This morning is a another scorcher. We are all packed and awaiting our departure toward home. We have to stop for lunch and by the market and Lord willing we will make the airport by 10 o'clock tonight ;)---looks like we will spend a good part of the day and night in the airports. So is the life of the airports. The kids are all trying to say their goodbyes and collect our address etc. They are so sweet and inquisitive. It was a record week at the clinic. Fred is here saying his goodbyes and we are brainstorming about our future plans and dreams for the VOH. Please prayer for this community and all the children in this region. Look forward to seeing everyone next week. God Bless,
Love,
Paul
Saturday, April 03, 2010
I must brag on my daughter Kaleigh. She is a leader for the other kids on the trip. She worked hard, had much fun and was a pleasure to be around.She did this thrrough long hot sweaty days, a swollen red rash on her face the past few days and a stomach ache. I also found the Gentry clan added much to the trip. Each and every one of them is a pleasure .Shawn and Sheena, Kerry(age 11) and Will(9),David as well as Sheena's father Brian were all dedicated to the tasks in front of them with loving hearts and smiles on thier faces. Jon Parham and his chidren were no different, always positive in their attitude,always helpful. Alex was a great asset to David and I in the eye cilinic and showed much maturity for his young age.Our entire group has worked well togeather and glorified our Lord Jesus with acts of kindness and generocity to Ghanaian and American a like.
We are getting ready to leave this morning to arrive back in Knoxville some time Sunday afternoon.
Dorian
We are getting ready to leave this morning to arrive back in Knoxville some time Sunday afternoon.
Dorian
Friday, April 02, 2010
What a Way to Finish a Week
April 2, 2010
Eric and I just got in a little while ago. Our group returned safely from El Mena and the Rain Forest.
Again it was a great day with a lot of walking. I really love the fast walks up to Fetteh and all the little kids hollering at me(like I don't know that I'm a whiteman) and waving.
Lunch with the Gentry's, Brian and Isaac, one of the Village of Hope kids, was a nice way to end the week. Our meeting with the local ministers this afternoon went well. Thanks Daniel for the Bibles. They each got a Serenipity Bible and I gave them several books a piece that I thought would be of value to them. There were 5 local preachers and two of their olders sons joined us for a late lunch down overlooking the ocean. For once it was a place of beauty and tranquilty, and for a moment you could watch the palm trees and enjoy the breeze--even in this HEAT. Never fear to get out of that place, it was me and black mama goat hoofing it back up to Fettah--which means sand and litter on a dirt road.
After walking all that way for lunch and back halfway(after a cab ride to the VOH and back for our meeting)--Jackson, the preacher from Senya, came through once again with his motorcycle. He is such a great guy with a big heart. Please pray for his ministry, especially all the work with the kids in Senya.. I had one kid on every finger as we came near the Senya church yesterday. One of the children with a severe disibility, called out my name before I got in the door. You can't imagine the conditions there. It will just melt your heart.
Thinking of melting, the fires were burning in the Fettah Village as the fish were smoking on the way back to the Fettah church. I wasn't preaching but felt that I should be there. Jackson dropped me off on his way back home and I'm glad I did go. I was thrown for a loop after sitting down and seeing 27 kids just setting there--this is just the residual from last night. Sooooo---- I ended up in the back with all the kids on 4 benches talking low and teaching them about "Daniel and the Scary Sleepover(Daniel 6)" --of course, I had an interpreter---a lady with her hair in big yellow curlers, she was so sweet. The kids were phenomenal. They love the animation that I put in the lesson and I had audience participation as well. We also learned a new song in English that they didn't know--which took a while. Later we performed " I've Got the Joy,Joy, Joy,Joy down in My Heart"--they really liked that sitting on a tac part.
Following church we again sat on the square, if you can call it a square--more like a dusty, turn-about with a stand and phone card hut. One last Koca-Cola with Jerry (taxi driver and worship leader)before we left. The dimly lit area does have a lot of amenities like chickens and goats and dogs laying around. During my mid day journey on foot through there looking for Jerry, I was exposed to large dishpans, occupied with the cutest, little, shining, behinds that kept getting out of the pans to stand on a rock --only to run and get back in again and wave. And this area too had a gentle breeze ---here it just moves the litter around exposing it for the sanitation crew(I mean Goats).
Haven't seen a donkey this week nor do I recall seeing anyone trying to ride one into town this week, but I have seen some poor, and I do mean POOR, snotty nosed, shaggy sheep. Can't help but think about the lamb that was being lead to the slaughter over 2000 years ago. I can't say that I have seen one thing in reference to Easter here this week. Wish I was there for Easter--although ---I've gotten my share of preaching and teaching this week. May you all experience the power of the resurrection in your lives and in worship this Sunday. May the Easter Bunny bless you with lots of eggs and chocolate. I'm convinced that if he were to show up here, that he would be eaten right along side with the grasscutters. Strange thing about Ghana, PETA doesn't seem to bother the folks around here much.
It is time for me to retire to bed. Everyone else had already crashed. I send my love and prayers to you all. See ya next week. We leave here at 10 in the morning and we head out for Germany at 10 tomorrow night. Should hit Knoxville late Sunday afternoon--the Lord willing. I will take my regular Monday off and be back in the office on Tuesday if everthing goes ok.
Love,
Paul
Eric and I just got in a little while ago. Our group returned safely from El Mena and the Rain Forest.
Again it was a great day with a lot of walking. I really love the fast walks up to Fetteh and all the little kids hollering at me(like I don't know that I'm a whiteman) and waving.
Lunch with the Gentry's, Brian and Isaac, one of the Village of Hope kids, was a nice way to end the week. Our meeting with the local ministers this afternoon went well. Thanks Daniel for the Bibles. They each got a Serenipity Bible and I gave them several books a piece that I thought would be of value to them. There were 5 local preachers and two of their olders sons joined us for a late lunch down overlooking the ocean. For once it was a place of beauty and tranquilty, and for a moment you could watch the palm trees and enjoy the breeze--even in this HEAT. Never fear to get out of that place, it was me and black mama goat hoofing it back up to Fettah--which means sand and litter on a dirt road.
After walking all that way for lunch and back halfway(after a cab ride to the VOH and back for our meeting)--Jackson, the preacher from Senya, came through once again with his motorcycle. He is such a great guy with a big heart. Please pray for his ministry, especially all the work with the kids in Senya.. I had one kid on every finger as we came near the Senya church yesterday. One of the children with a severe disibility, called out my name before I got in the door. You can't imagine the conditions there. It will just melt your heart.
Thinking of melting, the fires were burning in the Fettah Village as the fish were smoking on the way back to the Fettah church. I wasn't preaching but felt that I should be there. Jackson dropped me off on his way back home and I'm glad I did go. I was thrown for a loop after sitting down and seeing 27 kids just setting there--this is just the residual from last night. Sooooo---- I ended up in the back with all the kids on 4 benches talking low and teaching them about "Daniel and the Scary Sleepover(Daniel 6)" --of course, I had an interpreter---a lady with her hair in big yellow curlers, she was so sweet. The kids were phenomenal. They love the animation that I put in the lesson and I had audience participation as well. We also learned a new song in English that they didn't know--which took a while. Later we performed " I've Got the Joy,Joy, Joy,Joy down in My Heart"--they really liked that sitting on a tac part.
Following church we again sat on the square, if you can call it a square--more like a dusty, turn-about with a stand and phone card hut. One last Koca-Cola with Jerry (taxi driver and worship leader)before we left. The dimly lit area does have a lot of amenities like chickens and goats and dogs laying around. During my mid day journey on foot through there looking for Jerry, I was exposed to large dishpans, occupied with the cutest, little, shining, behinds that kept getting out of the pans to stand on a rock --only to run and get back in again and wave. And this area too had a gentle breeze ---here it just moves the litter around exposing it for the sanitation crew(I mean Goats).
Haven't seen a donkey this week nor do I recall seeing anyone trying to ride one into town this week, but I have seen some poor, and I do mean POOR, snotty nosed, shaggy sheep. Can't help but think about the lamb that was being lead to the slaughter over 2000 years ago. I can't say that I have seen one thing in reference to Easter here this week. Wish I was there for Easter--although ---I've gotten my share of preaching and teaching this week. May you all experience the power of the resurrection in your lives and in worship this Sunday. May the Easter Bunny bless you with lots of eggs and chocolate. I'm convinced that if he were to show up here, that he would be eaten right along side with the grasscutters. Strange thing about Ghana, PETA doesn't seem to bother the folks around here much.
It is time for me to retire to bed. Everyone else had already crashed. I send my love and prayers to you all. See ya next week. We leave here at 10 in the morning and we head out for Germany at 10 tomorrow night. Should hit Knoxville late Sunday afternoon--the Lord willing. I will take my regular Monday off and be back in the office on Tuesday if everthing goes ok.
Love,
Paul
A CLOSE TO A GREAT WEEK
Good morning,
Let's try this again. My blog attempt last night failed.
Yesterday ended another great mission at the Village of Hope. Our last two days have been blessed with record numbers at the clinic. God has been faithful in our safety and health and has once again proved himself to the Village of Hope as we were able to see so many and provide them with the ample medicines.
Yesterday afternoon before going to Fetteh to preach. Eric, John, David Jones and myself werer blessed to visit in Senyah with Jackson. The taxi and motorcycle ride was part of the nostaglic journey to see the land that the Chief has given to the Senyah preacher for a "House of Love". It is over back away from Ocean where a new road is going in--but you could hear the ocean as we stood and looked upon the properity. Currently the road is dirt and mostly sand. I could get use to the motorcycle, it was a better ride than the gas fumed taxi with no suspension. It brought back memories of riding horse back, minus the horn. To say the least I have great faith---every chicken and goat tried to test it as we flew by them in the busy streets. Who would think that God can use a few goats to grow your faith. If it wasn't the people or animals-- the taxi behind us was working hard to not take us out as well.
Night before last our numbers at the Fetteh church was slim and I called an audible for last night. I have to jump off, for now. Can't wait to tell you about a record number at the church. "On the Ball Paul " showed up --VBS has struck the Fetteh Village---over 70 were in attendance. The KID'S Bible was a big hit as well. Please forgive any typos --no time to edit. HAPPY EASTER. Missing you all. Can't wait to be back. I'll behave. We have the preacher's this afternoon. About 15 of our group are at the slave castle and rain forest today. Pray for their safety and spirit. It's a tough experience at the slave castle.
Love,
Paul
Let's try this again. My blog attempt last night failed.
Yesterday ended another great mission at the Village of Hope. Our last two days have been blessed with record numbers at the clinic. God has been faithful in our safety and health and has once again proved himself to the Village of Hope as we were able to see so many and provide them with the ample medicines.
Yesterday afternoon before going to Fetteh to preach. Eric, John, David Jones and myself werer blessed to visit in Senyah with Jackson. The taxi and motorcycle ride was part of the nostaglic journey to see the land that the Chief has given to the Senyah preacher for a "House of Love". It is over back away from Ocean where a new road is going in--but you could hear the ocean as we stood and looked upon the properity. Currently the road is dirt and mostly sand. I could get use to the motorcycle, it was a better ride than the gas fumed taxi with no suspension. It brought back memories of riding horse back, minus the horn. To say the least I have great faith---every chicken and goat tried to test it as we flew by them in the busy streets. Who would think that God can use a few goats to grow your faith. If it wasn't the people or animals-- the taxi behind us was working hard to not take us out as well.
Night before last our numbers at the Fetteh church was slim and I called an audible for last night. I have to jump off, for now. Can't wait to tell you about a record number at the church. "On the Ball Paul " showed up --VBS has struck the Fetteh Village---over 70 were in attendance. The KID'S Bible was a big hit as well. Please forgive any typos --no time to edit. HAPPY EASTER. Missing you all. Can't wait to be back. I'll behave. We have the preacher's this afternoon. About 15 of our group are at the slave castle and rain forest today. Pray for their safety and spirit. It's a tough experience at the slave castle.
Love,
Paul
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Thursday word from VOH
From Jon, Alex, and Cameron...
Lightening, trips to the future Senya House of Love property, and Singing with and hearing the VOH Children's Chorus...What a day...Oh, yea, we saw patients today---a few hundred in the eye and medical clinic, the main reason we came.
How was your day? A little harried, hurried or was it horendous? We all had a great day here with Alex in the eye clinic, Cameron triaging/weighing patients in the sun, and I finished up in the medical clinic. We had to buy a 1000 more iburprofen as we had been out for 24h before. Tylenol was short in supply too. The way people do manual labor here with their backs bent to 90 degrees forward and their nose nearly to the ground, I have no need for an MRI to know what is wrong with their low backs. Another day of surprize and variety in the medical clinic with boils, worms, and malaria among the cases of malignant high blood pressure, ear infections, and children with failure to thrive problems. No surgery cases today and we are glad for that. WE have passed out and will complete tomorrow with a set of dental supplies: toothpaste, tooth brushes and floss/pics for each of the houses of children, plus a few left over for the masses. Our medical and eye clinics are over for the week,but the needs continue every day. Four of us went to see the newly donated 20 acres of land that Jackson is clearing for planting and part of which will be the new site for the physically challenged children and others. It was a semi-cloudy day with a steady breeze. As we bounced up the new dirt road that was just cut by the bulldozer on the side of the road, we were presented with a wonderful vision of what could be for these desparate children of Senya that Jackson has accumulated. Corn, Yams, and Peppers growing on at least half and the other 1/2 acreage used for houses and storage. No more dirt covered concrete floors in the middle of the "downtown Senya".
Alex, Cameron and Carrie, Will and Kaleigh have out worked us all and without complaint!! They are to be praised for their efforts in hot, humid conditions and little in amenties: no phones, no DVDs, no movies, etc. We all love them for the great example they are leaving in front of our eyes.
Some shopping, touring the Rain Forest, and just relaxing tomorrow. Off to Germany Saturday night and Paris for us on Sunday until Wed. for vacation with a few others. Good is God and we ask for His continued blessings as we travel on.
Good night and thank you for your prayers for us.
Jon
Lightening, trips to the future Senya House of Love property, and Singing with and hearing the VOH Children's Chorus...What a day...Oh, yea, we saw patients today---a few hundred in the eye and medical clinic, the main reason we came.
How was your day? A little harried, hurried or was it horendous? We all had a great day here with Alex in the eye clinic, Cameron triaging/weighing patients in the sun, and I finished up in the medical clinic. We had to buy a 1000 more iburprofen as we had been out for 24h before. Tylenol was short in supply too. The way people do manual labor here with their backs bent to 90 degrees forward and their nose nearly to the ground, I have no need for an MRI to know what is wrong with their low backs. Another day of surprize and variety in the medical clinic with boils, worms, and malaria among the cases of malignant high blood pressure, ear infections, and children with failure to thrive problems. No surgery cases today and we are glad for that. WE have passed out and will complete tomorrow with a set of dental supplies: toothpaste, tooth brushes and floss/pics for each of the houses of children, plus a few left over for the masses. Our medical and eye clinics are over for the week,but the needs continue every day. Four of us went to see the newly donated 20 acres of land that Jackson is clearing for planting and part of which will be the new site for the physically challenged children and others. It was a semi-cloudy day with a steady breeze. As we bounced up the new dirt road that was just cut by the bulldozer on the side of the road, we were presented with a wonderful vision of what could be for these desparate children of Senya that Jackson has accumulated. Corn, Yams, and Peppers growing on at least half and the other 1/2 acreage used for houses and storage. No more dirt covered concrete floors in the middle of the "downtown Senya".
Alex, Cameron and Carrie, Will and Kaleigh have out worked us all and without complaint!! They are to be praised for their efforts in hot, humid conditions and little in amenties: no phones, no DVDs, no movies, etc. We all love them for the great example they are leaving in front of our eyes.
Some shopping, touring the Rain Forest, and just relaxing tomorrow. Off to Germany Saturday night and Paris for us on Sunday until Wed. for vacation with a few others. Good is God and we ask for His continued blessings as we travel on.
Good night and thank you for your prayers for us.
Jon
From Jean and Dorian
March 31
Today was filled with lots of emotions. Laurie and I wore dresses that a teacher brought us as gifts. She was very pleased to see us in them. My missing CDs I have been needing so I could teach some new songs to the preschoolers showed up today. I went to the clinic to go through the trunks again. Julie assured me they couldn’t be in the trunks. Someone asked what I was looking for and pulled them out from a drawer in the desk. I was very pleased!!! Two CDs I bought and brought as gifts were still missing but at least some were found!
We gave out sunglasses to the children and they were so funny. Some put them on upside down and they looked so cute with those black little faces and those bright blue, green, yellow and purple sunglasses. And any time you try to take a picture, the teachers rush over to be sure they get in the picture. Then they all want to see it! Then they laugh and laugh at themselves! Then they run to pose again!
The teachers loved their canvas bags filled with goodies. They also loved getting sunglasses and would say, “Take my picture!” They mean it as a request, but it really comes out like an order!
After school, I visited with some of my new friends that live in the boarding house for girls. They are so much fun. I took all of them sunglasses and it was great watching them try on pair after pair and deciding which was just the right style. Then we took pictures and they posed “cool” and “funny” and whatever. It was lots of fun.
I went to several of the houses and took glasses for the house parents. I was offered a tour of the new Linery House and it was quite fun. I enjoyed going to each house and seeing each set of house parents. They were all so appreciative and yes, some wanted me to take their picture!
While I was outside visiting with several boys, an older boy came walking up. He asked if I knew his name. I did. It was Wisdom! I met him at least 4 years ago and have enjoyed getting to see him each year. He is now tall and in 8th grade and about to graduate. He will live in a boarding house next year to attend high school in Accra. I was so glad he came and found me!
Tomorrow, Laurie and I are going to Accra with Faustina to shop for school items. It should be quite fun! We are enjoying being here, we are enjoying being with each other, and sharing each evening. It has been a fabulous day of playing with kids from morning until evening!
Family, I love you!!!
Jean
================
The eye clinlc team worked very hard today. None would give up until the last patient was seen. David Gentry and Alex Parham have their own room getting chief complaints, visual acuities, near vision testing and dispensing of reading glasses and some eye drops. Nine year old Will Gentry helps as well. David is always inspires all of us to go the extra mile for every person by learning local greetings like “wo ho te sane”(how are you) and the appropriate responses. He seems to never tire and only breaks for lunch because the rest of us neeed to eat and rest for a few minutes. This is Alex’s second year in the eye clinic and he shows it with much professionalism and does not leave his post. Pepsi is a jewel I trained how to check eye pressures set her up in her own room. She has taken full ownership of the job. Kaleigh promised me if I gave her the glasses dispensing job she would work as long and hard as I did and she has not disappointed me. She is very organized and never complains in the clinic. Only later do I find out that she was not feeling well all day.
Dorian
Today was filled with lots of emotions. Laurie and I wore dresses that a teacher brought us as gifts. She was very pleased to see us in them. My missing CDs I have been needing so I could teach some new songs to the preschoolers showed up today. I went to the clinic to go through the trunks again. Julie assured me they couldn’t be in the trunks. Someone asked what I was looking for and pulled them out from a drawer in the desk. I was very pleased!!! Two CDs I bought and brought as gifts were still missing but at least some were found!
We gave out sunglasses to the children and they were so funny. Some put them on upside down and they looked so cute with those black little faces and those bright blue, green, yellow and purple sunglasses. And any time you try to take a picture, the teachers rush over to be sure they get in the picture. Then they all want to see it! Then they laugh and laugh at themselves! Then they run to pose again!
The teachers loved their canvas bags filled with goodies. They also loved getting sunglasses and would say, “Take my picture!” They mean it as a request, but it really comes out like an order!
After school, I visited with some of my new friends that live in the boarding house for girls. They are so much fun. I took all of them sunglasses and it was great watching them try on pair after pair and deciding which was just the right style. Then we took pictures and they posed “cool” and “funny” and whatever. It was lots of fun.
I went to several of the houses and took glasses for the house parents. I was offered a tour of the new Linery House and it was quite fun. I enjoyed going to each house and seeing each set of house parents. They were all so appreciative and yes, some wanted me to take their picture!
While I was outside visiting with several boys, an older boy came walking up. He asked if I knew his name. I did. It was Wisdom! I met him at least 4 years ago and have enjoyed getting to see him each year. He is now tall and in 8th grade and about to graduate. He will live in a boarding house next year to attend high school in Accra. I was so glad he came and found me!
Tomorrow, Laurie and I are going to Accra with Faustina to shop for school items. It should be quite fun! We are enjoying being here, we are enjoying being with each other, and sharing each evening. It has been a fabulous day of playing with kids from morning until evening!
Family, I love you!!!
Jean
================
The eye clinlc team worked very hard today. None would give up until the last patient was seen. David Gentry and Alex Parham have their own room getting chief complaints, visual acuities, near vision testing and dispensing of reading glasses and some eye drops. Nine year old Will Gentry helps as well. David is always inspires all of us to go the extra mile for every person by learning local greetings like “wo ho te sane”(how are you) and the appropriate responses. He seems to never tire and only breaks for lunch because the rest of us neeed to eat and rest for a few minutes. This is Alex’s second year in the eye clinic and he shows it with much professionalism and does not leave his post. Pepsi is a jewel I trained how to check eye pressures set her up in her own room. She has taken full ownership of the job. Kaleigh promised me if I gave her the glasses dispensing job she would work as long and hard as I did and she has not disappointed me. She is very organized and never complains in the clinic. Only later do I find out that she was not feeling well all day.
Dorian
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
From Eric
Hey Beautiful Wife & The Munchkins:
It is Wednesday morning here at 10:15 and I don't know when you will get this, but I wanted to communicate a couple of things to you. First of all, it will be much more convenient for me to call you tomorrow instead of today. So Thursday (tomorrow) sometime around the time I called you yesterday. Then I will call you from Philadelphia when we land there Sunday afternoon. THEN I WILL SEE YOU ALL LATER THAT NIGHT!
Senya yesterday was, . . . well, it was Senya. There are no words to describe it and that's all I really want to say. The preacher of the church there, along with Kofi Isaac at Fettah, are true spiritual giants. Against all odds and in the face of unspeakable poverty, they toil on and on and on, seemingly without ever growing faint in heart or faithless in spirit. Their commitment to their people and to the work of God in their respective villages is without peer in this world. We are going to return to Senya after clinic again this afternoon, and then back in time for church at Fettah at 7:00, pretty much the same routine as yesterday.
The only thing about Senya from yesterday I really feel like writing about is when Dave and I played in a soccer game with about 20 other people with a new ball he brought to Ghana. We pumped it up on the way to Senya. Dust everywhere with no definitive goal. Just people running in every direction, laughing, kicking the ball. The kicked-up dust was so thick I could barely see the person in front of me. In that heat, with layers of Deet spray on me, and then the granules of that sand and my profuse sweat sticking to my body, well, you can just imagine. Even now, I feel as if I need to walk through a car wash.
Everyone is doing superbly well. They really are. The maturity and hard work of our young guys in particular is inspirational. Those of you who are their parents should be EXTREMELY PROUD of the children you have raised. I feel good knowing that the present and the future of the church and our society is in their hands.
I will be here at the VOH for most of this day, volunteering at the clinic a little and sitting in on a couple of classes here. Then I will speak at afternoon chapel for a group of about a hundred students before our next jaunt to Senya.
Paige, we are supposed to begin our supper on Thursday nights at Central next Thursday, April 8. Could you please call Gwen (621-8498) or Veta (385-1175) or Christine (765-5633) and see about us moving our kick-off for that to the following Thursday, April 15. I mistakenly double-booked my calendar for that day. I don't necessarily have to be there, of course, but I do feel like with it being the very first one that I need to be there. For that matter, if anyone from Farragut reading this could pass along that request from me to move our start date back one week, I would be grateful. I am very excited about this initiative because I know it is the work of God, and that the need for food is great in our community. I hope this one week delay, in the event that you decide to do so, does not put anyone out.
And hey, Randy, buddy I sure do appreciate your consolation after that 1 point loss to Michigan State. What a bummer! Glad I was spared the misery of having to watch it. Thank you so much Randy for all you have done and do for Central. I was able to take this trip to Ghana with total peace of mind, and I big-time appreciate you for every thing.
And hey, Mike, check this out: I am sitting on a bench in Fettah the other day and these two long lizard - iguana things ran RIGHT BETWEEN my legs. They both had to have been 12 - 16 inches long. The hallucinations continue. And these things were like neon green, dark brown, and as you got up toward their necks and heads, yellow phasing into orange. Again, no one saw it but me. Scared the daylights out of me. I know you all think I'm crazy. Well, maybe I am a little, but at least I get to see a lot of interesting things. Ha. Sure do wish you and Joyce could be here.
OK, Babe, back to you. I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! Lord willing, and as I plan, I will call you tomorrow as I said. Gotta get back to work now. And bye-bye kiddos. Daddy loves you too much...... and, I got the rock and a few more little presents for you guys.
Eric
PS - Could you FaceBook Carrie, Brian, and any others you can think of who might be interested and prompt them to read this blog and tell them how to find it? And, could you check on Eva Mae for me? I am quite worried about her, and she has been so good to us. See if she needs anything. Her number is on one of the old directories, is in the phone book, and/or can be gotten from Rochelle or Pat. Thanks. Oh, and be sure to tell Raymond Wa I said hello.
It is Wednesday morning here at 10:15 and I don't know when you will get this, but I wanted to communicate a couple of things to you. First of all, it will be much more convenient for me to call you tomorrow instead of today. So Thursday (tomorrow) sometime around the time I called you yesterday. Then I will call you from Philadelphia when we land there Sunday afternoon. THEN I WILL SEE YOU ALL LATER THAT NIGHT!
Senya yesterday was, . . . well, it was Senya. There are no words to describe it and that's all I really want to say. The preacher of the church there, along with Kofi Isaac at Fettah, are true spiritual giants. Against all odds and in the face of unspeakable poverty, they toil on and on and on, seemingly without ever growing faint in heart or faithless in spirit. Their commitment to their people and to the work of God in their respective villages is without peer in this world. We are going to return to Senya after clinic again this afternoon, and then back in time for church at Fettah at 7:00, pretty much the same routine as yesterday.
The only thing about Senya from yesterday I really feel like writing about is when Dave and I played in a soccer game with about 20 other people with a new ball he brought to Ghana. We pumped it up on the way to Senya. Dust everywhere with no definitive goal. Just people running in every direction, laughing, kicking the ball. The kicked-up dust was so thick I could barely see the person in front of me. In that heat, with layers of Deet spray on me, and then the granules of that sand and my profuse sweat sticking to my body, well, you can just imagine. Even now, I feel as if I need to walk through a car wash.
Everyone is doing superbly well. They really are. The maturity and hard work of our young guys in particular is inspirational. Those of you who are their parents should be EXTREMELY PROUD of the children you have raised. I feel good knowing that the present and the future of the church and our society is in their hands.
I will be here at the VOH for most of this day, volunteering at the clinic a little and sitting in on a couple of classes here. Then I will speak at afternoon chapel for a group of about a hundred students before our next jaunt to Senya.
Paige, we are supposed to begin our supper on Thursday nights at Central next Thursday, April 8. Could you please call Gwen (621-8498) or Veta (385-1175) or Christine (765-5633) and see about us moving our kick-off for that to the following Thursday, April 15. I mistakenly double-booked my calendar for that day. I don't necessarily have to be there, of course, but I do feel like with it being the very first one that I need to be there. For that matter, if anyone from Farragut reading this could pass along that request from me to move our start date back one week, I would be grateful. I am very excited about this initiative because I know it is the work of God, and that the need for food is great in our community. I hope this one week delay, in the event that you decide to do so, does not put anyone out.
And hey, Randy, buddy I sure do appreciate your consolation after that 1 point loss to Michigan State. What a bummer! Glad I was spared the misery of having to watch it. Thank you so much Randy for all you have done and do for Central. I was able to take this trip to Ghana with total peace of mind, and I big-time appreciate you for every thing.
And hey, Mike, check this out: I am sitting on a bench in Fettah the other day and these two long lizard - iguana things ran RIGHT BETWEEN my legs. They both had to have been 12 - 16 inches long. The hallucinations continue. And these things were like neon green, dark brown, and as you got up toward their necks and heads, yellow phasing into orange. Again, no one saw it but me. Scared the daylights out of me. I know you all think I'm crazy. Well, maybe I am a little, but at least I get to see a lot of interesting things. Ha. Sure do wish you and Joyce could be here.
OK, Babe, back to you. I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! Lord willing, and as I plan, I will call you tomorrow as I said. Gotta get back to work now. And bye-bye kiddos. Daddy loves you too much...... and, I got the rock and a few more little presents for you guys.
Eric
PS - Could you FaceBook Carrie, Brian, and any others you can think of who might be interested and prompt them to read this blog and tell them how to find it? And, could you check on Eva Mae for me? I am quite worried about her, and she has been so good to us. See if she needs anything. Her number is on one of the old directories, is in the phone book, and/or can be gotten from Rochelle or Pat. Thanks. Oh, and be sure to tell Raymond Wa I said hello.
From Jean
March 30 7:30pm
Today has been a day that was different from any other. Laurie and I spent the day at the preschool. doing all we could and encouraging the teachers as best we could. We also let them decorate canvas bags we took for them. We had some iron on letters and hearts and butterflies and they seemed to really enjoy adding their name and extras. Of course they love getting candy (toffee) before they go home. Even the teachers beg for more.
At 3:30, I went with Jon, Erick, David J., and Julie to Senya. Senya is a complete different culture than the village. It takes poverty to a more extreme level. Dr. Jon went to see patients and some of us went to see the children. I ended up going into the room where Jon was “doctoring” and it was apparent he needed another set of hands. So, I became “nurse” Jean. It was quite a learning experience. I saw things I never, ever thought I would see. Dr. Jon taught me a lot! To have some of their health problems and such limited medical care…it breaks your heart. I was so anxious to see Abigail-a little girl from Senya who I met last year. I walked to her house and asked about her and she came running and knew who I was! It will cost $30 to pay for her schooling for another year! They don’t need a lot…the preacher was robbed last month and told me about it today. When you have nearly nothing and have that stolen…wow!
I walked out on the porch of the church in Senya to get something and a child started saying, “Tooty Ta.” I could not believe that they remembered me teaching that to them a year ago! So, of course we had to do it again right then and there. When a child remembers you teaching them a song on one visit a year ago, it is obvious they do not get much variety in their days!
Tomorrow is the last day of classes for the kids and teachers. I am not ready to tell them goodbye yet! We just got here! There is never enough time to give them all the time and attention they crave, (and I’m just talking about the teachers!) but we do the best we can with the time we have.
The group this year is so much fun. Our evening devo time when we share about our day is so special. It reminds us over and over what we have and what they don’t have. We have to keep asking why they seem to be the ones that are so happy.
I am so thankful for the ability to come over here. To all of you who helped me get things ready to leave, I am so grateful.
Thank you for sending a note, Glynn. Time for devo!
Love, Jean
Today has been a day that was different from any other. Laurie and I spent the day at the preschool. doing all we could and encouraging the teachers as best we could. We also let them decorate canvas bags we took for them. We had some iron on letters and hearts and butterflies and they seemed to really enjoy adding their name and extras. Of course they love getting candy (toffee) before they go home. Even the teachers beg for more.
At 3:30, I went with Jon, Erick, David J., and Julie to Senya. Senya is a complete different culture than the village. It takes poverty to a more extreme level. Dr. Jon went to see patients and some of us went to see the children. I ended up going into the room where Jon was “doctoring” and it was apparent he needed another set of hands. So, I became “nurse” Jean. It was quite a learning experience. I saw things I never, ever thought I would see. Dr. Jon taught me a lot! To have some of their health problems and such limited medical care…it breaks your heart. I was so anxious to see Abigail-a little girl from Senya who I met last year. I walked to her house and asked about her and she came running and knew who I was! It will cost $30 to pay for her schooling for another year! They don’t need a lot…the preacher was robbed last month and told me about it today. When you have nearly nothing and have that stolen…wow!
I walked out on the porch of the church in Senya to get something and a child started saying, “Tooty Ta.” I could not believe that they remembered me teaching that to them a year ago! So, of course we had to do it again right then and there. When a child remembers you teaching them a song on one visit a year ago, it is obvious they do not get much variety in their days!
Tomorrow is the last day of classes for the kids and teachers. I am not ready to tell them goodbye yet! We just got here! There is never enough time to give them all the time and attention they crave, (and I’m just talking about the teachers!) but we do the best we can with the time we have.
The group this year is so much fun. Our evening devo time when we share about our day is so special. It reminds us over and over what we have and what they don’t have. We have to keep asking why they seem to be the ones that are so happy.
I am so thankful for the ability to come over here. To all of you who helped me get things ready to leave, I am so grateful.
Thank you for sending a note, Glynn. Time for devo!
Love, Jean
From Paul
Wednesday, March 31, 2010; 5:30am
The house is quiet, the birds and the children's singing are competing to wake up the sun. James and I are sitting out on the porch trying to take it in. One house was just singing "revive us again"and it sounded so robust and grand with many strong voices chiming in. You can also see the fires under the kettles as each house is cooking their morning rice or oatmeal. Right now the many birds are winning and drowning out the sound of the ceiling fans in the house behind us. Some kids are racing to the wells for water--- as well.
Yesterday was a great day at the clinic. We saw a good, if not a record number, and we did it perhaps more efficient than in years past. I was given the opportunity to address the crowd before we officially started seeing patients and I look forward to having the opportunity again in a hour or so. It was wonderful to share God's love to them and our desire to serve them in the name of Jesus Christ. I was able to get Noah, the VOH preacher, to also sing. Can they sing --I don't know what I was sing but they liked it that I was singing as well. They then sung their version of "Humble yourself" so that I would be able to know what they were singing. It was as if I bonded with the crowd and I was able to go around and greet many of the Ghanaians before we started taking blood pressures and temps.
I am and was very emotional yesterday and today. It just seems to hit you. We saw a 2-year old early on that I chose to not weigh but who was probably less than 8-9 lbs. On the heals of that precious little one was a 2 1/2 year old weighing only 18 lbs. Its SAD.
Everyone here is doing a fabulous job showing the love of Jesus and the Ghanians are more than appreciative. From the Eye Clinic to the preschool we are loving on everyone. We don't know what today will bring but we trust that God has it all planned out.
I would have loved to made Senya last night with Jackson but I barely had time to review my lesson, see Matilda, and make the trip up to Fettah in time to preach. When you say you had to hoof-it, I was literally hoofing it. A young Ghanian fell in and escorted me to the church. I had kicked the walking into overdrive and I was sweating bullets and sliding in my sandal as if trying to walk on ice. I had a wonderful time preaching and sharing with the Fettah Church. It has taken only a few days to rekindle the relationships that I made last year and I was able to provide Study Bibles to three of the young leaders there.
An added treat----once again I spent some time sitting in the village "square" with Jerry in a plastic lounge chair. The moon is brighter than any light up there.and wouldn't you know the electricity went out--- which was an bonus for me. The Koca-Cola in the bottle was refreshing after preaching for close to an hour; as long as all the stuff moving by me on the ground isn't alive I'm ok. I did laugh to myself, there are all these people and kid hanging out and I'm taking it all in beside the "Chop bar"(stand where Jerry's wife cooks and sells food) and goats keep coming out and around us picking up the trash etc.
Got to run, James is kicking me off this small computer,
Love and miss you all,
Paul
The house is quiet, the birds and the children's singing are competing to wake up the sun. James and I are sitting out on the porch trying to take it in. One house was just singing "revive us again"and it sounded so robust and grand with many strong voices chiming in. You can also see the fires under the kettles as each house is cooking their morning rice or oatmeal. Right now the many birds are winning and drowning out the sound of the ceiling fans in the house behind us. Some kids are racing to the wells for water--- as well.
Yesterday was a great day at the clinic. We saw a good, if not a record number, and we did it perhaps more efficient than in years past. I was given the opportunity to address the crowd before we officially started seeing patients and I look forward to having the opportunity again in a hour or so. It was wonderful to share God's love to them and our desire to serve them in the name of Jesus Christ. I was able to get Noah, the VOH preacher, to also sing. Can they sing --I don't know what I was sing but they liked it that I was singing as well. They then sung their version of "Humble yourself" so that I would be able to know what they were singing. It was as if I bonded with the crowd and I was able to go around and greet many of the Ghanaians before we started taking blood pressures and temps.
I am and was very emotional yesterday and today. It just seems to hit you. We saw a 2-year old early on that I chose to not weigh but who was probably less than 8-9 lbs. On the heals of that precious little one was a 2 1/2 year old weighing only 18 lbs. Its SAD.
Everyone here is doing a fabulous job showing the love of Jesus and the Ghanians are more than appreciative. From the Eye Clinic to the preschool we are loving on everyone. We don't know what today will bring but we trust that God has it all planned out.
I would have loved to made Senya last night with Jackson but I barely had time to review my lesson, see Matilda, and make the trip up to Fettah in time to preach. When you say you had to hoof-it, I was literally hoofing it. A young Ghanian fell in and escorted me to the church. I had kicked the walking into overdrive and I was sweating bullets and sliding in my sandal as if trying to walk on ice. I had a wonderful time preaching and sharing with the Fettah Church. It has taken only a few days to rekindle the relationships that I made last year and I was able to provide Study Bibles to three of the young leaders there.
An added treat----once again I spent some time sitting in the village "square" with Jerry in a plastic lounge chair. The moon is brighter than any light up there.and wouldn't you know the electricity went out--- which was an bonus for me. The Koca-Cola in the bottle was refreshing after preaching for close to an hour; as long as all the stuff moving by me on the ground isn't alive I'm ok. I did laugh to myself, there are all these people and kid hanging out and I'm taking it all in beside the "Chop bar"(stand where Jerry's wife cooks and sells food) and goats keep coming out and around us picking up the trash etc.
Got to run, James is kicking me off this small computer,
Love and miss you all,
Paul
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
From Eric
Paige & The Rugrats:
Sorry for that incomplete entry from yesterday. I was just blogging along when the Senya preacher came calling at the front door to talk about the work there. We ate lunch here at base camp and had a great conversation. Anyway, by the time I tried to get back to finish my entry, there was other work to be done.
And so, to reiterate, this place is everything I remembered - - and then some. It is as if I have lived in Fettah all my life. Phelpsy and I sat in the village center with some of the church members after my sermon last night, and the folks just kept coming around; to see, to observe, to greet, to talk, to listen. Twas my best Fettah moment ever.
We took an hour or so to go down to the ocean yesterday. Jonesy and I swam. The rest of the group laughed at our craziness. The dip was SOOOOO refreshing because it is SOOOOO unearthly hot & humid. The sweat drips into your plate as you eat, and when I went to steal a stick of Phelpsy's gum an hour ago, I realized it was almost completely liquidified and poured out of the pack like maple syrup. . . . . I AM NOT KIDDING!
I have spent most of this day back up in Fettah with a couple of the church members from there. We have been going around encouraging the Christians there, just sitting and talking. The thing that seems more dire to me this time around is the number of children in the village of Fettah who have pertruding stomachs; lots of flies around, more typical of the poverty most Americans associate with Africa. That is so hard to for me to accept. Yesterday, this girl about the age of Reilly who appears to be the primary caregiver for 2 or 3 little bitty ones, handed me her baby brother. His stomach was 4 times normal size, and again, flies everywhere. After I had been holding him for a few minutes, the flies went away. Maybe it was my mosquito repellant. Anyway, the girl was saying to me (I am quite sure this is what she was trying to communicate to me) that if I would keep holding the baby that the flies would not come back. It just rips your heart out.
The Ghana cede was at a 1-1 ratio last time we were here. In other words, one dollar was exactly one cede. Now, it is 1.40 cede to 1 dollar. Their currency is devaluing in an already impoverished area.
All is not doom and gloom at all. The children are bright, resilient and hopeful. Little angels they are. The men and women here are generally very strong, full of dignified pride.
My travel companions are the best human beings in this world. They run the clinic with total professionalism, empathy, humility, ever deferential to the Ghanaian doctors, which is both wise and effective. I love these guys. If there is a better church in America better than the Farragut Church of Christ, I wish someone would show me.
We are going to Senya after clinic today. Dave, Julie, Jean, Jon and I are taking the hot and bumpy road there to meet with the preacher at 4:00. He is tirelessly trying to replicate a scaled down version there of The Village of Hope. That will be quite the trip. We don't want to over-extend and water down our efforts here at VOH, but the need in Senya is SOOOOO massive, and the Christians there have been so faithful and so patient for so long, I think it at least behooves us to check it out again. Jean, Jon and I have been there before, Dave and Julie have not. It will be a shock to them. Soon as we leave Senya, we will come back through Fettah and arrive there for church service right at 7:00. In other words, long and busy afternoon ahead
Gotta go. I love you guys SOOOOO very much. Don't know why I keep typing the word "so" like that. HA! I will see you beautiful things in 5 and a half more days. Thank you for being such a wonderful wife and family.
Eric (Daddy)
Sorry for that incomplete entry from yesterday. I was just blogging along when the Senya preacher came calling at the front door to talk about the work there. We ate lunch here at base camp and had a great conversation. Anyway, by the time I tried to get back to finish my entry, there was other work to be done.
And so, to reiterate, this place is everything I remembered - - and then some. It is as if I have lived in Fettah all my life. Phelpsy and I sat in the village center with some of the church members after my sermon last night, and the folks just kept coming around; to see, to observe, to greet, to talk, to listen. Twas my best Fettah moment ever.
We took an hour or so to go down to the ocean yesterday. Jonesy and I swam. The rest of the group laughed at our craziness. The dip was SOOOOO refreshing because it is SOOOOO unearthly hot & humid. The sweat drips into your plate as you eat, and when I went to steal a stick of Phelpsy's gum an hour ago, I realized it was almost completely liquidified and poured out of the pack like maple syrup. . . . . I AM NOT KIDDING!
I have spent most of this day back up in Fettah with a couple of the church members from there. We have been going around encouraging the Christians there, just sitting and talking. The thing that seems more dire to me this time around is the number of children in the village of Fettah who have pertruding stomachs; lots of flies around, more typical of the poverty most Americans associate with Africa. That is so hard to for me to accept. Yesterday, this girl about the age of Reilly who appears to be the primary caregiver for 2 or 3 little bitty ones, handed me her baby brother. His stomach was 4 times normal size, and again, flies everywhere. After I had been holding him for a few minutes, the flies went away. Maybe it was my mosquito repellant. Anyway, the girl was saying to me (I am quite sure this is what she was trying to communicate to me) that if I would keep holding the baby that the flies would not come back. It just rips your heart out.
The Ghana cede was at a 1-1 ratio last time we were here. In other words, one dollar was exactly one cede. Now, it is 1.40 cede to 1 dollar. Their currency is devaluing in an already impoverished area.
All is not doom and gloom at all. The children are bright, resilient and hopeful. Little angels they are. The men and women here are generally very strong, full of dignified pride.
My travel companions are the best human beings in this world. They run the clinic with total professionalism, empathy, humility, ever deferential to the Ghanaian doctors, which is both wise and effective. I love these guys. If there is a better church in America better than the Farragut Church of Christ, I wish someone would show me.
We are going to Senya after clinic today. Dave, Julie, Jean, Jon and I are taking the hot and bumpy road there to meet with the preacher at 4:00. He is tirelessly trying to replicate a scaled down version there of The Village of Hope. That will be quite the trip. We don't want to over-extend and water down our efforts here at VOH, but the need in Senya is SOOOOO massive, and the Christians there have been so faithful and so patient for so long, I think it at least behooves us to check it out again. Jean, Jon and I have been there before, Dave and Julie have not. It will be a shock to them. Soon as we leave Senya, we will come back through Fettah and arrive there for church service right at 7:00. In other words, long and busy afternoon ahead
Gotta go. I love you guys SOOOOO very much. Don't know why I keep typing the word "so" like that. HA! I will see you beautiful things in 5 and a half more days. Thank you for being such a wonderful wife and family.
Eric (Daddy)
Monday, March 29, 2010
From Jon
Hey everyone,
Second year for Alex, Cameron and I to be here and we are still impacted with a variety of feelings, starting with the hot humid air that blasts your face as you walk of the plane in Accra, Ghana. Whether you almost step on a chicken as it races across the road or you see a beaming bright smile from a 4 year old, sitting in abject poverty (don’t tell her, she does not know), there are innumerable “hits” that one takes as they stroll around the grounds at the Village of Hope, play basketball with the kids or look into the eyes of a fevered, 5 month old child who weighs 8 lbs!
Surprize: We did not have to work all day today, Monday, seeing medical patients as we usually do each day! So, we went to the “beach” down the road from the VOH. Really the beach is just a strip of brown sand littered with handmade wooden fishing boats and their nets, plus a little garbage and stray chickens/chicken manure! Yes, some of us went swimming in the ocean while the sane ones wondered if our wallets were in our shorts or not…I got in ½ way and cooled off, but Cameron got everything but her head and face wet. Walking to and from the beach we passed a grove of trees praying over multiple grave sites and sarcophagi, but a multi-level concrete shell of a church had been placed in the center of this sleeping ground of dead bones. Erie at best. Our feet innocently strode between poverty that makes the projects of Knoxville or any major city in the USA an upper-middle class, dusted with the soil that would be made into blocks and bricks to finish the church building shell or continued the block fence that seals of the beach resort ½ block before our descent through the “backyards” of the block houses of squalor. How can there be social justice, heavenly grace, and human love be mingled in this place? We cannot answer this question, but we are here to continue what was started here 6 years ago with FCC contributing time, $, and medical/optometric assistance to the VOH. Ours is to do what we can in a way that opens the door for Jesus to be seen. Therefore, I pray that God will turn us “inside out” as we continue this week to best reveal how God loves and can use even me. While giving of what we say is “ourselves”, we actually the ones taught, about love, contentment, and peace by those we came to serve. A spiritual irony whether in the VOH or on a dusty road to “the beach”.
Thank you for praying for us,
Jon Parham, DO
Second year for Alex, Cameron and I to be here and we are still impacted with a variety of feelings, starting with the hot humid air that blasts your face as you walk of the plane in Accra, Ghana. Whether you almost step on a chicken as it races across the road or you see a beaming bright smile from a 4 year old, sitting in abject poverty (don’t tell her, she does not know), there are innumerable “hits” that one takes as they stroll around the grounds at the Village of Hope, play basketball with the kids or look into the eyes of a fevered, 5 month old child who weighs 8 lbs!
Surprize: We did not have to work all day today, Monday, seeing medical patients as we usually do each day! So, we went to the “beach” down the road from the VOH. Really the beach is just a strip of brown sand littered with handmade wooden fishing boats and their nets, plus a little garbage and stray chickens/chicken manure! Yes, some of us went swimming in the ocean while the sane ones wondered if our wallets were in our shorts or not…I got in ½ way and cooled off, but Cameron got everything but her head and face wet. Walking to and from the beach we passed a grove of trees praying over multiple grave sites and sarcophagi, but a multi-level concrete shell of a church had been placed in the center of this sleeping ground of dead bones. Erie at best. Our feet innocently strode between poverty that makes the projects of Knoxville or any major city in the USA an upper-middle class, dusted with the soil that would be made into blocks and bricks to finish the church building shell or continued the block fence that seals of the beach resort ½ block before our descent through the “backyards” of the block houses of squalor. How can there be social justice, heavenly grace, and human love be mingled in this place? We cannot answer this question, but we are here to continue what was started here 6 years ago with FCC contributing time, $, and medical/optometric assistance to the VOH. Ours is to do what we can in a way that opens the door for Jesus to be seen. Therefore, I pray that God will turn us “inside out” as we continue this week to best reveal how God loves and can use even me. While giving of what we say is “ourselves”, we actually the ones taught, about love, contentment, and peace by those we came to serve. A spiritual irony whether in the VOH or on a dusty road to “the beach”.
Thank you for praying for us,
Jon Parham, DO
From Jean
Monday March 29 6:00pm
I love this place. The people are so precious. It was so good to see all the teachers again! The These teachers, house parents, and all those that minister to this village have such a demanding job. They all work so hard and show us how to put your faith in God. Today, I struggled as to what to do and where to be. Sunday afternoon, Laurie and I sat and listened to the director, Faustina, tell us lots of things going on in the school. Today after school, one of the teachers was giving us her daily schedule and was telling us some of the problems that she faces. We doubt they get many chances to ever unwind or unload! It is overwhelming to see all they do and what little we can do to help them. They are so appreciative of everything!
Laura, the dress you made was a hit! Baaba was thrilled to see me wearing it! One teacher told me that today I was Ghanain because of my dress!
I watched the most precious sight today. Two little girls had their baby dolls and put them on their back, and pulled a blanket up and wrapped it around them and were trying to carry their babies like mommies do here. It was too cute.
Jon saw a baby today that was 5 months old and weighed 8 pounds. You just can’t believe some of the things you see. We are so blessed. Central air is awesome! We have none!
Continue to pray for us that we will be guided to use the time we have to do what God wants us to do.
Love, Jean
I love this place. The people are so precious. It was so good to see all the teachers again! The These teachers, house parents, and all those that minister to this village have such a demanding job. They all work so hard and show us how to put your faith in God. Today, I struggled as to what to do and where to be. Sunday afternoon, Laurie and I sat and listened to the director, Faustina, tell us lots of things going on in the school. Today after school, one of the teachers was giving us her daily schedule and was telling us some of the problems that she faces. We doubt they get many chances to ever unwind or unload! It is overwhelming to see all they do and what little we can do to help them. They are so appreciative of everything!
Laura, the dress you made was a hit! Baaba was thrilled to see me wearing it! One teacher told me that today I was Ghanain because of my dress!
I watched the most precious sight today. Two little girls had their baby dolls and put them on their back, and pulled a blanket up and wrapped it around them and were trying to carry their babies like mommies do here. It was too cute.
Jon saw a baby today that was 5 months old and weighed 8 pounds. You just can’t believe some of the things you see. We are so blessed. Central air is awesome! We have none!
Continue to pray for us that we will be guided to use the time we have to do what God wants us to do.
Love, Jean
From Eric
Paige, Reilly & Reagan (and Kaeli, of course)
Where to begin??? Just as inspiring here in Ghana as I remembered from two years ago. The one big advantage of it being my second trip here is the opportunity to rekindle some friendships that were first formed in March, 2008. The love and warmth of the Christians I discovered and that so inspired me my first time here remains. I have a found a feeling in my heart since first...
[ incomplete from Eric]
Where to begin??? Just as inspiring here in Ghana as I remembered from two years ago. The one big advantage of it being my second trip here is the opportunity to rekindle some friendships that were first formed in March, 2008. The love and warmth of the Christians I discovered and that so inspired me my first time here remains. I have a found a feeling in my heart since first...
[ incomplete from Eric]
Good Morning, Ghana!
So glad to hear that you have arrived safely with all luggage and in good health and spirits. I am working on the "comments" settings so that your families can leave comments for you to read. We are all well here and exciting about your work at the Village of Hope this week.
Our prayers are with you this week. God Bless!
Anna
Our prayers are with you this week. God Bless!
Anna
from Paul and Dorian
Monday 29, 2010
Good morning, seems like I just went to bed and now--Doloris and I have already made a long and hot walk out past the wells—saw a nice rather large dead scorpion(10X the size of the one we had in our sinks at the men’s gathering in the mountains). The kids were singing in one of the homes really early—before the birds even woke up.
It goes without saying it is great to be back at the Village of Hope. Yesterday we had a wonderful time with the Fettah Church. Eric Bonner preached yesterday morning and I preached last night. We have been invited to speak each night out at the Fettah church.Old acquaintances were overjoyed to see us again. The young men were very appreciative and made sure to spend time reconnecting. The hospitality shown by the men and women was above par. Issac, the preacher at Fettah, continues to be a steady and capable leader, we are looking forward to working with him at the medical clinic. I was appreciative to have a friend walk me back to the Village of Hope following church services yesterday morning. We are certainly blessed.
To say it is hot is an understatement; if someone could dip their finger and give us a drop of water to cool our tongues (Luke 16:24). It is so hot, and the dribble of our water in the bathrooms has us, in the words of Lauri Denton,--“sweating bubbles” as a result.
Paul
at Monday breakfast
Please keep up the prayers. Today will be a challenging day. Our group is doing great and there is a great spirit among all. Our continued efforts are paying off with a spirit of cooperation and mutual love here and in the hearts of many people in this area. Love to all,PaulDear KymKaleigh and I are well. Today is the first day of the eye clinic. Kaleigh worked veryhard yesterday preparing the clinic for today.
I got to see Dana’s brother Dauni for 20 minutes before he went back to school yesterday.
Love Dorian
Good morning, seems like I just went to bed and now--Doloris and I have already made a long and hot walk out past the wells—saw a nice rather large dead scorpion(10X the size of the one we had in our sinks at the men’s gathering in the mountains). The kids were singing in one of the homes really early—before the birds even woke up.
It goes without saying it is great to be back at the Village of Hope. Yesterday we had a wonderful time with the Fettah Church. Eric Bonner preached yesterday morning and I preached last night. We have been invited to speak each night out at the Fettah church.Old acquaintances were overjoyed to see us again. The young men were very appreciative and made sure to spend time reconnecting. The hospitality shown by the men and women was above par. Issac, the preacher at Fettah, continues to be a steady and capable leader, we are looking forward to working with him at the medical clinic. I was appreciative to have a friend walk me back to the Village of Hope following church services yesterday morning. We are certainly blessed.
To say it is hot is an understatement; if someone could dip their finger and give us a drop of water to cool our tongues (Luke 16:24). It is so hot, and the dribble of our water in the bathrooms has us, in the words of Lauri Denton,--“sweating bubbles” as a result.
Paul
at Monday breakfast
Please keep up the prayers. Today will be a challenging day. Our group is doing great and there is a great spirit among all. Our continued efforts are paying off with a spirit of cooperation and mutual love here and in the hearts of many people in this area. Love to all,PaulDear KymKaleigh and I are well. Today is the first day of the eye clinic. Kaleigh worked veryhard yesterday preparing the clinic for today.
I got to see Dana’s brother Dauni for 20 minutes before he went back to school yesterday.
Love Dorian
Sunday night post
Sunday Night
We had a great day today. The singing at the Fetteh Church of Christ this morning was awesome. The last song of the morning, the leader came back and taught some of us a part and words. The song had several parts, Afterward he pointed back to me and said, That momma was singing! Then he came back and told me I needed to come stay at Fetteh and he would teach me how to sing! So, maybe theres hope!
We found out today that the schools close Wed. afternoon for Easter break. That changes plans quite a bit, but well just revise our plans! Well all be really pushing to get in what we can.
Glynn, I fell tonight on the sidewalk when my flip flop shoe caught and turned under. I landed on the sidewalk, cut my foot and my glasses flew off into the grass. My fan crashed and batteries went flying. I was running to the house next door, because I didnt have bug spray on, but instead was then sitting on the sidewalk looking at the batteries, glasses, battery cover, fan and a bloody scrape on my foot! The plan did not work quite as well as I had in mind.
Tomorrow morning I get to renew friendships with all the preschool teachers! I am so excited!
We have such a great group here. It just seems hotter this year than the last few years, but we are surviving and trying to keep drinking gallons of water.
FCCP teachers that helped me figure out how to decorate the canvas bags for the teachers I decided today to take all the stuff to school and let them decorate it the way they wanted to! I think they will have fun with that! And I cant mess them up!
Logan and Kayley, I miss you!
Jean
We had a great day today. The singing at the Fetteh Church of Christ this morning was awesome. The last song of the morning, the leader came back and taught some of us a part and words. The song had several parts, Afterward he pointed back to me and said, That momma was singing! Then he came back and told me I needed to come stay at Fetteh and he would teach me how to sing! So, maybe theres hope!
We found out today that the schools close Wed. afternoon for Easter break. That changes plans quite a bit, but well just revise our plans! Well all be really pushing to get in what we can.
Glynn, I fell tonight on the sidewalk when my flip flop shoe caught and turned under. I landed on the sidewalk, cut my foot and my glasses flew off into the grass. My fan crashed and batteries went flying. I was running to the house next door, because I didnt have bug spray on, but instead was then sitting on the sidewalk looking at the batteries, glasses, battery cover, fan and a bloody scrape on my foot! The plan did not work quite as well as I had in mind.
Tomorrow morning I get to renew friendships with all the preschool teachers! I am so excited!
We have such a great group here. It just seems hotter this year than the last few years, but we are surviving and trying to keep drinking gallons of water.
FCCP teachers that helped me figure out how to decorate the canvas bags for the teachers I decided today to take all the stuff to school and let them decorate it the way they wanted to! I think they will have fun with that! And I cant mess them up!
Logan and Kayley, I miss you!
Jean
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Second Post
Making progress on connecting to the internet with repeatability.
Here's Jeans post from last night.
VOH 100327
Saturday 3/27/10
Greetings from Ghana!! Dr. Mike, thank you for sending us off with prayer and thank you for asking for specifics! We arrived with all trunks and all luggage! Yea! And, yes, while we were waiting for the bus there was a wonderful gentle breeze. We thanked God and thanked you for asking for it! Well, tonight I am going to tell you about bathroom adventures! Two of us have already gotten in trouble and both were in an airport bathroom! FCCP teachers, I was washing my hands and then pulled off paper towels and started to dry my hands. Before I could use the towel to turn off the faucet a lady airport worker leaned over and pushed the faucet down. I looked over at her and she said, “I just can not watch that!” I said, “I was about to turn it off with the paper towel.” Her reply, “Now, you don’t have to because I did it for you.” So, let it be known to all of Germany that I am sorry I wasted water!When we arrived in Accra, some of us were in the bathroom waiting our turn. Sheena was coming out and a big security lady pushed in front of everyone and went in. She turned backed to Sheena and frowned and said, “You did not flush!” Sheena replied, “I tried to, but it wouldn’t flush. The lady came out and just glared at Sheena. The rest of us were about to break up. Then when the lady walked into customs as we were walking through, Sheena was just sure she was going to come get her. It was pretty funny.So then we went to a restaurant to eat before coming to the village. In that bathroom, the soap bottle was Head and Shoulders!!!! That was a new approach, but our hands are dandruff free! And they had no towels!! So the ole drip dry method had to be put into action.What a fun day! We had a great devo tonight lead by the ever energetic Erik Bonner and now to bed. G, M,A,L,K,C,R,and T, I love you all! Jean
Here's Jeans post from last night.
VOH 100327
Saturday 3/27/10
Greetings from Ghana!! Dr. Mike, thank you for sending us off with prayer and thank you for asking for specifics! We arrived with all trunks and all luggage! Yea! And, yes, while we were waiting for the bus there was a wonderful gentle breeze. We thanked God and thanked you for asking for it! Well, tonight I am going to tell you about bathroom adventures! Two of us have already gotten in trouble and both were in an airport bathroom! FCCP teachers, I was washing my hands and then pulled off paper towels and started to dry my hands. Before I could use the towel to turn off the faucet a lady airport worker leaned over and pushed the faucet down. I looked over at her and she said, “I just can not watch that!” I said, “I was about to turn it off with the paper towel.” Her reply, “Now, you don’t have to because I did it for you.” So, let it be known to all of Germany that I am sorry I wasted water!When we arrived in Accra, some of us were in the bathroom waiting our turn. Sheena was coming out and a big security lady pushed in front of everyone and went in. She turned backed to Sheena and frowned and said, “You did not flush!” Sheena replied, “I tried to, but it wouldn’t flush. The lady came out and just glared at Sheena. The rest of us were about to break up. Then when the lady walked into customs as we were walking through, Sheena was just sure she was going to come get her. It was pretty funny.So then we went to a restaurant to eat before coming to the village. In that bathroom, the soap bottle was Head and Shoulders!!!! That was a new approach, but our hands are dandruff free! And they had no towels!! So the ole drip dry method had to be put into action.What a fun day! We had a great devo tonight lead by the ever energetic Erik Bonner and now to bed. G, M,A,L,K,C,R,and T, I love you all! Jean
VOH 2010
As the first post of this trip, we wish to let you know that we have arrived safety. We are learning the new way to access the internet, and it has a promise of being easier to use.
James
James
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