The initial version of the Ghana 2008 audio CD is available. There are 22 tracks grouped in the order of the week's events. They can be found at the site referenced in the earlier blog entries.
Since I've renamed some of the tracks and added track numbers to the album, you may wish to download the whole set. The old versions have been removed.
I will leave this online for a week or so, as I make the CD's. If you want a CD let me know. Contributions to the Ghana expenses will be accepted.
Someone interested in designing a label for the CD?
---------------------------------------------------
The following is not necessary the opinion of anyone other than myself, nor has it been approved.
There are many opportunities to help. One opportunity I'll take liberty to point out. The people of the Village of Hope and Ghana in general are capable, educated and talented. On top of that the Village of Hope adds love and caring for their children and their neighbors with the support of churches across Ghana.
What they lack are the resources to do what needs to be done. It is like they have the people and the organization to launch for the moon, but lack rocket fuel to reach orbit and beyond. Your long term sponsorship of a child will provide the rocket fuel to launch.
Why not start with sponsoring a preschooler for as little as $30 per month?
It is one of the best ways of helping you'll find.
For more information, check out the VOH website at:
http://www.thevillageofhope.com/
Blessings and peace,
James E
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
More sounds from Ghana
I've made five more tracks available at the same address used in the last blog.
http://cid-dfaab286228081f7.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Ghana%202008
These provide variety.
http://cid-dfaab286228081f7.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Ghana%202008
These provide variety.
- "Knock Knock" is a second song from the preschool
- "We Love You" by the Traverse City House
- "Devos" is a soundscape, recorded from the middle of the compound capturing the ambient sounds of the early morning, including the sounds of the children's chores, crickets, birds and singing from the houses drifting in. This is one of the more talked about experiences of the trip is waking up to these sounds. It's long, about 25 min.
- "Happy Birthday" was sung in honor of those having birthdays, in dis-organized chaos.
- "Drum Practice" was recorded as they warmed up for the performance
Let me know what you like. I only leave these up for a few days. The plan is to make a CD from the favorites if interest remains.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Songs recorded in Ghana
During our recent trip, I made several audio recordings. Some of the songs I sent back by email and I received positive feedback. I am attempting to make these recordings more generally available through this blog.
I've made three files available.
Click on the link:
http://cid-dfaab286228081f7.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Ghana%202008
If this first attempt is successful, more will follow as I am able to make the raw recordings into individual tracks suitable for the web and MP3 players. These are all ambient recordings and are not recorded in studio like environment, so if you hear a cough or a kid (either goat or child), that is just the way it was...
I've made three files available.
- The first is a song recorded during Sunday morning worship at the Fetteh Church. It is "When We Walk" sung in the Fante language.
- The second is "Big Big" recorded in the pre-school class
- The third is labled "Ghana Song" as we didn't learn the name. It is about Elijah and Hannah. It is written and sung in Fante.
Click on the link:
http://cid-dfaab286228081f7.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Ghana%202008
If this first attempt is successful, more will follow as I am able to make the raw recordings into individual tracks suitable for the web and MP3 players. These are all ambient recordings and are not recorded in studio like environment, so if you hear a cough or a kid (either goat or child), that is just the way it was...
Let me know if this works for you.
James
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Sunday from Knoxville
All our flights were on schedule. We arrived to shouts of glee from our children and spouses.
We are indeed blessed.
We are indeed blessed.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Saturday, 7:30pm
This is James writing.
We are at the airport, checked in and waiting for our flight. I just heard the flight from Amsterdam has arrived, so I take it that our plane is here to wing us northward over night.
The drum and dance program given to us by the children from the homes was a special treat this morning. We heard that they practiced most of yesterday's school holiday to get ready. With the holiday and our waiting to leave on Saturday, the children had more free time to spend with us, and that they did. One just had to make oneself available and it wasn't long till the children surrounded you to touch and ask questions. The most difficult was: do you remember my name? Maybe if I had a few years I could get their names straight.
After a last minute eye exam was given by Dorian, we headed out to Accra. We had lunch at a popular resturant called Freddies where they serve, in an airconditioned environment, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza and other choices we might find at home. (However, Eric's choice of tuna omelette was a selection new to us) From there some of us went to the Art Center Market and others to the National Museum before heading to the airport. We had planned a dinner at a restaurant next to the airport, but the group chose to go ahead and chill out at the airport. For some reason, chilling out has a strong appeal to this group.
Time: 8:00 pm
This is Jean. I'll just add a little note to tell you that the dance program the children did for us this morning was the first time they have done it for an outside group. We are very honored.
Glynn, I didn't know the phone only had one minute left until it told me so when you were about to answer. When you could finally hear me the time was gone. I know you wondered why I called, said "Hi. I love you. Got to go." and then I was gone. I could just hear you saying, "What was that?" It was like a tease.
It has been an awesome trip. Now I'm ready for Home Sweet Home.
=========
We are at the airport, checked in and waiting for our flight. I just heard the flight from Amsterdam has arrived, so I take it that our plane is here to wing us northward over night.
The drum and dance program given to us by the children from the homes was a special treat this morning. We heard that they practiced most of yesterday's school holiday to get ready. With the holiday and our waiting to leave on Saturday, the children had more free time to spend with us, and that they did. One just had to make oneself available and it wasn't long till the children surrounded you to touch and ask questions. The most difficult was: do you remember my name? Maybe if I had a few years I could get their names straight.
After a last minute eye exam was given by Dorian, we headed out to Accra. We had lunch at a popular resturant called Freddies where they serve, in an airconditioned environment, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza and other choices we might find at home. (However, Eric's choice of tuna omelette was a selection new to us) From there some of us went to the Art Center Market and others to the National Museum before heading to the airport. We had planned a dinner at a restaurant next to the airport, but the group chose to go ahead and chill out at the airport. For some reason, chilling out has a strong appeal to this group.
Time: 8:00 pm
This is Jean. I'll just add a little note to tell you that the dance program the children did for us this morning was the first time they have done it for an outside group. We are very honored.
Glynn, I didn't know the phone only had one minute left until it told me so when you were about to answer. When you could finally hear me the time was gone. I know you wondered why I called, said "Hi. I love you. Got to go." and then I was gone. I could just hear you saying, "What was that?" It was like a tease.
It has been an awesome trip. Now I'm ready for Home Sweet Home.
=========
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday night
It has been a long day. We traveled three hours NW from Fetteh to the Kakum National Park where we took the Canopy Tour through the tops of the trees. The rain forest was indeed an example of the wonder of God's creation.
On the other end of the spectrum, we visited the largest and oldest of 80 forts along the Ghanaian coast. They started out as trading posts, but through the years became point of embarkation of slaves to the new world. Here we saw an example of man's cruelty to man. It was a sobering experience.
Tomorrow, we begin our journey home. We are now thinking about our families and friends, and realize how much we miss them. Our day starts with a demonstration by the VOH children of traditional music and dance at 9 AM (5 am EDT). I've seen videos of the practice and it was good. (Last night I got some of the boys drumming with their ice cream cups and spoons, imagine happy boys full of sugar and something to drum). At 10 AM we depart the VOH and go into Accra for lunch, a little shopping and site seeing before dinner and our 10 PM flight. Our schedule gets us into Knoxville about 4 PM Sunday.
We're tired and our cups overflow. We are indeed blessed to be able to demonstrate our thankfulness in this way.
James, Midnight Fri
On the other end of the spectrum, we visited the largest and oldest of 80 forts along the Ghanaian coast. They started out as trading posts, but through the years became point of embarkation of slaves to the new world. Here we saw an example of man's cruelty to man. It was a sobering experience.
Tomorrow, we begin our journey home. We are now thinking about our families and friends, and realize how much we miss them. Our day starts with a demonstration by the VOH children of traditional music and dance at 9 AM (5 am EDT). I've seen videos of the practice and it was good. (Last night I got some of the boys drumming with their ice cream cups and spoons, imagine happy boys full of sugar and something to drum). At 10 AM we depart the VOH and go into Accra for lunch, a little shopping and site seeing before dinner and our 10 PM flight. Our schedule gets us into Knoxville about 4 PM Sunday.
We're tired and our cups overflow. We are indeed blessed to be able to demonstrate our thankfulness in this way.
James, Midnight Fri
Posted Friday 6:45 Ghanaina Time
Wednesday
5:45pm
Greetings this Wednesday afternoon from Jean. Today was a great day. I was really excited! Fred Asare (who runs this place) arranged for a driver (Benjamin) to take Adam McCall (who is on this trip with us) to a nearby city to buy supplies to build shelves for the preschool staff room. They were on their way, when the power went out here, and Fred called Benjamin and told him they needed to come back. Benjamin is their “fix-it” man. So, Adam spent his day rebuilding the generator. If he hadn’t been with Benjamin, it just wouldn’t have happened. He normally would have been in the pharmacy. I love it when God does those things! I even accept that this was more important than the shelves. However, tomorrow is another day! Glynn, don’t you just love someone else being subjected to what I want done in preschool?
This morning, I told the story of the resurrection to the preschool. We used one of the crates on its end as the giant stone in front of the tomb. Christy and Emily came in as “the Marys” wailing on their way to the tomb. The earth (and trunk) shook, and Stephanie came out of the tomb and the kids eyes got huge! It was fun.
This afternoon, I gave the teachers purple aprons with deep pockets. They loved them. Stephanie and I went early this morning and set out things for the kids to play with. That went over very well.
The teachers here have such a hard job. It’s hot. The day is long. The classes are huge. The supplies are limited and they don’t use what they have. They are so used to doing without. They are such sweet ladies. It also makes me thankful for our preschool. One of the teachers said she wanted to come home with me. Her passport was ready and she was ready to come teach in my school. I told her my teachers never leave children unsupervised. She said, “I can do that. I will follow all rules.”
Tomorrow is the last day with the kids, as school is out on Friday. Thank you again for all your prayers. We are seeing God’s hand in so many different ways. If any of my teachers read this, I really, really appreciate you!!!!!!!
Michael or Amanda, tell Logan I miss him and will see him very soon!
Jean/Mom/Grandma
9:45pm
Okay, I am adding another note. Tonight some of us visited the Village of Senya. Others went last night. Wow! Are we ever blessed. I visited with the man who spends the night in the church with the 5 disabled children, the woman who comes early in the morning to bath and get the kids ready for school, and the teacher of the children. The teacher has a 3rd grade education. He is a smart man who wants an education but has no way to pay for it. They are stuck in a cycle. They need an education to better themselves, but without funds, they can’t get the education they need. They kept saying, “We need help!” I asked what they need most. They said, “A computer, clothes, shoes, school bags, and money for an education.” I won’t quickly forget the sights I saw. It made conditions and the school here at the Village of Hope seem fabulous in comparison. This kind of poverty is just too sad to believe. Glynn, I love my home!
Jean
10:00pm Wednesday – Michelle
Another great day in Africa and more moments of awe and amazement. As Jean said we returned to the village this time with more folks. The children streamed out of everywhere and played with the teen girls outside, such unrestrained joy from such poor circumstances. On our way home we were driven through an old Portuguese settlement and smaller slave castle. The view to the beach was one of the most amazing I have seen. Very little material abundance here but God has lavished this country with beauty and His presence is clear.
It was great to talk with you Judah and I was sorry to miss David and Abigail but understand you were out having great fun with the Smoaks in Knoxville. Loving you and looking forward to McDonald’s. J
Michelle/Mom
8:30 a.m. Thursday - - Eric Bonner
In trying to convey my thoughts and feelings, I feel like one of those little paper-cup funnels that’s getting a bucket of motor oil poured into it. I just cannot process it all, and I certainly don’t know how to get it all into words.
In the mornings, just as the sun is coming up, this little village of hope begins to come alive. My first encounter with life each morning is the sound in the distance of children laughing, playing, chasing each other around. They have gone outside to play after their 5:30 a.m. devotional and before their morning chores. For all I know, maybe they are doing all that laughing WHILE they are doing their chores. I don’t really know. I never see them this early in the morning. I just hear them and the worshipful sounds of their life and laughter.
Hearing these giggles and songs (Yes, I also love hearing them sing.) at 6:00 every morning is my first prayer here each day. A prayer without words. Just the thought that this joy, the from-the-heart zest for life that these precious little guys have in the midst of all their struggle is the same way that I want to be and feel all the days of my life. Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.
Going to Senia Village (which is about a 15-minute ride from our village) last evening with a group of 8 or 9 of us was something that has to be seen to be believed. I think Jordan got some video there. To get any kind of sense of that place at all, you’ll just have to see the footage that he shot. In a word, there is a church there that is trying to run a school, for many if not most in that village are illiterate, that according to the preacher of the Senia Village Church.
Old wooden benches. The church building is kind of a stone warehouse / barn. Chickens, goats and sheep just running around everywhere. Dirt floors. Dark. No lights as the non-paid teacher labors to teach her mostly shoe-less children as the sun goes down on the coastal village. And yet the kids just keep on singing and playing.
Back at the VOH, I set up a standing broad jump contest with the teenage boys on the dusty ground. We marked our starting point with a palm leaf. We would designate the length of our jump with a deteriorated mango fragment. From that to a “push-ups” demonstration. Then I showed them how to do “dips,” sit-ups and “crunches.” Their favorite was when I took some big rocks (I’d say they weighed 15 pounds or so) and lifted them up in front of me in what is called a deltoid raise. They just went nuts over that one. So there you have it, a muscle building clinic for the young boys of Senia Village being headed up by a skinny white preacher. Only God would work through something like that. But the rapport that I felt with these young men was intense and instantaneous. Can you tell that I have fallen in love with this place?
It’s always great to hear from you, Paige, Reilly and little Reagan. I love you all and miss you all. Christin, your message was read to the whole group. You are a great encouragement to me and your words uplifted us all.
I must go. There is so much that has to be done today, but I will revel in every single second of it. . . . . Eric
8:30 pm Thursday
This is Jean again. Today was an unbelievable day. I learned 2 new preschool songs and a fun new game to play with a group. The day started with Stephanie and I in classrooms and the teachers disappearing-okay that’s not new-but we could find NO teachers. I finally found them in the nursery. They have a devo once a week and just leave the other 100 children totally unsupervised. Some things you just can’t believe. Anyway, school ended at 12:30 today and I finally got away for lunch at 1:30. I went back a little later and there sitting in front of the director’s office…a bookshelf! Within minutes, here came another one! Then one more! I spent the next several hours trying to put the room back in order to surprise Faustina in the morning. She gets back in late tonight. Glynn, I promised Adam a dinner out when we get home. He wants a big steak! I am in awe that he was able to accomplish all that he did today. In case you don’t know, Adam’s first day at Farragut was our “fundraising” Sunday and he just went up to James and said he’d like to go!
I gave all the preschoolers sunglasses right before they went home today. I had children popping in the preschool office until I left at 6:30 wanting glasses. Then I gave the rest of them, plus leftover candy, and a bunch of Beanie Babies to the preacher in Senya.
Tonight we served ice cream to all the children in the homes. It was so much fun. They were all so excited and thankful. It was a great day and I am excited about spending tomorrow with Faustina.
I miss you, Glynn!
Jean
6:00 AM Friday
This is James. Yesterday, after I got through my duties, and a visit to a second French class, I found myself in the computer center and accessing the internet to upload the Blogs and down load the comments. If the power is to go out, it generally happens at 6 AM. In Africa there are exceptions to everything, the electricity stopped when I needed it the most.
As a result of visiting the French class, I’m now greeted in French by the students and we get to practice our French together.
Last night we had ice cream for the kids. What joy! There was even enough for seconds. I found a lot of tummies full and smiling faces. I don’t know who enjoys this the most, the kids or us.
6:44 there is power in the Computer Center, and I can log on to the internet so here goes.
James
5:45pm
Greetings this Wednesday afternoon from Jean. Today was a great day. I was really excited! Fred Asare (who runs this place) arranged for a driver (Benjamin) to take Adam McCall (who is on this trip with us) to a nearby city to buy supplies to build shelves for the preschool staff room. They were on their way, when the power went out here, and Fred called Benjamin and told him they needed to come back. Benjamin is their “fix-it” man. So, Adam spent his day rebuilding the generator. If he hadn’t been with Benjamin, it just wouldn’t have happened. He normally would have been in the pharmacy. I love it when God does those things! I even accept that this was more important than the shelves. However, tomorrow is another day! Glynn, don’t you just love someone else being subjected to what I want done in preschool?
This morning, I told the story of the resurrection to the preschool. We used one of the crates on its end as the giant stone in front of the tomb. Christy and Emily came in as “the Marys” wailing on their way to the tomb. The earth (and trunk) shook, and Stephanie came out of the tomb and the kids eyes got huge! It was fun.
This afternoon, I gave the teachers purple aprons with deep pockets. They loved them. Stephanie and I went early this morning and set out things for the kids to play with. That went over very well.
The teachers here have such a hard job. It’s hot. The day is long. The classes are huge. The supplies are limited and they don’t use what they have. They are so used to doing without. They are such sweet ladies. It also makes me thankful for our preschool. One of the teachers said she wanted to come home with me. Her passport was ready and she was ready to come teach in my school. I told her my teachers never leave children unsupervised. She said, “I can do that. I will follow all rules.”
Tomorrow is the last day with the kids, as school is out on Friday. Thank you again for all your prayers. We are seeing God’s hand in so many different ways. If any of my teachers read this, I really, really appreciate you!!!!!!!
Michael or Amanda, tell Logan I miss him and will see him very soon!
Jean/Mom/Grandma
9:45pm
Okay, I am adding another note. Tonight some of us visited the Village of Senya. Others went last night. Wow! Are we ever blessed. I visited with the man who spends the night in the church with the 5 disabled children, the woman who comes early in the morning to bath and get the kids ready for school, and the teacher of the children. The teacher has a 3rd grade education. He is a smart man who wants an education but has no way to pay for it. They are stuck in a cycle. They need an education to better themselves, but without funds, they can’t get the education they need. They kept saying, “We need help!” I asked what they need most. They said, “A computer, clothes, shoes, school bags, and money for an education.” I won’t quickly forget the sights I saw. It made conditions and the school here at the Village of Hope seem fabulous in comparison. This kind of poverty is just too sad to believe. Glynn, I love my home!
Jean
10:00pm Wednesday – Michelle
Another great day in Africa and more moments of awe and amazement. As Jean said we returned to the village this time with more folks. The children streamed out of everywhere and played with the teen girls outside, such unrestrained joy from such poor circumstances. On our way home we were driven through an old Portuguese settlement and smaller slave castle. The view to the beach was one of the most amazing I have seen. Very little material abundance here but God has lavished this country with beauty and His presence is clear.
It was great to talk with you Judah and I was sorry to miss David and Abigail but understand you were out having great fun with the Smoaks in Knoxville. Loving you and looking forward to McDonald’s. J
Michelle/Mom
8:30 a.m. Thursday - - Eric Bonner
In trying to convey my thoughts and feelings, I feel like one of those little paper-cup funnels that’s getting a bucket of motor oil poured into it. I just cannot process it all, and I certainly don’t know how to get it all into words.
In the mornings, just as the sun is coming up, this little village of hope begins to come alive. My first encounter with life each morning is the sound in the distance of children laughing, playing, chasing each other around. They have gone outside to play after their 5:30 a.m. devotional and before their morning chores. For all I know, maybe they are doing all that laughing WHILE they are doing their chores. I don’t really know. I never see them this early in the morning. I just hear them and the worshipful sounds of their life and laughter.
Hearing these giggles and songs (Yes, I also love hearing them sing.) at 6:00 every morning is my first prayer here each day. A prayer without words. Just the thought that this joy, the from-the-heart zest for life that these precious little guys have in the midst of all their struggle is the same way that I want to be and feel all the days of my life. Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.
Going to Senia Village (which is about a 15-minute ride from our village) last evening with a group of 8 or 9 of us was something that has to be seen to be believed. I think Jordan got some video there. To get any kind of sense of that place at all, you’ll just have to see the footage that he shot. In a word, there is a church there that is trying to run a school, for many if not most in that village are illiterate, that according to the preacher of the Senia Village Church.
Old wooden benches. The church building is kind of a stone warehouse / barn. Chickens, goats and sheep just running around everywhere. Dirt floors. Dark. No lights as the non-paid teacher labors to teach her mostly shoe-less children as the sun goes down on the coastal village. And yet the kids just keep on singing and playing.
Back at the VOH, I set up a standing broad jump contest with the teenage boys on the dusty ground. We marked our starting point with a palm leaf. We would designate the length of our jump with a deteriorated mango fragment. From that to a “push-ups” demonstration. Then I showed them how to do “dips,” sit-ups and “crunches.” Their favorite was when I took some big rocks (I’d say they weighed 15 pounds or so) and lifted them up in front of me in what is called a deltoid raise. They just went nuts over that one. So there you have it, a muscle building clinic for the young boys of Senia Village being headed up by a skinny white preacher. Only God would work through something like that. But the rapport that I felt with these young men was intense and instantaneous. Can you tell that I have fallen in love with this place?
It’s always great to hear from you, Paige, Reilly and little Reagan. I love you all and miss you all. Christin, your message was read to the whole group. You are a great encouragement to me and your words uplifted us all.
I must go. There is so much that has to be done today, but I will revel in every single second of it. . . . . Eric
8:30 pm Thursday
This is Jean again. Today was an unbelievable day. I learned 2 new preschool songs and a fun new game to play with a group. The day started with Stephanie and I in classrooms and the teachers disappearing-okay that’s not new-but we could find NO teachers. I finally found them in the nursery. They have a devo once a week and just leave the other 100 children totally unsupervised. Some things you just can’t believe. Anyway, school ended at 12:30 today and I finally got away for lunch at 1:30. I went back a little later and there sitting in front of the director’s office…a bookshelf! Within minutes, here came another one! Then one more! I spent the next several hours trying to put the room back in order to surprise Faustina in the morning. She gets back in late tonight. Glynn, I promised Adam a dinner out when we get home. He wants a big steak! I am in awe that he was able to accomplish all that he did today. In case you don’t know, Adam’s first day at Farragut was our “fundraising” Sunday and he just went up to James and said he’d like to go!
I gave all the preschoolers sunglasses right before they went home today. I had children popping in the preschool office until I left at 6:30 wanting glasses. Then I gave the rest of them, plus leftover candy, and a bunch of Beanie Babies to the preacher in Senya.
Tonight we served ice cream to all the children in the homes. It was so much fun. They were all so excited and thankful. It was a great day and I am excited about spending tomorrow with Faustina.
I miss you, Glynn!
Jean
6:00 AM Friday
This is James. Yesterday, after I got through my duties, and a visit to a second French class, I found myself in the computer center and accessing the internet to upload the Blogs and down load the comments. If the power is to go out, it generally happens at 6 AM. In Africa there are exceptions to everything, the electricity stopped when I needed it the most.
As a result of visiting the French class, I’m now greeted in French by the students and we get to practice our French together.
Last night we had ice cream for the kids. What joy! There was even enough for seconds. I found a lot of tummies full and smiling faces. I don’t know who enjoys this the most, the kids or us.
6:44 there is power in the Computer Center, and I can log on to the internet so here goes.
James
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday #1
Tuesday night 7:40 pm
Hello from Jean. Today was an unusual day for this Preschool Director who is used to following tons and tons of rules and regulations. Well, here there is no DHS! The director is out of town, and the teacher in charge left and went to the clinic! Before she returned, another teacher left. So, that left 57 children with no teachers! Stephanie had them all until I came out of a classroom and found her looking a bit glazed and a tad frazzled. No teacher, no plan, and children who are very difficult to understand…yeah, it was an experience. We each took a class and tried to get them through the lunch routine-not totally simple. “I need a spoon.” “I buy my lunch.” “My mouth hurts.” Plus a few requests or questions I never did understand. One was trying to ask me if they could change into their uniform.” Huh? I had no idea where food was, spoons were, or…well, get the picture? Anyway, during that time, another teacher told me she was going to the clinic when the other teacher returned. I asked, “Who is going to watch your class?” Her response…”YOU!” We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!
Joyce came up to the school to help me some late this afternoon, and a boy named Eric came and asked to help. He was great. Then Wisdom came over and helped Joyce and I do some work in the playroom-well, what they call a playroom. This evening shortly before 6:00, a house mother came to get a key from me to open the director’s office. They have a Bible study in the “staff room.” Well, I had pulled stuff out of the closet and unloaded all sorts of things and had the whole room in a total wreck! Oops They graciously moved to the playroom. (And I only found 1 lizard lurking behind some books.)
I talked to Glynn today, and yes he knew about the blog. By the way, Glynn, the sunglasses you found for me were a hit! The teachers were very happy. I also gave a pair to the bus driver and the boy who keeps the school clean all day. After school some of them were outside proudly wearing their new glasses with the little plastic stickers still on some of them. We removed the stickers, but it was a bit funny.
I have really enjoyed having Stephanie in the school to help the Kindergarten kids (all 57 of them.) We are going to do the Bible story in the morning for the whole Preschool (here it includes Kindergarten.) but she doesn’t know it yet. J Stephanie is awesome with the children. They begged her to read more and let them color more.
Tomorrow is a new day and I can’t wait for more new adventures.
Jean
Hello from Jean. Today was an unusual day for this Preschool Director who is used to following tons and tons of rules and regulations. Well, here there is no DHS! The director is out of town, and the teacher in charge left and went to the clinic! Before she returned, another teacher left. So, that left 57 children with no teachers! Stephanie had them all until I came out of a classroom and found her looking a bit glazed and a tad frazzled. No teacher, no plan, and children who are very difficult to understand…yeah, it was an experience. We each took a class and tried to get them through the lunch routine-not totally simple. “I need a spoon.” “I buy my lunch.” “My mouth hurts.” Plus a few requests or questions I never did understand. One was trying to ask me if they could change into their uniform.” Huh? I had no idea where food was, spoons were, or…well, get the picture? Anyway, during that time, another teacher told me she was going to the clinic when the other teacher returned. I asked, “Who is going to watch your class?” Her response…”YOU!” We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!
Joyce came up to the school to help me some late this afternoon, and a boy named Eric came and asked to help. He was great. Then Wisdom came over and helped Joyce and I do some work in the playroom-well, what they call a playroom. This evening shortly before 6:00, a house mother came to get a key from me to open the director’s office. They have a Bible study in the “staff room.” Well, I had pulled stuff out of the closet and unloaded all sorts of things and had the whole room in a total wreck! Oops They graciously moved to the playroom. (And I only found 1 lizard lurking behind some books.)
I talked to Glynn today, and yes he knew about the blog. By the way, Glynn, the sunglasses you found for me were a hit! The teachers were very happy. I also gave a pair to the bus driver and the boy who keeps the school clean all day. After school some of them were outside proudly wearing their new glasses with the little plastic stickers still on some of them. We removed the stickers, but it was a bit funny.
I have really enjoyed having Stephanie in the school to help the Kindergarten kids (all 57 of them.) We are going to do the Bible story in the morning for the whole Preschool (here it includes Kindergarten.) but she doesn’t know it yet. J Stephanie is awesome with the children. They begged her to read more and let them color more.
Tomorrow is a new day and I can’t wait for more new adventures.
Jean
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tuesday PM Post
Tuesday’s Blog
Hi from Teresa!
It’s about 1pm on Tuesday and I’ve just finished gobbling down Leticia’s delicious tuna and corned beef sandwiches. We were fairly busy in the clinic this morning and I was grateful to have time to rest a bit. Working with Mike,Guy, Michelle and everyone else has been awesome! My interpreter, Leticia, has been a joy to work with and get to know! I wish my words could do her justice. Don, It was good to here from you- tell the kids mommy loves them and I wear their pictures to the clinic and talk about them a lot( as usual) This trip is an incredible experience and I’m grateful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I am learning so much! I see God’s hand in everything!
Teresa
Hey everyone (Christy here)! So far, this experience has been one of the best ever. When I got here, I realized it would be hot, but I NEVER imagined it could possibly be this warm in any part of the world! Besides the heat, everything is like something from a fantasy for me… It still hasn’t just well ‘clicked that I am on a mission. I am a missionary right now. It’s crazy to think that all of the fun I have been having, and acting like an 8 year old has been for God. I miss all of you desperately, and hope that you all are having a great time at home!I love you….Christy
========================
This is James writing. As I sit recovering/cooling down from the visit to Senya church and school, Eric and Jordan are on the porch just outside the window in a Bible study with two young men ages 19 & 20. The clinic is on going; Beth and crew are putting up bulletin boards.
Several of us went to Senya this afternoon to assess the situation. Senya is the next town west of Fetteh along the coast. Even with its fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a community where the people scrape out a living at the most basic level. Just outside the building was a woman bending from the waste preparing food in bowls on the ground. Next to her were two open fires in little clay fire pits in the shape of an horse shoes. The real purpose of the visit was to see six or more handicapped children inside the large room with rough concrete floors and windows without screens. I’ll let Beth, Teresa, Stephanie and Michelle fill in on what their professional and caring eyes saw. Watching these three in action will be one of my most powerful memories of this trip. It was like I was living a “Save the Children” commercial.
Christy, Emily, Jordan and myself visited with the school children, entertained them cameras. I gave English lessons which my family will find amusing. We had fun with: head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, arm, elbow and so on.
On the way back to the Village of Hope, we were filled with emotion as we were overwhelmed with what we saw. We said a prayer of thanksgiving for our own lives, we asked for understanding of what we witnessed, and we asked that we may find ways to help these children, their families and the community.
James 2:50 PM
=============================
Hello again from Michelle
Many who know me have heard how I love my job and my profession and always intended to work in some capacity again in the future. I had no idea how much my professional training could be used in God’s kingdom. Truly God can be used in every profession and wherever you are. You read above that we took a trip outside the village today to another community some miles away. I can not imagine a more base way of life yet the children were as adorable as they could be. Surely the Lord was present in that place. I feel humbled that God called this not very well traveled pediatric PT to a remote village in Africa because there were precious souls in need of my very specific training. May I also say that the church family there was humbling – their devotion to children not their own but in desperate need of love and care was overwhelming. We could not give much in our short time but I believe that the greatest gift we gave was hope. Hope that the children can do more and grow in their independence, hope that their efforts can benefit some child of God, and hope that others in the world love and care for them. The Village of Hope could not have a better name. I have treated many children in my years of therapy and it is powerful to see a personality emerge from disability and it is powerful to help give a voice to a speechless child, but truly I am moved to tears at seeing some “voices” emerge today. God is so Good.
To Judah, David, and Abby I am loving you much and hope to get to speak with you soon.
Michelle 4:PM
Hi from Teresa!
It’s about 1pm on Tuesday and I’ve just finished gobbling down Leticia’s delicious tuna and corned beef sandwiches. We were fairly busy in the clinic this morning and I was grateful to have time to rest a bit. Working with Mike,Guy, Michelle and everyone else has been awesome! My interpreter, Leticia, has been a joy to work with and get to know! I wish my words could do her justice. Don, It was good to here from you- tell the kids mommy loves them and I wear their pictures to the clinic and talk about them a lot( as usual) This trip is an incredible experience and I’m grateful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I am learning so much! I see God’s hand in everything!
Teresa
Hey everyone (Christy here)! So far, this experience has been one of the best ever. When I got here, I realized it would be hot, but I NEVER imagined it could possibly be this warm in any part of the world! Besides the heat, everything is like something from a fantasy for me… It still hasn’t just well ‘clicked that I am on a mission. I am a missionary right now. It’s crazy to think that all of the fun I have been having, and acting like an 8 year old has been for God. I miss all of you desperately, and hope that you all are having a great time at home!I love you….Christy
========================
This is James writing. As I sit recovering/cooling down from the visit to Senya church and school, Eric and Jordan are on the porch just outside the window in a Bible study with two young men ages 19 & 20. The clinic is on going; Beth and crew are putting up bulletin boards.
Several of us went to Senya this afternoon to assess the situation. Senya is the next town west of Fetteh along the coast. Even with its fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a community where the people scrape out a living at the most basic level. Just outside the building was a woman bending from the waste preparing food in bowls on the ground. Next to her were two open fires in little clay fire pits in the shape of an horse shoes. The real purpose of the visit was to see six or more handicapped children inside the large room with rough concrete floors and windows without screens. I’ll let Beth, Teresa, Stephanie and Michelle fill in on what their professional and caring eyes saw. Watching these three in action will be one of my most powerful memories of this trip. It was like I was living a “Save the Children” commercial.
Christy, Emily, Jordan and myself visited with the school children, entertained them cameras. I gave English lessons which my family will find amusing. We had fun with: head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, arm, elbow and so on.
On the way back to the Village of Hope, we were filled with emotion as we were overwhelmed with what we saw. We said a prayer of thanksgiving for our own lives, we asked for understanding of what we witnessed, and we asked that we may find ways to help these children, their families and the community.
James 2:50 PM
=============================
Hello again from Michelle
Many who know me have heard how I love my job and my profession and always intended to work in some capacity again in the future. I had no idea how much my professional training could be used in God’s kingdom. Truly God can be used in every profession and wherever you are. You read above that we took a trip outside the village today to another community some miles away. I can not imagine a more base way of life yet the children were as adorable as they could be. Surely the Lord was present in that place. I feel humbled that God called this not very well traveled pediatric PT to a remote village in Africa because there were precious souls in need of my very specific training. May I also say that the church family there was humbling – their devotion to children not their own but in desperate need of love and care was overwhelming. We could not give much in our short time but I believe that the greatest gift we gave was hope. Hope that the children can do more and grow in their independence, hope that their efforts can benefit some child of God, and hope that others in the world love and care for them. The Village of Hope could not have a better name. I have treated many children in my years of therapy and it is powerful to see a personality emerge from disability and it is powerful to help give a voice to a speechless child, but truly I am moved to tears at seeing some “voices” emerge today. God is so Good.
To Judah, David, and Abby I am loving you much and hope to get to speak with you soon.
Michelle 4:PM
Monday and Tuesday Morning
Monday
Eric Bonner here. WOW! Just beyond words. I feel like I’m having an out-of-the-body experience. I’ll save all the superlatives for later, though. On this post, I’ll just give a brief review of what I have done so far, and what my schedule looks like in the days to come…..I preached at the Fetteh Church yesterday morning. On the walk back to our cottage, there was a group of young men from the church who followed Adam and me home. Three of them in particular asked me numerous questions about my sermon. I have NEVER in 13 years of preaching had such a response to / such an interest in anything I had said from the pulpit.
I have arranged to meet with these guys at 3:00 this afternoon. They are all around 20. The one young man wanted to know if it was alright if he brought a couple of friends with him. Actually, all three of these individuals are Christian young men, and apparently want more Bible knowledge. The one says he wants to be a preacher and he wants me to teach him how to prepare a sermon. I have it on my schedule to meet with this group at 3:00 p.m. every day through Thursday. I am going to give them a 3-point basic outline on the text of 2 Timothy 4:1-2. I’ll pick another sample text for Tuesday, another for Wednesday, and so forth. Just basic homiletics stuff.
I preached at the Village of Hope Church last night. I preached on Barnabas.
Just now, I finished speaking to the teenagers at the Village of Hope at their chapel / devotional. There were about 125 youngsters in attendance. I will be with them every afternoon from 12:30 – 1:00. We talked about Philippians 1 today; Philippians 2 tomorrow; Philippians 3 Wednesday; Philippians 4 Thursday. I’m doing an extremely basic assessment of each chapter, and also some q&a with them.
I get the little kids in chapel at 2:30 this afternoon, and every other afternoon at 2:30 this week. That will be quite an experience I am sure.
Again, a sprint down to the cottage at 3:00 after the “kiddies” devotional to meet my young men with that 2 Timothy 4 study.
At 6:00 each evening this week, I will be spending 30-45 minutes in each of the Village houses. I had a great meeting and prayer session with the woman who is the head over the house-parents, and she set this up for me.
Then around 7:00 tonight it’s back to Fetteh where I preached yesterday morning. They are having services there every night this week. Celestial singing! I cannot wait to hear those angelic voices again tonight. Preaching there yesterday morning was the highlight of my 13 year career in the pulpit, and preaching with an interpreter was not as scary as I imagined it might be. God always makes a way.
I will sleep well tonight, but for now, “miles to go” before I can even begin to think about that. Thanks to those of you reading this who made this trip possible for me. I am just trying to make myself totally available to God to be used by Him in whatever way He sees fit. The opportunities here are limitless.
Praise be to God!
Eric Bonner - - 1:41 p.m. Ghana time, Monday, March 17, 2008
=========
Monday 6:43 Ghana Time
Greetings to all of my family,
(Shafiyq, Corey, Karisma, and Shafiyq) How is everything at home? I miss all of you from the bottom of my heart. It is very HOT here, but I am enjoying the interaction with all of the children (some come from surrounding villages). Karisma, I have not been able to e-mail you because the computer lab has been closed. I will try again tomorrow (Tuesday) or I will call. I was in one of the kindergarten classes today and children are all the same no matter where you are. I taught them some educational songs w/ movements and they thought I was so funny. I love all of you and I can’t wait to get back home to see you. Stay sweet!
Love,
Stephanie
6:55 p.m.
Blog beginning 7:17 Ghana Time
Hi from Ghana to Kaye & family,
First, Kaye, it was wonderful to hear your voice last night. Technology is amazing—it was like I was in the backyard with you—so clear. We do have to go to a specific spot next to the preschool to have the phone work properly. Also, Austin, sorry to hear you have been very sick. I hope that you are feeling better today. This was the first day at clinic. It went very well for us. It was particularly helpful to have Dorian there to take the “hard” cases for eyeglasses. We managed to keep up with the crowd pretty well. The people we serve are amazing. Friendly and appreciative . We have made a point to learn a few phrases of the tribal language, Twi (pronounced chree). It has been well received & helps to instantly build a bond between ourselves & the people we are trying to serve. A great & totally rewarding day. Praise be to God!!
Love to all. David 8:30
________________________________________________________________________
8:28 Ghana time – Michelle
Hello to all from Africa – It continues to amaze me that I am here. I woke up this morning and I was STILL IN AFRICA. What was even more amazing is that I woke up shortly after 6 am and was not grumpy about it. Walking to the wells and seeing the young children getting water and cooking food for the day was a humbling yet joyous event. I was privileged to work in both the school and the clinic today and can not express the multitude of moments that God reminded me how precious each of the souls here are to Him, and that the privilege we live in does not compare to the passion they have for their God.
Love to my family and thanks for allowing me this time to give of myself to God. Abigail I can not wait to color with you and David I am looking forward to watching you scooter around. I love you much, take care of your Dad.
Michelle/Mom
9:30pm
Hi to our Church Family!
The preschoolers were just as adorable as I remembered. What a thrill it was when the teachers saw me and came running to hug me…tight…real tight!!! I am so thankful to Michael and Timothy for their help so that I could come again and buy as many new toys as the trunks could hold! It seemed like I brought so much. But when I looked at the bare rooms that house 110 preschoolers, it didn’t look like much at all!
I really wish we had some shelving in the office to organize things enough to be usable. If someone could just UPS several large bookshelves over here before we leave, that would be great! heehee
Yesterday, when I opened my Bible, a saw a note a little boy wrote to me last year. His name was Wisdom. (I sat with Knowledge this year and Wisdom last year….) After church I asked several kids if they knew where Wisdom was, but no one could find him.
Tonight Joyce, Gail and I went to one of the houses for their evening devo. We just picked one. As the closing they sang to us, “We love you with the love of the Lord.” Then the house mother said she knew we wouldn’t remember everyone’s name, but maybe we’d remember one or two and went around the circle of 20 or so kids and told us their names. One child was named Wisdom. Yep! It was him. He was quite pleased that I still had my note. I got another note from a girl-Honam-today. However, several in our group did. Bill Bryant’s note had 5 hearts colored in and David Gentry’s only had 3 and they weren’t colored in. Guess we know who is attracting the girls more! (The older ladies still love David!)
Thank you, church for your support, your prayers and your help in getting us ready to go. Thank you to those who came to the airport to see us off. This is really an incredible place. Watching the excitement of the “first-timers” has been so much fun. Thank you for keeping us covered in prayer
Hi, Glynn! I love you! Would someone call Glynn and see if he even knows to check the blog? Thanks.
Jean Ragland
==================
7AM Tuesday
Good morning everyone!
I just wanted to THANK everyone again for all of your help in supplying, counting, and repackaging all of the medicine!! They were very busy in the pharmacy yesterday, and it would have been unbelievably HARD if you all had not done so much of the work ahead of time! David and I had a great day in the eye clinic and were ever so grateful to be able to send anyone we needed over to Dorian!
One of the highlights of my day was getting to attend the devo at one of the homes last night. It’s pretty amazing to hear the prayers of the children and to know how sincerely they
praise and thank God for their home, food, and water and for peace in their country. It’s definitely not just something they say by rote! We love and appreciate all of you and thank you again for all of your prayers and support!
Joyce Phillips
8:00 a.m. Ghana time, Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Last night I walked up the hill to the Church of Christ that meets in the Fetteh village. The walk is about a mile each way. I walked up there in the dark. I could hear voices as I walked along the road to the village, but faces were impossible to see. An occasional flicker of fire light here and there. Voices, the sweet sounds of children playing, animal noises. It was so so so very dark, but it feels very peaceful. What little electricity there is that would usually illuminate (and I am using that word very loosely) the village was out last night, so finding the church building was a little bit difficult. Apparently, power outages are very routine here. Anyway, when I got to the church building, I found our brethren there, faithfully sitting there and participating as if nothing was wrong. No complaining about the darkness. No complaining about the smothering heat. I handed my flashlight to their preacher and he used it, along with a lantern someone had brought, to shed some light on the place. Still yet, it was dark as dark could be. One man sat next to me in the darkness and translated everything for me into English. He is such a good man. They are all such beautiful people.
I don’t know exactly how to explain this get-together in the darkness last night. It was some kind of a combo of church meeting / Bible study / prayer service. One of the main things they did was go over the sermon that I had preached the day before. Can you believe that? The minister, in all of this absolute darkness, with sweltering heat just suffocating us (at least I felt like it was suffocating me; it didn’t seem to affect them. They don’t even fan themselves) was quizzing them. His questions were, “What were the quotations from the American’s sermon? What were his lessons?” By this I gathered that he was getting them to repeat back to him the sermon’s three main points. Readily did they know the answers and quickly did they respond. Brothers and sisters, I just don’t know how to tell you how this affects me. I cannot believe that there is a place in the world where people are so hungry and thirsty for Bible knowledge and the things of God.
When we finished last night, I was asked to return for tonight’s church meeting. As I left to walk back down the hill, the mile trek back to our cottage, two young men were assigned to escort me home. I insisted that this was not necessary, but they would not take no for an answer. One of the young men who walked back with me is one of the aspiring 20 year-old preacher’s that I am meeting with at 3:00 in the afternoons.
So today’s schedule looks pretty much like yesterday’s schedule. Chapel for the teens at 12:30. Chapel for the younger ones at 2:30. My preacher training study with these young guys at 3:00. Another in-house devotional at 6:00, and then back up the hill to the Fetteh Church for our prayer meeting at 7:00 tonight, maybe in the dark again. Who knows?
I wish you could hear what I am hearing as I type these words. Oh my! God is so very, very real! - - Eric Bonner
***Oh! I have to share this. I had a young man pray for me yesterday in chapel, his prayer being that God would give me health and strength and keep me and my family all safe from snake bites. So Paige, baby, if you’re reading this, just know that we all have been prayed for so as to be protected from snake bites. I just love it! Isn’t that great?! In all my years, I have never had this specific request offered up to God on my behalf.
Eric Bonner here. WOW! Just beyond words. I feel like I’m having an out-of-the-body experience. I’ll save all the superlatives for later, though. On this post, I’ll just give a brief review of what I have done so far, and what my schedule looks like in the days to come…..I preached at the Fetteh Church yesterday morning. On the walk back to our cottage, there was a group of young men from the church who followed Adam and me home. Three of them in particular asked me numerous questions about my sermon. I have NEVER in 13 years of preaching had such a response to / such an interest in anything I had said from the pulpit.
I have arranged to meet with these guys at 3:00 this afternoon. They are all around 20. The one young man wanted to know if it was alright if he brought a couple of friends with him. Actually, all three of these individuals are Christian young men, and apparently want more Bible knowledge. The one says he wants to be a preacher and he wants me to teach him how to prepare a sermon. I have it on my schedule to meet with this group at 3:00 p.m. every day through Thursday. I am going to give them a 3-point basic outline on the text of 2 Timothy 4:1-2. I’ll pick another sample text for Tuesday, another for Wednesday, and so forth. Just basic homiletics stuff.
I preached at the Village of Hope Church last night. I preached on Barnabas.
Just now, I finished speaking to the teenagers at the Village of Hope at their chapel / devotional. There were about 125 youngsters in attendance. I will be with them every afternoon from 12:30 – 1:00. We talked about Philippians 1 today; Philippians 2 tomorrow; Philippians 3 Wednesday; Philippians 4 Thursday. I’m doing an extremely basic assessment of each chapter, and also some q&a with them.
I get the little kids in chapel at 2:30 this afternoon, and every other afternoon at 2:30 this week. That will be quite an experience I am sure.
Again, a sprint down to the cottage at 3:00 after the “kiddies” devotional to meet my young men with that 2 Timothy 4 study.
At 6:00 each evening this week, I will be spending 30-45 minutes in each of the Village houses. I had a great meeting and prayer session with the woman who is the head over the house-parents, and she set this up for me.
Then around 7:00 tonight it’s back to Fetteh where I preached yesterday morning. They are having services there every night this week. Celestial singing! I cannot wait to hear those angelic voices again tonight. Preaching there yesterday morning was the highlight of my 13 year career in the pulpit, and preaching with an interpreter was not as scary as I imagined it might be. God always makes a way.
I will sleep well tonight, but for now, “miles to go” before I can even begin to think about that. Thanks to those of you reading this who made this trip possible for me. I am just trying to make myself totally available to God to be used by Him in whatever way He sees fit. The opportunities here are limitless.
Praise be to God!
Eric Bonner - - 1:41 p.m. Ghana time, Monday, March 17, 2008
=========
Monday 6:43 Ghana Time
Greetings to all of my family,
(Shafiyq, Corey, Karisma, and Shafiyq) How is everything at home? I miss all of you from the bottom of my heart. It is very HOT here, but I am enjoying the interaction with all of the children (some come from surrounding villages). Karisma, I have not been able to e-mail you because the computer lab has been closed. I will try again tomorrow (Tuesday) or I will call. I was in one of the kindergarten classes today and children are all the same no matter where you are. I taught them some educational songs w/ movements and they thought I was so funny. I love all of you and I can’t wait to get back home to see you. Stay sweet!
Love,
Stephanie
6:55 p.m.
Blog beginning 7:17 Ghana Time
Hi from Ghana to Kaye & family,
First, Kaye, it was wonderful to hear your voice last night. Technology is amazing—it was like I was in the backyard with you—so clear. We do have to go to a specific spot next to the preschool to have the phone work properly. Also, Austin, sorry to hear you have been very sick. I hope that you are feeling better today. This was the first day at clinic. It went very well for us. It was particularly helpful to have Dorian there to take the “hard” cases for eyeglasses. We managed to keep up with the crowd pretty well. The people we serve are amazing. Friendly and appreciative . We have made a point to learn a few phrases of the tribal language, Twi (pronounced chree). It has been well received & helps to instantly build a bond between ourselves & the people we are trying to serve. A great & totally rewarding day. Praise be to God!!
Love to all. David 8:30
________________________________________________________________________
8:28 Ghana time – Michelle
Hello to all from Africa – It continues to amaze me that I am here. I woke up this morning and I was STILL IN AFRICA. What was even more amazing is that I woke up shortly after 6 am and was not grumpy about it. Walking to the wells and seeing the young children getting water and cooking food for the day was a humbling yet joyous event. I was privileged to work in both the school and the clinic today and can not express the multitude of moments that God reminded me how precious each of the souls here are to Him, and that the privilege we live in does not compare to the passion they have for their God.
Love to my family and thanks for allowing me this time to give of myself to God. Abigail I can not wait to color with you and David I am looking forward to watching you scooter around. I love you much, take care of your Dad.
Michelle/Mom
9:30pm
Hi to our Church Family!
The preschoolers were just as adorable as I remembered. What a thrill it was when the teachers saw me and came running to hug me…tight…real tight!!! I am so thankful to Michael and Timothy for their help so that I could come again and buy as many new toys as the trunks could hold! It seemed like I brought so much. But when I looked at the bare rooms that house 110 preschoolers, it didn’t look like much at all!
I really wish we had some shelving in the office to organize things enough to be usable. If someone could just UPS several large bookshelves over here before we leave, that would be great! heehee
Yesterday, when I opened my Bible, a saw a note a little boy wrote to me last year. His name was Wisdom. (I sat with Knowledge this year and Wisdom last year….) After church I asked several kids if they knew where Wisdom was, but no one could find him.
Tonight Joyce, Gail and I went to one of the houses for their evening devo. We just picked one. As the closing they sang to us, “We love you with the love of the Lord.” Then the house mother said she knew we wouldn’t remember everyone’s name, but maybe we’d remember one or two and went around the circle of 20 or so kids and told us their names. One child was named Wisdom. Yep! It was him. He was quite pleased that I still had my note. I got another note from a girl-Honam-today. However, several in our group did. Bill Bryant’s note had 5 hearts colored in and David Gentry’s only had 3 and they weren’t colored in. Guess we know who is attracting the girls more! (The older ladies still love David!)
Thank you, church for your support, your prayers and your help in getting us ready to go. Thank you to those who came to the airport to see us off. This is really an incredible place. Watching the excitement of the “first-timers” has been so much fun. Thank you for keeping us covered in prayer
Hi, Glynn! I love you! Would someone call Glynn and see if he even knows to check the blog? Thanks.
Jean Ragland
==================
7AM Tuesday
Good morning everyone!
I just wanted to THANK everyone again for all of your help in supplying, counting, and repackaging all of the medicine!! They were very busy in the pharmacy yesterday, and it would have been unbelievably HARD if you all had not done so much of the work ahead of time! David and I had a great day in the eye clinic and were ever so grateful to be able to send anyone we needed over to Dorian!
One of the highlights of my day was getting to attend the devo at one of the homes last night. It’s pretty amazing to hear the prayers of the children and to know how sincerely they
praise and thank God for their home, food, and water and for peace in their country. It’s definitely not just something they say by rote! We love and appreciate all of you and thank you again for all of your prayers and support!
Joyce Phillips
8:00 a.m. Ghana time, Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Last night I walked up the hill to the Church of Christ that meets in the Fetteh village. The walk is about a mile each way. I walked up there in the dark. I could hear voices as I walked along the road to the village, but faces were impossible to see. An occasional flicker of fire light here and there. Voices, the sweet sounds of children playing, animal noises. It was so so so very dark, but it feels very peaceful. What little electricity there is that would usually illuminate (and I am using that word very loosely) the village was out last night, so finding the church building was a little bit difficult. Apparently, power outages are very routine here. Anyway, when I got to the church building, I found our brethren there, faithfully sitting there and participating as if nothing was wrong. No complaining about the darkness. No complaining about the smothering heat. I handed my flashlight to their preacher and he used it, along with a lantern someone had brought, to shed some light on the place. Still yet, it was dark as dark could be. One man sat next to me in the darkness and translated everything for me into English. He is such a good man. They are all such beautiful people.
I don’t know exactly how to explain this get-together in the darkness last night. It was some kind of a combo of church meeting / Bible study / prayer service. One of the main things they did was go over the sermon that I had preached the day before. Can you believe that? The minister, in all of this absolute darkness, with sweltering heat just suffocating us (at least I felt like it was suffocating me; it didn’t seem to affect them. They don’t even fan themselves) was quizzing them. His questions were, “What were the quotations from the American’s sermon? What were his lessons?” By this I gathered that he was getting them to repeat back to him the sermon’s three main points. Readily did they know the answers and quickly did they respond. Brothers and sisters, I just don’t know how to tell you how this affects me. I cannot believe that there is a place in the world where people are so hungry and thirsty for Bible knowledge and the things of God.
When we finished last night, I was asked to return for tonight’s church meeting. As I left to walk back down the hill, the mile trek back to our cottage, two young men were assigned to escort me home. I insisted that this was not necessary, but they would not take no for an answer. One of the young men who walked back with me is one of the aspiring 20 year-old preacher’s that I am meeting with at 3:00 in the afternoons.
So today’s schedule looks pretty much like yesterday’s schedule. Chapel for the teens at 12:30. Chapel for the younger ones at 2:30. My preacher training study with these young guys at 3:00. Another in-house devotional at 6:00, and then back up the hill to the Fetteh Church for our prayer meeting at 7:00 tonight, maybe in the dark again. Who knows?
I wish you could hear what I am hearing as I type these words. Oh my! God is so very, very real! - - Eric Bonner
***Oh! I have to share this. I had a young man pray for me yesterday in chapel, his prayer being that God would give me health and strength and keep me and my family all safe from snake bites. So Paige, baby, if you’re reading this, just know that we all have been prayed for so as to be protected from snake bites. I just love it! Isn’t that great?! In all my years, I have never had this specific request offered up to God on my behalf.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday night
We've had power problems. The national electrical grid has been less than 24/7. Its been more like 7/24 (say seven hours out of the last 24). We've been on the Village of Hope generator power since 7AM.
Even with the generator, the computer lab was without power. The computer lab is the only place to use the internet. One of the wall outlets in the computer lab was fried, it was black and the metal part of the plug vaporized. It has taken most of the day to find this problem and get it corrected. Adam McCall was very useful in helping troubleshoot and repair the circuits.
It is now 3:30 on Monday afternoon, and the computer lab is up and running. The following blogs were written last night. I've captured the nine comments on yesterday's blog to share with the team. We will enjoy reading them.
James
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Blog beginning 8:40pm Sunday night
What a wonderful day of worship we had today. Many of us went to the village of Fettah for morning worship and class. The class was interpreted for us and Eric's sermon was interpreted for the Ghanaians. The singing was incredible. If Keith could get us to sing like that...well, it was amazing.
Eric preached at the Village of Hope at the evening service. Most of us were sitting by at least one of the kids during church. If you didn't go sit with them, they came and sat with you. I sat with Knowledge - yes that was his name. We got all the trunks unloaded and sorted and I spent the rest of my afternoon with Faustina, the Preschool Director. It has been so fun to see some children we remember from past visits. Several hit the beach this afternoon and we are all ready to start early and work hard tomorrow.
Jean
8:40pm Sunday
============
Hello from Africa! So far, this has been one of the best experiences of my life...and it is only Sunday night at 9pm (Knoxville time=5 pm). Getting off the airplane and to the Village of Hope vans was an experience of a lifetime! We had to walk fast and ward off many, many persistant hands wanting to push the carts (for tips). Driving to the VOH, we saw everything from street vendors with their goods balanced on their heads to a medical college.
The kids here are fantastic. They are all smiles and eager to talk. You can not walk anywhere with a box, package or bag without one of the young boys coming to help you carry your load. At church tonight, the kids came over to sit beside us. Their voices outweighed ours in worshipping with song.
Eric Bonner's message this morning included how we, as Christians, need to serve others from the "overflow". I thought I was on this trip to serve....that it was God's plan--His trip---but the purpose was to come serve. I had an epiphany as I sat through the service and listened to Eric, the singing and took in the sights of this beautiful place......rather than here to serve, we are here to have our cup filled so that we will be ready to serve from the overflow upon our return. So far, I'm at the brim.
Beth
9pm Sunday
========
This trip has surpassed all my expectations so far and it's only Sunday. I find it hard to find the words to express my surprise and amazement during the morning service in Fettah this morning. The singing was beyond amazing- I found myself with tears and it still fills my heart when I remember how they sounded!By an amazing coincidence I shared the flight to Accra from Amsterdam with a gentleman who was originally from Ghana but, had lived for 25 years in Canada. I got my first experience with speaking the language and he actually knows someone from Morristown, TN! I know I am here to help but already I know I will be blessed many times over!
Teresa
9 pm Sunday
=========
God has certainly been blessing the village of hope. More buildings is one sign, but the smiles on the peoples faces and a child speaking of God easily in conversation is what really stood out to me. Four years ago when I was here last I met a boy named Dana who was twelve. We have written a few letters back and forth over the years. Now Dana is fifteen and in eighth grade. He wants to be an accountant or an artist.
The clinic starts tomorrow. Time to go to bed.
Dorian
10:10 Sunday
Even with the generator, the computer lab was without power. The computer lab is the only place to use the internet. One of the wall outlets in the computer lab was fried, it was black and the metal part of the plug vaporized. It has taken most of the day to find this problem and get it corrected. Adam McCall was very useful in helping troubleshoot and repair the circuits.
It is now 3:30 on Monday afternoon, and the computer lab is up and running. The following blogs were written last night. I've captured the nine comments on yesterday's blog to share with the team. We will enjoy reading them.
James
==================================
Blog beginning 8:40pm Sunday night
What a wonderful day of worship we had today. Many of us went to the village of Fettah for morning worship and class. The class was interpreted for us and Eric's sermon was interpreted for the Ghanaians. The singing was incredible. If Keith could get us to sing like that...well, it was amazing.
Eric preached at the Village of Hope at the evening service. Most of us were sitting by at least one of the kids during church. If you didn't go sit with them, they came and sat with you. I sat with Knowledge - yes that was his name. We got all the trunks unloaded and sorted and I spent the rest of my afternoon with Faustina, the Preschool Director. It has been so fun to see some children we remember from past visits. Several hit the beach this afternoon and we are all ready to start early and work hard tomorrow.
Jean
8:40pm Sunday
============
Hello from Africa! So far, this has been one of the best experiences of my life...and it is only Sunday night at 9pm (Knoxville time=5 pm). Getting off the airplane and to the Village of Hope vans was an experience of a lifetime! We had to walk fast and ward off many, many persistant hands wanting to push the carts (for tips). Driving to the VOH, we saw everything from street vendors with their goods balanced on their heads to a medical college.
The kids here are fantastic. They are all smiles and eager to talk. You can not walk anywhere with a box, package or bag without one of the young boys coming to help you carry your load. At church tonight, the kids came over to sit beside us. Their voices outweighed ours in worshipping with song.
Eric Bonner's message this morning included how we, as Christians, need to serve others from the "overflow". I thought I was on this trip to serve....that it was God's plan--His trip---but the purpose was to come serve. I had an epiphany as I sat through the service and listened to Eric, the singing and took in the sights of this beautiful place......rather than here to serve, we are here to have our cup filled so that we will be ready to serve from the overflow upon our return. So far, I'm at the brim.
Beth
9pm Sunday
========
This trip has surpassed all my expectations so far and it's only Sunday. I find it hard to find the words to express my surprise and amazement during the morning service in Fettah this morning. The singing was beyond amazing- I found myself with tears and it still fills my heart when I remember how they sounded!By an amazing coincidence I shared the flight to Accra from Amsterdam with a gentleman who was originally from Ghana but, had lived for 25 years in Canada. I got my first experience with speaking the language and he actually knows someone from Morristown, TN! I know I am here to help but already I know I will be blessed many times over!
Teresa
9 pm Sunday
=========
God has certainly been blessing the village of hope. More buildings is one sign, but the smiles on the peoples faces and a child speaking of God easily in conversation is what really stood out to me. Four years ago when I was here last I met a boy named Dana who was twelve. We have written a few letters back and forth over the years. Now Dana is fifteen and in eighth grade. He wants to be an accountant or an artist.
The clinic starts tomorrow. Time to go to bed.
Dorian
10:10 Sunday
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday from Ghana
This is the first effort to Blog from Ghana this year. Its proving to require a little more patience than normal.
------------------------
Some comments from the travelers:
Smoak here... I got yelled at by the soldiers for not having my visa but no prison time. Jordan and Adam are at the beach. Getting ready to here Eric preach at Fetteh, travelling thousands of miles to hear a Knoxville preacher is weird. A little kid in Detroit kept taking Jordans picture on his cell phone because of the hat and sunglasses.
The flights were long but every thing went smooth. No one is sick. Praise God for all. Dorian
I am so thankful to be arrived safely in Africa for many reasons, not least of which is the knowledge that I do not have to get back on the plane for another week! My traveling companions are fabulous and the organization of the group has been impressive. So far all of Africa has been dark but I am looking forward to today and seeing this beautiful country of God's creation in the morning light. My heart reaches out to my people back home - little and big. Loving you much. - Michelle
I am no longer afraid to fly! By the time we boarded in Amsterdam,I was ready to go! I am feeling great and ready to help in any way possible. I love you and miss you already-Teresa
-----------------
We'll try to post often.
James
------------------------
Some comments from the travelers:
Smoak here... I got yelled at by the soldiers for not having my visa but no prison time. Jordan and Adam are at the beach. Getting ready to here Eric preach at Fetteh, travelling thousands of miles to hear a Knoxville preacher is weird. A little kid in Detroit kept taking Jordans picture on his cell phone because of the hat and sunglasses.
The flights were long but every thing went smooth. No one is sick. Praise God for all. Dorian
I am so thankful to be arrived safely in Africa for many reasons, not least of which is the knowledge that I do not have to get back on the plane for another week! My traveling companions are fabulous and the organization of the group has been impressive. So far all of Africa has been dark but I am looking forward to today and seeing this beautiful country of God's creation in the morning light. My heart reaches out to my people back home - little and big. Loving you much. - Michelle
I am no longer afraid to fly! By the time we boarded in Amsterdam,I was ready to go! I am feeling great and ready to help in any way possible. I love you and miss you already-Teresa
-----------------
We'll try to post often.
James
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ghana Missions
Many at Farragut, have been busy with plans and preparations for the forthcoming medical and educational mission trip to the Village of Hope in Ghana, West Africa.
One of the labor intensive activities in preparation for this trip is the repackaging of over $200,000 worth of medicines. This is done in order to conserve space and allow the attending physicians and their assistants to dispense medications in the most efficient manner.
Thanks to David Gentry and Joyce Phillips for coordinating this part of the project, as well as the many volunteers who have worked so diligently.
Another portion of the Ghana trip is generally referred to as the "Eyeglasses Project". In addition to prescription glasses donated to this effort, the ECHO’s class raised over $300 for "drugstore readers" which were purchased for about 50 cents a pair.
Thanks to Dorian Lane for procuring these and for his overall efforts including donating a much needed optical machine which he will take to Ghana and leave there for their continuing use.
The education team includes teachers and high school students that will work with the pre-school and reading programs. This team is working with the school administrators to focus on specific goals for the Hope Academy.
The medical team will be conducting a free four day clinic at the Village of Hope. The clinic staff will include local medical personnel as well. Medications during the clinic are provided free of charge. We anticipate seeing almost a thousand people during the clinic.
The group of 19 coordinated by James East, David Gentry, and Mike Phillips will leave on March 14th and return the 23rd. It’s not too late to give towards this effort. $9,600 has been contributed toward the goal of $10,000. Please pray for the safety of our group and for the people they will be ministering to in Africa.
Check this blog site for up-to-date communication with the Mission Team.
One of the labor intensive activities in preparation for this trip is the repackaging of over $200,000 worth of medicines. This is done in order to conserve space and allow the attending physicians and their assistants to dispense medications in the most efficient manner.
Thanks to David Gentry and Joyce Phillips for coordinating this part of the project, as well as the many volunteers who have worked so diligently.
Another portion of the Ghana trip is generally referred to as the "Eyeglasses Project". In addition to prescription glasses donated to this effort, the ECHO’s class raised over $300 for "drugstore readers" which were purchased for about 50 cents a pair.
Thanks to Dorian Lane for procuring these and for his overall efforts including donating a much needed optical machine which he will take to Ghana and leave there for their continuing use.
The education team includes teachers and high school students that will work with the pre-school and reading programs. This team is working with the school administrators to focus on specific goals for the Hope Academy.
The medical team will be conducting a free four day clinic at the Village of Hope. The clinic staff will include local medical personnel as well. Medications during the clinic are provided free of charge. We anticipate seeing almost a thousand people during the clinic.
The group of 19 coordinated by James East, David Gentry, and Mike Phillips will leave on March 14th and return the 23rd. It’s not too late to give towards this effort. $9,600 has been contributed toward the goal of $10,000. Please pray for the safety of our group and for the people they will be ministering to in Africa.
Check this blog site for up-to-date communication with the Mission Team.
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