Echoing Hills

Echoing Hills is a home for people with disabilities. Here in Ghana people are cast away when they have a disability- leaving many to fend for themselves. This home gives many of them a safe place to live and become a productive part of society whenever possible. We met one young blind man who was studying to be able to enter a trade school in order to become a teacher. It is his dream to teach in a "regular" school so he can show the children that even people with disabilities can be a part of the "regular world." We prayed with him and will continue to pray that God will use him as an example to others.

There were many more clients at Echoing Hills and we were able to help in their school. Ruth and I helped some students with their writing and provided coloring pages for others. Jim was teaching others how to tell time, and we could hear them sing songs. One gentleman I was working with showed me his Bible- he was very proud that he owned a nice Bible with pictures and maps and asked me to read to him. I read him John 3:16-21 and had a short conversation about Jesus. It was then time for lunch and time for us to go home. However- before we left a young man who we had spoken to earlier was trying his best to get us to stay for lunch. He was deaf, and I was trying my best to understand him and interpret what he was saying and what we wanted to say to him. I was the only one from our team who knew any sign language- and that is limited! He was very funny and took my arm and sat us at a table where we continued to try to convince him we were not staying to eat. There was a lot of laughter and lighthearted conversation. He was enjoying the fact that we could understand him (almost). I enjoyed my time I am excited to go back later when the other team arrives.

The babies continue to do well. They do like to be held A LOT! And I am dong my best not to spoil them. I want to hold them all the time, and it is hard to hear them cry. But, I have to remember that ALL babies cry, and the McIntyres will be on their own once we all leave. And, once the others arrive there will be more people wanting to hold the babies. It is a good thing you cannot love babies too much!!

The McIntyres did take out little baby girl to a clinic, and we are waiting to hear back from the doctor. We continue to pray that God will heal her and make her a happy healthy little one.

We helped fold and sort lots of baby clothes helping Debbie establish a system that will help her be organized. Their baby room is looking pretty good. That will all change once the others arrive with more baby items..... but I am looking forward to helping sort all that stuff as well. It is wonderful to see how much they have received already- but I know there is so much more they will need to care for these adorable little ones.