========================================================================================
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
=========================================================================================
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
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
9:42 PM
I just got back from the computer lab. It doesn't have fast Internet, but at least it works. It was kinda frustrating because MY Internet wouldn't work, but MICHELLE'S Internet AND MR. EAST'S Internet worked PERFECTLY!! But I am okay.
okay...bye
Alex
=====================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
9:48 PM
We are getting ready to teach tomorrow afternoon ...a 3-hr in-service collaboration with the teachers here about the nebulous topic of "Language Arts"! Doesn't THAT sound exciting? I know you wish YOU could be here to learn about literary elements and short story instruction, but, hey, you'll just have to cool your jets until I get back.
Today made for soul-searching experiences. The first came at the rainforest (where I had to face my fear of heights on the suspension bridges and Pepsi had to conquer her fear of 6 ft. millipedes ...well... maybe I exaggerate...maybe it was only 3 ft. long!).
The second stop was far less light-hearted: the Slave Castle at Elmina. I am still reeling from the experience of actually standing in those holding cells. Hearing the horror stories was upsetting, but the visceral connection with the past comes from smelling the stench that permeated the floor and has remained in those rooms for hundreds of years. More disturbing than the smell, however, is the stark realization that the European "Christians" lived on the top two floors of the castle while, at any given time, 1000 African captives languished in a crowded hell on the bottom floor. The gravity of the colonists' indifference and cruelty sunk through to my soul, and I am overwhelmed that this monument, this symbol, still stands to educate us all about the depths of human depravity, and, conversely, the possibility of forgiveness and redemption. Praise God that He has been repeatedly willing to rescue mankind from the evil that, without Him, enslaves us all.
Tomorrow we begin our work. I will continue to look upon the joy and beauty of the people of Ghana who have suffered much and continue to radiate a degree of contentment that I cannot match. It is they who are ministering to me.
I miss you and love you all!
Dianna
_______________________________________________________________________
Hey Aunt Karen this is awesome. When we got here I thought it was a dream but fortunately its not. I really miss seeing your face every morning, This is so cool I didn't know Africa could be so intrusting It is so cool. I'm having so much fun I've met some friends Sarah,Judeth, and Andrew and lots others we went on a tour today and went to the Slave castle and the Rainforest it was so scary crossing that tiny bridge while I was walking in the middle of the bridge I got stung bye a bee it hurt really bad. Well its been a long day so I love you , Cameron
=====================================================================
Monday Night 11:57 P.M.
It as quiet as can be here, everyone is in bed and we anticipate a great day at the Clinic in the morning. I just went out to speak with one of our brother who is watching over us here in our houses but he was asleep under a big tree. Everyone is so kind and appreciative for us being here and what we are doing.
I have made two, morning trips to the wells now. It is such a refreshing time to be out with the kids and get to meet them and some of the village people coming to the wells. David Gentry and I spent some time with kids who were cooking this morning out behind their house in little concrete stall. Everyone is making a lot of friends. Yesterday after church was a great time to spend watching all the happenings with the kids and playing with them. They truly are amazing in their spirits, their smiles are contagious, and their love is always evident to us.
Praise the Lord, 3 out of the 4 suitcases just arrived since I started typing. Looks like Melynne is still missing her suitcase, but she isn't the only one, we now have someone's suitcase by the name of "Cole". Looks like he is dressing for some colder climate--he should be loving Melynne's T-shirts and skirts.
Yesterday was great day at the Fettah church as well. Fettah is just a little down the road, a 15-30 minute walk depending on how tired you are. The spirit of the church was great, the singing is inspiring(really it is beyond word) their ministry on Sundays seems strong by all indication. I went back to the Fettah church of Christ last night by myself. One of the young men on Sunday morning graciously offered to walk me back any night that I was there. I was blessed to literally catch a ride on a bus--OK I hitch-hiked a ride and wasn't sure if they would drop me off where I knew how to find the church. Now, before you gasp---the bus was a VOH bus and they could speak English which still doesn't mean that I know what they saying. They passed the church up, made a turn and let me out onto what was a dry, dusty, sandy soccer field---I figured it out about the time I was in the middle of it. There were people of all ages standing everywhere and I still could not see the church and I could not understand anything they were saying. Well, that was until a little boy waving his hand, hollered "HEY WHITE MAN"--to which I just waved at him and watch him grin and I kept trying to see the church house nestled up the dirt--trash laden hill side. After a little bit more walking I noticed I was being followed by a little boy with his shirt up over his ears. He wouldn't speak to me, as I ask him questions but as neared the church --he hollered "HEY WHITE MAN, WHERE IS YOUR CAR". To say the least he was disappointed when I told him that I didn't have one, so he left me. I had a great visit worshipping with the Fettah church. I got to spend some time with the preacher and another brother before the service and by the time the service started I was preaching. That was a new experience preaching with a translator. Their P.M. attendance is like many in the states--sparing. There were 19 present --one visitor--which wasn't me (I'm a member) and 2 responses. Leaving there at night was trying since I couldn't see even how to get out of the church because their are no lights outside the building. Watch out for the rock and small tree stumps that you can't see and all the trash that the goats were eating that morning off the heap. I was shown great hospitality by one of the members, who walked me to his road side stand(chop house) for a slice of fried yam and a bottled coke. He then drove me in his taxi back to the Village of Hope. As we got in the car you could see in the headlight 3 or 4 kids bathing "Buck naked" from a bucket and just a shining in the light and being kids. A lot of first---Hitch-hiking in a foreign country, preaching with a translator and eating out of a chop house, come to think of it I cant remember a Taxi---maybe once in my lifetime.
I'm teach there again Wednesday night for an hour at least that's what he said--please be praying.
We got our schedules today and I see we are down for a 6 hour seminar on Thursday with the local preachers. Blake Moore is here with us from Knoxville and will no doubt be helping, and Lord-willing Eric may be here as well. I'm prepared to do a course on discovering spiritual maturity. We will see how it goes it may all change by Thursday.
Well I need to sign off--its 1 a.m. now--Tuesday. Today was amazing but it is overwhelming even too type about. I have to hold back tears as I type. The slave castle was just too much. God forgive the evil that is within man's heart and all the hatred that is done under the guise of religious righteousness. I truly hope that our old selves have been crucified with Jesus so that the body of sin might be done away with---and if we have truly died to sin then Jesus has freed us from sin. May we never let sin reign like this again and may we always offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness letting others know of Jesus' "freeing love".
Hey Anna, Cathy, and Jason just thinking about you.
Please let ABC and D know that I am doing great and that I am missing them.
Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Love,
Paul
====================================================================
Every one is anxious to hear more from back home. When I come back from the computer center the main question is "Are there any comments?"
Things are kicking off this morning. The teachers are at the school meeting teachers and observing classrooms they will conduct their first teaching seminar this afternoon. Every one is on task. It is a beautiful thing to witness.
The crowd outside the clinic at 6:30 this AM numbered about 50. Note it was scheduled to open at 8:30. The staff is busy getting organized and ready for the day that will likely involve 300+ patients. Today begins what we came here to do.
Last night during our group devo, we asked each of the "first-timers" to share their observations and impressions. To me, this is one of the more powerful and meaningful gatherings. There was a key point that was started by Austin, age 14, who observed that everyone was happy and they didn't have much. This was repeated by others.
Why do we include young people on these trips? One reason is they see as they are. When we finished, there were no dry eyes in the room.
As we hear them sing here: "My God is good."
James
==================================================
9:42 PM
I just got back from the computer lab. It doesn't have fast Internet, but at least it works. It was kinda frustrating because MY Internet wouldn't work, but MICHELLE'S Internet AND MR. EAST'S Internet worked PERFECTLY!! But I am okay.
okay...bye
Alex
=====================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
9:48 PM
We are getting ready to teach tomorrow afternoon ...a 3-hr in-service collaboration with the teachers here about the nebulous topic of "Language Arts"! Doesn't THAT sound exciting? I know you wish YOU could be here to learn about literary elements and short story instruction, but, hey, you'll just have to cool your jets until I get back.
Today made for soul-searching experiences. The first came at the rainforest (where I had to face my fear of heights on the suspension bridges and Pepsi had to conquer her fear of 6 ft. millipedes ...well... maybe I exaggerate...maybe it was only 3 ft. long!).
The second stop was far less light-hearted: the Slave Castle at Elmina. I am still reeling from the experience of actually standing in those holding cells. Hearing the horror stories was upsetting, but the visceral connection with the past comes from smelling the stench that permeated the floor and has remained in those rooms for hundreds of years. More disturbing than the smell, however, is the stark realization that the European "Christians" lived on the top two floors of the castle while, at any given time, 1000 African captives languished in a crowded hell on the bottom floor. The gravity of the colonists' indifference and cruelty sunk through to my soul, and I am overwhelmed that this monument, this symbol, still stands to educate us all about the depths of human depravity, and, conversely, the possibility of forgiveness and redemption. Praise God that He has been repeatedly willing to rescue mankind from the evil that, without Him, enslaves us all.
Tomorrow we begin our work. I will continue to look upon the joy and beauty of the people of Ghana who have suffered much and continue to radiate a degree of contentment that I cannot match. It is they who are ministering to me.
I miss you and love you all!
Dianna
_______________________________________________________________________
Hey Aunt Karen this is awesome. When we got here I thought it was a dream but fortunately its not. I really miss seeing your face every morning, This is so cool I didn't know Africa could be so intrusting It is so cool. I'm having so much fun I've met some friends Sarah,Judeth, and Andrew and lots others we went on a tour today and went to the Slave castle and the Rainforest it was so scary crossing that tiny bridge while I was walking in the middle of the bridge I got stung bye a bee it hurt really bad. Well its been a long day so I love you , Cameron
=====================================================================
Monday Night 11:57 P.M.
It as quiet as can be here, everyone is in bed and we anticipate a great day at the Clinic in the morning. I just went out to speak with one of our brother who is watching over us here in our houses but he was asleep under a big tree. Everyone is so kind and appreciative for us being here and what we are doing.
I have made two, morning trips to the wells now. It is such a refreshing time to be out with the kids and get to meet them and some of the village people coming to the wells. David Gentry and I spent some time with kids who were cooking this morning out behind their house in little concrete stall. Everyone is making a lot of friends. Yesterday after church was a great time to spend watching all the happenings with the kids and playing with them. They truly are amazing in their spirits, their smiles are contagious, and their love is always evident to us.
Praise the Lord, 3 out of the 4 suitcases just arrived since I started typing. Looks like Melynne is still missing her suitcase, but she isn't the only one, we now have someone's suitcase by the name of "Cole". Looks like he is dressing for some colder climate--he should be loving Melynne's T-shirts and skirts.
Yesterday was great day at the Fettah church as well. Fettah is just a little down the road, a 15-30 minute walk depending on how tired you are. The spirit of the church was great, the singing is inspiring(really it is beyond word) their ministry on Sundays seems strong by all indication. I went back to the Fettah church of Christ last night by myself. One of the young men on Sunday morning graciously offered to walk me back any night that I was there. I was blessed to literally catch a ride on a bus--OK I hitch-hiked a ride and wasn't sure if they would drop me off where I knew how to find the church. Now, before you gasp---the bus was a VOH bus and they could speak English which still doesn't mean that I know what they saying. They passed the church up, made a turn and let me out onto what was a dry, dusty, sandy soccer field---I figured it out about the time I was in the middle of it. There were people of all ages standing everywhere and I still could not see the church and I could not understand anything they were saying. Well, that was until a little boy waving his hand, hollered "HEY WHITE MAN"--to which I just waved at him and watch him grin and I kept trying to see the church house nestled up the dirt--trash laden hill side. After a little bit more walking I noticed I was being followed by a little boy with his shirt up over his ears. He wouldn't speak to me, as I ask him questions but as neared the church --he hollered "HEY WHITE MAN, WHERE IS YOUR CAR". To say the least he was disappointed when I told him that I didn't have one, so he left me. I had a great visit worshipping with the Fettah church. I got to spend some time with the preacher and another brother before the service and by the time the service started I was preaching. That was a new experience preaching with a translator. Their P.M. attendance is like many in the states--sparing. There were 19 present --one visitor--which wasn't me (I'm a member) and 2 responses. Leaving there at night was trying since I couldn't see even how to get out of the church because their are no lights outside the building. Watch out for the rock and small tree stumps that you can't see and all the trash that the goats were eating that morning off the heap. I was shown great hospitality by one of the members, who walked me to his road side stand(chop house) for a slice of fried yam and a bottled coke. He then drove me in his taxi back to the Village of Hope. As we got in the car you could see in the headlight 3 or 4 kids bathing "Buck naked" from a bucket and just a shining in the light and being kids. A lot of first---Hitch-hiking in a foreign country, preaching with a translator and eating out of a chop house, come to think of it I cant remember a Taxi---maybe once in my lifetime.
I'm teach there again Wednesday night for an hour at least that's what he said--please be praying.
We got our schedules today and I see we are down for a 6 hour seminar on Thursday with the local preachers. Blake Moore is here with us from Knoxville and will no doubt be helping, and Lord-willing Eric may be here as well. I'm prepared to do a course on discovering spiritual maturity. We will see how it goes it may all change by Thursday.
Well I need to sign off--its 1 a.m. now--Tuesday. Today was amazing but it is overwhelming even too type about. I have to hold back tears as I type. The slave castle was just too much. God forgive the evil that is within man's heart and all the hatred that is done under the guise of religious righteousness. I truly hope that our old selves have been crucified with Jesus so that the body of sin might be done away with---and if we have truly died to sin then Jesus has freed us from sin. May we never let sin reign like this again and may we always offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness letting others know of Jesus' "freeing love".
Hey Anna, Cathy, and Jason just thinking about you.
Please let ABC and D know that I am doing great and that I am missing them.
Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Love,
Paul
====================================================================
Every one is anxious to hear more from back home. When I come back from the computer center the main question is "Are there any comments?"
Things are kicking off this morning. The teachers are at the school meeting teachers and observing classrooms they will conduct their first teaching seminar this afternoon. Every one is on task. It is a beautiful thing to witness.
The crowd outside the clinic at 6:30 this AM numbered about 50. Note it was scheduled to open at 8:30. The staff is busy getting organized and ready for the day that will likely involve 300+ patients. Today begins what we came here to do.
Last night during our group devo, we asked each of the "first-timers" to share their observations and impressions. To me, this is one of the more powerful and meaningful gatherings. There was a key point that was started by Austin, age 14, who observed that everyone was happy and they didn't have much. This was repeated by others.
Why do we include young people on these trips? One reason is they see as they are. When we finished, there were no dry eyes in the room.
As we hear them sing here: "My God is good."
James
==================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
praise be to God, Lord of all. Maker of heaven and earth. Thank you for the blessing of being covered with your prayer. i had been praying about that all day yesterday. i was under spiritual attack yesterday, please pray for people individually for strength and energy. pray against whatever the devil has planned against us. i am lifting each one of you up in my prayers. stay strong and endure, the blessings for both parties will multiply beyond what we will ever know. we still don't have luggage, but it's ok. we have a washing machine. i love you all.
melynne
==================================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
7:38 AM
I hurt my foot playing basketball with the kids yesterday. It was fun, but it hurt something awful. Dad said I had to stretch after I got out of bed. Imagine this, reaching the deepest sleep, then getting woken up by a giant figure in his underwear. Well, that's what happened to me. I was sleeping good, and Dad woke me up saying "Get up. You need to stretch." and I said "Okay." half asleep. So I dosed off again, but Dad woke me up again "Get up. You need to stretch." and I said "Okay." and dosed off again, AND DAD WOKE ME UP AGAIN! "Get up. You need to stretch."Fine!" I was so tired, but I'm okay.
C'ya,
Alex
===================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
7:51
I am sitting in the floor because Melynne is braiding my wild and wooly hair. I think dreads are going to be my new look. I just read Alex's blog, and you'd think he's in desperate need of medical help. I assure you he is perfectly fine. As for Austin's lizard experience, I second his emotion"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW"!
We are headed to the rainforest, so I must be off, but I'll write more later!
Love,
Dianna
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Monday 5:00pm
We are on our way back from the Slave Castle and the Rain Forest. It's been a really fun day. We ended up having to turn around a go through a bunch of town that we'd never seen before. That was quite adventurous. David, Dorian, Michelle, and I did not want to return to the Slave Castle, so we went to see some more of the town. WE climbed up to the top of a fort that was built to shoot cannons at the Slave Castle! Then we went into the market where they deliver and clean and sell fish, crabs, Octopus, and so forth. The fragrance was not a favorite experience, but it was nice to leave!
I got to go say hi to the preschool teachers before we left for just a minute. Faustina (the director) wants Laurie and I to work with the teachers as much as possible, and model teaching styles to them. SO, we'll work partly with the teachers alone, and partly in the room with the children. It seems that every time I've gone in a room in the past, the teacher decides it's a good time to take a break! We'll have to work that out!
We've taken tons and tons of pictures today. Richard got out of the bus, went across the street and was conversing with the natives at their place of business. Vicki, even here he goes and finds people to meet! Guess some things don't change just because you change continents!
It has been so much fun to watch those who are on their first trip here. The Slave Castle got to some of them. It is so awful to see and hear about how people were treated.
In the Rain Forest, we got to see an Ebony Tree and a Mahogany Tree and we learned about the Strangler Fig Tree. I'm sure that one will turn up in one of Paul's lessons.
Thank you for the prayers. We are feeling them. Glynn, as to your prayers, it has been overcast all day and much more tolerable!! Thank you!
Love to all!
Jean
=========================================
Monday, March 16, 2009 5:26 PM
Hey all of you,
This was not a day of consistency at all as we deviated from any schedule that could have been planned as we took a less than efficient road to the tourist attractions today: Elmina Slave Castle and the Rain Forest Tour. We became late as we looked for exchange sites for converting US dollars to Ghanian money. Some banks were too big, others seemed too small, but they would not exchange monies for various reasons, so we moved on into and around the large towns near the coastal area and found a "neighborhood savings and loan" that would exchange with us at a pretty good rate.
I did not plan to get tears in my eyes today...but I did in the "room of no return" at the Elmina Slave Castle. Estimates, I know they are estimates, but the number of 15 million slaves that have passed through these walls of this castle over hundreds of years caused those tears. Not because I have any known blood connection with any of those sad souls, but because:
1. the physical and mental brutality and torture shown slaves
2. Elmira was the busiest slave port of all of Africa
3. two churches were built inside this slave castle; Christian churches where men knelt and prayed, stood and sang hymns, and voiced words in a sermon over the words of God while within sight and sound of hundreds of dying, crying captured men and women. This is what bothers me most and makes my tears well up across the edge of my lower eyelids. I am not sure what to do, but I know what I felt as I stood in those slave cells/quarters.
I did not plan to find an outside toilet at a Shell station this morning as we filled the bus with petrol, but lack of time and a relaxation in my social morals, and the rest is history; but I don't think I ever saw my observers, but there must have been one.
I did think that we would take a quick bus home to the VOH this afternoon, but Justis, the bus driver for us, stopped at a small roadside market and was besieged by at least 10 women and older boys selling raw food items displayed and carried from the pinnacle of their heads. Oranges, bananas, pineapples and yes, live fist-sized snails! Delicacies each, or at least interesting to observe. He and the sellers bartered heavily and loudly, then in as short a time frame as we stopped, a price was paid and several pineapples came into the bus, doors were shut and we were off again at 80k/hour.
Today was a day that was planned to happen on March 20, 2009, but I am glad , today, to have had my eyes opened a little wider to what a world God has made as I walked among the tree tops where monkeys live; and as my eyes temporarily flooded, I pondered what His mercy means to me, a former slave. Yet, do not confuse me with the slaves of Elmina Castle. I chose my sins and became a slave to sin. The Elmina Castle slaves were just in the wrong place at a given time and had no choice in their suffering.
His mercy echos in my heart now as I think about seeing patients tomorrow and the days to follow. I want to remember His mercy every day.
Thank you God for this opportunity to have a different day and a different life than I had imagined.
A freed slave
=================================================================
Monday March 16, 2009
7:13pm
Today was one of the most best days i have ever had but there is a lot more to come. We went to the rainforest and the elmina slave castle. The rainforest was amazing i have never seen anything like it. The slave castle was mindblowing. the rooms and just the thought f what happened there was very disturbing. were having a devo type thing right now so i have to go!
bye,
Austin
===================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
7:57 PM
We just had a devotional. It was good. I still don't have my luggage, and it's kinda annoying only having one change of clothes, but I'm okay. I had soooooooo much fun at the rainforest. We had a canopy walkway thingamabobber which is a bunch of small rope bridges over a canopy of trees. It was fun.
When we went to the slave castle, it was shocking how man could do this to his brethren just because they have different skin colors! Gosh! The guide said over 15 MILLION PEOPLE WERE HELD CAPTIVE HERE!!! THAT IS NOT A SMALL NUMBER, THAT'S A BIG NUMBER!!! It just amazed me how cruel they were! It's insanity!
We are having so much fun this trip, but the most fun we have is on the bus rides. We see all these crazy stores like CONSUMING FIRE BEAUTY SALON or HE LIVES CASKETS. It's funny. We were making PB&J at 60 miles an hour. It is funny about how funny it is making a bus ride from point A to point B. That's not very expected.
Well, that's all I have to say.
Alex
=====================================================================
melynne
==================================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
7:38 AM
I hurt my foot playing basketball with the kids yesterday. It was fun, but it hurt something awful. Dad said I had to stretch after I got out of bed. Imagine this, reaching the deepest sleep, then getting woken up by a giant figure in his underwear. Well, that's what happened to me. I was sleeping good, and Dad woke me up saying "Get up. You need to stretch." and I said "Okay." half asleep. So I dosed off again, but Dad woke me up again "Get up. You need to stretch." and I said "Okay." and dosed off again, AND DAD WOKE ME UP AGAIN! "Get up. You need to stretch."Fine!" I was so tired, but I'm okay.
C'ya,
Alex
===================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
7:51
I am sitting in the floor because Melynne is braiding my wild and wooly hair. I think dreads are going to be my new look. I just read Alex's blog, and you'd think he's in desperate need of medical help. I assure you he is perfectly fine. As for Austin's lizard experience, I second his emotion"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW"!
We are headed to the rainforest, so I must be off, but I'll write more later!
Love,
Dianna
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Monday 5:00pm
We are on our way back from the Slave Castle and the Rain Forest. It's been a really fun day. We ended up having to turn around a go through a bunch of town that we'd never seen before. That was quite adventurous. David, Dorian, Michelle, and I did not want to return to the Slave Castle, so we went to see some more of the town. WE climbed up to the top of a fort that was built to shoot cannons at the Slave Castle! Then we went into the market where they deliver and clean and sell fish, crabs, Octopus, and so forth. The fragrance was not a favorite experience, but it was nice to leave!
I got to go say hi to the preschool teachers before we left for just a minute. Faustina (the director) wants Laurie and I to work with the teachers as much as possible, and model teaching styles to them. SO, we'll work partly with the teachers alone, and partly in the room with the children. It seems that every time I've gone in a room in the past, the teacher decides it's a good time to take a break! We'll have to work that out!
We've taken tons and tons of pictures today. Richard got out of the bus, went across the street and was conversing with the natives at their place of business. Vicki, even here he goes and finds people to meet! Guess some things don't change just because you change continents!
It has been so much fun to watch those who are on their first trip here. The Slave Castle got to some of them. It is so awful to see and hear about how people were treated.
In the Rain Forest, we got to see an Ebony Tree and a Mahogany Tree and we learned about the Strangler Fig Tree. I'm sure that one will turn up in one of Paul's lessons.
Thank you for the prayers. We are feeling them. Glynn, as to your prayers, it has been overcast all day and much more tolerable!! Thank you!
Love to all!
Jean
=========================================
Monday, March 16, 2009 5:26 PM
Hey all of you,
This was not a day of consistency at all as we deviated from any schedule that could have been planned as we took a less than efficient road to the tourist attractions today: Elmina Slave Castle and the Rain Forest Tour. We became late as we looked for exchange sites for converting US dollars to Ghanian money. Some banks were too big, others seemed too small, but they would not exchange monies for various reasons, so we moved on into and around the large towns near the coastal area and found a "neighborhood savings and loan" that would exchange with us at a pretty good rate.
I did not plan to get tears in my eyes today...but I did in the "room of no return" at the Elmina Slave Castle. Estimates, I know they are estimates, but the number of 15 million slaves that have passed through these walls of this castle over hundreds of years caused those tears. Not because I have any known blood connection with any of those sad souls, but because:
1. the physical and mental brutality and torture shown slaves
2. Elmira was the busiest slave port of all of Africa
3. two churches were built inside this slave castle; Christian churches where men knelt and prayed, stood and sang hymns, and voiced words in a sermon over the words of God while within sight and sound of hundreds of dying, crying captured men and women. This is what bothers me most and makes my tears well up across the edge of my lower eyelids. I am not sure what to do, but I know what I felt as I stood in those slave cells/quarters.
I did not plan to find an outside toilet at a Shell station this morning as we filled the bus with petrol, but lack of time and a relaxation in my social morals, and the rest is history; but I don't think I ever saw my observers, but there must have been one.
I did think that we would take a quick bus home to the VOH this afternoon, but Justis, the bus driver for us, stopped at a small roadside market and was besieged by at least 10 women and older boys selling raw food items displayed and carried from the pinnacle of their heads. Oranges, bananas, pineapples and yes, live fist-sized snails! Delicacies each, or at least interesting to observe. He and the sellers bartered heavily and loudly, then in as short a time frame as we stopped, a price was paid and several pineapples came into the bus, doors were shut and we were off again at 80k/hour.
Today was a day that was planned to happen on March 20, 2009, but I am glad , today, to have had my eyes opened a little wider to what a world God has made as I walked among the tree tops where monkeys live; and as my eyes temporarily flooded, I pondered what His mercy means to me, a former slave. Yet, do not confuse me with the slaves of Elmina Castle. I chose my sins and became a slave to sin. The Elmina Castle slaves were just in the wrong place at a given time and had no choice in their suffering.
His mercy echos in my heart now as I think about seeing patients tomorrow and the days to follow. I want to remember His mercy every day.
Thank you God for this opportunity to have a different day and a different life than I had imagined.
A freed slave
=================================================================
Monday March 16, 2009
7:13pm
Today was one of the most best days i have ever had but there is a lot more to come. We went to the rainforest and the elmina slave castle. The rainforest was amazing i have never seen anything like it. The slave castle was mindblowing. the rooms and just the thought f what happened there was very disturbing. were having a devo type thing right now so i have to go!
bye,
Austin
===================================================================
Monday, March 16, 2009
7:57 PM
We just had a devotional. It was good. I still don't have my luggage, and it's kinda annoying only having one change of clothes, but I'm okay. I had soooooooo much fun at the rainforest. We had a canopy walkway thingamabobber which is a bunch of small rope bridges over a canopy of trees. It was fun.
When we went to the slave castle, it was shocking how man could do this to his brethren just because they have different skin colors! Gosh! The guide said over 15 MILLION PEOPLE WERE HELD CAPTIVE HERE!!! THAT IS NOT A SMALL NUMBER, THAT'S A BIG NUMBER!!! It just amazed me how cruel they were! It's insanity!
We are having so much fun this trip, but the most fun we have is on the bus rides. We see all these crazy stores like CONSUMING FIRE BEAUTY SALON or HE LIVES CASKETS. It's funny. We were making PB&J at 60 miles an hour. It is funny about how funny it is making a bus ride from point A to point B. That's not very expected.
Well, that's all I have to say.
Alex
=====================================================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
7:18 PM
It has been a great day. A day with no grumbling, despite things I would normally grumble about like missing my afternoon nap. J Instead of sleeping I participated in the clinic organization - putting things in piles makes me happy. I also walked around campus with some adorable children. We then walked to Fettah and the beach. We walked on streets I had not walked on last year. We discovered a small band on the side of the road, complete with snare, bass drum, trumpet and trombone. From afar I expected to see a little band come down the street at any moment, good memories. But terribly unexpected in Ghana! Precious children everywhere. The beach was still where we left it last year, still breath taking. Great day...I am looking forward to a shower and sitting under a ceiling fan, with a good book.
Michelle
===========================
Sunday, March 15, 2009 1935hr
1. Now the clinic pharmaceuticals are out of the trunks and classified by type and we are awaiting the schedule for tomorrow, our day of touring and then hard work in the clinic for the rest of the week.
2. One of our group has become dehydrated today on a long walk after church and has required doctor's attention by Dr. Gentry, plus some oral rehydration solution.
3.Another person, of the local staff, has developed what appears to be diverticulitis, so he is on antibiotics tonight. Many thanks to Dr. Gentry (he's been a busy guy tonight!)
4. I've got my first bug bite.,..maybe a mosquito, but we'll be using more bug spray each day! I hope not to repeat Matthew's Dengue Fever episode of last year.
Check us out where we are at Gomoa, Fetteh in Ghana on Google Maps.
Good night all,
Jon
=================================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
9:39 PM
How do I describe Ghana... humid! It is so hot, it's no what I expected! I'm so hot, I'm very hot!!! It kills!!!! Most people would be all like "This is awful!!" but if you dehydrate yourself, your a dead carcass in a vulture's cage! Eskimos would be all like "This is awful!!!" but like in Eskimo...so it would like "Hata uz fagas!!"! That would be awesome to hear!!
Bye,
Alex
====================================================================================
Sunday March 15 2231
I'm in Africa.... LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
-SHEENA
***********************************************************************************
Sunday March 15 2232
Africa is as memorable as ever. The people are friendly and love any interaction with us. They even have a special name for us-- Obruni -- which means "Whitey." We have the clinic planned out as much as possible... we start Tuesday. Tomorrow is our off day and we will visit the rainforest and slave castle.
What help our team provides will pale in comparison to the lessons and appreciations we will learn from the people of the VOH and Gomeh Fetteh
Thanks for your prayers. We all will have many more experiences to blog as the week unfolds.
Shawn
************************************************************************************
Sunday March 15 11:00pm
What a spectacular day! Church at Fetteh--the music was INSPIRING, we unpacked the trunks & got everything the way our medical & school people wanted (thanks to everyone who helped to pack medicine!). we played with a "ton" of kids.
We are blessed & encouraged beyond measure by coming. All glory & praise belong to God.
David G.
=================================================================================
Monday,March 16, 12:08am
Well its 12:00 and i cant sleep because i took a nap at like 6 or 7 because I had a headache but its all good now! The adventure so far is coming along. I have met most of the kids here and played with them. Its very inspiring how they live here and im still in shocked that im in AFRICA haha. While were here we have to drink lots of water or we'll get dehydrated. Also today after church we got all of our trunks and unpacked school supplies, medication, preschool items, and much much more. A bad thing that happened to me today, while i was walking Issac ( A Village Of Hope Child) home after sunday night church, We were walking in the grass and then all of the sudden i felt something squishy under my shoes, it was a 6 inch lizzard "eww" i about jumped 10 feet off the ground haha. Every one here is very nice for instance Latisha, she cooks all of our meals for us and their very good.
Tomorrow were all going to take a tour. Were going to see the slave castle and the rainforest.
I think im getting tired now so im gonna go to bed i'll be blogging tomorrow.
MOM DAD I LOVE YOU GUYS, MISS YOU A WHOLE BUCH KEEP LOGGING ON CHECKING ON HERE J
Austin Hall J
=======================================================
Mark Berryman says that in Africa, the man with the key is important. Whenever one is trying to get something from an office or business, one reason for the delay is: "the man with the key is not here."
I was loaned a key to the computer center. My status in life has made a small, if only temporary improvement of status...
James
====================
7:18 PM
It has been a great day. A day with no grumbling, despite things I would normally grumble about like missing my afternoon nap. J Instead of sleeping I participated in the clinic organization - putting things in piles makes me happy. I also walked around campus with some adorable children. We then walked to Fettah and the beach. We walked on streets I had not walked on last year. We discovered a small band on the side of the road, complete with snare, bass drum, trumpet and trombone. From afar I expected to see a little band come down the street at any moment, good memories. But terribly unexpected in Ghana! Precious children everywhere. The beach was still where we left it last year, still breath taking. Great day...I am looking forward to a shower and sitting under a ceiling fan, with a good book.
Michelle
===========================
Sunday, March 15, 2009 1935hr
1. Now the clinic pharmaceuticals are out of the trunks and classified by type and we are awaiting the schedule for tomorrow, our day of touring and then hard work in the clinic for the rest of the week.
2. One of our group has become dehydrated today on a long walk after church and has required doctor's attention by Dr. Gentry, plus some oral rehydration solution.
3.Another person, of the local staff, has developed what appears to be diverticulitis, so he is on antibiotics tonight. Many thanks to Dr. Gentry (he's been a busy guy tonight!)
4. I've got my first bug bite.,..maybe a mosquito, but we'll be using more bug spray each day! I hope not to repeat Matthew's Dengue Fever episode of last year.
Check us out where we are at Gomoa, Fetteh in Ghana on Google Maps.
Good night all,
Jon
=================================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
9:39 PM
How do I describe Ghana... humid! It is so hot, it's no what I expected! I'm so hot, I'm very hot!!! It kills!!!! Most people would be all like "This is awful!!" but if you dehydrate yourself, your a dead carcass in a vulture's cage! Eskimos would be all like "This is awful!!!" but like in Eskimo...so it would like "Hata uz fagas!!"! That would be awesome to hear!!
Bye,
Alex
====================================================================================
Sunday March 15 2231
I'm in Africa.... LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
-SHEENA
***********************************************************************************
Sunday March 15 2232
Africa is as memorable as ever. The people are friendly and love any interaction with us. They even have a special name for us-- Obruni -- which means "Whitey." We have the clinic planned out as much as possible... we start Tuesday. Tomorrow is our off day and we will visit the rainforest and slave castle.
What help our team provides will pale in comparison to the lessons and appreciations we will learn from the people of the VOH and Gomeh Fetteh
Thanks for your prayers. We all will have many more experiences to blog as the week unfolds.
Shawn
************************************************************************************
Sunday March 15 11:00pm
What a spectacular day! Church at Fetteh--the music was INSPIRING, we unpacked the trunks & got everything the way our medical & school people wanted (thanks to everyone who helped to pack medicine!). we played with a "ton" of kids.
We are blessed & encouraged beyond measure by coming. All glory & praise belong to God.
David G.
=================================================================================
Monday,March 16, 12:08am
Well its 12:00 and i cant sleep because i took a nap at like 6 or 7 because I had a headache but its all good now! The adventure so far is coming along. I have met most of the kids here and played with them. Its very inspiring how they live here and im still in shocked that im in AFRICA haha. While were here we have to drink lots of water or we'll get dehydrated. Also today after church we got all of our trunks and unpacked school supplies, medication, preschool items, and much much more. A bad thing that happened to me today, while i was walking Issac ( A Village Of Hope Child) home after sunday night church, We were walking in the grass and then all of the sudden i felt something squishy under my shoes, it was a 6 inch lizzard "eww" i about jumped 10 feet off the ground haha. Every one here is very nice for instance Latisha, she cooks all of our meals for us and their very good.
Tomorrow were all going to take a tour. Were going to see the slave castle and the rainforest.
I think im getting tired now so im gonna go to bed i'll be blogging tomorrow.
MOM DAD I LOVE YOU GUYS, MISS YOU A WHOLE BUCH KEEP LOGGING ON CHECKING ON HERE J
Austin Hall J
=======================================================
Mark Berryman says that in Africa, the man with the key is important. Whenever one is trying to get something from an office or business, one reason for the delay is: "the man with the key is not here."
I was loaned a key to the computer center. My status in life has made a small, if only temporary improvement of status...
James
====================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
News From Ghana
Sunday, March 15, 2009
so here is my version of the adventure thus far to germany... our plane to philly was delayed and delayed out of knoxville. it was suppose to leave at 3:45. we left at 5:00. we quite literally power walked like a bunch of grannies in wal-mart to get to out next gate which connected us to germany... rewind. in knoxville i had a window seat and happen to notice some disturbances outside of the plane, not all the luggage would fit on the plane. i glance around and i realize that i was a winner... my suitcase had not made it on. fastforward...power walking through the airport and realizing that my luggage is still in knoxville...i now sit in germany unsure of where exactly my clothes are, which is fine. it's all in God's hands and always has been. its roughly 4:30 am on my body time and i slept about an hour last night... keep praying.melynne
==================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
12:04 AM
Here are some Ghana tips and advice from a professional.
1. The heat won't hurt you until about 12:00 PM. The humidity is like Death coming at you with his scythe.
2. ALLWAYS BRING SPARE CLOTHES IN YOUR CARRY-ON!
3. BRING AN EXTRA FAN!!!!
4. Last but not least, NEVER ROOM WITH RICHARD SMITH!!! THERE IS ALLWAYS A CATCH!!!
5. BRING PLENTY OF BUGSPRAY!!
6. When your on the plane, bring something to do. The international flights sometimes have movies, but there are only a few and the get boring after you have watched them 4 times!!
I had a hard few days! All I ate was cheese crackers because of the disgusting AIRPLANE FOOD!!!! It was awful!!! Tell Karen Durham I miss her and wish she was here.
Alex Parham
===================================
Sunday, 0010hours
Just want to say thank you to all the people of Farragut Church and their friends that praying for us...it has worked! Lost passports have been found, even 2 times in one day; only a few lost pieces of luggage; the good noodles and beef, homemade bread, and their have been no flat tires!
Pray that we as physicians and nurses can be sharp tools in the Master's hands, that teachers can collaborate with the school leaders and teachers here to teach the children to be lifelong skilled learners, and for the Love of the Master to be woven thru everything that is done here.
Jon
=================================================================
12:40 a.m.
"Eight Days in Africa"
What is God wanting us to accomplish with us in Ghana, West Africa, and more than that what is God accomplishing in us?
Whose lives are we to touch and who or what is God using to touch us? Will it be the starving children, a brother or sister on the mission or might it be the local in their love for the Father and their worship that bring about a change in us. Perhaps this is God's call on our lives to refocus or perhaps we are to be still and truly know the Lord.
The sky is clear and bright yet we are here under what is a new sky to us---but certainly not to God. The universe is still declaring God's majesty. From the sky at some 30,000 feet it is clear that you are still the Lord of Heaven and Earth. The view of the Swiss Alps and the arid lands of the Sahara desert were breath-taking. If nothing else God is calling us back to worship him. Worship is truly what precipitates all that we do in service to God. It is our desire for other to worship You that we are here. Thank you Father for being so amazing.
Thanks everyone for all of your prayers and support. I am missing you all, especially A,B,C, & D.
Love,
Paul
==================================================================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
6:59 AM
Flexibility is an important word. Applying it's principles often is a quick response to unforeseen changes.
Upon arrival at the VOH late last night was that the clinic schedule was changed from Monday-Thursday to Tuesday through Friday. Which means the Tour of the forest and castle have moved from Friday to Monday. Teacher seminars will have to be rescheduled.
Life is good.
James
=================================================================================
Having experienced this trip last year has not diminished the wonder of being here again. I find myself looking around going - wow - I am in AFRICA, again. Everything is so remarkably the same. Driving out to the village, sights were familiar, and it felt so welcoming. Everyone should feel the homeness of a foreign land to remind us that we are all one, with only One Father. I get ready for church this morning with anticipation. Last year service at Fettah was an unexpected blessing, this year an expected one. I will not know all the words but it will not matter.
For my missing Teresa - I miss your presence, but I am not the only one - a little guy has already talked to David Gentry looking for you - David says he will bring you the message. J
For our missing companion, Eric, please know our prayers are with you, along with the precious prayers of your brothers and sisters in Fettah.
For my family - much love your way, thank you for your support and encouragement, even when I am stubborn J David and Abby take good care of your Daddy. Mommy loves you very much!!!
I am off to take some pictures - so surprising. J
Michelle
====================================================================================
Letecia says hello to Ryan ,Kym,and Kaleigh.We arrived last night around 10:00 PM.I had started traveling from Montana at 3:00 AM on Friday morning .Thats about 43 hours of travel time for me.I slept great in a bed last night! I look forward to worshipping with our Fetteh church brothers and sisters this morning.
Kym,Ryan,and Kaleigh I love you.
Dorian
====================================================================================
well, its warm here. hooray! i slept like a rock after not sleeping for two days and because my luggage never came in i'm having to borrow clothes to wear. pray for strength, patience and the ability to love everyone around us while we are here. the food is great, fresh pineapple and banana's, fresh bread and cheese. i went on a walk around the compound this morning and the children were everywhere doing chores, working, but they would all stop and come talk to me when i walked by. they all have such beautiful, individual names. and their faces are so bright. pray that we will be able to demonstrate Christ's love for them in all that we do. thank you for your continuous support.
melynne
====================================================================================
It is always an adventure to get to the airport in anticipation of finding our luggage. Paul, Melynne, Jon and Alex all got that sinking feeling as all bags unloaded and theirs were not there. So that means another day back to Accra for them, which means losing Dr. Jon for a period of time to go retrieve luggage.
We arrived late, but many were here to meet us, including Faustina, the director of the preschool. She'll have to leave Monday and will be gone all week. At least Laurie and I will have today and in the morning to pick her brain and get a plan for the week,
We are about to leave for church. The singing in Fettah is totally amazing, so it will be an uplifting service.
Love to everyone who helped make this possible!
Jean
====================================================================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
12:02 PM
Well i just got out of church. Its very interesting how they work things round here. O yeah when you see me next time i will be skinnier from sweating so much! The plane ride was a longgg ride but it passed by fast because of the movies, etc. Well my luggage was all ok. The airline food was pretty nasty and now that were here i have tried goat and i like egg salad now. Were eating good in the neighborhood!!but on the bad side Alex's and Melyenne's got lost somewhere in the air, but they have to go get it tonight. I cant wait to see the rest of the adventures ahead! Tell my mom i said to look @ this and tell her to get my dad to look to. Mom, Dad love miss u and im ok!!! J p.s. Dianna gave up make up haha and my hairbrush is not working here (frizzzz come to think of it hers isn't working either!!! L
Austin Hall "aka" G-Man
===================================================================================
Sunday, 15 March, 2009 1:03 PM
Hey all,
Great church service at Fetteh Church this am with jubulant singing, fervent prayers, and some individual commitments for various reasons today. One almost overlooks the evident, abject poverty in your peripheral vision when you have the beautiful face of a local adult or child in front of you. How beautiful the faces of the children framed by their clean white or colorful shirts or dresses! Sounds of heartful singing and back and forth translation of the church service will be an indelible memory of today and this day forward in my life. Thanks so to God for the breezes that blow here even in midday as the humidity reminds me of growing up in Memphis in August without air conditioning.
Off to help organize the medical clinic at the orphanage.
Jon+++++++++++++++++++++
==========================================
Love to all!
The trip over was fairly uneventful (once the Parhams got to the Knoxville airport after misplacing our passports NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE). I know it will be hard for our close friends to believe, but due to this mishap, our family was actually LATE to the airport! (Yes, Norma! We deserve any kind of remark you could throw out there!)
But the children could really not have been better or more pleasant, despite being in the air or in airports or in transport vehicles for well over 24 hours. Their musings and revelations have been a constant source of hilarity for me. One particularly funny moment was when Alex and Austin were sitting in the Frankfurt airport, discussing the loudspeaker both in the airport and in the airplane, in utter disbelief that the Germans were actually speaking German! Another big surprise was that the plane's bathroom were ACTUALLY downstairs and that first class (that we decidedly WERE NOT sitting in) offered leg room and video games! For the most part, though, they have been positive and happy and full of wonder.
Speaking of children...I cannot say that I have EVER seen more breathtaking children as I have seen here in Ghana. They are bright-eyed and gorgeous, so innocent and loving -- they truly melt into whomever they hug and soak up any and all attention. It is as if they (and the Ghanian adults I have met) are filled with a type of joy that I have never experienced in my life, as if, being here, that have not been so far removed from the essence of life like we Westerners have. And the Fettah church! I am still processing that experience!
So, we have settled in nicely and have begun to soak up the rich blessings of Africa, where we are learning more and more to appreciate the glory of a good breeze and a cool washcloth.
Peace and joy to you all. I will certainly write later.
Love,
Dianna
====================================
so here is my version of the adventure thus far to germany... our plane to philly was delayed and delayed out of knoxville. it was suppose to leave at 3:45. we left at 5:00. we quite literally power walked like a bunch of grannies in wal-mart to get to out next gate which connected us to germany... rewind. in knoxville i had a window seat and happen to notice some disturbances outside of the plane, not all the luggage would fit on the plane. i glance around and i realize that i was a winner... my suitcase had not made it on. fastforward...power walking through the airport and realizing that my luggage is still in knoxville...i now sit in germany unsure of where exactly my clothes are, which is fine. it's all in God's hands and always has been. its roughly 4:30 am on my body time and i slept about an hour last night... keep praying.melynne
==================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
12:04 AM
Here are some Ghana tips and advice from a professional.
1. The heat won't hurt you until about 12:00 PM. The humidity is like Death coming at you with his scythe.
2. ALLWAYS BRING SPARE CLOTHES IN YOUR CARRY-ON!
3. BRING AN EXTRA FAN!!!!
4. Last but not least, NEVER ROOM WITH RICHARD SMITH!!! THERE IS ALLWAYS A CATCH!!!
5. BRING PLENTY OF BUGSPRAY!!
6. When your on the plane, bring something to do. The international flights sometimes have movies, but there are only a few and the get boring after you have watched them 4 times!!
I had a hard few days! All I ate was cheese crackers because of the disgusting AIRPLANE FOOD!!!! It was awful!!! Tell Karen Durham I miss her and wish she was here.
Alex Parham
===================================
Sunday, 0010hours
Just want to say thank you to all the people of Farragut Church and their friends that praying for us...it has worked! Lost passports have been found, even 2 times in one day; only a few lost pieces of luggage; the good noodles and beef, homemade bread, and their have been no flat tires!
Pray that we as physicians and nurses can be sharp tools in the Master's hands, that teachers can collaborate with the school leaders and teachers here to teach the children to be lifelong skilled learners, and for the Love of the Master to be woven thru everything that is done here.
Jon
=================================================================
12:40 a.m.
"Eight Days in Africa"
What is God wanting us to accomplish with us in Ghana, West Africa, and more than that what is God accomplishing in us?
Whose lives are we to touch and who or what is God using to touch us? Will it be the starving children, a brother or sister on the mission or might it be the local in their love for the Father and their worship that bring about a change in us. Perhaps this is God's call on our lives to refocus or perhaps we are to be still and truly know the Lord.
The sky is clear and bright yet we are here under what is a new sky to us---but certainly not to God. The universe is still declaring God's majesty. From the sky at some 30,000 feet it is clear that you are still the Lord of Heaven and Earth. The view of the Swiss Alps and the arid lands of the Sahara desert were breath-taking. If nothing else God is calling us back to worship him. Worship is truly what precipitates all that we do in service to God. It is our desire for other to worship You that we are here. Thank you Father for being so amazing.
Thanks everyone for all of your prayers and support. I am missing you all, especially A,B,C, & D.
Love,
Paul
==================================================================================
Sunday, March 15, 2009
6:59 AM
Flexibility is an important word. Applying it's principles often is a quick response to unforeseen changes.
Upon arrival at the VOH late last night was that the clinic schedule was changed from Monday-Thursday to Tuesday through Friday. Which means the Tour of the forest and castle have moved from Friday to Monday. Teacher seminars will have to be rescheduled.
Life is good.
James
=================================================================================
Having experienced this trip last year has not diminished the wonder of being here again. I find myself looking around going - wow - I am in AFRICA, again. Everything is so remarkably the same. Driving out to the village, sights were familiar, and it felt so welcoming. Everyone should feel the homeness of a foreign land to remind us that we are all one, with only One Father. I get ready for church this morning with anticipation. Last year service at Fettah was an unexpected blessing, this year an expected one. I will not know all the words but it will not matter.
For my missing Teresa - I miss your presence, but I am not the only one - a little guy has already talked to David Gentry looking for you - David says he will bring you the message. J
For our missing companion, Eric, please know our prayers are with you, along with the precious prayers of your brothers and sisters in Fettah.
For my family - much love your way, thank you for your support and encouragement, even when I am stubborn J David and Abby take good care of your Daddy. Mommy loves you very much!!!
I am off to take some pictures - so surprising. J
Michelle
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Letecia says hello to Ryan ,Kym,and Kaleigh.We arrived last night around 10:00 PM.I had started traveling from Montana at 3:00 AM on Friday morning .Thats about 43 hours of travel time for me.I slept great in a bed last night! I look forward to worshipping with our Fetteh church brothers and sisters this morning.
Kym,Ryan,and Kaleigh I love you.
Dorian
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well, its warm here. hooray! i slept like a rock after not sleeping for two days and because my luggage never came in i'm having to borrow clothes to wear. pray for strength, patience and the ability to love everyone around us while we are here. the food is great, fresh pineapple and banana's, fresh bread and cheese. i went on a walk around the compound this morning and the children were everywhere doing chores, working, but they would all stop and come talk to me when i walked by. they all have such beautiful, individual names. and their faces are so bright. pray that we will be able to demonstrate Christ's love for them in all that we do. thank you for your continuous support.
melynne
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It is always an adventure to get to the airport in anticipation of finding our luggage. Paul, Melynne, Jon and Alex all got that sinking feeling as all bags unloaded and theirs were not there. So that means another day back to Accra for them, which means losing Dr. Jon for a period of time to go retrieve luggage.
We arrived late, but many were here to meet us, including Faustina, the director of the preschool. She'll have to leave Monday and will be gone all week. At least Laurie and I will have today and in the morning to pick her brain and get a plan for the week,
We are about to leave for church. The singing in Fettah is totally amazing, so it will be an uplifting service.
Love to everyone who helped make this possible!
Jean
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
12:02 PM
Well i just got out of church. Its very interesting how they work things round here. O yeah when you see me next time i will be skinnier from sweating so much! The plane ride was a longgg ride but it passed by fast because of the movies, etc. Well my luggage was all ok. The airline food was pretty nasty and now that were here i have tried goat and i like egg salad now. Were eating good in the neighborhood!!but on the bad side Alex's and Melyenne's got lost somewhere in the air, but they have to go get it tonight. I cant wait to see the rest of the adventures ahead! Tell my mom i said to look @ this and tell her to get my dad to look to. Mom, Dad love miss u and im ok!!! J p.s. Dianna gave up make up haha and my hairbrush is not working here (frizzzz come to think of it hers isn't working either!!! L
Austin Hall "aka" G-Man
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Sunday, 15 March, 2009 1:03 PM
Hey all,
Great church service at Fetteh Church this am with jubulant singing, fervent prayers, and some individual commitments for various reasons today. One almost overlooks the evident, abject poverty in your peripheral vision when you have the beautiful face of a local adult or child in front of you. How beautiful the faces of the children framed by their clean white or colorful shirts or dresses! Sounds of heartful singing and back and forth translation of the church service will be an indelible memory of today and this day forward in my life. Thanks so to God for the breezes that blow here even in midday as the humidity reminds me of growing up in Memphis in August without air conditioning.
Off to help organize the medical clinic at the orphanage.
Jon+++++++++++++++++++++
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Love to all!
The trip over was fairly uneventful (once the Parhams got to the Knoxville airport after misplacing our passports NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE). I know it will be hard for our close friends to believe, but due to this mishap, our family was actually LATE to the airport! (Yes, Norma! We deserve any kind of remark you could throw out there!)
But the children could really not have been better or more pleasant, despite being in the air or in airports or in transport vehicles for well over 24 hours. Their musings and revelations have been a constant source of hilarity for me. One particularly funny moment was when Alex and Austin were sitting in the Frankfurt airport, discussing the loudspeaker both in the airport and in the airplane, in utter disbelief that the Germans were actually speaking German! Another big surprise was that the plane's bathroom were ACTUALLY downstairs and that first class (that we decidedly WERE NOT sitting in) offered leg room and video games! For the most part, though, they have been positive and happy and full of wonder.
Speaking of children...I cannot say that I have EVER seen more breathtaking children as I have seen here in Ghana. They are bright-eyed and gorgeous, so innocent and loving -- they truly melt into whomever they hug and soak up any and all attention. It is as if they (and the Ghanian adults I have met) are filled with a type of joy that I have never experienced in my life, as if, being here, that have not been so far removed from the essence of life like we Westerners have. And the Fettah church! I am still processing that experience!
So, we have settled in nicely and have begun to soak up the rich blessings of Africa, where we are learning more and more to appreciate the glory of a good breeze and a cool washcloth.
Peace and joy to you all. I will certainly write later.
Love,
Dianna
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Saturday, March 14, 2009
It's 4AM your time, and we are in Frankfurt, will leave shortly for the last leg of the journey to Ghana. Our flight out of Knoxville was delayed, but with a dash to the next gate was successful.
Our group now numbers 22, with two joining us in Philly. We're expecting one more joining us here in Frankfurt.
James
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We were thankful we only had an hour delay after having our flight cancelled 3 years ago. Paul found a woman in the men's bathroom in the airport here and Laurie found a man in the ladies' bathroom. Oh, and there were many people having sushi and beer for breakfast (8:00am local time.) Interesting place-Frankfurt.
It was wonderful to just get on the plane and finally sit and not have another giant project looming in the next few hours or days.
We are excited about getting to Ghana and renewing friendships with lots of teachers, preachers, house parents, and kids. We just have to get used to this time change!
jean
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so here is my version of the adventure thus far to germany... our plane to philly was delayed and delayed out of knoxville. it was suppose to leave at 3:45. we left at 5:00. we quite literally power walked like a bunch of grannies in wal-mart to get to out next gate which connected us to germany... rewind. in knoxville i had a window seat and happen to notice some disturbances outside of the plane, not all the luggage would fit on the plane. i glance around and i realize that i was a winner... my suitcase had not made it on. fastforward...power walking through the airport and realizing that my luggage is still in knoxville...i now sit in germany unsure of where exactly my clothes are, which is fine. it's all in God's hands and always has been. its roughly 4:30 am on my body time and i slept about an hour last night... keep praying.
melynne
Our group now numbers 22, with two joining us in Philly. We're expecting one more joining us here in Frankfurt.
James
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We were thankful we only had an hour delay after having our flight cancelled 3 years ago. Paul found a woman in the men's bathroom in the airport here and Laurie found a man in the ladies' bathroom. Oh, and there were many people having sushi and beer for breakfast (8:00am local time.) Interesting place-Frankfurt.
It was wonderful to just get on the plane and finally sit and not have another giant project looming in the next few hours or days.
We are excited about getting to Ghana and renewing friendships with lots of teachers, preachers, house parents, and kids. We just have to get used to this time change!
jean
=============================
so here is my version of the adventure thus far to germany... our plane to philly was delayed and delayed out of knoxville. it was suppose to leave at 3:45. we left at 5:00. we quite literally power walked like a bunch of grannies in wal-mart to get to out next gate which connected us to germany... rewind. in knoxville i had a window seat and happen to notice some disturbances outside of the plane, not all the luggage would fit on the plane. i glance around and i realize that i was a winner... my suitcase had not made it on. fastforward...power walking through the airport and realizing that my luggage is still in knoxville...i now sit in germany unsure of where exactly my clothes are, which is fine. it's all in God's hands and always has been. its roughly 4:30 am on my body time and i slept about an hour last night... keep praying.
melynne
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Ghana 2009
This is the first post regarding the fifth trip to the Village of Hope conducted by the Farragut church.
There are twenty-four souls setting out to conduct a medical clinic, work with educators, and share God’s word and love in West Africa. This trip has proven to be a life time experience for the travelers in the work that they do and the spiritual growth they experience. It is an example of taking the church outside the walls, outside our comfort zone, and into the lives of hundreds of people thousands of miles from here.
On this blog, many of us will write of our experiences and observations. We have found that this is a great way of keeping in touch with the folks back home and to hear from you as personal email and phone calls are so difficult.
We will be in a time zone four hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. As you are eating breakfast, we’ll be eating lunch. While you’re asleep we will be waking up to the sound of the children’s morning chores and soon the sound of their 5:30AM devotional singing, which will morph into the calls of the tuxedo crows other birds as the sun rises.
This past Sunday, one of the teens shared the idea for a 24-7 prayer vigil. The purpose is to keep the people traveling and the people we serve front and center before our God every hour of every day while we are away. I was moved by the spirit and passion this teen presented. A sign-up sheet was made available. As soon as service was over, many people lined up to arrange their appointed time to pray for the mission. This was indeed encouragement to those who witness this. The sign-up sheet is now in the office.
We cherish the support we receive from our family and church. We work hard and endure much to be effective.
I can’t wait…
James
There are twenty-four souls setting out to conduct a medical clinic, work with educators, and share God’s word and love in West Africa. This trip has proven to be a life time experience for the travelers in the work that they do and the spiritual growth they experience. It is an example of taking the church outside the walls, outside our comfort zone, and into the lives of hundreds of people thousands of miles from here.
On this blog, many of us will write of our experiences and observations. We have found that this is a great way of keeping in touch with the folks back home and to hear from you as personal email and phone calls are so difficult.
We will be in a time zone four hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. As you are eating breakfast, we’ll be eating lunch. While you’re asleep we will be waking up to the sound of the children’s morning chores and soon the sound of their 5:30AM devotional singing, which will morph into the calls of the tuxedo crows other birds as the sun rises.
This past Sunday, one of the teens shared the idea for a 24-7 prayer vigil. The purpose is to keep the people traveling and the people we serve front and center before our God every hour of every day while we are away. I was moved by the spirit and passion this teen presented. A sign-up sheet was made available. As soon as service was over, many people lined up to arrange their appointed time to pray for the mission. This was indeed encouragement to those who witness this. The sign-up sheet is now in the office.
We cherish the support we receive from our family and church. We work hard and endure much to be effective.
I can’t wait…
James
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday Night Ladies Class - Spring(ish) quarter
I have enjoyed studying with you all over the past several months, but unfortunately will no longer be able to teach on Wednesday nights. I have commitments with the new children's ministry strategy that will not allow me to do two things at once. I have tried the overbooking before and I always end up stressed out. We are in search of a new facilitator and I have no fear that one will be found. I have made some calls already and the class will continue, after all the world does not revolve around me anyway. :) I hope you all will be checking out and getting on board with the format changes for our children. I am excited to be a part of it and saddened only in that I will be missing my class time with you guys. Pray for these changes, change is rarely easy. Pray for me and my family. God is so big He can do it all, ask Him to help us know where to place our energies each day. The blogging will continue but will not be regular as in the past. I hope we will use it more and more as time goes on. Blessing to you all!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
REAL Greatness
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season and a time for refreshing with family and friends. We have finished our study on authentic relationships, ending with real greatness. I want to remind us to define greatness not my the worlds standards of fame and power and wealth and success but rather by some one's ability to make the world around them great. That person may never make the cover of People but they will be truly great.
Some suggestions...
Some suggestions...
- Look at your "work" and find ways for your "work" to serve others. Start thinking of the things you do at work as helpful to others rather than just helpful to your checkbook.
- Find a ministry that allows you to serve others in a way that means something to you. Not everyone has had the same life experiences so not all ministries will speak to your heart, but I guarantee there is one out there that does.
- Look at some servant tasks at home. What are those things that No One wants to do at home? Bathroom? Kitchen? Litter Box? Do those in the spirit of Christ. It is possible to clean for Christ, give it a try. Serving others is serving Him, perhaps this will renew the thoughts and feeling on cleaning day. :)
Our next study will be on personal holiness. I am thinking about how I am going to do the blog for that study. Bring some comments to class and let me know. It may be that I do only one weekly post, before or after, with "homework" or questions, who knows...
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