Calling Ghana

I called Sister Bernice today to check in on her and the children with her. Hearing their voices is always bittersweet, but mostly wonderful! Sister Bernice makes me laugh when I call because she just gets so excited and very loud when she realizes it is me (her reactions to my phone calls are nothing compared to when my mom gets on the phone....you would think she was a queen or celebrity the way Bernice reacts....screaming and hollering). She is doing well in the new house, but is still suffering from poor health which requires her to make frequent doctor's visits and travel far distances.

Patience, Patricia, and Peace were all in the house when I called so I also got to speak to them (Elolo and Noble are with Bernice's mother right now because of the long distance between their school and the new house). It is great to speak to them and hear their sweet voices, but trying to get more than a one word answer from them was like pulling teeth! Regardless, they are all well. Patience and Peace were both able to get enrolled into schools in Ho after returning in December. Unfortunately, due to the move, Patience will be repeating a grade since she missed out on some testing required to enter senior secondary school next year. I know she was very upset in January but she reassured me today that she is doing much better now and understands that this is just a minor setback. Hhmmm, she is strong.

Thanks to everyone that has donated so far to our boarding school efforts so that we can ensure that all the former-SWODC kids can once again be in safe conditions. My mom's gooey butter cake venture at work raised $75.00-AWESOME! She was hoping for more, but I think her effort and desire to raise this money is working in more ways than just fundraising.

Much, much thanks to:
My beautiful Aunt Dorles who is generously making monthly contributions
The Clarke Family-Gina, my mom and I thank you!
My mom's Generations' friends: Gloria, George (you rock), and Tom
Annette
Becky Bruno-thank you...as always, you are a wonderful, caring, giving and supportive friend
Cindy P & Steve- miss you!
Ina & William

Fundraising Update

I've been updating the section to the left as donations are received and added an area to thank those individuals that have been able to help so far. I just learned from Josephine that the fundraising event at their company's Holiday party resulted in $1800 donated! Wow!!! So cool. So far with our combined efforts, we have raised $2,050.00 It is an amazing start!

Josephine will be going to Ghana in March to visit the three potential boarding schools for the children and work out more details on enrolling the children when the time comes. This is at least her 4th or 5th trip to Ghana, I'm definitely jealous, but will be anxious to hear her updates.

FYI- My mom and I thought up another small fundraising idea that she will do at work soon. She is going to put her gooey butter cake notoriety to wonderful use by selling slices of cake in the break room and then taking orders for full cakes, with the proceeds going to the Hopkins Foundation for the kids' school! I can take orders! =)