Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Please join us on Sunday, March 27th at Mayville Lutheran Church. We will be serving lunch starting at about 11am (after worship) in the church basement. At approximately 12:15pm we will be sharing our experiences, pictures, and videos in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
From Millie Vanderpool, Church Account Manager, World Vision USA
Greetings everyone from Millie Vanderpool. I'm very blessed to have been the leader of the trips here in Mali and Ghana with the gals in Mali and then with everyone in Ghana. Words can't even begin to come out as to what I'd like to share. From the beginning we all got along as if I knew everyone for years. Hearing stories of the Mayville community and your churches made me feel like I've visited your churches. I will try to visit in the future as it seems like I already know you. That's what is great about being part of God's family we feel connected through the power of the Holy Spirit.
With each day, I saw each person be uplifted and transformed a little at a time in different ways. I know you will enjoy hearing their stories.
For all of you sponsoring children or providing clean water to a community, there are no words that even begin to thank you on behalf of those being blessed today and for generations to come.
I look forward to the future trips when we see outhouses (or bathrooms of some sort) washing areas, specic cooking preservation classes and so much more.
I know we will never take for granted a bathroom with privacy, clean water to drink, clean medical clinics,or our children being healthy and strong ever again. And the list goes on and on.
I will leave you for now, but, please know as your church advisor for World Vision you can call or email me at anytime with questions or if you want to sponsor more children. It will be my honor and blessing to do so.
As I close, I will end with a prayer- "Father God, please continue to wrap your arms of protection around those that came to Africa and protect their hearts and minds to what they say. Use it for your glory and purpose and show them the way in which you want them to use their experiences. We pray for those we left behind in Mali and Ghana and those we didn't get to meet. The orphans, street children, abused children and women, the ill, the doctors and teachers, WV staff- all we left behind that you give them their daily strength and they look up to you for it and be blessed each day in your presence. May many come to know your through our visit. Let them start asking questions to the right people who will lead them to you. Thank you, Father God, for this opportunity and we ask this all in your Son's name, Jesus. Amen
Monday, March 7, 2011
"Dr. Bob"
I have been asked to describe the second phase of this fact finding trip to West Africa. As you have undoubtedly been told, World Vision USA arranged the trip in coordination with World Vision Mali and World Vision Ghana. The Ghana portion was primarily to visit and learn about the water procurement process and the other programs that World Vision has developed and organized that supplement the Water Development Programs.
I am a retired cardiac surgeon who is a member of the board of a North Dakota based organization called Wellspring of the World. The main function of Wellspring is to encourage donation of funds to be used to "purchase" wells in Ghana. We were aware of the importance of clean, safe water to families in Ghana for health preservation. We wanted to witness first-hand the process of drilling bore hole wells. I must admit that I did not expect the emotional and spiritual impact of witnessing this often complicated and time consuming process in deciding where to drill a well, prepare and maintaining it and developing the many ancillary programs which improve health, nutrition and the livelihoods of the people of the villages who benefit from the programs of World Vision.
Several important observations -
The people who work for World Vision Ghana are all Africans, most from Ghana. They are amazingly competent, well trained and loving people who could easily make many times the salary they receive from World Vision.
The staff understand the importance of including the people of the villages, not just the village leadership but also the women who traditionally have been ignored, to help decide about well placement and care.
The decision about the well drilling site, of course, must take into account the probability of successfully striking a long term producing water aquifer. This is determined by a team of University trained hydrologists and geologists who use three separate scientific techniques to establish the highest probability of success. Of course, it must be near enough to most of the village households to make it likely that it will be of use. In addition, there is a program of maintenance and protection of the new water source. This is a function of a committee of villagers who are trained to protect the new well and develop a fund to buy parts (usually at reduced cost through World Vision). This gives the village people a sense ownership in the well that is the key to its long term maintenance.
All this detail is probably more than you want to read, but the sight we experienced that I will not forget was the unadulterated joy of the villagers when the well drill entered the aquifer they were hoping for and water gushed forth. The women were dancing and the men shouting. The drill team celebrated by "baptizing" the new hydrologist on the team.
The start of the actual drilling is always preceded by the entire well drilling team joining hands around the well site with the villagers present to pray for God's guidance and protection. This is a clear testimony to the Lord's role in this process.
There is much more I could say, but I will end by saying that I came away from Ghana with deep conviction that it is a worthwhile, God honoring program that is providing new life to thousands of people in Ghana and many other developing countries throughout the world. It is certainly worthy of our investment of time and money. Robert Agnew, MD
I am a retired cardiac surgeon who is a member of the board of a North Dakota based organization called Wellspring of the World. The main function of Wellspring is to encourage donation of funds to be used to "purchase" wells in Ghana. We were aware of the importance of clean, safe water to families in Ghana for health preservation. We wanted to witness first-hand the process of drilling bore hole wells. I must admit that I did not expect the emotional and spiritual impact of witnessing this often complicated and time consuming process in deciding where to drill a well, prepare and maintaining it and developing the many ancillary programs which improve health, nutrition and the livelihoods of the people of the villages who benefit from the programs of World Vision.
Several important observations -
The people who work for World Vision Ghana are all Africans, most from Ghana. They are amazingly competent, well trained and loving people who could easily make many times the salary they receive from World Vision.
The staff understand the importance of including the people of the villages, not just the village leadership but also the women who traditionally have been ignored, to help decide about well placement and care.
The decision about the well drilling site, of course, must take into account the probability of successfully striking a long term producing water aquifer. This is determined by a team of University trained hydrologists and geologists who use three separate scientific techniques to establish the highest probability of success. Of course, it must be near enough to most of the village households to make it likely that it will be of use. In addition, there is a program of maintenance and protection of the new water source. This is a function of a committee of villagers who are trained to protect the new well and develop a fund to buy parts (usually at reduced cost through World Vision). This gives the village people a sense ownership in the well that is the key to its long term maintenance.
All this detail is probably more than you want to read, but the sight we experienced that I will not forget was the unadulterated joy of the villagers when the well drill entered the aquifer they were hoping for and water gushed forth. The women were dancing and the men shouting. The drill team celebrated by "baptizing" the new hydrologist on the team.
The start of the actual drilling is always preceded by the entire well drilling team joining hands around the well site with the villagers present to pray for God's guidance and protection. This is a clear testimony to the Lord's role in this process.
There is much more I could say, but I will end by saying that I came away from Ghana with deep conviction that it is a worthwhile, God honoring program that is providing new life to thousands of people in Ghana and many other developing countries throughout the world. It is certainly worthy of our investment of time and money. Robert Agnew, MD
More Posts
We are just now back - arrived Fargo around 1pm. Because of some technical difficulties some posts to blog were not completed. So, if you are still interested, we will add them now as well as a some pictures. Please see "Dr. Bob" below.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Goodbye, Africa....Sunday March 6,2011
Early this am we flew from Tamale' back to Accra, which is on the Atlantic coast of Ghana. This is where we will depart from this evening for the US.
Temps today are around 100 degrees and very humid. Some of us will stay at the hotel and rest and reflect until our evening flight. Others have ventured out to explore Accra and experience Independence Day in Ghana. Yes, today marks the 54th year of Ghana's independence from Britain. This is a day of celebrations, a major holiday.
As I reflect on this experience, it is difficult to put into words what Africa has taught us...Although we are anxious to get home, it is hard to leave this placeand people we have all grown to love.--Sara
Temps today are around 100 degrees and very humid. Some of us will stay at the hotel and rest and reflect until our evening flight. Others have ventured out to explore Accra and experience Independence Day in Ghana. Yes, today marks the 54th year of Ghana's independence from Britain. This is a day of celebrations, a major holiday.
As I reflect on this experience, it is difficult to put into words what Africa has taught us...Although we are anxious to get home, it is hard to leave this placeand people we have all grown to love.--Sara
Saturday, March 5, 2011 - Irrigation and Women's Shea Butter Co-op
We began our day with a visit to a village where WV had implemented a drip irrigation system for dry season gardening. We were greeted by a hired musical group playing drums, dancing and chanting(we have video for PBJ and Mrs. Melhus). We were ushered to meet the chief by the entire vilage and musicians.
There is a dam that the government built nearby and the WV staff gave them the tools and implemented the system that operates solely by gravity. The plot is 2.5 acres and it supported 50 families or 250 people. The village had to build a mud wall around the area to keep the animals out - no easy task. When the rainy season starts the people will go to the fields planting corn, millet, and other crops. The garden will provide food for those in the village, and the extra will be sold at a market to help provide income.
Crops grown were okra, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, onions, beans, and cashew trees among other things. It amazed us to see the contrast between the first villages we visited with no bore hole well to this community who had developed the irrigation system. WORLD of difference.
We then traveled to a Co-op where women produce Shea Butter. Shea nuts grow on a tree and fall to the ground when mature. The nuts are then gathered by the women and WASHED (in water from a World Vision dug well). They are then crushed and roasted over a hot fire. (Can't imagine that job in 110 degree heat.) Once roasted, they are milled into a brown paste and mixed with cold water and kneaded by hand. This causes the fatty substance to rise to the top, which is then skimmed and boiled. Once cooled ... voila! A new batch of pure shea butter that can be used by the community or shipped to the UK. World Vision's work in providing these women water for their production process has been priceless.
On the way home, the men were gracious enough to allow us to stop at an outdoor market so the women could shop. Shopping is much different here...you barter for everything. The currency in Ghana is the "Cedi" which is worth approximately 67 cents American. We left with many treasures to bring home for family and friends.
Then it was time to return to Tamale', about a 2 hour drive. On the way there, we passed 4 camels on the highway! Our drivers braked so we could snap photos. They said this is rare to see, even for them. Another experience to chalk up! -- Jen and Sara
There is a dam that the government built nearby and the WV staff gave them the tools and implemented the system that operates solely by gravity. The plot is 2.5 acres and it supported 50 families or 250 people. The village had to build a mud wall around the area to keep the animals out - no easy task. When the rainy season starts the people will go to the fields planting corn, millet, and other crops. The garden will provide food for those in the village, and the extra will be sold at a market to help provide income.
Crops grown were okra, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, onions, beans, and cashew trees among other things. It amazed us to see the contrast between the first villages we visited with no bore hole well to this community who had developed the irrigation system. WORLD of difference.
We then traveled to a Co-op where women produce Shea Butter. Shea nuts grow on a tree and fall to the ground when mature. The nuts are then gathered by the women and WASHED (in water from a World Vision dug well). They are then crushed and roasted over a hot fire. (Can't imagine that job in 110 degree heat.) Once roasted, they are milled into a brown paste and mixed with cold water and kneaded by hand. This causes the fatty substance to rise to the top, which is then skimmed and boiled. Once cooled ... voila! A new batch of pure shea butter that can be used by the community or shipped to the UK. World Vision's work in providing these women water for their production process has been priceless.
On the way home, the men were gracious enough to allow us to stop at an outdoor market so the women could shop. Shopping is much different here...you barter for everything. The currency in Ghana is the "Cedi" which is worth approximately 67 cents American. We left with many treasures to bring home for family and friends.
Then it was time to return to Tamale', about a 2 hour drive. On the way there, we passed 4 camels on the highway! Our drivers braked so we could snap photos. They said this is rare to see, even for them. Another experience to chalk up! -- Jen and Sara
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday, March 4th
"WASH" Day - Water, Sanitation and Hygeine (and crocodiles!! ) Friday March 4, 2011
Today was a day filled with education-- for the community we visited, and for us! We joined the World Vision "WASH" team as they visited a village without proper sanitation systems. The team's goal is to develop a plan and work with the village to improve sanitation.
The first item on the agenda was to map out the current situation in the village. The entire community escorted us as we walked the trails through the village. Temps were in the upper 90's-low 100's. The sun has such intensity that it sends you into an immediate full body sweat. The dirt is red, sand-like, and blows in the wind. The river that flows near this village was entirely dry. It remains dry for several months until the rainy season comes in April-May. Whatever water can be found is used to irrigate their gardens--here they grew tobacco, tomatoes, and watermelon. We continued on the trail to a small body of putrid, filthy water which was used for both animal and human consumption. On the way there, we passed near a defecation site....a dirt area where all people in the village use the bathroom simply by squatting, and covering the waste with dirt. There are no bathrooms or latrines, no handwashing facilities. A real eye-opener.
The WASH team from World Vision then educated the villagers using an interpreter and visual cues. The importance of handwashing, covering food from insects, boiling water before use, washing fruits and vegetables before eating were all discussed. It is very important that there is cooperation with the village and WV...it is a true collaboration between them.
Returning home we took a detour by the Chief Crocodile Pond. Out of the swamp crawled several crocodiles to sun themselves on the shore. At this pond, visitors are allowed to touch and hold the crocodile's tail. The one I touched was 98 years old! All was fine until Mr Croc decided to pursue one of the park workers at such a rate of speed the worker ran out of his sandals to escape! Jen also ventured out to meet the crocs. Bonnie said the gift of a live chicken was enough for her.... no close encounters with crocs for Bonnie. --- Sara
Today was a day filled with education-- for the community we visited, and for us! We joined the World Vision "WASH" team as they visited a village without proper sanitation systems. The team's goal is to develop a plan and work with the village to improve sanitation.
The first item on the agenda was to map out the current situation in the village. The entire community escorted us as we walked the trails through the village. Temps were in the upper 90's-low 100's. The sun has such intensity that it sends you into an immediate full body sweat. The dirt is red, sand-like, and blows in the wind. The river that flows near this village was entirely dry. It remains dry for several months until the rainy season comes in April-May. Whatever water can be found is used to irrigate their gardens--here they grew tobacco, tomatoes, and watermelon. We continued on the trail to a small body of putrid, filthy water which was used for both animal and human consumption. On the way there, we passed near a defecation site....a dirt area where all people in the village use the bathroom simply by squatting, and covering the waste with dirt. There are no bathrooms or latrines, no handwashing facilities. A real eye-opener.
The WASH team from World Vision then educated the villagers using an interpreter and visual cues. The importance of handwashing, covering food from insects, boiling water before use, washing fruits and vegetables before eating were all discussed. It is very important that there is cooperation with the village and WV...it is a true collaboration between them.
Returning home we took a detour by the Chief Crocodile Pond. Out of the swamp crawled several crocodiles to sun themselves on the shore. At this pond, visitors are allowed to touch and hold the crocodile's tail. The one I touched was 98 years old! All was fine until Mr Croc decided to pursue one of the park workers at such a rate of speed the worker ran out of his sandals to escape! Jen also ventured out to meet the crocs. Bonnie said the gift of a live chicken was enough for her.... no close encounters with crocs for Bonnie. --- Sara
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3rd
Two wells, two very different outcomes.
Today we traveled from Bolga to a village. We had been told that the drilling crew had hit water, and would hold operations to show us the process. When we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by the women singing and dancing. Their songs are about welcome, thanking God for water, giving thanks that through water the children will not be sick, and goodbye. We were told that the women compose these songs the day before the drilling starts. We as a whole group are so moved by their song & dance. We were all had a few tears - they are so joyous about something we take so for granted.
The drilling began again and we saw moisture. They thought they'd hit water at 30m they went to 51m without finding a sufficient amount of water. This was heartbreaking for us, I can't imagine what the people and the WV team felt. They will try another technology (hydro-fracture) tomorrow to see if there is water for a sustainable well. WV had tried to drill in this village once before with no success, the geology is very difficult here.
We traveled to another village where drilling hadn't begun, so were able to see the start. Again we were greeted by song & dance. The crew began and were very close to water when a bolt broke. We took advantage of this hour break to have a tour of the village. We were invited to a young man's home. This was wonderful to have a tour. We were also asked to meet the chief. When drilling resumed, it wasn't very long until they discovered SUFFICIENT WATER!!!! Wow, now the singing began. The women wanted us to dance, so we did, and if Justin shares that video he's in big trouble!! Lutheran's from Mayville dancing African dance gave the locals a good laugh.
Our day ended with praise to God for the water, for the improved life of this village, and for God's faithfulness. Jen
Today we traveled from Bolga to a village. We had been told that the drilling crew had hit water, and would hold operations to show us the process. When we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by the women singing and dancing. Their songs are about welcome, thanking God for water, giving thanks that through water the children will not be sick, and goodbye. We were told that the women compose these songs the day before the drilling starts. We as a whole group are so moved by their song & dance. We were all had a few tears - they are so joyous about something we take so for granted.
The drilling began again and we saw moisture. They thought they'd hit water at 30m they went to 51m without finding a sufficient amount of water. This was heartbreaking for us, I can't imagine what the people and the WV team felt. They will try another technology (hydro-fracture) tomorrow to see if there is water for a sustainable well. WV had tried to drill in this village once before with no success, the geology is very difficult here.
We traveled to another village where drilling hadn't begun, so were able to see the start. Again we were greeted by song & dance. The crew began and were very close to water when a bolt broke. We took advantage of this hour break to have a tour of the village. We were invited to a young man's home. This was wonderful to have a tour. We were also asked to meet the chief. When drilling resumed, it wasn't very long until they discovered SUFFICIENT WATER!!!! Wow, now the singing began. The women wanted us to dance, so we did, and if Justin shares that video he's in big trouble!! Lutheran's from Mayville dancing African dance gave the locals a good laugh.
Our day ended with praise to God for the water, for the improved life of this village, and for God's faithfulness. Jen
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Our appreciation for all of you!
Thank you for the comments from home! We know God is with us....and feel that you are all with us every moment as well! We pray a million times a day....we experienced two well drillings today... one unsuccessful, one sprayed us all with water and we danced! God is good!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Today we boarded the plane for Tamale. We left hotel at 4 am, departed Accra airport and arrived in Tamale at 8:30 am. World Vision staff was there to meet us. We went directly to the Ghana Rural Water Project. This is the headquarters for all of World Vision wells dug in Ghana. They also have a the Research & Development Training center. The Research Center has very modern water quality testing equipment, and they have a research library where they encourage students to use. The staff at this facility was brilliant. They are highly regarded for the work they have accomplished, and their vision. The entire team met with us, and we were shown around the facility. Dr. Robert Agnew was recognized as a representative of WellSpring for the World. They emphasized and showed their appreciation of the support that this organization brings. Justin Morken traveled with Dr. Bob and went to work immediately filming and photographing all activities. This included models of mechanized wells and pumps, a VIP bathroom, and demonstration of a latrine being built. From here we went to a village where WV dug a well powered by the sun, and supplied the village with more that one set of spigots. We were once again asked to meet the village cheif before anything else. From the village we visited the School for the Deaf. This is one of a few schools in Ghana that educates deaf children. They were excited to see us. WV also supplied the school with clean water and pumps on the premises. Now children don't have to cross the highway and walk a long distance for water. We left our last suitcase that was filled with dresses/shorts & toys for the headmistress to distribute. The school has 300+ students, and 20 teachers. WOW, we were impressed by the service of these educators. Another powerful and moving day in Africa. Love to our families, churches, and communities who are all praying for this mission. Water is life, by drilling wells with clean water they are eliminating diseases. Guinea worm has been nearly eliminated in Ghana. Eight out ten people here in Ghana live in poverty. By bringing clean water to each community World Vision is sharing God's love.
We drove for two hours to Bolgatonga where we checked into our hotel and had a quick clean up before having dinner with the Regional Prime Minister. World Vision made it very clear that this has never happened before and it was a great honor. We had a wonderful meal together.
We would like to end the day with a little prayer.....I asked for a house, you gave me a home. I asked for a companion, you gave me a wife. I asked for a child, you gave me grandchildren. I asked for wealth, you gave me happiness. Your precious hands are always with me, what then should I ask for?....but to be made your instrument of love for my fellow man.
God bless you all!
We drove for two hours to Bolgatonga where we checked into our hotel and had a quick clean up before having dinner with the Regional Prime Minister. World Vision made it very clear that this has never happened before and it was a great honor. We had a wonderful meal together.
We would like to end the day with a little prayer.....I asked for a house, you gave me a home. I asked for a companion, you gave me a wife. I asked for a child, you gave me grandchildren. I asked for wealth, you gave me happiness. Your precious hands are always with me, what then should I ask for?....but to be made your instrument of love for my fellow man.
God bless you all!
Sunday, February 27, 2011 Now we are Malians
We wore these these dresses to worship and our visit with sponsor children on our last day in Mali. We wore them to honor their culture and they told us we were now "Malians". (Guess our visit to the wild and crazy market was more than worth the trip.)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Really tired
Been really long day (20+ hrs) and very hot! Flew from Accra to Tamale then drove on to Bolgotonga, Ghana. We will try to do more tomorrow..... good night!
Monday, February 28th and Tuesday, March 1st
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. Psalm 19:7-8
Thought for the day: The really happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
We left at around 4 a.m. for the airport in Bamako, Mali. We flew to Ivory Coast to pick up more passengers. We were advised to remain on the plane. From there we flew to Lome, Togo where the real language barrier began. There was no guidance at the airport and we were a little confused as to what gate we were supposed to be waiting at. However, the plane was very late so we were able to gulp down a Coke Light and some chocolate which was very much needed at this time! We boarded a bus which drove 50 yards to the plane so you know how hot the sun is here. We think it was about 90+ degrees that day. Our arrival in Accra, Ghana was also a little disappointing....our transportation had not waited for us since our plane was so late. So we hung around the airport and tried to get on the internet to blog. Before Sara was able to post it, the timer went off and we lost everything. The same thing happened to me last night. So this is the best my memory can recall after 3 hours of sleep last night. After arriving at the hotel, we met Dr. Bob Agnew and Justin Morken (both from Fargo) with Wellspring for the World. Bob has made many, many trips to Africa, India and the Orient. Justin works at Hope Lutheran Church so I recognized him right away. It was great fun to visit with them during dinner even though it took two hours to be served and they brought out two plates at a time, about ten minutes apart. Very slow around here.... We were supposed to leave around 4 a.m. again to fly to Tamale in northern Ghana. However, at bed time Millie informed us there was a problem with tickets, so we would have a day of tourism in the area instead. We were able to sleep a bit later in morning and were grateful to catch up on our sleep. In the morning two drivers picked us up from World Vision and took us on a two and half hour drive to Cape Coast. A huge tourist destination in this part of Africa. Now I should tell you about driving in Accra. Imagine a city of four million people, many roads under construction or washed out, cars driving on both sides of the road where whoever drove the fastest took the middle, and then add about a thousand people walking in between the cars with bowls or platters on their heads stacked two feet high trying to sell you goods while you were stuck in traffic. It made us very nervous and quite jumpy trying to use our own set of brakes and begging our driver to be careful. He said it is always like this and he is used to it. I should mention that before we get in a car with a World Vision driver they ask us to pray for them and all of us for a safe journey. Now we understood why. Our drivers were amazing and were a great source of knowledge for the many questions we had. Our first stop was a beautiful resort where we had lunch and took several pictures of the ocean. It was not a swimming spot--very high waves and rocks. After that we drove a short distance to see the Cape Coast Castle. We did not really know anything about it. As it turns out, it was the main location where they picked up the slaves to be sold in the Trans Atlantic slave market. It was incredibly moving and disturbing to us. Our guide showed us the women's and men's dungeons, the condemnation room which was for prisoner's who fought with the guards. Small room sealed off by a door with no windows and no air. They usually died within 72 hours. The last tunnel we passed thru was to the "Door of no Return". This is where they were led to the boats and sent to countries to be sold. We were so touched and felt angry that they had to suffer such horrible conditions. Only the strongest survived to be sold. His final message was about forgiveness and they had all put this behind them now. But they are very proud that Africans will always have roots here at home. And they are praying that there will be no more injustice against humanity. They were thankful we came and we left with many, many things to reflect and pray about on our long drive home... Kim
Thought for the day: The really happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
We left at around 4 a.m. for the airport in Bamako, Mali. We flew to Ivory Coast to pick up more passengers. We were advised to remain on the plane. From there we flew to Lome, Togo where the real language barrier began. There was no guidance at the airport and we were a little confused as to what gate we were supposed to be waiting at. However, the plane was very late so we were able to gulp down a Coke Light and some chocolate which was very much needed at this time! We boarded a bus which drove 50 yards to the plane so you know how hot the sun is here. We think it was about 90+ degrees that day. Our arrival in Accra, Ghana was also a little disappointing....our transportation had not waited for us since our plane was so late. So we hung around the airport and tried to get on the internet to blog. Before Sara was able to post it, the timer went off and we lost everything. The same thing happened to me last night. So this is the best my memory can recall after 3 hours of sleep last night. After arriving at the hotel, we met Dr. Bob Agnew and Justin Morken (both from Fargo) with Wellspring for the World. Bob has made many, many trips to Africa, India and the Orient. Justin works at Hope Lutheran Church so I recognized him right away. It was great fun to visit with them during dinner even though it took two hours to be served and they brought out two plates at a time, about ten minutes apart. Very slow around here.... We were supposed to leave around 4 a.m. again to fly to Tamale in northern Ghana. However, at bed time Millie informed us there was a problem with tickets, so we would have a day of tourism in the area instead. We were able to sleep a bit later in morning and were grateful to catch up on our sleep. In the morning two drivers picked us up from World Vision and took us on a two and half hour drive to Cape Coast. A huge tourist destination in this part of Africa. Now I should tell you about driving in Accra. Imagine a city of four million people, many roads under construction or washed out, cars driving on both sides of the road where whoever drove the fastest took the middle, and then add about a thousand people walking in between the cars with bowls or platters on their heads stacked two feet high trying to sell you goods while you were stuck in traffic. It made us very nervous and quite jumpy trying to use our own set of brakes and begging our driver to be careful. He said it is always like this and he is used to it. I should mention that before we get in a car with a World Vision driver they ask us to pray for them and all of us for a safe journey. Now we understood why. Our drivers were amazing and were a great source of knowledge for the many questions we had. Our first stop was a beautiful resort where we had lunch and took several pictures of the ocean. It was not a swimming spot--very high waves and rocks. After that we drove a short distance to see the Cape Coast Castle. We did not really know anything about it. As it turns out, it was the main location where they picked up the slaves to be sold in the Trans Atlantic slave market. It was incredibly moving and disturbing to us. Our guide showed us the women's and men's dungeons, the condemnation room which was for prisoner's who fought with the guards. Small room sealed off by a door with no windows and no air. They usually died within 72 hours. The last tunnel we passed thru was to the "Door of no Return". This is where they were led to the boats and sent to countries to be sold. We were so touched and felt angry that they had to suffer such horrible conditions. Only the strongest survived to be sold. His final message was about forgiveness and they had all put this behind them now. But they are very proud that Africans will always have roots here at home. And they are praying that there will be no more injustice against humanity. They were thankful we came and we left with many, many things to reflect and pray about on our long drive home... Kim
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)