Saturday and Sunday

It is late, but I thought I had better post an update about what we have been doing these past two days. On Saturday we visited a boys home- Haatcho (not sure about the spelling). This is a home where boys can live in a safe environment and receive an education- both academic and biblical. These boys' parents live on the street and are not able to provide for their basic needs. This home is run through an organization called Handi*Vangilism. We were able to meet two men who help run the home, and are very involved with these boys' lives. They are working on building a small apartment-like home on site for one of these men and his family, but have run out of funds, so they must wait. For now, the man continues his ministry both at the home and on the streets, while his wife and daughters must live with family about 2 hours away. I do not know where he is living at the moment, but I do know he does not let the lack of a home prevent him from spreading the Word of God.

Sunday morning we visited another church. This church was at the boys' home and was absolutely amazing! The energy the people put into their worship was both inspiring and energizing. Words cannot explain what this service was like. After church I was dropped off at the McIntyre's home while the rest of the team went to Echoing Hills for lunch. Here in Ghana tomatoes are a staple food! Due to the fact I am allergic to tomatoes, we thought it best that I eat food I know doesn't contain tomatoes. I was sad to miss the meal, but I am determined to stay healthy in order to come home in a few days!

After lunch the team came back for me and we then drove to what is known as the Yam Market. In fact, it is a refugee camp where yams are sold. There are 23,000 people in a small area, and the living conditions are nothing what we would consider to be acceptable. I was amazed how happy the children were even thought they had nothing. I was practically mobbed (okay- I was mobbed!) when handing out pencils! The children were so excited to receive anything they couldn't contain themselves.

We were able to take a tour of their homes and community. Everyone was so very friendly! I have never in my life walked with so many children clinging to me! Not only did I have one child holding each hand; I practically had one child holding each finger, and some hanging onto my arms. This made it difficult to follow the narrow path at times, but it was a wonderful experience. Never have I experienced so much love by so many people!

I pray God uses this experience to change me. I need to be thankful for the things I have, and the things I am able to provide for my family. I will be praying for all the people I have met on this trip.

Tomorrow will be another busy day- but it will be day of tourism. We will be going on the canopy walk- where I'm told there are rope bridges to cross at very high altitudes! We will then visit a slave castle where slaves were sold back "in the day". We will conclude our day with a visit to the beach. This will be the last planned experience for us here in Ghana. We leave for home Tuesday evening- and I have to admit I am very homesick.