman with about 1/3 of his lower foot missing from an old injury, just about as putrid a smell as I have ever smelled from a foot! Basically, a mass of irregularly surfaced raw meat and fat, but really not bad looking. There was little to do, but add some antibiotics and redress it with a wet to dry gauze dressing and supply the family with some dressing materials.
My day was punctuated by reminding my patients that "A joyful heart is good medicine..." from Proverbs 18:22; what can take away our joy? It only leaves when we give it up, so I challenged each of my patients to hold to their joy as a life preserver...I reminded my self of this all day today.
If you have not noticed, our family is having a wonderful time here; thanks to all of you that are praying for us all and for those of you that encouraged us and helped us to come.
Jon
=========================================================================================
I have not done well with putting my thoughts onto the blog, but fear not, I have been thinking. J I have had a great week thus far, spending lots of time with my "special" children, with one very good assistant. It is awesome to see them experience new things, like bubbles and beach balls. Thank you for all your prayers, I know they are working.
For my family, I love you and am thinking of you much. (Mom I am doing ok J ) To David and Abigail I hope you are having fun with your dad and you are taking good care of him!
Michelle
=========================================================================================
Thursday, March 19, 2009; 9:45p.m.
Today has been a great day. The whole crew is doing an awesome job in all their respective areas. Our education folks are relentlessly working on lesson plans and meetings with all the teacher. This is a real hands on part of our mission as they are working up lessons and classes and then demonstrating them(teaching strategies etc). Our preschool team is pulling some long day in the hot classroom and loving every minute of it. Armed with a lot of toys and educational manipulative they are making a difference. That also means they are cleaning and organizing as they go. This is the first year we have had a French teacher with us. This is a big deal as all the countries around Ghana are French speaking.
Our medical folks are excellent as well. They are working under stressful conditions and large numbers of patients. You won't believe some of the conditions when you see the pictures. On my morning adventure there was at least 60 people already at the clinic before 5:30. It was great to speak to the older Ghanaian women dressed in colorful garbs and many of them are in their 70's, and 80's. In the clinic yesterday we saw people ranging form a few weeks old to 96. Many of these walked to the clinic from their villages and we have seen a few chiefs at the clinic as well. Our special mission in Senya at the church there is going great as well. We are all rotating out there and doing our part to aid in the medical and rehabilitation of the kids. It sad to see these 5 kids who suffer from some form of cerebral palsy and mental retardation drag themselves over a rough and I mean rough, unfinished concrete floor. Two of them are dragging or walking on the tops of their disfigured feet and the bottom of their feet are turned up. On Tuesday as Michelle raised one up to help train and strengthen them to walk, their little shorts would fall off. The only thing keeping there underwear on was pins. Their bodies were extremely thin and frail. They have wore out the bottom of their pants literally on the floor and the hard wood bench that they sit on in front of the chalk board.
Blake and I conducted a Preacher seminar that started at 9 this morning. I was able to admonish our brothers with MANY words(that is Biblical you know) for about 31/2 hours. We had a great time, talking about spiritual maturity and an array of other things they ask about. I was admonished to get our Doctors to invent something to turn me black--and they laugh; to which one of the preachers pointed out that I was dressed in all black. We had lunch and we concluded our afternoon session with only a couple of hours before we were to be in Fettah. at the church to teach or may be preach a little. I believe we had about 20 preacher --one from a Liberian refugee camp. Many of them have 2-3 churches that they are preaching for. They alternate days and ride their motorcycles very fast between the church on Sunday morning.
Everything is going great--Thanks so much for all the prayers and love shown to us. Missing you all.
Love,
Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------Thursday, March 19, 2009, 10:26
We "rolled" in the eye clinic today. Almost double the number of patients todayas yesterday. We continue to be the "last ones out" though to finish serving our people. Without power again for part of the day but THEY never complain about it so how can we--at least here. May God help us to carry that patience & acceptance of whatever state we are in back to the states. Last day of the clinic tomorrow. Thanks to the packing genius of Joyce Phillips &the estimating skill of Dorian, we have plenty of glasses left even though
we have given out record numbers. The mosquito nets to prevent malaria also began to be distributed today. The doctors are rotating going to Senya each morning. Shawn & Sheena went today. Got to listen to recordings of Fetteh church singing & the Village of Hope chorus (NEW this year). Wonderful! TO KAYE--All my love & admiration for the supportive & loving person that you are. I can feel y;our love & prayer from here. It sustains me. Shawn & Sheena are doing well. What a medical team along with Jon , Ruth, Fran, & Delores!! We have received the last two days of your blogs which help greatly. I met JJ Bekoe's friend today but not him. More on that when I get back. We miss you & look forward to seeing you Sunday night.
David
=========================================================================================
Quick Note
I wish to share that the comments are flowing in to us now that I got over the operator error.
Anyway, the comments are being read with great fanfare and joy.
We are all writing and reading on one computer. It is stationed in front of "the blogging seat." As you see, there are a few that like to write. That is good.
Today is going well. Routine has settled in, and we continue to roll on.
Paul and Blake are in the midst of their day-long preaching seminar. Sixteen had shown up and more were on the way.
James
Anyway, the comments are being read with great fanfare and joy.
We are all writing and reading on one computer. It is stationed in front of "the blogging seat." As you see, there are a few that like to write. That is good.
Today is going well. Routine has settled in, and we continue to roll on.
Paul and Blake are in the midst of their day-long preaching seminar. Sixteen had shown up and more were on the way.
James
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday Blog:
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
1:07 PM
Hey, people of Farrugut Church of Christ. I am Alex! Well, I had a good night sleep last night. I woke up at 10:00, which is good because I woke up at 7:00 yesterday. But, I feel good, except I have a heat rash. It feels awful! Today, I was in the clinic weighing people. I was also doing eye tests, but I had to stop so Austin could do it. I have seen so many kids and parents today. I saw one kid who all he could do was breathe, blink, and keep his heart beating. He couldn't walk,talk, move his limbs, it was awful. But it made me realize how blessed we are. We don't have malaria or cataracts or blind-sighted and we can walk and talk and serve to Lord Jesus Christ without having to stop and think that we can't move our legs or arms. It just humbled me to think that we don't know what we have, that we just take for granted. It's so awful! I never thought I would love water so much. I feel like I just had a revelation no one can have without going away from the pleasures and the joy of having everything you ever wanted like a house and air conditioning and waking up to go to a school that you hate but you're blessed to have a school and you're blessed to have a home with air conditioning! It is so amazing the things we waste that we would cherish here like COLD WATER and outer blessings like not sweating just by sitting down in a house. And all the people who love those things, that's great that you have those blessings, but you must not take them lightly. You have been blessed by the Lord with that technology that would never have been thought of by the minds of these kids that have nothing but are filled! It's amazing how much we have, yet we feel empty. We must realize that we could never have any of those things without God, Lord ALMIGHTY! His presence is here and it is in these people. It is so amazing how we don't think about these little things like having a church family that loves us. Most of us just care when the next new game system will come out or when a new car will be in the stores or when the stock market will raise up or when the economy will get better. But we have to realize that we are in the hands of GOD and HE IS IN CONTROL ALL THE TIME!! He controls everything that happens even in the bad times, HE IS THERE. In the good times, HE IS THERE. When we're sad or lonely, HE IS THERE!!! Glory be to God for the things he gives to his people! He gave us everything, LIFE, HIS ONLY SON, HIS WORD, AND HIS POWER. He is the ALMIGHTY GOD who reigns forevermore! He gives us so much, yet we give him so little. He deserves our dedication and our love and our worship! It is amazing that most don't give Him what he needs from us! For all his glory and majesty and power. Yet we need to help serve Him in any way we can. It could be giving to the poor or helping the helpless, doesn't matter to God the height of your deed. He looks at your heart! He doesn't care if you have the best clothes, or the best car or the best house, HE CARES ABOUT YOUR HEART!! He looks deeper than man. Man sees the outside and material greatness, but the God who made the heavens and the earth and all in-between looks at your spirit. If it is a spirit of greed or anger or betrayal, then so be it. You can have it any way you want it, just remember, those who choose to be greedy or selfish or inconsiderate, the Lord God is looking at you 24/7. You chose to be the way you are. So be it. Have it your way. Hope to see you in the the Kingdom of God on the day he brings us home.
Well, that concludes my heart pouring out. See you all later. Think on what I said.
Alex
=========================================================================================
March 18, 2009
It's been a busy day but a great one. I slept with one eye open last night in anticipation of teaching my first-ever Ghanaian 7th grade class. Come to think of it, it was my first 7th grade class PERIOD. No wonder I lost sleep. Anyhow, I was charged with teaching a reading selection on the North and South Pole expeditions. Think about it! I am assigned to teach about ARCTIC BLASTS in AFRICA, of all places. But with the help of the illustrious Mr. Richard Smith, I was able to present photographs that he had on file on his computer about snow and ice and even Siberian huskies. To get them thinking about cold in 90 degree heat, we used frozen ice packs that we placed on their hands when they had their eyes closed. It must have been ok, since I've been invited back to teach on Thursday and Friday. Wait a minute! Is this my Spring Break? NO?
We also completed day 2 of our seminar with English faculty discussing teaching techniques. The teachers have been really kind and gracious.
Well, I'm feeling a nap coming on. I have to quit all those late nights.
Love you!
Dianna
=========================================================================================
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
6:12 PM
I have made many conclusions over the past few days. I have realized a few things.
1. Austin has a phobia of lizard.
2. Lizards are EVERYWHERE!
3. You must bring bug spray.
4. Heat rashes hurt.
5. The kids are awesome.
I have no idea how I'm going to leave this place. I don't know how I will. I feel like I can't leave it. Well, most people can do many things to help God and the Ghanains.
Well...................................................................................................................................................................................................that's it.
Alex Bulldozr63
=========================================================================================
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 6:42 PM
A new experience today...the electric went off in the mid-afternoon and so did the fans, lights and all electric motivated appliances. My wet clothes in the washer will sour and be rewashed in the near, well, sometime future. My guess is the power demand on this hot day exceeded the grid capacity and our section of Ghana was taken off line. Sleeping tonight will be a challenge...the sleeping pills may come out again. Showering in the dark will be...interesting; church service tonight in the dark may be interesting.
Now, one of the house parents has sent us gourmet FuFu and boiled fish dip! Austin tried it, Dorian got a big portion of it...others admired and some tried it and graded it as if they were Dining Out critics for the New York Times. All of us looked at it and are glad that we have senses.
My sense is that the battery on this computer will die soon, but then suddenly the computerscreen perked up and the fans came on in the house here and a few of my sweat began to evaporate.
Praise God today for:
-the ability to get scabies medicine for the cases I saw today
-my son saying that he liked it today here...,
Jon
=========================================================
Wednesday 7:45pm
It has been quite a day. Laurie and I arrived at the preschool this morning and were greeted with, "You teach Bible today." They have a "worship service" (singing and chanting little prayers) and then we were to "extend" the story of Noah. We decided to talk about obedience and how Noah obeyed God. Our skit was...Laurie had a toy and she wouldn't share with me. I was sad and finally reminded her that the Bible says we are to share, and be kind and love our friends and we are to obey God. She finally shared and we had lots of fun playing together. I taught them 2 or 3 new songs and they can really sing!
Then I went to a classroom where the teacher asked what they learned in the Bible story. When a child said "to obey" she added, "Yes, we have to obey God or we will not go to heaven." What? Uh, just a tad strong to be saying to 4 years olds, or even me!
We had two teacher meetings today and hopefully will see some of the suggestions put to use tomorrow. The wood arrived but the lack of power resulted in the lack of shelf building. Oh, well! Things like that are expected when you are here.
It was disheartening to give the two year old class a couple of new toys and by the end of the day, parts were already lost. It is so hard when they don't have a good way to store things. We cleaned out the baskets and junk in that room yesterday afternoon, but today the kids pulled most of the trash out and played with it!! Oops!
We have started a "Go Ask Richard!" list. So far he has managed to amaze us with most all requests. Tape, string, shoelaces, extra fan, two kinds of batteries, snacks, snow pictures Dianna needed, and even a video on his computer of how a snowflake is formed!!
Paul asked for a hot glue gun tonight just so Richard would have to say "I don't have that."
Last night we met a man (Frances) who just graduated from law school. He was raised on the streets of Accra, paying his own way to go to school. When he was ready to graduate, he could not because of all the fees. The Village of Hope paid his fees, took over guardianship of him and helped him to go to college and law school. He even received a scholarship from Pepperdine, although he decided to stay here. Francis wrote a book about his experiences and came over last night to pick up a computer we brought to him. He is very impressive.
James gave us a lesson on astronomy tonight and showed us a star you can't see from home. He used his laser pointer and told us all about the stars.
I plan to go to Sinya in the morning. It won't be easy, but ...
Thank you again for your prayers. We need them and we feel them.
Love,
Jean
=====================================================================================
I'm back up from my nap. We had a power outage, so the house was ssssssssssoooooooooooooooo stuffy. (READ: HOT!) Those who were planning to go to church got ready in the dark, and those who went to Fetteh set out in the twilight on foot.
It was an eventful evening at the Fetteh church, though. From all reliable sources, Pastor Paul has set a new standard for professionalism and dedication in the face of difficulty. The scene went something like this:
After two Farragut church children played with matted wild goats in the courtyard, the crowd gathered in the dimly lit concrete block, open-air, tin-roofed auditorium and proceeded to sing in the Fonteh language, which was better, according to Paul than "four-part harmony." (Please do not reveal his sentiments to the staff of the Christian Chronicle.)
Paul proceeded to preach by kerosene lamp -- 3, in all, with one on the communion table, one in the back, and one kindly placed for Paul's benefit on the lectern he was using. Paul, however, armed with his handy-dandy booklight and fearful of the potential fire hazard, kindly offered the kerosene lamp to anyone in the congregation who may need the light to read the Bible.
The scene continued with Pulpit Paul (a.k.a On-the-Ball Paul, Power-Up Paul, Off-the-Wall Paul...) fervently preaching Luke 8, on principles of hearers and the proper response to God's Powerful Word. As Paul pounded the pulpit pronouncing Jesus' power over nature, two bats materialized as if to emphasize Paul's point. The bats relentlessly clicked, squealed, and flapped about the church, pitching and rolling around the pulpit, yet Paul continued to preach for several more minutes before he paused and said, "Just give me a second or two. I am just not used to preachin' in the dark with bats flying around." The bats pitched and spiraled around Paul's head, yet he, unflappable, continued to proclaim the Gospel.
Blake Moore, Paul's 6'2, 290 lb. sidekick, crouched in the back in horror, and continued to pray for deliverance from the darkness and the winged creatures of the night, while another Farragut member, Delores Leffew, looked calmly on. At the end of Blake's fervent prayer, the power was restored and order returned to the Fetteh church. Paul preached another 30 minutes or so, the song of invitation was offered, and another Wednesday night service was history.
"He took professionalism to another level," Moore stated. "He had no fear!"
Leffew had another take on the incident. "Paul preached such a good sermon, God sent bats to hear it," she said.
As Paul walked out under the stars heading back to the Village, he reflected on the evening's events. "It was a great crowd for a Wednesday night. There were at least 50 people there ... 65 if it's a preacher's count," he said. "It was all good."
But the evening could have ended in utter disaster. "We would have been in horrible shape if they had gotten caught in my hair," said Paul. " Maybe the bug repellent and the spikes kept them from landing. Thanks to my hairdresser, I have anti-bat hair! "
Thus ends the saga of a Wednesday night in Fetteh.
This has been Dianna Parham, broadcasting from Ghana.
Back to you!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
1:07 PM
Hey, people of Farrugut Church of Christ. I am Alex! Well, I had a good night sleep last night. I woke up at 10:00, which is good because I woke up at 7:00 yesterday. But, I feel good, except I have a heat rash. It feels awful! Today, I was in the clinic weighing people. I was also doing eye tests, but I had to stop so Austin could do it. I have seen so many kids and parents today. I saw one kid who all he could do was breathe, blink, and keep his heart beating. He couldn't walk,talk, move his limbs, it was awful. But it made me realize how blessed we are. We don't have malaria or cataracts or blind-sighted and we can walk and talk and serve to Lord Jesus Christ without having to stop and think that we can't move our legs or arms. It just humbled me to think that we don't know what we have, that we just take for granted. It's so awful! I never thought I would love water so much. I feel like I just had a revelation no one can have without going away from the pleasures and the joy of having everything you ever wanted like a house and air conditioning and waking up to go to a school that you hate but you're blessed to have a school and you're blessed to have a home with air conditioning! It is so amazing the things we waste that we would cherish here like COLD WATER and outer blessings like not sweating just by sitting down in a house. And all the people who love those things, that's great that you have those blessings, but you must not take them lightly. You have been blessed by the Lord with that technology that would never have been thought of by the minds of these kids that have nothing but are filled! It's amazing how much we have, yet we feel empty. We must realize that we could never have any of those things without God, Lord ALMIGHTY! His presence is here and it is in these people. It is so amazing how we don't think about these little things like having a church family that loves us. Most of us just care when the next new game system will come out or when a new car will be in the stores or when the stock market will raise up or when the economy will get better. But we have to realize that we are in the hands of GOD and HE IS IN CONTROL ALL THE TIME!! He controls everything that happens even in the bad times, HE IS THERE. In the good times, HE IS THERE. When we're sad or lonely, HE IS THERE!!! Glory be to God for the things he gives to his people! He gave us everything, LIFE, HIS ONLY SON, HIS WORD, AND HIS POWER. He is the ALMIGHTY GOD who reigns forevermore! He gives us so much, yet we give him so little. He deserves our dedication and our love and our worship! It is amazing that most don't give Him what he needs from us! For all his glory and majesty and power. Yet we need to help serve Him in any way we can. It could be giving to the poor or helping the helpless, doesn't matter to God the height of your deed. He looks at your heart! He doesn't care if you have the best clothes, or the best car or the best house, HE CARES ABOUT YOUR HEART!! He looks deeper than man. Man sees the outside and material greatness, but the God who made the heavens and the earth and all in-between looks at your spirit. If it is a spirit of greed or anger or betrayal, then so be it. You can have it any way you want it, just remember, those who choose to be greedy or selfish or inconsiderate, the Lord God is looking at you 24/7. You chose to be the way you are. So be it. Have it your way. Hope to see you in the the Kingdom of God on the day he brings us home.
Well, that concludes my heart pouring out. See you all later. Think on what I said.
Alex
=========================================================================================
March 18, 2009
It's been a busy day but a great one. I slept with one eye open last night in anticipation of teaching my first-ever Ghanaian 7th grade class. Come to think of it, it was my first 7th grade class PERIOD. No wonder I lost sleep. Anyhow, I was charged with teaching a reading selection on the North and South Pole expeditions. Think about it! I am assigned to teach about ARCTIC BLASTS in AFRICA, of all places. But with the help of the illustrious Mr. Richard Smith, I was able to present photographs that he had on file on his computer about snow and ice and even Siberian huskies. To get them thinking about cold in 90 degree heat, we used frozen ice packs that we placed on their hands when they had their eyes closed. It must have been ok, since I've been invited back to teach on Thursday and Friday. Wait a minute! Is this my Spring Break? NO?
We also completed day 2 of our seminar with English faculty discussing teaching techniques. The teachers have been really kind and gracious.
Well, I'm feeling a nap coming on. I have to quit all those late nights.
Love you!
Dianna
=========================================================================================
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
6:12 PM
I have made many conclusions over the past few days. I have realized a few things.
1. Austin has a phobia of lizard.
2. Lizards are EVERYWHERE!
3. You must bring bug spray.
4. Heat rashes hurt.
5. The kids are awesome.
I have no idea how I'm going to leave this place. I don't know how I will. I feel like I can't leave it. Well, most people can do many things to help God and the Ghanains.
Well...................................................................................................................................................................................................that's it.
Alex Bulldozr63
=========================================================================================
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 6:42 PM
A new experience today...the electric went off in the mid-afternoon and so did the fans, lights and all electric motivated appliances. My wet clothes in the washer will sour and be rewashed in the near, well, sometime future. My guess is the power demand on this hot day exceeded the grid capacity and our section of Ghana was taken off line. Sleeping tonight will be a challenge...the sleeping pills may come out again. Showering in the dark will be...interesting; church service tonight in the dark may be interesting.
Now, one of the house parents has sent us gourmet FuFu and boiled fish dip! Austin tried it, Dorian got a big portion of it...others admired and some tried it and graded it as if they were Dining Out critics for the New York Times. All of us looked at it and are glad that we have senses.
My sense is that the battery on this computer will die soon, but then suddenly the computerscreen perked up and the fans came on in the house here and a few of my sweat began to evaporate.
Praise God today for:
-the ability to get scabies medicine for the cases I saw today
-my son saying that he liked it today here...,
Jon
=========================================================
Wednesday 7:45pm
It has been quite a day. Laurie and I arrived at the preschool this morning and were greeted with, "You teach Bible today." They have a "worship service" (singing and chanting little prayers) and then we were to "extend" the story of Noah. We decided to talk about obedience and how Noah obeyed God. Our skit was...Laurie had a toy and she wouldn't share with me. I was sad and finally reminded her that the Bible says we are to share, and be kind and love our friends and we are to obey God. She finally shared and we had lots of fun playing together. I taught them 2 or 3 new songs and they can really sing!
Then I went to a classroom where the teacher asked what they learned in the Bible story. When a child said "to obey" she added, "Yes, we have to obey God or we will not go to heaven." What? Uh, just a tad strong to be saying to 4 years olds, or even me!
We had two teacher meetings today and hopefully will see some of the suggestions put to use tomorrow. The wood arrived but the lack of power resulted in the lack of shelf building. Oh, well! Things like that are expected when you are here.
It was disheartening to give the two year old class a couple of new toys and by the end of the day, parts were already lost. It is so hard when they don't have a good way to store things. We cleaned out the baskets and junk in that room yesterday afternoon, but today the kids pulled most of the trash out and played with it!! Oops!
We have started a "Go Ask Richard!" list. So far he has managed to amaze us with most all requests. Tape, string, shoelaces, extra fan, two kinds of batteries, snacks, snow pictures Dianna needed, and even a video on his computer of how a snowflake is formed!!
Paul asked for a hot glue gun tonight just so Richard would have to say "I don't have that."
Last night we met a man (Frances) who just graduated from law school. He was raised on the streets of Accra, paying his own way to go to school. When he was ready to graduate, he could not because of all the fees. The Village of Hope paid his fees, took over guardianship of him and helped him to go to college and law school. He even received a scholarship from Pepperdine, although he decided to stay here. Francis wrote a book about his experiences and came over last night to pick up a computer we brought to him. He is very impressive.
James gave us a lesson on astronomy tonight and showed us a star you can't see from home. He used his laser pointer and told us all about the stars.
I plan to go to Sinya in the morning. It won't be easy, but ...
Thank you again for your prayers. We need them and we feel them.
Love,
Jean
=====================================================================================
I'm back up from my nap. We had a power outage, so the house was ssssssssssoooooooooooooooo stuffy. (READ: HOT!) Those who were planning to go to church got ready in the dark, and those who went to Fetteh set out in the twilight on foot.
It was an eventful evening at the Fetteh church, though. From all reliable sources, Pastor Paul has set a new standard for professionalism and dedication in the face of difficulty. The scene went something like this:
After two Farragut church children played with matted wild goats in the courtyard, the crowd gathered in the dimly lit concrete block, open-air, tin-roofed auditorium and proceeded to sing in the Fonteh language, which was better, according to Paul than "four-part harmony." (Please do not reveal his sentiments to the staff of the Christian Chronicle.)
Paul proceeded to preach by kerosene lamp -- 3, in all, with one on the communion table, one in the back, and one kindly placed for Paul's benefit on the lectern he was using. Paul, however, armed with his handy-dandy booklight and fearful of the potential fire hazard, kindly offered the kerosene lamp to anyone in the congregation who may need the light to read the Bible.
The scene continued with Pulpit Paul (a.k.a On-the-Ball Paul, Power-Up Paul, Off-the-Wall Paul...) fervently preaching Luke 8, on principles of hearers and the proper response to God's Powerful Word. As Paul pounded the pulpit pronouncing Jesus' power over nature, two bats materialized as if to emphasize Paul's point. The bats relentlessly clicked, squealed, and flapped about the church, pitching and rolling around the pulpit, yet Paul continued to preach for several more minutes before he paused and said, "Just give me a second or two. I am just not used to preachin' in the dark with bats flying around." The bats pitched and spiraled around Paul's head, yet he, unflappable, continued to proclaim the Gospel.
Blake Moore, Paul's 6'2, 290 lb. sidekick, crouched in the back in horror, and continued to pray for deliverance from the darkness and the winged creatures of the night, while another Farragut member, Delores Leffew, looked calmly on. At the end of Blake's fervent prayer, the power was restored and order returned to the Fetteh church. Paul preached another 30 minutes or so, the song of invitation was offered, and another Wednesday night service was history.
"He took professionalism to another level," Moore stated. "He had no fear!"
Leffew had another take on the incident. "Paul preached such a good sermon, God sent bats to hear it," she said.
As Paul walked out under the stars heading back to the Village, he reflected on the evening's events. "It was a great crowd for a Wednesday night. There were at least 50 people there ... 65 if it's a preacher's count," he said. "It was all good."
But the evening could have ended in utter disaster. "We would have been in horrible shape if they had gotten caught in my hair," said Paul. " Maybe the bug repellent and the spikes kept them from landing. Thanks to my hairdresser, I have anti-bat hair! "
Thus ends the saga of a Wednesday night in Fetteh.
This has been Dianna Parham, broadcasting from Ghana.
Back to you!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009,
4:16 PM
We started working today. Austin and I were gophers and we just worked when someone needed something, like lunch or a bag or some water. But, at least we had jobs. Mom, Beth, and Paul are walking to Fettah right now. It is kinda far away, it's something like 2-3 miles away. Not to bad, but still hot and tiring. I'm not going because we're going to the beach later and I don't want to be to tired for that. I want to go, but I'll be to tired. I do think it will be fun and I think I'll go sometime before we leave like tomorrow. But I need to think about today. I found this Pepsi bottle cap while working with Jean. I'm going to make it into a necklace for Pepsi and all I need is string. But, string alludes you when your across the globe. BUT, I bet you money RICHARD has some. I mean, he has EVERYTHING IMAGINABLE!!! He has a Roman dictionary for cryin out loud!! And the man doesn't have STRING!!?? W-O-W!!! Well that about summarizes my day, well except that I met some kids today. I think there from Fettah. They're preschoolers, so they pronounce my name Ales not Alex. But all the Africans say my name that way. I don't mind. At least they know my name.
Well, I have to go. g2g.
Alex Bulldozr63
=========================================================================================
6:15PM
I will try to locate some string for Alex! Today was very productive for those of us at the preschool. Laurie and I observed some and organized some and cleaned some and threw away anything we could get away with. How I wish I had brought some Anywhere spray!! I was pleased that the teachers were using songs and poems and such. They are really trying to be excellent. They still don't want to let the children play when they are through with their work. We are working on that. We brought several new "quiet" activities, so maybe they will allow that. I had a bunch of containers delivered last night. I need more!!
During our organizing, a lizard fell off the wall or ceiling or something and landed right in Laurie's hand. What a treat! Lizards are in abundance apparently this year...at least in the preschool building!
The wood is coming in the morning for new shelves for the classrooms and the staff room. I think many of the men are going to help so they'll have a shelf party and get them made in no time! I will be happy to see them in the rooms!
Glynn, I made a CD I can't find. I am so hopeful I didn't leave it ...maybe in the computer. If I did, let me know so I won't keep looking for it.
Tomorrow we are to teach and be observed, then watch while they teach. In the afternoon, we will have a meeting with all teachers at different times. I am blessed by these teachers ande all they do will such few tools. What a blessing it is to have the facilities we have and the teachers we have and the supplies we have at Farragut.
Weather still has not seemed as bad as in the past, (not that it isn't very hot and humid. )
Everyone keeps asking if we've heard from anyone, so keep those messages coming. Paul is getting lonely not hearing from his flock! Preacher Paul actually became a math teacher today!
Thank you for all your prayers and support!! Lots of love to you all!
Jean
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
6:55pm
Whoa today was pretty cool even though i didn't really do a lot. Hopefully tomorrow i will have an actual job!! : ///
I just got done playing with all of the kids. They are all friendly here. We all played football (soccer) and keep away. Cameron was playing with all of the girls and while she was, she was preaching to them about how they are so happy and thankful they are to have a home and a place to have fun and that the people in America are not as happy and they have all of these things and they are not thankful for what they have!! i was soooooo proud of her and when told everyone what she did everyone started to tear. : '(
Wish me luck that i will have a job tomorrow!!! MOM, DAD LOVE YOU TWO MISS U GUYS : ) comment the blog i wanna hear from u
@U$10 "AUSTIN"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++================================================
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
7:25 PM
Hey people.Okay, now let me start talking. I've had my moment. I had a lot of fun playing w/ the kids today. I gave some of them nicknames like one's name was Ramses, he is now RAMSES THE GREAT!!! and another was a small boy named Andrew, his name is now Squirt. But that was fun. We played keep away and soccer and pass the ball and etc..well for the most part, we had fun okay? Need me to spell it for you? Well, F is for friends who do stuff together, U is for you and me, N is for 'nyone 'nytime at all, down here in the hot, hot Ghana! Ding-ding-ding-de-da-da-ding-ding-ding-de-da-da!! It's a song. Well it was awesome, I love this place. It's fun. So fun!!
Well, I like pie and pi and stuff, so bye, y'a'll.
Alex Bulldozr63
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, March 17, 2009; 2043h
What an awesome thought to know that so many of you are praying for us around the clock, daily. Think about that, would you? That is just a part of the powerful prayer resources available to us. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PRAYING FOR US!
Today, I went to Sinya, a small village of abject poverty, near Fetteh, to work with some of "Michelle's Kids" as a physician. The worst circumstances in facilities and resources were overwhelmed by the joyful singing of about 20 primary school kids in a relatively dark corner of the church building. I was captured from thereon for the morning. Kids walking on their flattened palms, using their flexed knees for balance, as they traveled over the threshold into my "clinic exam room." These cerebral palsy kids will steal your heart with their bright eyes and gap-tooth smiles, but I couldn't help but remember how The morning went so fast that the alarm clock in Michelle's announcement told me it was time to go to lunch and leave this very plain place full of beautiful souls that have touched and brightened my life.
Got Joy?
Jon
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10 p.m.
It was a great first day at the clinic. I really enjoyed spending time with all of the people and their kids. Everyone was so appreciative of all that we are blessed to offer. This would not be possible with out everyone of you.
Our time at Sinya this morning was particular challenging and rewarding. Blake and I were able to step up and get our "teacher certification" in math. It reminded me of working with Abbie except they have no books or workbooks and the ages of the students really vary with just one chalk board in the dark back corner of the church. We were able to keep the kids attention by working through their math primary allowing Michelle and Jon to work with the kids and give them medical attention. We will be going back in the morning so Michelle can work on their physical therapy. I was blessed to get a invitation to a Bible study this afternoon with some of the house parents for a few minutes before I headed back for supper. It was good to just sit and listen with our brothers and sisters from the Village of Hope.
Hopefully David will share with you about our visitor tonight that joined us during our devotion time.
Continue to pray for the work here this week and for each of us. Hope you are being blessed in your walk and growing in your trust daily.
Love, ----Paul
========================================================================================
For those that attempted to comment earlier and couldn't. It was operator error. Hopefully, we'll remember locate the right check box in the future.
James
4:16 PM
We started working today. Austin and I were gophers and we just worked when someone needed something, like lunch or a bag or some water. But, at least we had jobs. Mom, Beth, and Paul are walking to Fettah right now. It is kinda far away, it's something like 2-3 miles away. Not to bad, but still hot and tiring. I'm not going because we're going to the beach later and I don't want to be to tired for that. I want to go, but I'll be to tired. I do think it will be fun and I think I'll go sometime before we leave like tomorrow. But I need to think about today. I found this Pepsi bottle cap while working with Jean. I'm going to make it into a necklace for Pepsi and all I need is string. But, string alludes you when your across the globe. BUT, I bet you money RICHARD has some. I mean, he has EVERYTHING IMAGINABLE!!! He has a Roman dictionary for cryin out loud!! And the man doesn't have STRING!!?? W-O-W!!! Well that about summarizes my day, well except that I met some kids today. I think there from Fettah. They're preschoolers, so they pronounce my name Ales not Alex. But all the Africans say my name that way. I don't mind. At least they know my name.
Well, I have to go. g2g.
Alex Bulldozr63
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6:15PM
I will try to locate some string for Alex! Today was very productive for those of us at the preschool. Laurie and I observed some and organized some and cleaned some and threw away anything we could get away with. How I wish I had brought some Anywhere spray!! I was pleased that the teachers were using songs and poems and such. They are really trying to be excellent. They still don't want to let the children play when they are through with their work. We are working on that. We brought several new "quiet" activities, so maybe they will allow that. I had a bunch of containers delivered last night. I need more!!
During our organizing, a lizard fell off the wall or ceiling or something and landed right in Laurie's hand. What a treat! Lizards are in abundance apparently this year...at least in the preschool building!
The wood is coming in the morning for new shelves for the classrooms and the staff room. I think many of the men are going to help so they'll have a shelf party and get them made in no time! I will be happy to see them in the rooms!
Glynn, I made a CD I can't find. I am so hopeful I didn't leave it ...maybe in the computer. If I did, let me know so I won't keep looking for it.
Tomorrow we are to teach and be observed, then watch while they teach. In the afternoon, we will have a meeting with all teachers at different times. I am blessed by these teachers ande all they do will such few tools. What a blessing it is to have the facilities we have and the teachers we have and the supplies we have at Farragut.
Weather still has not seemed as bad as in the past, (not that it isn't very hot and humid. )
Everyone keeps asking if we've heard from anyone, so keep those messages coming. Paul is getting lonely not hearing from his flock! Preacher Paul actually became a math teacher today!
Thank you for all your prayers and support!! Lots of love to you all!
Jean
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
6:55pm
Whoa today was pretty cool even though i didn't really do a lot. Hopefully tomorrow i will have an actual job!! : ///
I just got done playing with all of the kids. They are all friendly here. We all played football (soccer) and keep away. Cameron was playing with all of the girls and while she was, she was preaching to them about how they are so happy and thankful they are to have a home and a place to have fun and that the people in America are not as happy and they have all of these things and they are not thankful for what they have!! i was soooooo proud of her and when told everyone what she did everyone started to tear. : '(
Wish me luck that i will have a job tomorrow!!! MOM, DAD LOVE YOU TWO MISS U GUYS : ) comment the blog i wanna hear from u
@U$10 "AUSTIN"
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
7:25 PM
Hey people.Okay, now let me start talking. I've had my moment. I had a lot of fun playing w/ the kids today. I gave some of them nicknames like one's name was Ramses, he is now RAMSES THE GREAT!!! and another was a small boy named Andrew, his name is now Squirt. But that was fun. We played keep away and soccer and pass the ball and etc..well for the most part, we had fun okay? Need me to spell it for you? Well, F is for friends who do stuff together, U is for you and me, N is for 'nyone 'nytime at all, down here in the hot, hot Ghana! Ding-ding-ding-de-da-da-ding-ding-ding-de-da-da!! It's a song. Well it was awesome, I love this place. It's fun. So fun!!
Well, I like pie and pi and stuff, so bye, y'a'll.
Alex Bulldozr63
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009; 2043h
What an awesome thought to know that so many of you are praying for us around the clock, daily. Think about that, would you? That is just a part of the powerful prayer resources available to us. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PRAYING FOR US!
Today, I went to Sinya, a small village of abject poverty, near Fetteh, to work with some of "Michelle's Kids" as a physician. The worst circumstances in facilities and resources were overwhelmed by the joyful singing of about 20 primary school kids in a relatively dark corner of the church building. I was captured from thereon for the morning. Kids walking on their flattened palms, using their flexed knees for balance, as they traveled over the threshold into my "clinic exam room." These cerebral palsy kids will steal your heart with their bright eyes and gap-tooth smiles, but I couldn't help but remember how The morning went so fast that the alarm clock in Michelle's announcement told me it was time to go to lunch and leave this very plain place full of beautiful souls that have touched and brightened my life.
Got Joy?
Jon
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10 p.m.
It was a great first day at the clinic. I really enjoyed spending time with all of the people and their kids. Everyone was so appreciative of all that we are blessed to offer. This would not be possible with out everyone of you.
Our time at Sinya this morning was particular challenging and rewarding. Blake and I were able to step up and get our "teacher certification" in math. It reminded me of working with Abbie except they have no books or workbooks and the ages of the students really vary with just one chalk board in the dark back corner of the church. We were able to keep the kids attention by working through their math primary allowing Michelle and Jon to work with the kids and give them medical attention. We will be going back in the morning so Michelle can work on their physical therapy. I was blessed to get a invitation to a Bible study this afternoon with some of the house parents for a few minutes before I headed back for supper. It was good to just sit and listen with our brothers and sisters from the Village of Hope.
Hopefully David will share with you about our visitor tonight that joined us during our devotion time.
Continue to pray for the work here this week and for each of us. Hope you are being blessed in your walk and growing in your trust daily.
Love, ----Paul
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For those that attempted to comment earlier and couldn't. It was operator error. Hopefully, we'll remember locate the right check box in the future.
James
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