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
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