The last two days have been very interesting here in Ghana. Tuesday we tried to find a place to swim- but all the hotel pools were too dirty- so we came back to the house and ate lunch. The others went to a pool a friend suggested while Debbie and I stayed home with the little ones. It was nice to sit back and relax and talk with Debbie. The babies slept and played nicely giving us a time to relax.
The next day I woke up feeling awful. My stomach hurt and my body ached. I thought- great! I'm going to get sick in Ghana!! I spent the day resting and even took a nap. I wasn't able to eat much at all- and I just didn't feel well. I took some medicine and began to feel better. By the grace of God I woke up feeling great! I was able to help finish preparations for the team that arrived today and I was able to eat! Thank you God!
The team arrived safe and sound, as well as their luggage! Which means all of our luggage from both teams made it to Ghana without a hitch!!!! God is so wonderful.
Now the house if full of people, and the babies are in heaven! There are so many arm just waiting to hold a baby. There are now a total of 9 females and 4 males to hold the 2 babies. We will see who holds the babies the most.
We will see what tomorrow brings. So far the plans we make day to day change in an instant. I am surprised at how well that is going. I'm not one to need a huge plan, but I do like to know what is happening from day to day. But, I have found these schedule changes to be God's work and have not felt stressed at all. I know God has a purpose for my being here, and I trust He will show us where he wants us to be, and when he wants us to be there.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Ghanaian Church Service
What a wonderful experience we had today! Debbie brought us to a Ghanaian church where we were welcomed warmly. we were given front row seats, and were asked to introduce ourselves (along with the other visitors). The message was very empowering, and very interesting as well. The Pastor spoke in English, then there were two interpreters who took turns interpreting what the Pastor was saying. It was amazing! The songs we sang were some of the same songs I have sung in church in the U.S. which made it easy to participate. It rained during the service which brought a nice cool breeze through the windows which felt so nice. Once church was over we were introduced to a few people, then we were the only ones to leave. We were informed that the Ghanaian people do not like the rain, so they would wait inside.
Jim did the driving which is something I would NEVER do here in Ghana. The rules for driving here are very different, and I don't think I'd be able to make it a mile without causing an accident. But, it is nice that Jim is able (and willing) to do some driving which makes it easier for Brian to do other things when he needs to.
After church we went to the mall to eat lunch. It was a lot like eating at a food court in the U.S. We were all able to order food we liked and then do a little window shopping. The prices here are crazy!! Baby things (toys, formula, cribs, etc.) are so much more expensive here than back home. I don't know how anyone can afford to buy anything for their babies. I think Brian and Debbie are going to need a lot of help from us in the U.S. to send them baby things once they know exactly what they will need. There is no way they will be able to afford the things they need if they purchase them here!! Disposable diapers are almost $1 each!!!!
Tomorrow we will be visiting Echoing Hills which is a home for the disabled. I'm sure it will be a fantastic experience and we will be able to share our love with people who have been discarded in this culture.
Jim did the driving which is something I would NEVER do here in Ghana. The rules for driving here are very different, and I don't think I'd be able to make it a mile without causing an accident. But, it is nice that Jim is able (and willing) to do some driving which makes it easier for Brian to do other things when he needs to.
After church we went to the mall to eat lunch. It was a lot like eating at a food court in the U.S. We were all able to order food we liked and then do a little window shopping. The prices here are crazy!! Baby things (toys, formula, cribs, etc.) are so much more expensive here than back home. I don't know how anyone can afford to buy anything for their babies. I think Brian and Debbie are going to need a lot of help from us in the U.S. to send them baby things once they know exactly what they will need. There is no way they will be able to afford the things they need if they purchase them here!! Disposable diapers are almost $1 each!!!!
Tomorrow we will be visiting Echoing Hills which is a home for the disabled. I'm sure it will be a fantastic experience and we will be able to share our love with people who have been discarded in this culture.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Shopping Day
Today was a shopping day for us. We went to a market where they make and sell many amazing things. I wanted to bring it all home! There were some amazing wooden figures, bowls, and drums, and also many beautiful fabrics and dresses. I discovered I am not very good at bargaining- luckily the McIntyre's son went along and was able to get me some very good deals. I had a great time observing him bargain with the shop owners, and wish I could do the same..... maybe next time.
The two little ones continue to do do well. The little boy was not as happy today as we have seen him, but he has been through so much who can blame him for having a sad day. The little girl continues to hum and has begun to say "dada". Both babies are so precious I know it will be difficult to leave them. I ask that you pray for both children to continue adjusting to their new home, and that they may forget about the life they had prior to being here. Both have been through a lot and still have a lot to overcome.
I am pleased to say we have all been able to get along here at the house. Everyone is willing to fill a need wherever they find one. We have all taken our turns with the dishes, meal prep, and of course holding the babies. I pray we continue to get along- especially as the house fills with more people when the other team arrives. There will be a total of 8 US team members, 5 McIntyres, and 2 babies. That is a lot for one house, but I know we can do it. I cannot thank the McIntyres enough for opening their home and sharing their entire family with us. I'm sure it is not as easy as they make it look.
This trip has been nothing like what I expected. But, I have enjoyed every minute of it! I do miss my family and cannot wait to see them again; but I am so glad I am here. I will have many stories to tell and many pictures to share.
The two little ones continue to do do well. The little boy was not as happy today as we have seen him, but he has been through so much who can blame him for having a sad day. The little girl continues to hum and has begun to say "dada". Both babies are so precious I know it will be difficult to leave them. I ask that you pray for both children to continue adjusting to their new home, and that they may forget about the life they had prior to being here. Both have been through a lot and still have a lot to overcome.
I am pleased to say we have all been able to get along here at the house. Everyone is willing to fill a need wherever they find one. We have all taken our turns with the dishes, meal prep, and of course holding the babies. I pray we continue to get along- especially as the house fills with more people when the other team arrives. There will be a total of 8 US team members, 5 McIntyres, and 2 babies. That is a lot for one house, but I know we can do it. I cannot thank the McIntyres enough for opening their home and sharing their entire family with us. I'm sure it is not as easy as they make it look.
This trip has been nothing like what I expected. But, I have enjoyed every minute of it! I do miss my family and cannot wait to see them again; but I am so glad I am here. I will have many stories to tell and many pictures to share.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Market Day
Today we went to the market. We saw new things and smelled new smells. We enjoyed the experience so much! We found some beautiful material that Ruth will take home and create something wonderful when we get home.
Before we went to the market we visited one of the hospitals. I am very thankful for the hospitals in the U.S.A. We waited a very long time for something very simple. I will now be much more patient when waiting in a long line at the pharmacy at WalMart!
We are also enjoying the little ones here at the McIntyres. They are becoming so much happier and are very playful. It is such a joy to see what a lot of love and nourishment can do! God is so wonderful! I continue to praise God for sending me on this trip!
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