August 29, 2010

Prepared by Pat

Quote for the day: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer

After a long night for Esther, waiting and picking up people from the airport at all hours, we all leave for Senchi-Ferry. It’s our first day we’re meeting the children. It’s what I’ve been waiting most to see! The drive from Accra was an eyeful and hard to look at, similar to other developing countries. But there were still smiles, warm welcomes and a sense of community. One thing that struck me was how nice and well-dressed the people looked, walking home from church: clean and polished, very nice outfits and happy. They probably walked a long distance too. There were lots of people (maybe families), gathered together. We could certainly learn from that: the respect of dressing up for church and the community time. It seemed odd to me to see so many farm animals roaming loose everywhere: lots of goats, chickens, and skinny cows. I wondered what Africa was like, or what Ghana was like 100, or 50 years ago?? How much has changed for the people who live here?

Today was about team-building. What a beautiful group of people we have on our team! We have the young, (the ages of our children), and the old, us! I think we’re going to make a great team. We’re already planning how we would like to attack the work at hand, and what kind of free time activities to do together. The exercises Esther had for us to do today were very insightful and a great way to get us all on the same page.

Our walk to the village was interesting and fun. We met lots of children along the way who came out to greet us want their picture. We were all very happy to be so welcomed! The cameras couldn’t stop clicking. I can speak for the team when I say how honored and humbled we felt to be welcomed so warmly by the chiefs, Queen Mother, the mayor and all the other dignitaries, as well as the children. I loved it!

We also got to see the library, our work site. There is a lot to do!!! But we’re determined to get it done: for the awesome community and most of all for the children!