Ghana Team Journal

Today, as in all others, we are greeted by a table full of food and drink exquisitely prepared by our distinguished chef, Bless. Our band of twelve eagerly shares our morning meal and inspiring journal entry before heading off to our respective destinations. Ellen, Ben, Amy, Debbie, Ryan and Lisa head towards the B’ Akoto School where the team divides between classrooms and
shovels. Judy proceeds to the Methodist School and Monique to the Nana Amo.

Lynn, Mark and Kathleen head to the Akwamuman Senior High School for a meeting with the Headmaster. During our conversation, the Headmaster expresses his concern that the students in his school are challenged by their science courses. Being the committed leader that he is, he turns to us for our thoughts and suggestions. We proceed to have a lively conversation where Mark mentions that he has several textbooks that may assist the students in their academics as it contains several samples SAT tests. He explains that the students can take these sample tests in practice for future examinations. The Headmaster is most pleased and grateful to Mark and warmly receives these books. We further discuss ways in which we can serve the Headmaster in
supporting his students and we reconfirm our meeting for Wednesday at 7:30am where Ellen will give her inspirational presentation on “planning for achieving
goals”.

When we complete our meeting with the Headmaster, we move and visit the Assistant Headmaster. He has agreed to provide us with the Year 1 grades and Year 2 first term grades for all of the scholarship students. This is a time consuming endeavor as none of this information is computerized. Therefore, we sort through school files and photocopy the student’s results. We soon realize that our labor is worth the effort for most of the students have done well.

At around 1:00pm, all members of our team return to the St James Guest House tired yet satisfied by a morning of accomplishment and fun. After showers, we sit down to yet another fine lunch and share a lively conversation about today’s activities and weekend plans.

During lunch, weekend plans are finalized. Judy, Deb and Catherine will leave later in the afternoon for the trip they have planned to the various art, craft and weaving centers in the vicinity of Hohoe while the Rogan’s and Monique intend to head for an adventure to the
Monkey Sanctuary and the waterfall. After another wonderful dinner, Ellen, Ben and Amy watch a movie on Mark’s computer while Lynn, Lisa, Mark and Kathleen talk, tease, type and discuss information about the scholarship students and they prepare for the meeting to be held on Saturday at the library with the second year scholarship students.

It is hard for me to believe that our first week has come to a close. I am sad to think that the junior members of our team, Ben and Amy, will be leaving us on Sunday. They have been a refreshing infusion of “young blood” and my heart is full knowing that the torch of service has been passed down and eagerly received by this younger generation. We will miss you Ben and Amy!

As I climb into bed, I reflect back upon our week. I feel delighted and blessed to be sharing these wonderful days and remarkable experiences with such an incredible group of people. After months of Arab Spring and Republican debates, my wistful heart has been lifted by the power of love, friendship and service that we have all shared this week.

Lastly, I embrace my thoughts and feelings about the community. After years of visits, we have not tired of each other. The friendly smiles and warm waves continue to grace us as we make our way through the community each morning and afternoon. Our tutoring at the library continues to be filled with the hungry eyes and eager minds of the children from the community. Little King Bello’s shyness and fears have receded as he joins my lap to read yet another book. Big black eyes look up at me as we cuddle together and turn the pages. Many young minds are growing and hearts are glowing as knowledge and love are shared between arms joined from across the globe. This is the gift and it keeps on growing when I join yet another service
program to Ghana. It is for these reasons that I cannot stop myself from coming back.