I have incredible friends and family! This isn't news to me, but it still makes me so happy every time I am reminded of it! My brother and my good friend Kendra have both been nice enough to offer up their houses (yards and driveway to be accurate) for garage sales to raise funds for my kids in Ghana! Thank you Jeff, thank you Kendra (and Jim)!
On July 3 & 4 at Jeff's and July 31 & August 1 at Kendra's we will be selling our old stuff and giving 100% of the proceeds to the Hopkins Foundation so more of the SWODC orphans can go to boarding school this Fall and have three meals a day! This should be a fabulous way to raise some more funds!
I'll be home over the Fourth of July weekend to hang with the family and conduct the St. Louis garage sale. In Champaign, we're having the garage sale at Kendra's because she lives on a very busy road, so we will hopefully attract a large crowd. I am promoting the garage sales as fundraisers for the kids and will have information about the Hopkins Foundation and pictures of the children onsite. Hopefully, some of our customers will feel extra generous when they learn our purpose. Also, their purchases are technically donations, so they are tax deductible! Friends and family can donate any items they no longer want or use. I figure everyone has stuff they want to get rid of but haven't gotten around to taking it to Goodwill yet, so why not give it to this cause! Especially, when it so easy-I am willing to pick up the items, organize, price, etc.
On another note, Josephine had an amazing trip back in May and came back from Ghana with lots of updates on the kids. She has asked to post on the blog to provide an update and I am thrilled. She had some 'make the hair on your arms stand-up' moments while there and feels even more certain of her calling in these kids' lives. So there will be another post soon to provide an update on the boarding school progress. But a quick summary for now- three children are being enrolled for August. Picking the three is definitely a difficult part and when Josephine asked my opinion it broke my heart to think about choosing. Yes, for these three it will be life-changing but for the others..... Regardless, during her trip the three presented themselves to her and the decision was easier than expected as you will read soon!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Josephine Returns to Ghana
Josephine (from the Hopkins Foundation) returned to Ghana last Sunday for a two-week visit. She has been visiting with the children that have remained with Bernice and her mother, working on the boarding school logistics, and she will also be traveling to the various villages where the other SWODC are currently living. She is there to prepare for sending the children to the boarding schools and to check in on the children that were returned to their guardians.
She sent me this beautiful email this morning to let me know about her time in Ghana thus far. Instead of recapping what she said, I thought I would just post most of the actual message here because it is so touching. It brought a huge smile to my face and maybe even some tears to my eyes (I know, I know, I am such a sap)! As I told Josephine in my email response, just hearing that she is there with the children brings such a peace and happiness to my heart. I know they are safe and are being loved right now!
Quick note on the email-'Woezo' is Welcome in Ewe and Richard is the guy that gave my mom the full African dress! =)
**************
From Josephine Hopkins (4/26/09):
Woezo sister Alicia,
I am so grateful that I am here and able to hang out with the children. They are looking great but are in need of a few things so I will be filling those needs. I have told them all that you send hugs and kisses and I wish you could have seen their smiles. They sure love and miss both you and Mama Carol.
By the way, I am at the internet cafe next to the old SWODC office and Richard told me to tell Mama Carol hello and he misses her. He is an incredible young man!!!
I have been able to spend time with Patricia, Patience, Peace, Noble (who are still living with Bernice) and Elolo, Sika and Celese (who are living with Bernice's mother). In fact I am just on my way back from visiting today. I will be headed back tomorrow with new sandals for all. I will find out how to get to Bernice's mother's home tomorrow which is in Ho so I can spend some more time with Elolo, Sika and Celese.
I have actually run into some of the other children that are still around Sokode and Ho, Gloria, Matilda and Evelyn. I am so thankful for this.We went to market on Thursday with all the children (I don't know what I was thinking) and it was CRAZY!!! We decided to just go to Freedom Hotel and have a cold drink...much calmer.
I will try to figure out what needs to be done from this point and keep you posted.There is much love for you and Mama Carol here and I will close on that note.I'll be back in touch soon.
Much love,
Mama Josephine
********************
Prior to checking my email today, I was just sitting here thinking about my blessings this week (it is amazing how many blessing we actually receive on a weekly basis, but most of us...myself included....don't normally realize this because we don't take time to stop and think about it). I was already impressed by the blessings I did receive, then I got this email and it is truly a great blessing. THANK YOU!
She sent me this beautiful email this morning to let me know about her time in Ghana thus far. Instead of recapping what she said, I thought I would just post most of the actual message here because it is so touching. It brought a huge smile to my face and maybe even some tears to my eyes (I know, I know, I am such a sap)! As I told Josephine in my email response, just hearing that she is there with the children brings such a peace and happiness to my heart. I know they are safe and are being loved right now!
Quick note on the email-'Woezo' is Welcome in Ewe and Richard is the guy that gave my mom the full African dress! =)
**************
From Josephine Hopkins (4/26/09):
Woezo sister Alicia,
I am so grateful that I am here and able to hang out with the children. They are looking great but are in need of a few things so I will be filling those needs. I have told them all that you send hugs and kisses and I wish you could have seen their smiles. They sure love and miss both you and Mama Carol.
By the way, I am at the internet cafe next to the old SWODC office and Richard told me to tell Mama Carol hello and he misses her. He is an incredible young man!!!
I have been able to spend time with Patricia, Patience, Peace, Noble (who are still living with Bernice) and Elolo, Sika and Celese (who are living with Bernice's mother). In fact I am just on my way back from visiting today. I will be headed back tomorrow with new sandals for all. I will find out how to get to Bernice's mother's home tomorrow which is in Ho so I can spend some more time with Elolo, Sika and Celese.
I have actually run into some of the other children that are still around Sokode and Ho, Gloria, Matilda and Evelyn. I am so thankful for this.We went to market on Thursday with all the children (I don't know what I was thinking) and it was CRAZY!!! We decided to just go to Freedom Hotel and have a cold drink...much calmer.
I will try to figure out what needs to be done from this point and keep you posted.There is much love for you and Mama Carol here and I will close on that note.I'll be back in touch soon.
Much love,
Mama Josephine
********************
Prior to checking my email today, I was just sitting here thinking about my blessings this week (it is amazing how many blessing we actually receive on a weekly basis, but most of us...myself included....don't normally realize this because we don't take time to stop and think about it). I was already impressed by the blessings I did receive, then I got this email and it is truly a great blessing. THANK YOU!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
40 Day Journey to Generosity
I spoke briefly to Sister Bernice again the other week on the phone and have learned that another one of the children, Selasie, has been brought back to Bernice from a guardian. Selasie lived at the orphanage during my first stay in Ghana but was gone visiting her aunt when my mom and I were there. She was suppose to remain with her aunt after September's events, but now she is now back to being Bernice's responsibility. Selasie is actually staying with Bernice's mom (because of the school she is enrolled in), along with Noble and Elolo; have I mentioned before that Bernice is in her 50s and her mom is maybe late 60s/early 70s! They really are amazing.
I debated writing the remainder of this post. Know now that I'm not trying to pat myself on the back or make it seem like I want anyone’s praises. I think doing a good deed and not telling anyone about it, though very difficult, is a true sign of your heart and intention. But here’s the thing, there’s so much news about the negative things in life and not nearly enough about the good things. So I want to share what is going on in my heart in hopes it starts a rumbling in another’s. Have you ever heard of the 40 Day Journey to Generosity?
Lately I have been being hit left and right it feels like with the need to reexamine my own generosity. I have made some big steps over the past six months to truly want to give cheerfully and regularly of my resources. For me after some original consideration, 10% of what I make was what felt right. I have always felt like a fairly generous person, I like good causes, a bit of a bleeding heart, etc. But, wow, when you really take a calculator out and see that 10% number, it is a bit of a reality check……I’ve been a selfish scrooge….that five bucks at church each week doesn’t really cut it (hey, I thought that was a lot and that was on a good week =))!
Since being back from Ghana, I have gotten really close to reaching my 10% goal, but not fully. There has been something kind of holding me back. Now my ‘almost’ 10% isn’t just to church, though I hope in the near future to get to giving 10% to church and all other causes be in addition. Currently, my ‘almost’ 10% is a mix of mainly church, the kids in Ghana and a couple of other local things I support on a monthly basis. As I talked about before, my mom and I have been sponsoring Elolo for quite sometime now (really in one way or another since I first went to Ghana), but I have wanted since September to sponsor another of the children for boarding school (I do wish it could be more than one) and have just been procrastinating on what the best way would be (i.e. monthly, a couple of large donations, etc). In the meantime, I’ve started to do some major saving for another major endeavor that is down the road a bit. This endeavor will take a lot of savings and a lot of faith when it comes down to it and also involves the kids in Ghana in a way (no I am not thinking about moving there….just in case that is running through your mind). But this need to save a substantial amount of money that is also for a really good cause had made me start rethinking my ability to sponsor another one of the kids for boarding school. Of course, I didn’t like this idea, but I can’t really make money magically appear so I thought that would have to be that. I have to choose.
But suddenly I have been inundated with messages about sacrificial giving and faithful giving…. and feeling like I need to make this sponsorship donation. Giving what I can now faithfully, knowing that God will provide for me in the future when its needed...its a little scary, but awesome! I have been in fear of giving the money to fully sponsor one of the kids because I fear the large sum that I need to save and not being able to do it. But what I’ve come to realize finally is that the money I have right now is not really mine; it has only been entrusted to me and I need to give back to God what is his. So, okay, I thought a lot about the donation and then I looked back at how I was doing with my 10% giving. Well, I was falling short as I knew. But then I calculated in the sponsorship donation and what that would equal out to for the year and I kid you not, it was got me right at 10%! So this week I wrote the full check, cried a little….really it was out a joy, not sadness….and took the leap of faith and it is awesome!
Now again, I don’t write this to congratulate myself or even suggest you also sponsor one of the kids (though that would be huge and help sooo much), but hope it does a little something in your heart too.
Here are just a few of the cool resources/interesting facts/verses that got me thinking….
An awesome 40 Day Journey to Generosity- www.givewithjoy.org –Very cool, you get messages to your email inbox for 40 days with brief teachings on giving with joy and viewing money totally different than what is pushed at us by society.
1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.
Think that verse above doesn’t apply to you, that you are not one of those rich people?
- Did you realize that if you personally make more than $1500 per year you are richer than 75% of the world’s 6+ billion people!
-3 billion people live on less than $2 a day
-70% of the world’s wealth is concentrated in just 5% of the population (guess where most of that 5% resides)
-If you own a car, you are in the top 6% of the wealthiest people in the world
This is really cool: How rich are you? To find out how your income compares to everyone else in the world go to: www.globalrichlist.com
I debated writing the remainder of this post. Know now that I'm not trying to pat myself on the back or make it seem like I want anyone’s praises. I think doing a good deed and not telling anyone about it, though very difficult, is a true sign of your heart and intention. But here’s the thing, there’s so much news about the negative things in life and not nearly enough about the good things. So I want to share what is going on in my heart in hopes it starts a rumbling in another’s. Have you ever heard of the 40 Day Journey to Generosity?
Lately I have been being hit left and right it feels like with the need to reexamine my own generosity. I have made some big steps over the past six months to truly want to give cheerfully and regularly of my resources. For me after some original consideration, 10% of what I make was what felt right. I have always felt like a fairly generous person, I like good causes, a bit of a bleeding heart, etc. But, wow, when you really take a calculator out and see that 10% number, it is a bit of a reality check……I’ve been a selfish scrooge….that five bucks at church each week doesn’t really cut it (hey, I thought that was a lot and that was on a good week =))!
Since being back from Ghana, I have gotten really close to reaching my 10% goal, but not fully. There has been something kind of holding me back. Now my ‘almost’ 10% isn’t just to church, though I hope in the near future to get to giving 10% to church and all other causes be in addition. Currently, my ‘almost’ 10% is a mix of mainly church, the kids in Ghana and a couple of other local things I support on a monthly basis. As I talked about before, my mom and I have been sponsoring Elolo for quite sometime now (really in one way or another since I first went to Ghana), but I have wanted since September to sponsor another of the children for boarding school (I do wish it could be more than one) and have just been procrastinating on what the best way would be (i.e. monthly, a couple of large donations, etc). In the meantime, I’ve started to do some major saving for another major endeavor that is down the road a bit. This endeavor will take a lot of savings and a lot of faith when it comes down to it and also involves the kids in Ghana in a way (no I am not thinking about moving there….just in case that is running through your mind). But this need to save a substantial amount of money that is also for a really good cause had made me start rethinking my ability to sponsor another one of the kids for boarding school. Of course, I didn’t like this idea, but I can’t really make money magically appear so I thought that would have to be that. I have to choose.
But suddenly I have been inundated with messages about sacrificial giving and faithful giving…. and feeling like I need to make this sponsorship donation. Giving what I can now faithfully, knowing that God will provide for me in the future when its needed...its a little scary, but awesome! I have been in fear of giving the money to fully sponsor one of the kids because I fear the large sum that I need to save and not being able to do it. But what I’ve come to realize finally is that the money I have right now is not really mine; it has only been entrusted to me and I need to give back to God what is his. So, okay, I thought a lot about the donation and then I looked back at how I was doing with my 10% giving. Well, I was falling short as I knew. But then I calculated in the sponsorship donation and what that would equal out to for the year and I kid you not, it was got me right at 10%! So this week I wrote the full check, cried a little….really it was out a joy, not sadness….and took the leap of faith and it is awesome!
Now again, I don’t write this to congratulate myself or even suggest you also sponsor one of the kids (though that would be huge and help sooo much), but hope it does a little something in your heart too.
Here are just a few of the cool resources/interesting facts/verses that got me thinking….
An awesome 40 Day Journey to Generosity- www.givewithjoy.org –Very cool, you get messages to your email inbox for 40 days with brief teachings on giving with joy and viewing money totally different than what is pushed at us by society.
1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.
Think that verse above doesn’t apply to you, that you are not one of those rich people?
- Did you realize that if you personally make more than $1500 per year you are richer than 75% of the world’s 6+ billion people!
-3 billion people live on less than $2 a day
-70% of the world’s wealth is concentrated in just 5% of the population (guess where most of that 5% resides)
-If you own a car, you are in the top 6% of the wealthiest people in the world
This is really cool: How rich are you? To find out how your income compares to everyone else in the world go to: www.globalrichlist.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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
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
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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! =)
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! =)
Friday, December 26, 2008
We Need Your Help!
Fundraising Efforts:
As stated above and throughout this blog, my Mom and I have felt moved to help the children from the Save Widows and Orphans Development Center (SWODC) orphanage in Ghana. They are in great need of help as they no longer have the security of SWODC, which was forced to close its doors in September 2008. Since that time, sixteen of the twenty-one orphans were sent back their small villages and to the guardians/relatives that brought them to the orphanage originally. These are the same people who could not afford to care for them originally and most likely can’t do so now. Their daily safety, nourishment, and education is of concern to us.
Fortunately, an amazing American volunteer I met back in 2007 has established a US-based foundation to help the children. Josephine Hopkins and her husband Randy (also met him during first trip) established the Hopkins Foundation just this past summer to guarantee that the orphans from SWODC are fully cared for now and in the future. The Hopkins Foundation’s mission (http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/) is to enroll each of the SWODC orphans into a local boarding school and support the children throughout their education (through high school and beyond). We feel boarding school is the best option for the children given Ghana’s poor public education system and their current lack of a permanent home or orphanage. Our hope is to raise the necessary funds for the children to return from their villages and enroll into a boarding school next September. Boarding school will not only provide them with the best education as possible in Ghana, but also a roof over their heads and three meals a day. The cost to enroll one child into boarding school for the entire year is around $800.00. This breaks down to less than $67.00 dollars a month, less than $2.25 a day. Yes, they can live safely and well for less than $2.25 a day! Can you help us make this a reality? Can you make a contribution (of any amount) to help these children return to a safe environment and give them a real opportunity in life?
If you can support my mom's and my efforts in placing the SWODC children into boarding schools and providing them with a safe home, please make a tax-deductible donation to the Hopkins Foundation (http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/) by mailing a check to Hopkins Foundation, PO Box 190192 Boise, ID 83719 (checks should be made out to Hopkins Foundation and include SWODC in the memo). *The option of donating online may be added to the website in the future. Again, any contribution amount would help and be appreciated greatly. Donations to the Hopkins Foundation can be made as one-time contributions, monthly donations, or you can choose to fully sponsor one of the children (call Hopkins Foundation, 208-890-1296, my mom, or me for more information).
These children have touched our hearts. We have held their hands, listened to their sweet singing, felt their loving hugs, and dried their tears. My mom and I can’t turn our backs on them. They are great children, they are real and they need our help and your help! This is an opportunity to drastically change lives AND be able to see the impact of your giving. We will follow (and hopefully visit) these children throughout their journeys and provide updates on their progress here. We understand firsthand that times are uncertain. But we ask that you look deep into your heart and ask God for guidance to determine if this is an endeavor you can support now or in the future. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. There are so many good causes and charities, so many lives we can touch. Whether you are able to support us in this one or not, we hope that you are finding your own way to show your love and give. Most importantly, even if you aren’t able to help these children financially, your prayers can help tremendously. Please take a few minutes to pray that Bernice and these children be blessed with safety, happiness and love.
SWODC Background:
SWODC was formed in 2000 by Bernice Nunyuie, a local Ghanaian widow with a huge heart and faith in God. After losing her husband in an automobile accident, Bernice recognized the need to assist other widows in learning pertinent work skills in order for them to gain independence and care for their families. As Bernice began to help widows form co-ops for the local crafts they produced, she also became the community go-to person for widows needing assistance for their children. They would come to her asking for help with school fees, food, clothes or if really in need, they would ask her to take the children into her home. One-by-one, Bernice began to take in children that other women could no longer care for, as well as orphans that had been being taken care of by aunts, uncles, older siblings, and grandparents that needed her help.
Eventually, SWODC officially formed. Over the past six years, Bernice has taken care of more than twenty children with minimal outside assistance. Bernice not only provided shelter for these children, but also ensured they received adequate meals, enrolled them into school, paid their school fees and made sure they were clothed. She also reached out to volunteer organizations in the area to have volunteers come to the orphanage to help mentor and play with the children, which is how Alicia came to meet this wonderful woman and the children. Bernice has been a tremendously selfless person, giving up her life and taking in these children. Over the past six years, she has struggled daily with the stress and concern over where the money will come from to continue to care for the kids. Sadly, after years of putting others’ needs before her own and struggling to make ends meet, the burden has become too great and Bernice is no longer able to financially care for these children. In addition, she has developed several chronic health conditions. While we were in Ghana this past August/Sept, a number of major and unforeseen obstacles were presented to Bernice in a very short time-frame and unfortunately SWODC’s security quickly evaporated. Due to decreasing finances and the end of her lease, Bernice had no other option than relocate to a smaller home and send the children back to their guardians if they had any. Five of the children have remained with Bernice because they have no where else to go. Bernice is trying to stay updated on the other sixteen children, but they are spread far out and due to her current health issues she is unable to travel much.
Bernice has done it on her own for quite a while, but now she and these twenty-one children are in need of help. My mom and I can only do so much on our own as well, we don't have enough to give them all the security and safety they so deserve. So that is why we have humbled ourselves and are reaching out to you to ask for help. Please consider contributing to the Hopkins Foundation at http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/ If you are interested in supporting Bernice in her current efforts to care for the children in her house, please contact me directly.
Much love and thanks!
Alicia (and Carol)
As stated above and throughout this blog, my Mom and I have felt moved to help the children from the Save Widows and Orphans Development Center (SWODC) orphanage in Ghana. They are in great need of help as they no longer have the security of SWODC, which was forced to close its doors in September 2008. Since that time, sixteen of the twenty-one orphans were sent back their small villages and to the guardians/relatives that brought them to the orphanage originally. These are the same people who could not afford to care for them originally and most likely can’t do so now. Their daily safety, nourishment, and education is of concern to us.
Fortunately, an amazing American volunteer I met back in 2007 has established a US-based foundation to help the children. Josephine Hopkins and her husband Randy (also met him during first trip) established the Hopkins Foundation just this past summer to guarantee that the orphans from SWODC are fully cared for now and in the future. The Hopkins Foundation’s mission (http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/) is to enroll each of the SWODC orphans into a local boarding school and support the children throughout their education (through high school and beyond). We feel boarding school is the best option for the children given Ghana’s poor public education system and their current lack of a permanent home or orphanage. Our hope is to raise the necessary funds for the children to return from their villages and enroll into a boarding school next September. Boarding school will not only provide them with the best education as possible in Ghana, but also a roof over their heads and three meals a day. The cost to enroll one child into boarding school for the entire year is around $800.00. This breaks down to less than $67.00 dollars a month, less than $2.25 a day. Yes, they can live safely and well for less than $2.25 a day! Can you help us make this a reality? Can you make a contribution (of any amount) to help these children return to a safe environment and give them a real opportunity in life?
If you can support my mom's and my efforts in placing the SWODC children into boarding schools and providing them with a safe home, please make a tax-deductible donation to the Hopkins Foundation (http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/) by mailing a check to Hopkins Foundation, PO Box 190192 Boise, ID 83719 (checks should be made out to Hopkins Foundation and include SWODC in the memo). *The option of donating online may be added to the website in the future. Again, any contribution amount would help and be appreciated greatly. Donations to the Hopkins Foundation can be made as one-time contributions, monthly donations, or you can choose to fully sponsor one of the children (call Hopkins Foundation, 208-890-1296, my mom, or me for more information).
These children have touched our hearts. We have held their hands, listened to their sweet singing, felt their loving hugs, and dried their tears. My mom and I can’t turn our backs on them. They are great children, they are real and they need our help and your help! This is an opportunity to drastically change lives AND be able to see the impact of your giving. We will follow (and hopefully visit) these children throughout their journeys and provide updates on their progress here. We understand firsthand that times are uncertain. But we ask that you look deep into your heart and ask God for guidance to determine if this is an endeavor you can support now or in the future. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. There are so many good causes and charities, so many lives we can touch. Whether you are able to support us in this one or not, we hope that you are finding your own way to show your love and give. Most importantly, even if you aren’t able to help these children financially, your prayers can help tremendously. Please take a few minutes to pray that Bernice and these children be blessed with safety, happiness and love.
SWODC Background:
SWODC was formed in 2000 by Bernice Nunyuie, a local Ghanaian widow with a huge heart and faith in God. After losing her husband in an automobile accident, Bernice recognized the need to assist other widows in learning pertinent work skills in order for them to gain independence and care for their families. As Bernice began to help widows form co-ops for the local crafts they produced, she also became the community go-to person for widows needing assistance for their children. They would come to her asking for help with school fees, food, clothes or if really in need, they would ask her to take the children into her home. One-by-one, Bernice began to take in children that other women could no longer care for, as well as orphans that had been being taken care of by aunts, uncles, older siblings, and grandparents that needed her help.
Eventually, SWODC officially formed. Over the past six years, Bernice has taken care of more than twenty children with minimal outside assistance. Bernice not only provided shelter for these children, but also ensured they received adequate meals, enrolled them into school, paid their school fees and made sure they were clothed. She also reached out to volunteer organizations in the area to have volunteers come to the orphanage to help mentor and play with the children, which is how Alicia came to meet this wonderful woman and the children. Bernice has been a tremendously selfless person, giving up her life and taking in these children. Over the past six years, she has struggled daily with the stress and concern over where the money will come from to continue to care for the kids. Sadly, after years of putting others’ needs before her own and struggling to make ends meet, the burden has become too great and Bernice is no longer able to financially care for these children. In addition, she has developed several chronic health conditions. While we were in Ghana this past August/Sept, a number of major and unforeseen obstacles were presented to Bernice in a very short time-frame and unfortunately SWODC’s security quickly evaporated. Due to decreasing finances and the end of her lease, Bernice had no other option than relocate to a smaller home and send the children back to their guardians if they had any. Five of the children have remained with Bernice because they have no where else to go. Bernice is trying to stay updated on the other sixteen children, but they are spread far out and due to her current health issues she is unable to travel much.
Bernice has done it on her own for quite a while, but now she and these twenty-one children are in need of help. My mom and I can only do so much on our own as well, we don't have enough to give them all the security and safety they so deserve. So that is why we have humbled ourselves and are reaching out to you to ask for help. Please consider contributing to the Hopkins Foundation at http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/ If you are interested in supporting Bernice in her current efforts to care for the children in her house, please contact me directly.
Much love and thanks!
Alicia (and Carol)
Update on Peace and Patience
On Christmas Day my mom, brother, and I called some of our friends in Ghana to wish them a Merry Christmas. We of course have been keeping in close touch with Sister Bernice from the orphanage to stay updated on the children since our return, but usually through email, we don't get to speak on the phone a whole lot. But on Christmas, we spoke to Sister Bernice and two of the children that have remained with her since the orphanage closed, Noble and Patricia. It was wonderful to hear all of their voices and they were very excited to hear from us. Elolo was out of the house with Bernice's mom at the time, so we didn't get to talk to him unfortunately.
I also received a call from Patience and Peace, the two sisters who went to live with the wealthy family in Accra. It seems that, unfortunately, their place in Accra wasn't as good of an opportunity as we all thought. I don't know many details, other than that the family in Accra is sending both Peace and Patience back to Ho to Sister Bernice. After speaking to Sister Bernice, it seems that the family underestimated the time and resources it would take to care for the girls???? Honestly, it all seems very bizarre to me. I am disappointed for the girls and they both said they were sad to be leaving and just two days after Christmas! Nevertheless, Sister Bernice is the fallback person as usual. She will go pick up Peace and Patience tomorrow from Accra and bring them back to her two bedroom house to stay with her and the other three children. While Bernice is very upset with the family, she didn't seem too stressed about the girls coming back to her. She simply told me there was no other choice, they have nowhere else to go, so they will come back with her and she will wait on The Lord to determine what she is to do! I love that lady!
Even though the news from Peace and Patience was disappointing/disturbing, it was so wonderful to talk with them! Even Jeff (Brother Jeff) talked with them both and now I am sure they will never stop asking about him! Jeff asked Peace what she was eating for dinner (rice and stew, I believe) and he told her he was jealous because he was hungry and was still waiting for his dinner, so she told him she would send her food to him through the phone!!! So kind and funny!
I also received a call from Patience and Peace, the two sisters who went to live with the wealthy family in Accra. It seems that, unfortunately, their place in Accra wasn't as good of an opportunity as we all thought. I don't know many details, other than that the family in Accra is sending both Peace and Patience back to Ho to Sister Bernice. After speaking to Sister Bernice, it seems that the family underestimated the time and resources it would take to care for the girls???? Honestly, it all seems very bizarre to me. I am disappointed for the girls and they both said they were sad to be leaving and just two days after Christmas! Nevertheless, Sister Bernice is the fallback person as usual. She will go pick up Peace and Patience tomorrow from Accra and bring them back to her two bedroom house to stay with her and the other three children. While Bernice is very upset with the family, she didn't seem too stressed about the girls coming back to her. She simply told me there was no other choice, they have nowhere else to go, so they will come back with her and she will wait on The Lord to determine what she is to do! I love that lady!
Even though the news from Peace and Patience was disappointing/disturbing, it was so wonderful to talk with them! Even Jeff (Brother Jeff) talked with them both and now I am sure they will never stop asking about him! Jeff asked Peace what she was eating for dinner (rice and stew, I believe) and he told her he was jealous because he was hungry and was still waiting for his dinner, so she told him she would send her food to him through the phone!!! So kind and funny!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Pictures from August 08 trip
Who needs a stroller?
Bernice's new house
Football
Mom and the kids
Village life
Dirt road in Ho
Dinner time!
Eating with the right hand
Elolo's new bike
Reading
The boys' room
The kids' restroom area
Mom's new African dress
Our last night out with Wonder and Robert
Oscar and Leo, the volunteers from Spain
Peace and me getting ready to leave for Accra and her new home
At her new home
Peace and her sister, Patience, reunited
The life is how you make it store
Ladies carrying items for sale on their head; baby on back; scene from the tro tro station at Ho's market
Elolo and me
Buying fish at market (we weren't)
Dried fish, upclose and personal (and that's why we weren't buying any)
Elolo blowing bubbles at Amaya (niece of one of the workers)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
From the road....
While we have a layover in Detroit......
We spent our last evening in Ghana out with my teacher friend Wonder and Robert, one of the DiVOG volunteer coordinators. My mom was pleased to learn this past week that Schmirnoff Ice is actually sold in Ghana; it made up for the fact that she couldn’t get Bud Light! She didn’t take to Ghanian beer quite like I did, but she did take to their cheap prices! We didn’t stay out too late because we also wanted to enjoy our last night with the kids and they were going to be doing their drumming and dancing for two other volunteers we met...two boys...finally, some guys that are volunteering (where were they when I spent three months there?). Oscar and Leo are from Spain and aren’t only a novelty because they are male volunteers, but they also were a little older. I’m not sure how old exactly (maybe late 20s????) but over 21 or 22 is old for volunteers....yes, I was ancient. They too have already been in careers, but have a little extra time right now while in between jobs. They were a lot of fun and were wonderful with the children. Oscar spends nearly four hours straight each day Mon-Sat teaching the kids in different classes and then each day they would take the kids out to a large soccer field in town to play. My mom and I were both very impressed with them, oh yeah and they were quite cute.
Earlier in the afternoon on Monday we went with Sister Bernice to see her new place in a nearby town...more like a village really. It is only about a ten minute taxi ride from Ho, but the rent there is cheaper. It is a nice place (I will post pictures of it next) with two bedrooms, a kitchen, self-contained restroom (indoors) and a large hall which is the Ghanian version of a living room....just think plastic chairs everywhere instead of real furniture. The area around the house is the best part, they have a bit of a yard for the kids that are staying with her to play in and a big shade tree. Once we got back to town my mom and I went out for a little last minute shopping and took Elolo with us..We all had a blast. Momma Carol played her role of spoiling him very well when we passed by a small shop that had two tricycles parked outside. She saw those and immediately I could tell what she was thinking. We debated for a minute if we should because of the other children and didn’t know what they would try to charge us. But the look on Elolo’s face when he realized we were talking about that bike and getting it for him was PRICELESS! We had to do it. We bargained for it and got- what we were told later by friends was- a very good deal! He was so excited! We still had places to walk to for our shopping, so just imagine it, two yevus walking down the street carrying Elolo and a tricycle. We were quite the sight! Elolo hasn’t quite grasped the whole peddling concept on his own yet, but does well when someone is pushing him.
On Tuesday morning we had a few hours before we headed to Accra for our flight. It was a busy morning with lots of visitors stopping by to say goodbye. Mom had a special visitor. We got to know the guy that runs the internet café next to the orphanage a bit just from chatting with him while we were there updating this blog. He is fairly young. But he told me last week that he had a surprise for Mom. Sure enough, that morning he dropped off a full African outfit that he had made for her! It is beautiful and actually fits which was amazing given he didn’t have her measurements. Wait till you see the pics of her, she looks wonderful in it. Oscar told her it was very sexy! Oh no, oh no....weird! Anyways we both were shocked that he did all that for her!
More to come, we are about to board our plane to St. Louis!!!
These ladies were at Wonder's house. Look how stoic they look and note they are sitting on the rocky ground. They were so exited to see their pic on my camera!
One of the thatched houses.
Frank doing his 'wash' at the orphanage.
Like how it gets laid on the dirty ground to dry!
Scene from town.
Banana trees.
Mom getting down with the kids!
I couldn't let her show me up. I had to demonstrate my African dance skills too!
Town, a typical store.
The boys giving us some music with the drums.
Sleepy Elolo.
The girls dancing.
We spent our last evening in Ghana out with my teacher friend Wonder and Robert, one of the DiVOG volunteer coordinators. My mom was pleased to learn this past week that Schmirnoff Ice is actually sold in Ghana; it made up for the fact that she couldn’t get Bud Light! She didn’t take to Ghanian beer quite like I did, but she did take to their cheap prices! We didn’t stay out too late because we also wanted to enjoy our last night with the kids and they were going to be doing their drumming and dancing for two other volunteers we met...two boys...finally, some guys that are volunteering (where were they when I spent three months there?). Oscar and Leo are from Spain and aren’t only a novelty because they are male volunteers, but they also were a little older. I’m not sure how old exactly (maybe late 20s????) but over 21 or 22 is old for volunteers....yes, I was ancient. They too have already been in careers, but have a little extra time right now while in between jobs. They were a lot of fun and were wonderful with the children. Oscar spends nearly four hours straight each day Mon-Sat teaching the kids in different classes and then each day they would take the kids out to a large soccer field in town to play. My mom and I were both very impressed with them, oh yeah and they were quite cute.
Earlier in the afternoon on Monday we went with Sister Bernice to see her new place in a nearby town...more like a village really. It is only about a ten minute taxi ride from Ho, but the rent there is cheaper. It is a nice place (I will post pictures of it next) with two bedrooms, a kitchen, self-contained restroom (indoors) and a large hall which is the Ghanian version of a living room....just think plastic chairs everywhere instead of real furniture. The area around the house is the best part, they have a bit of a yard for the kids that are staying with her to play in and a big shade tree. Once we got back to town my mom and I went out for a little last minute shopping and took Elolo with us..We all had a blast. Momma Carol played her role of spoiling him very well when we passed by a small shop that had two tricycles parked outside. She saw those and immediately I could tell what she was thinking. We debated for a minute if we should because of the other children and didn’t know what they would try to charge us. But the look on Elolo’s face when he realized we were talking about that bike and getting it for him was PRICELESS! We had to do it. We bargained for it and got- what we were told later by friends was- a very good deal! He was so excited! We still had places to walk to for our shopping, so just imagine it, two yevus walking down the street carrying Elolo and a tricycle. We were quite the sight! Elolo hasn’t quite grasped the whole peddling concept on his own yet, but does well when someone is pushing him.
On Tuesday morning we had a few hours before we headed to Accra for our flight. It was a busy morning with lots of visitors stopping by to say goodbye. Mom had a special visitor. We got to know the guy that runs the internet café next to the orphanage a bit just from chatting with him while we were there updating this blog. He is fairly young. But he told me last week that he had a surprise for Mom. Sure enough, that morning he dropped off a full African outfit that he had made for her! It is beautiful and actually fits which was amazing given he didn’t have her measurements. Wait till you see the pics of her, she looks wonderful in it. Oscar told her it was very sexy! Oh no, oh no....weird! Anyways we both were shocked that he did all that for her!
More to come, we are about to board our plane to St. Louis!!!
These ladies were at Wonder's house. Look how stoic they look and note they are sitting on the rocky ground. They were so exited to see their pic on my camera!
One of the thatched houses.
Frank doing his 'wash' at the orphanage.
Like how it gets laid on the dirty ground to dry!
Scene from town.
Banana trees.
Mom getting down with the kids!
I couldn't let her show me up. I had to demonstrate my African dance skills too!
Town, a typical store.
The boys giving us some music with the drums.
Sleepy Elolo.
The girls dancing.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Coming to an end
Today is our last full day in Ho. We will leave here for Accra and the airport tomorrow after lunch. Even though our flight is not until 9pm and the trip is about 2 1/2-3 hours we have to make sure we allow enough time in case we have any tro tro breakdowns or if our tro tro takes a while to leave. Tro tros don't leave at a designated time....unfortunately, they leave for their destination only when the vehicle is completely (crammed) full of people. This means that we could wait several hours in the tro tro before it fills with enough people or it could leave five minutes after we board. It is all about luck! When I left last time for the airport I waited over three hours and was convinced I would miss my flight (I didn't). If we our lucky and do get to Accra early we plan to check out their cultural market for some last minute reminders of Ghana.
There really aren't a lot of places in Ho to get gifts or 'souvenirs' (not your typical tourist trap...but Mom is still looking for a shot glass that says Ghana on it for a coworker???? Good luck!). We shopped a bit at the market here which is huge on market day. Market day occurs every four days, on that day people from the surrounding villages in the region travel to Ho to sell and buy goods (on the off days there are still some vendors from this area). At least 99 percent of the items for sale at market are just your basic necessities: produce, fish, soap, fabric, clothes, etc. Then there are a few stands that sell Ghanaian beads (I brought some of these home last year) and that is about the only souvenir thing you can get. Today we are going to the two other shops in town that have wood carvings and jewelry hoping will find some other fun things (by the way Hilary, if you are reading this, we got ripped off in Jamaica on those wood carvings!). While shopping at market I got to test out my bargaining skills and had some good luck! For most items in Ghana you can bargain a price especially for yevus because the person selling the item always quotes a more expensive price when we ask! Mom did well in the market though it is a very busy, crazy place with tons of people carrying heavy items on their heads, narrow aisles, and rocky dirt paths. I did have to hold her hand through many places which got us even more looks than normal but she held her own and we actually got to shop for about an hour or so with out her freaking out (which is what I was expecting!).
Yesterday I traveled to Accra and back to take little Peace to her new home (that is six hours spent in a tro tro for one day!!!!). It ended up just being Peace and me traveling (Mom volunteered the two of us to go and then immediately started making excuses why she shouldn't go....she is a little scared of the tro tros I think). But it all ended up working really well and made Peace's leaving much easier (I think) on everyone. For her I think it was a little exciting to be traveling just with me, for the kids they got to watch her leave with me knowing that I was coming back, and for me it eased my mind greatly to see where she will be living and to get to spend that time with her. I definitely felt like a mom taking her (I had snacks for us on the tro tro [only thanks to MY mom for packing them with me], I carried her heavy bag, made sure her dress looked nice when we got there, etc). She and I just happened to get off the tro tro at the airport junction and when the driver was getting her suitcase down he asked if we were leaving Ghana today, which Peace just loved. Afterwards she said 'he thought we were both going to America together!' I wish! Her new home though really is incredible. The whole time I kept thinking in my head, Peace just may end up as a little Ghanaian Annie! The little orphan that is being taken in my Daddy Warbucks! I met the man and talked with him for a while. His wife in the US right now for business. They have a house in Washington DC and both worked there for over 20 years. He was the Director of the Smithsonian and now works for the World Bank; she works for IMF and was one of the first women in Ghana's parliament. There house is gated with security and just beautiful. They have drivers and two cars. I got to ride around yesterday in a air conditioned Lexus SUV (it didn't seem right)!!! Let me just tell you, Ghana looks a whole lot different when you are riding in a Lexus! I also got to see Peace's sister Patience and spent several hours with both girls in the house. It was just the three of us so I was able to ask Patience a lot of questions (she has been with this family since May) and really do feel like this is a good family and amazing opportunity for both of them. She seemed very happy. They both will start boarding school this week and Patience has been told by the woman that is she receives good marks (grades) she will get to travel to the US with them! I am so excited, I already told the woman and the girls that Patience and Peace can come stay with us anytime they come to the US on their breaks from school! Just like camp....camp in the US! I do hope that they both are happy and the opportunity with this family really is as good as it seems. They deserve to finally have this security and bright future. With names like Peace and Patience, just imagine what they may be able to do in and for this world one day!
I will be posting some more pictures soon (maybe after we get back).
My mom also has an update!!!!
Hello everyone,
Today is our last full day here in this wonderful place and we have still so much to do. I have had an awesome time having my daughter share this experience with me and wanting me to be here with her. This has been everything I expected and more; I should say better than I expected. Most of you that I talked to before I left knows of my concerns of adapting; such as the heat, sleeping, the food, and of course my appearance. Just to let you know the update: the weather has been surprisingly cooler (oh yes, I have had my sweating days; thank God for my fans that I brought.) My bed has been very comfortable (of course, the ceiling fan has helped immensely.) The food: the ladies have been so gracious to us, preparing lovely dishes without all of the spices (my stomach is so appreciative.) And finally, my appearance: okay I brought a big straw hat (thank God I have not had to wear it; my hair as actually behaved itself, and I have been able to wear
my make-up (thank God otherwise I would have scared these poor little children.)
So other than my little episode of not feeling well, I have felt great and have been able to keep up with Alicia (although she has had to hold my hand every once in awhile when walking in the evening). It is very dark here and the sidewalks or streets are not all very smooth. My worst thought would be falling and not being able to go back to work. Everyone here wants to know if I will be coming back sometime; I tell them possibly but right now I have to go back to work, so I can save more money. Of course, they think I am so wealthy because I am a yevu (white girl). Oh and let me tell you just how white I am here; these little white legs have never been so white!!!
As you have read in the blog, the children have been leaving this past week and it has been very hard to witness. I asked myself the other day when the fist boy left, if maybe I would rather have not come knowing I would see this; now I know that we were meant to be here at this time. The kids are so innocent and loving here. I have loved all of the hugs and yes sometimes little kisses; and know in my heart that I will never forget them. One of the older girls told us that we are the only volunteers that have every brought so many things for them; maybe all of these toys and clothes helped them keep their little minds off of the changes that are going on here at least for a little while; I pray it did. And I hope they also never forget Sister Alicia and Momma Carol and our love for them all.
I will see and talk to you all when I get back. Pray for a safe journey for my Alicia and me. Thank you for all of your support and prays. My last request from all of you is to please keep these children in your prayers. God bless all of you.
Carol
There really aren't a lot of places in Ho to get gifts or 'souvenirs' (not your typical tourist trap...but Mom is still looking for a shot glass that says Ghana on it for a coworker???? Good luck!). We shopped a bit at the market here which is huge on market day. Market day occurs every four days, on that day people from the surrounding villages in the region travel to Ho to sell and buy goods (on the off days there are still some vendors from this area). At least 99 percent of the items for sale at market are just your basic necessities: produce, fish, soap, fabric, clothes, etc. Then there are a few stands that sell Ghanaian beads (I brought some of these home last year) and that is about the only souvenir thing you can get. Today we are going to the two other shops in town that have wood carvings and jewelry hoping will find some other fun things (by the way Hilary, if you are reading this, we got ripped off in Jamaica on those wood carvings!). While shopping at market I got to test out my bargaining skills and had some good luck! For most items in Ghana you can bargain a price especially for yevus because the person selling the item always quotes a more expensive price when we ask! Mom did well in the market though it is a very busy, crazy place with tons of people carrying heavy items on their heads, narrow aisles, and rocky dirt paths. I did have to hold her hand through many places which got us even more looks than normal but she held her own and we actually got to shop for about an hour or so with out her freaking out (which is what I was expecting!).
Yesterday I traveled to Accra and back to take little Peace to her new home (that is six hours spent in a tro tro for one day!!!!). It ended up just being Peace and me traveling (Mom volunteered the two of us to go and then immediately started making excuses why she shouldn't go....she is a little scared of the tro tros I think). But it all ended up working really well and made Peace's leaving much easier (I think) on everyone. For her I think it was a little exciting to be traveling just with me, for the kids they got to watch her leave with me knowing that I was coming back, and for me it eased my mind greatly to see where she will be living and to get to spend that time with her. I definitely felt like a mom taking her (I had snacks for us on the tro tro [only thanks to MY mom for packing them with me], I carried her heavy bag, made sure her dress looked nice when we got there, etc). She and I just happened to get off the tro tro at the airport junction and when the driver was getting her suitcase down he asked if we were leaving Ghana today, which Peace just loved. Afterwards she said 'he thought we were both going to America together!' I wish! Her new home though really is incredible. The whole time I kept thinking in my head, Peace just may end up as a little Ghanaian Annie! The little orphan that is being taken in my Daddy Warbucks! I met the man and talked with him for a while. His wife in the US right now for business. They have a house in Washington DC and both worked there for over 20 years. He was the Director of the Smithsonian and now works for the World Bank; she works for IMF and was one of the first women in Ghana's parliament. There house is gated with security and just beautiful. They have drivers and two cars. I got to ride around yesterday in a air conditioned Lexus SUV (it didn't seem right)!!! Let me just tell you, Ghana looks a whole lot different when you are riding in a Lexus! I also got to see Peace's sister Patience and spent several hours with both girls in the house. It was just the three of us so I was able to ask Patience a lot of questions (she has been with this family since May) and really do feel like this is a good family and amazing opportunity for both of them. She seemed very happy. They both will start boarding school this week and Patience has been told by the woman that is she receives good marks (grades) she will get to travel to the US with them! I am so excited, I already told the woman and the girls that Patience and Peace can come stay with us anytime they come to the US on their breaks from school! Just like camp....camp in the US! I do hope that they both are happy and the opportunity with this family really is as good as it seems. They deserve to finally have this security and bright future. With names like Peace and Patience, just imagine what they may be able to do in and for this world one day!
I will be posting some more pictures soon (maybe after we get back).
My mom also has an update!!!!
Hello everyone,
Today is our last full day here in this wonderful place and we have still so much to do. I have had an awesome time having my daughter share this experience with me and wanting me to be here with her. This has been everything I expected and more; I should say better than I expected. Most of you that I talked to before I left knows of my concerns of adapting; such as the heat, sleeping, the food, and of course my appearance. Just to let you know the update: the weather has been surprisingly cooler (oh yes, I have had my sweating days; thank God for my fans that I brought.) My bed has been very comfortable (of course, the ceiling fan has helped immensely.) The food: the ladies have been so gracious to us, preparing lovely dishes without all of the spices (my stomach is so appreciative.) And finally, my appearance: okay I brought a big straw hat (thank God I have not had to wear it; my hair as actually behaved itself, and I have been able to wear
my make-up (thank God otherwise I would have scared these poor little children.)
So other than my little episode of not feeling well, I have felt great and have been able to keep up with Alicia (although she has had to hold my hand every once in awhile when walking in the evening). It is very dark here and the sidewalks or streets are not all very smooth. My worst thought would be falling and not being able to go back to work. Everyone here wants to know if I will be coming back sometime; I tell them possibly but right now I have to go back to work, so I can save more money. Of course, they think I am so wealthy because I am a yevu (white girl). Oh and let me tell you just how white I am here; these little white legs have never been so white!!!
As you have read in the blog, the children have been leaving this past week and it has been very hard to witness. I asked myself the other day when the fist boy left, if maybe I would rather have not come knowing I would see this; now I know that we were meant to be here at this time. The kids are so innocent and loving here. I have loved all of the hugs and yes sometimes little kisses; and know in my heart that I will never forget them. One of the older girls told us that we are the only volunteers that have every brought so many things for them; maybe all of these toys and clothes helped them keep their little minds off of the changes that are going on here at least for a little while; I pray it did. And I hope they also never forget Sister Alicia and Momma Carol and our love for them all.
I will see and talk to you all when I get back. Pray for a safe journey for my Alicia and me. Thank you for all of your support and prays. My last request from all of you is to please keep these children in your prayers. God bless all of you.
Carol
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pictures and more....
Two more of the children left the house yesterday. Sammy (7) and Elikim (13)...Mom's boys. It was a sad day again. The older boys try to be strong but poor Sammy just couldn't hold it in. Anyone that has ever seen a child cry and can do nothing about it knows how heartbreaking this is. To make matters worse we have finally learned what the rainy season is really like. We have enjoyed really nice weather the whole time we have been here with just a little sprinkle each day. However Thursday and Friday brought downpours most of the day. The weather matched our emotions, it is like God was crying too over these broken hearts.
As hard as it is to be here during this time and to see the children this way, I am grateful and thank God that we are here. We are able to give these kids a little distraction from all the changes that are occurring around them. Before Sammy and Elikim left yesterday we took all the children into town for ice cream (frozen chocolate milk or strawberry yogurt) and sodas. We had a great time and even obtained a few new children on the way! When we were buying the kids' ice cream from the ice cream man on the bike, four random kids gathered around and tried to integrate into the other kids. My mom has a bleeding heart so she bought them all ice cream as well and even bought one for this random lady that walked over and wanted in on the action. Good job Mom, now they think all Yevus are suckers! The random kids even followed us to the soda shop and sat at a table next to us just staring at our kids getting soda. So.....of course next thing you know Mom is ordering them sodas too. This didn't make our kids too happy, I think they were a little jealous or annoyed. After Elikim and Sammy left we were able to dry the tears quickly and return their smiles with good ol' bubbles! Even when the bubbles ran out the kids continued the fun and used the bubbles that spilled as soap! They soaped up their arms and heads and took impromptu baths!!! Very resourceful kids!
Tomorrow Mom will stay with the kids and I will travel to Accra with Peace (one of the girls that is 10 and is always the little hostess of the house). She will be going to live with a family there where her older sister (14) lives. I want to try to ease her concerns and mine over her departure and check out this family and house. It sounds like it could be a great place and opportunity for her. The couple is wealthy, have no children of their own, travel back and forth to the US often, and apparently live next to Kofi Annan. Um, I may see if they want to take me too!
Here are a few more pics:
We did a little shopping at the market earlier this week. My mom was just fascinated by the piles of charcoal and the way they sell it.
Here are some yummy peppers and tomatoes at the market!
This is the kitchen at the orphanage. Yes, it is outside!
Here we are getting the kids ice cream. Which of these kids don't belong???? I think we bought out all of this guy's ice cream!
The girls and me! We are enjoying nice cold bottled soda at the local drinking spot!
Here are our boys! My mom brought these posters for them to color and they loved it! The older boys in the back were all very meticulous in their coloring. They would take one marker out of their bag, use it, and then put it back in right away. Kind of reminded Mom of a small Jeff Johnson!
Here is sweet Sammy! His eyes and smile are irresistible! He's small but he holds his own with the big boys and is great on the drums!
Here's Elikim with a drawing he did for Mom (oh, I mean Mummy). See below for the close-up.
Oh My! It is a drawing of her and says 'I Love you Mummy.' Seriously, I really wanted to know if he could fit on our suitcase.
It is something about the boys that really have gotten to my mom and me. I don't know if it is because we expect them to be so tough and uninterested (the 13 year olds in particular), so that when they are so loving like this it is shocking and adorable. My dear college friend Rita Pita has always said that she thinks little black boys (she is usually referring to babies though) are the cutest kids......there is something to this.
As hard as it is to be here during this time and to see the children this way, I am grateful and thank God that we are here. We are able to give these kids a little distraction from all the changes that are occurring around them. Before Sammy and Elikim left yesterday we took all the children into town for ice cream (frozen chocolate milk or strawberry yogurt) and sodas. We had a great time and even obtained a few new children on the way! When we were buying the kids' ice cream from the ice cream man on the bike, four random kids gathered around and tried to integrate into the other kids. My mom has a bleeding heart so she bought them all ice cream as well and even bought one for this random lady that walked over and wanted in on the action. Good job Mom, now they think all Yevus are suckers! The random kids even followed us to the soda shop and sat at a table next to us just staring at our kids getting soda. So.....of course next thing you know Mom is ordering them sodas too. This didn't make our kids too happy, I think they were a little jealous or annoyed. After Elikim and Sammy left we were able to dry the tears quickly and return their smiles with good ol' bubbles! Even when the bubbles ran out the kids continued the fun and used the bubbles that spilled as soap! They soaped up their arms and heads and took impromptu baths!!! Very resourceful kids!
Tomorrow Mom will stay with the kids and I will travel to Accra with Peace (one of the girls that is 10 and is always the little hostess of the house). She will be going to live with a family there where her older sister (14) lives. I want to try to ease her concerns and mine over her departure and check out this family and house. It sounds like it could be a great place and opportunity for her. The couple is wealthy, have no children of their own, travel back and forth to the US often, and apparently live next to Kofi Annan. Um, I may see if they want to take me too!
Here are a few more pics:
We did a little shopping at the market earlier this week. My mom was just fascinated by the piles of charcoal and the way they sell it.
Here are some yummy peppers and tomatoes at the market!
This is the kitchen at the orphanage. Yes, it is outside!
Here we are getting the kids ice cream. Which of these kids don't belong???? I think we bought out all of this guy's ice cream!
The girls and me! We are enjoying nice cold bottled soda at the local drinking spot!
Here are our boys! My mom brought these posters for them to color and they loved it! The older boys in the back were all very meticulous in their coloring. They would take one marker out of their bag, use it, and then put it back in right away. Kind of reminded Mom of a small Jeff Johnson!
Here is sweet Sammy! His eyes and smile are irresistible! He's small but he holds his own with the big boys and is great on the drums!
Here's Elikim with a drawing he did for Mom (oh, I mean Mummy). See below for the close-up.
Oh My! It is a drawing of her and says 'I Love you Mummy.' Seriously, I really wanted to know if he could fit on our suitcase.
It is something about the boys that really have gotten to my mom and me. I don't know if it is because we expect them to be so tough and uninterested (the 13 year olds in particular), so that when they are so loving like this it is shocking and adorable. My dear college friend Rita Pita has always said that she thinks little black boys (she is usually referring to babies though) are the cutest kids......there is something to this.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sad Goodbyes
I knew before coming back to Ghana that this would not be just one big happy reunion...unfortunately. When we first planned this trip that is what we expected; however, several weeks prior to our trip I learned that there were some serious problems at the orphanage. A new foundation has been set up in the US to help these children here. I am so excited for this foundation and to be able to support it in the future. The Foundation's goal is to support the kids' eduation and send all of the children to boarding school. However, as this foundation is brand new it will take at least a year before there are enough funds to send these kids to the schools. In the meantime the children have to relocate from the orphanage. The landlord is selling the building where they currently reside and the selling price is too high for the building (in fact there just isn't enough money to buy a building at this time). There is also a lack of funds for the orphanage to find a new place at all, even to rent. So I am sad to say that the children are being sent back to their villages, to their guardians. Their guardians are usually aunts/uncles or grandparents. Sister Bernice will still be overseeing these children and trying to ensure that there schools fees are being paid and they are getting the food and clothes they need, but this is by no means a good solution to the problem. Sadly, my mom and I really don't know what to do....their need is so overwhelming. To make matters worse, the children have to go back to their villages now in order to get enrolled in school in time. When we first arrived I thought the children would be leaving the day that we left, but today we learned they need to go back sooner because of school enrollment. We just learned this today and the first child left this afternoon. Needless to say, it has been a devastating day. Tears from my mom, me, Sister Bernice, and the children. The children are all very sad and to see Sister Bernice break down (she is a very tough woman and is part of a culture that rarely shows sad emotions) was too much to bear.
There are a few children that will remain with Sister Bernice because they have no one to return to or their situation is just too awful. There are three children that she will take with her when she leaves the orphanage. My mom and I were also very distressed to learn that Elolo would be sent back to his village as well. When Elolo was brought to the orphanage over two years ago they didn't think he would live. He was severly malnourished. He was being cared for by his blind grandmother that for some reason only took care of his sister and didn't feed him. The village chief took Elolo from her when he was told of the situation and brought him to Sister Bernice. We couldn't let him go back to this same environment. We have asked Sister Bernice if she could possibly keep him with her if we sponsored him. She has agreed and was actually overwhelmed with emotion when we asked this. She too had been very worried about sending him back and is so happy that we want to do this for him. She said she knows that one day we will come back and take him with us! Knowing the Elolo will be cared for well makes us feel a little better, but still I want all the children to be cared for right now. It is my hope that we will be able to help a couple more immediately and get them enrolled in boarding school this year. For now we will be saying goodbye to several more children tomorrow and then the rest this weekend. I only pray we our all strong enough for this.
Please say a prayer for these children and us.
There are a few children that will remain with Sister Bernice because they have no one to return to or their situation is just too awful. There are three children that she will take with her when she leaves the orphanage. My mom and I were also very distressed to learn that Elolo would be sent back to his village as well. When Elolo was brought to the orphanage over two years ago they didn't think he would live. He was severly malnourished. He was being cared for by his blind grandmother that for some reason only took care of his sister and didn't feed him. The village chief took Elolo from her when he was told of the situation and brought him to Sister Bernice. We couldn't let him go back to this same environment. We have asked Sister Bernice if she could possibly keep him with her if we sponsored him. She has agreed and was actually overwhelmed with emotion when we asked this. She too had been very worried about sending him back and is so happy that we want to do this for him. She said she knows that one day we will come back and take him with us! Knowing the Elolo will be cared for well makes us feel a little better, but still I want all the children to be cared for right now. It is my hope that we will be able to help a couple more immediately and get them enrolled in boarding school this year. For now we will be saying goodbye to several more children tomorrow and then the rest this weekend. I only pray we our all strong enough for this.
Please say a prayer for these children and us.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Finally....some pictures!
Here we are with Sister Bernice of the orphanage! Does Sister Bernice's dress look familiar anyone? It is one of the dresses Mom brought from her closet to donate. Sister Bernice loves this dress!
Elolo loving on spider man. Mom does a great Spider Man song by the way...that Elolo now does as well. He also got a spider man t-shirt!
***Update: Thank you to Mary and Shayne for these donated items!***
Mom with her handsome boys: Noble (13 just as of yesterday), Elikim (13 years old) and Sammy (7 years old). We had just given all the kids their own goodie bags which included these very cool and popular sunglasses! Don't be jealous Jeff, we have extra pairs!
Today we were invited to lunch by a former fellow teacher: Wonder. We ate lunch under this nice shade tree right outside his house. My mom is holding his five week old baby girl, Melody. Mom did well and was able to eat most of the food he served (yams, chicken, and a tomato gravy that was a bit too spicy for her), she also managed to eat with her right hand the whole time!!!! Success! We are going out for drinks with Wonder Friday night.
Hopefully some more pics tomorrow. It took FOREVER to load these pics tonight!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Celebrity Yevus
My Mom says she feels like a celebrity in Ghana! Since we are two yevus (white people) we do get a lot of stares and people that say 'hi' to us. The kids like to yell out yevu, yevu loudly from across the street to get our attention and a wave (a thumbs up or peace sign is always a hit). So needless to say my mom loves the attention. Three months of having people yell yavu at you definitely wears off that feeling. I have the tendency to ignore it, while she is stopping to shake hands and talk!
It is weird to come back to Ghana with someone that has never been. Even though it has been over a year and a half since I was here, it feels at times like I never left. Things here still feel so natural to me (of course they didn't originally, it took some time to get to that point). So sometimes I forget how weird or different things actually are here for my Mom. Though she is really taking in everything so well, that at times I feel like she has been here before too!
We are getting to spend a great amount of time with the children at the orphanage which is wonderful! The fact that we are staying there allows us to see the children in so many new ways. When we wake up they are there to give us hugs and are excited about the day, at night we have been privileged enough to enjoy the children's drumming, singing, and dancing performances, and we can even put Elolo to bed when he falls asleep in our lap. The kids have an amazing amount of energy all hours of the day, so Momma Carol and I are exhausted by the end of the day or have to take naps during the day!
We are down to our last week and plan to make everyday count with the children. I can't even bear to think about when we leave. =(
It is weird to come back to Ghana with someone that has never been. Even though it has been over a year and a half since I was here, it feels at times like I never left. Things here still feel so natural to me (of course they didn't originally, it took some time to get to that point). So sometimes I forget how weird or different things actually are here for my Mom. Though she is really taking in everything so well, that at times I feel like she has been here before too!
We are getting to spend a great amount of time with the children at the orphanage which is wonderful! The fact that we are staying there allows us to see the children in so many new ways. When we wake up they are there to give us hugs and are excited about the day, at night we have been privileged enough to enjoy the children's drumming, singing, and dancing performances, and we can even put Elolo to bed when he falls asleep in our lap. The kids have an amazing amount of energy all hours of the day, so Momma Carol and I are exhausted by the end of the day or have to take naps during the day!
We are down to our last week and plan to make everyday count with the children. I can't even bear to think about when we leave. =(
Monday, August 25, 2008
Mom Drank the Water!!!!!!!!
Today is the first day that the internet has been working and it is still super slow (sadly still no pics can be posted). I have been in the cafe for an hour now and have only checked two emails and logged onto this site!!!! One of the kids, Peace, is with my mom and me. A former volunteer set up email addresses for the kids and we are helping her check her email. Watching and helping her type an email is adorable!
Well, I must have a stomach made of steel. I spent three months here and had very few problems with the food (no matter where I bought it from), water, etc. My Mom on the other hand, made it four days and then was out of commission for about 2 days! She gave us a little scare on Saturday with being very tired and other ailments, but she is back to herself today! Good thing, because I think Sister Bernice was about to force us to go to the hospital (don't worry, she was overreacting a bit)...my mom and I were both in agreement, a stay in a Ghanaian hospital was not something either of us wanted to experience!
Today we celebrated one of the kids' birthdays. Noble turned 13, so we had a cake made at the local bakery with his name on it and had a little party this afternoon. We even managed to find a few balloons to decorate the house. Noble was definitely a little embarrassed with all the attention and singing, but he loved it. I got a big hug from him tonight when I left the house thanking me. These kids don't normally get their birthdays celebrated. The kids have started something new since I was last here. When they thank us for something, not only do they do the usual hug and thank you, but they also say 'May God bless you richly.' We have been receiving this wish all week for such small things really. We brought them used cloths from Goodwill and for that they want God to bless us richly. It is a beautiful thing really. Humbling.
Besides hanging out with the kids, I have gotten to introduce my Mom to several friends and show her around Ho a bit. I think Ho is quite a shock to her. Even though she has seen my pictures and videos, she still kept thinking we were going to 'the bush.' Now that we have walked on the streets and taken a few taxis she says New York is the only city she has ever seen that is busier than Ho (she is exaggerating a bit here). It is quite a metropolis! We have visited Auntie (the lady I stayed with last time) several times. She invited us to dinner last night....Mom needed to rest more though, so I went and it was great to taste her wonderful cooking again. We also went out to dinner with the volunteer coordinators from DiVOG (Robert, Richard, and DJ) on Friday night and got to catch up. They keep encouraging my mom to go out dancing! I am discouraging this! =) We also went to visit one of my fellow teachers at his new house and got to meet his wife and new baby. I went to church on Sunday with Keldi one of the few Ghanaian girls around my age that reached out to be my friend (I attended church with her several times before). I definitely lost my endurance though for Ghanaian church....after 3 1/2 hours of singing, dancing, and preaching in the heat, I had to leave church. Keldi stayed for another 45 minutes after me and it was still going on when she left!!!! My mom and I picked out Ghanaian fabric and are having outfits made for us and can hopefully wear these to church next week. We also let the kids pick out their own fabrics and are getting church outfits made for them!
We are being treated wonderfully at the orphanage and eating way too much food! They are always worried we are hungry! We lucked out with an indoor toilet and running water! However. we are getting to enjoy bucket baths! It is a little rough in the morning when I have to poor that cold water down my back. The weather has been very pleasant....cooler than the time I was here before (God IS blessing me richly!!!). It is the end of Ghana's rainy season, so the rain is helping to keep things cool. Though it has gotten very hot a few days (hot enough that Mom had to buy a sweat rag), but the evenings are a nice relief.
Now for the highlight of the post, a Word From Carol:
I do not write as well as my daughter, so please bear with me. I am so very pleased and blessed to be here with her making all of these memories.
I have had a very good time and yes have been under the weather just a little bit the last few days, but please know that all is well now. I had a long talk with God and told him that I could not be sick anymore. So far.....so good.
I have been taking a lot of pictures to document my experiences. Just wait till I get back.
For my Ashley friends.....wait till you see the competition.
When was the last time you saw children spend an entire day outside playing, these kids amaze me with their imaginations. No video games, computers or television non stop, an interesting concept, don't you think!!!!
Miss you all!!!! Carol
Well, I must have a stomach made of steel. I spent three months here and had very few problems with the food (no matter where I bought it from), water, etc. My Mom on the other hand, made it four days and then was out of commission for about 2 days! She gave us a little scare on Saturday with being very tired and other ailments, but she is back to herself today! Good thing, because I think Sister Bernice was about to force us to go to the hospital (don't worry, she was overreacting a bit)...my mom and I were both in agreement, a stay in a Ghanaian hospital was not something either of us wanted to experience!
Today we celebrated one of the kids' birthdays. Noble turned 13, so we had a cake made at the local bakery with his name on it and had a little party this afternoon. We even managed to find a few balloons to decorate the house. Noble was definitely a little embarrassed with all the attention and singing, but he loved it. I got a big hug from him tonight when I left the house thanking me. These kids don't normally get their birthdays celebrated. The kids have started something new since I was last here. When they thank us for something, not only do they do the usual hug and thank you, but they also say 'May God bless you richly.' We have been receiving this wish all week for such small things really. We brought them used cloths from Goodwill and for that they want God to bless us richly. It is a beautiful thing really. Humbling.
Besides hanging out with the kids, I have gotten to introduce my Mom to several friends and show her around Ho a bit. I think Ho is quite a shock to her. Even though she has seen my pictures and videos, she still kept thinking we were going to 'the bush.' Now that we have walked on the streets and taken a few taxis she says New York is the only city she has ever seen that is busier than Ho (she is exaggerating a bit here). It is quite a metropolis! We have visited Auntie (the lady I stayed with last time) several times. She invited us to dinner last night....Mom needed to rest more though, so I went and it was great to taste her wonderful cooking again. We also went out to dinner with the volunteer coordinators from DiVOG (Robert, Richard, and DJ) on Friday night and got to catch up. They keep encouraging my mom to go out dancing! I am discouraging this! =) We also went to visit one of my fellow teachers at his new house and got to meet his wife and new baby. I went to church on Sunday with Keldi one of the few Ghanaian girls around my age that reached out to be my friend (I attended church with her several times before). I definitely lost my endurance though for Ghanaian church....after 3 1/2 hours of singing, dancing, and preaching in the heat, I had to leave church. Keldi stayed for another 45 minutes after me and it was still going on when she left!!!! My mom and I picked out Ghanaian fabric and are having outfits made for us and can hopefully wear these to church next week. We also let the kids pick out their own fabrics and are getting church outfits made for them!
We are being treated wonderfully at the orphanage and eating way too much food! They are always worried we are hungry! We lucked out with an indoor toilet and running water! However. we are getting to enjoy bucket baths! It is a little rough in the morning when I have to poor that cold water down my back. The weather has been very pleasant....cooler than the time I was here before (God IS blessing me richly!!!). It is the end of Ghana's rainy season, so the rain is helping to keep things cool. Though it has gotten very hot a few days (hot enough that Mom had to buy a sweat rag), but the evenings are a nice relief.
Now for the highlight of the post, a Word From Carol:
I do not write as well as my daughter, so please bear with me. I am so very pleased and blessed to be here with her making all of these memories.
I have had a very good time and yes have been under the weather just a little bit the last few days, but please know that all is well now. I had a long talk with God and told him that I could not be sick anymore. So far.....so good.
I have been taking a lot of pictures to document my experiences. Just wait till I get back.
For my Ashley friends.....wait till you see the competition.
When was the last time you saw children spend an entire day outside playing, these kids amaze me with their imaginations. No video games, computers or television non stop, an interesting concept, don't you think!!!!
Miss you all!!!! Carol
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Momma Carol/Mummy
The internet here in Ghana has been down the past two days and is still touchy, so this will have to be a quick one! Momma Carol was worried though that our friends back home would worry! The kids have taken to my Mom very quickly and are calling her Mummy, which she of course loves. She says they are her African grandchildren and has already started crying at the thought of having to leave them!
Sadly, several of the kids that were here last year are now gone, went back to siblings, guardians, etc. I am sad not to see them but I am hopeful they are in good, loving arms now. Several new children are here now and are stealing our hearts very quickly! We will have pics tomorrow hopefully. Right now the kids have gone off with some other volunteers to a pool at the hotel. I don't think these kids have ever been swimming before, but they have a kiddie pool, so they should be full of stories for us when they return.
Okay, there is only one computer working in this cafe and now a line has formed of Ghanaians and they are starting at me! Gotta go......
Sadly, several of the kids that were here last year are now gone, went back to siblings, guardians, etc. I am sad not to see them but I am hopeful they are in good, loving arms now. Several new children are here now and are stealing our hearts very quickly! We will have pics tomorrow hopefully. Right now the kids have gone off with some other volunteers to a pool at the hotel. I don't think these kids have ever been swimming before, but they have a kiddie pool, so they should be full of stories for us when they return.
Okay, there is only one computer working in this cafe and now a line has formed of Ghanaians and they are starting at me! Gotta go......
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
We Made It!
Hello All!
My mom and I are in Ghana in Ho, Volta Region! It has been a long journey to get here, we made it into town around noon today after running through the Minneapolis airport to make our flight to Amsterdam (we had an hour lay over, but about five minutes after getting off the St. Louis plane, our next flight was being paged as last call for boarding-we ran what felt to be a mile), facing a broken down tro tro, and fleeing a taxi that was feared to about catch on fire! =) We're safe and happy now! We are being welcomed and taken care of very wonderfully at the orphanage! Seeing the children again feels great. It has been a year and a half since I have been here and I was a little worried that they may not really remember me all that well. Not the case at all. Within the first few minutes, after hugs and greetings, even the smallest children wanted me to play one of our old games I showed them.....steal the noses off their faces! They are all so adorable and have already taken a liking to Momma Carol. Sister Bernice, the lady that runs the orphanage, has gone all out for us so that we feel at home and is treating us like royalty. It feels good to know that she is just as excited to see us and we are her. She is giving my Mom quite the ego boost, telling her that there is no way she is '60' and that she looks younger than Ghanaians younger than her! CJ is eating it up, you better believe it!
My mom is doing great and embracing Africa like the adventurous and crazy woman that she is. She has already eaten with her hands (even though she was given a fork...she still wanted to try it like the Ghanaians), visited the ladies' urinal (while our tro tro was being fixed, it was on the side of the highway and of course was fixed right after she got in the restroom...I thought we were going to get left behind), and drank the water from the bag. No surprise to anyone, she is talking to everybody and making friends! I think she is a little shocked (relieved is probably a better choice of words) though that we are not staying in 'the bush,' which is what she kept referring Ghana to before we got here!
We are going to head back to the orphanage and unpack our bags and figure out the best plan to spoil these kids with all the fun stuff we brought (thanks to the folks that gave stuff for us to bring as well)!
Pics, more updates, and a word from Carol later!
Alicia
My mom and I are in Ghana in Ho, Volta Region! It has been a long journey to get here, we made it into town around noon today after running through the Minneapolis airport to make our flight to Amsterdam (we had an hour lay over, but about five minutes after getting off the St. Louis plane, our next flight was being paged as last call for boarding-we ran what felt to be a mile), facing a broken down tro tro, and fleeing a taxi that was feared to about catch on fire! =) We're safe and happy now! We are being welcomed and taken care of very wonderfully at the orphanage! Seeing the children again feels great. It has been a year and a half since I have been here and I was a little worried that they may not really remember me all that well. Not the case at all. Within the first few minutes, after hugs and greetings, even the smallest children wanted me to play one of our old games I showed them.....steal the noses off their faces! They are all so adorable and have already taken a liking to Momma Carol. Sister Bernice, the lady that runs the orphanage, has gone all out for us so that we feel at home and is treating us like royalty. It feels good to know that she is just as excited to see us and we are her. She is giving my Mom quite the ego boost, telling her that there is no way she is '60' and that she looks younger than Ghanaians younger than her! CJ is eating it up, you better believe it!
My mom is doing great and embracing Africa like the adventurous and crazy woman that she is. She has already eaten with her hands (even though she was given a fork...she still wanted to try it like the Ghanaians), visited the ladies' urinal (while our tro tro was being fixed, it was on the side of the highway and of course was fixed right after she got in the restroom...I thought we were going to get left behind), and drank the water from the bag. No surprise to anyone, she is talking to everybody and making friends! I think she is a little shocked (relieved is probably a better choice of words) though that we are not staying in 'the bush,' which is what she kept referring Ghana to before we got here!
We are going to head back to the orphanage and unpack our bags and figure out the best plan to spoil these kids with all the fun stuff we brought (thanks to the folks that gave stuff for us to bring as well)!
Pics, more updates, and a word from Carol later!
Alicia
Friday, August 15, 2008
Here I go again....back to Ghana!!!!!!
Well if you couldn't tell from my original blog and knowing me in general, I loved my time volunteering in Ghana. It was an incredible learning experience about our world, how lucking I am, and how loving and accepting people can be. I made some wonderful friends while I was there amongst my fellow teachers, the volunteer coordinators, other volunteers, and my favorite ladies selling items on the street. I was also touched deeply by the children at the SWODC orphanage and the lady that started it, Sister Bernice. Despite the hand they have been dealt in life, they have a great ability to love and desire to succeed.
While I was excited to return home last year (three months without AC was hard), leaving Ghana and those kids was honestly, devastating. It felt like a great loss and I when I first got home I think I experienced some strange form of grief. At that time, I had no idea when (if ever) I would get to return to see these amazing people again. But I am so unbelievably blessed to have the opportunity to once again go to Ghana. I am also so unbelievably blessed to have an amazing, adventurous mother that wants to share in this experience with me and will be going to Ghana as well. My mom and I have been through a lot together, but wow, this will really be a new experience for us! For those of you that know my mom, she is really energetic and strong.....but still this is a big stretch for her. So, I will be sure to try to capture her reactions to 'Africa' as much as possible, it will definitely be good for some laughs with the fam. But really, I am so proud of her and that she is willing and wants to do this with me.
Since I left Ghana, a number of things have been going on at the orphanage and I feel I am needed there more now than ever. The timing of this trip is turning out to be perfect because things are in a bit of disarry. In the past year and a half my mom and I have sponsored one of the children specifically, Elolo and have helped overall by sending items and gifts to all the kids. Elolo is the one I am sure I talked the most about before and dominates most of my pictures. He is six years old now, but is very small and behind for his age. He was very malnourished and neglected early in life which stunted his growth. To help get him caught up and able to start attending school, we paid for him to have a private tutor come to the orphanage four days a week. He was enrolled in kindergarten this past year and has been slowly improving. I am anxious to see for myself how he is faring.
The orphanage has had some difficulties with its current property and will have to relocate this November. A new location still has not been found. Due to a lack of finances and the impending move, where these children will end up is still unknown. Another volunteer that has also been deeply involved with the orphanage has just set up a foundation with her husband to help support the education of the children. The thought right now is that given all the other troubles and the poor public education system, that it may be best for the children to go to a boarding school in town. This will ensure they are getting the best education possible and that they are fully supported. There will be more to come on this after my mom and I get there and can assess things on our own. The foundation, which I am very excited is now up and running, is called Hopkins Foundation. It can be found at http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/. I met Josephine and her husband when I was there earlier and they are amazing people with big hearts. They have been helping these kids on there own for the past two years.
My mom and I will be staying at the orphanage with Sister Bernice so that we can spend as much time with the kids as possible. Our suitcases are full of gifts for the kids and friends! We plan to spoil these kids for the two weeks we're there. Above all we want them to know that they are loved. I also plan to visit the school where I taught and have lots of friends to see. And of course, while I am not staying with Auntie this time, I do hope that my mom will get to try out her cooking! I actually miss some of the food there and eating with my hands! =)
We arrive in Ghana's capitol, Accra, on Monday Aug 19 and will travel to Ho in the Volta Region the next morning. I will hopefully have the first post up on Tuesday or Wednesday.
While I was excited to return home last year (three months without AC was hard), leaving Ghana and those kids was honestly, devastating. It felt like a great loss and I when I first got home I think I experienced some strange form of grief. At that time, I had no idea when (if ever) I would get to return to see these amazing people again. But I am so unbelievably blessed to have the opportunity to once again go to Ghana. I am also so unbelievably blessed to have an amazing, adventurous mother that wants to share in this experience with me and will be going to Ghana as well. My mom and I have been through a lot together, but wow, this will really be a new experience for us! For those of you that know my mom, she is really energetic and strong.....but still this is a big stretch for her. So, I will be sure to try to capture her reactions to 'Africa' as much as possible, it will definitely be good for some laughs with the fam. But really, I am so proud of her and that she is willing and wants to do this with me.
Since I left Ghana, a number of things have been going on at the orphanage and I feel I am needed there more now than ever. The timing of this trip is turning out to be perfect because things are in a bit of disarry. In the past year and a half my mom and I have sponsored one of the children specifically, Elolo and have helped overall by sending items and gifts to all the kids. Elolo is the one I am sure I talked the most about before and dominates most of my pictures. He is six years old now, but is very small and behind for his age. He was very malnourished and neglected early in life which stunted his growth. To help get him caught up and able to start attending school, we paid for him to have a private tutor come to the orphanage four days a week. He was enrolled in kindergarten this past year and has been slowly improving. I am anxious to see for myself how he is faring.
The orphanage has had some difficulties with its current property and will have to relocate this November. A new location still has not been found. Due to a lack of finances and the impending move, where these children will end up is still unknown. Another volunteer that has also been deeply involved with the orphanage has just set up a foundation with her husband to help support the education of the children. The thought right now is that given all the other troubles and the poor public education system, that it may be best for the children to go to a boarding school in town. This will ensure they are getting the best education possible and that they are fully supported. There will be more to come on this after my mom and I get there and can assess things on our own. The foundation, which I am very excited is now up and running, is called Hopkins Foundation. It can be found at http://www.hopkinsfoundation.org/. I met Josephine and her husband when I was there earlier and they are amazing people with big hearts. They have been helping these kids on there own for the past two years.
My mom and I will be staying at the orphanage with Sister Bernice so that we can spend as much time with the kids as possible. Our suitcases are full of gifts for the kids and friends! We plan to spoil these kids for the two weeks we're there. Above all we want them to know that they are loved. I also plan to visit the school where I taught and have lots of friends to see. And of course, while I am not staying with Auntie this time, I do hope that my mom will get to try out her cooking! I actually miss some of the food there and eating with my hands! =)
We arrive in Ghana's capitol, Accra, on Monday Aug 19 and will travel to Ho in the Volta Region the next morning. I will hopefully have the first post up on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Heading home soon!
This is most likely my last update on the blog as I leave Ghana next Wednesday, April 18. I will arrive home on Thursday evening. My traveling last week was nice though I would have loved to of seen even more of Ghana. I traveled along the coastal area only, but I did tour the old slave fort in Cape Coast. I have a few pictures below. The main thing I took away from this tour was the drastic contrast between the horror of the dark, cramped slave dungeons below ground and the beautiful white washed wall-fort above ground and glistening ocean surrounding it. The dungeons are everything you would imagine, but the stories that go along with them are the hardest part. There is a pic below that says ‘Door of No Return,’ this is the last door the slaves went through before boarding the ships that took them across the Atlantic and this is the area they usually last saw family members. A few years back, in a symbolic gesture the remains of two Africans that were taken as slaves to America were brought back to the fort and taken back through the door. So now on the other side of the door (the ocean side) there is the sign ‘Door of Return.’ This is a good place to mention that most Ghanaians are very proud of their heritage and are able to trace their ancestors back for many, many generations. Ghana also still has a tribal system, so Ghanaians relate to their tribe and their native language is from their tribe or their region. So this all makes keeping track of your family lineage easier. But sadly, the descendants of Ghanaians captured as slaves are often unable to even track their ancestors back to Ghana, let alone their tribe. The Cape Coast Fort which was controlled by several different European countries through the years also traded sugar, gold, and cocoa. The related trade stories obviously aren’t has horrible as the slave trading, but nevertheless, lets just say that Ghanaians (okay, Africans) have a long history of outsiders coming in a screwing them over!
I also traveled on to a beautiful eco-lodge that my two British, past volunteer friends are managing. It was a crazy, fun, and relaxing time. Also, I am finally getting somewhat comfortable with tro tros. I missed my town and region while gone. Outside of the Volta Region, Ghanaians speak a different native language. Instead of Ewe, they speak Twi. So as a white person, I was no longer Yavu, but Obruni. I found that I actually missed my Ewe people…..at least when they yell out at me on the street, I know what they are saying!
Nothing too exciting for Easter, they mainly only have church on Sunday and then Monday is also a holiday and they have picnics at all the various churches.
Cape coast Castle/fort
The entrance of the tunnel leading to the slave dungeon.
One of the six dungeons. That one window served as their only light.
This is the view from the fort.
I also traveled on to a beautiful eco-lodge that my two British, past volunteer friends are managing. It was a crazy, fun, and relaxing time. Also, I am finally getting somewhat comfortable with tro tros. I missed my town and region while gone. Outside of the Volta Region, Ghanaians speak a different native language. Instead of Ewe, they speak Twi. So as a white person, I was no longer Yavu, but Obruni. I found that I actually missed my Ewe people…..at least when they yell out at me on the street, I know what they are saying!
Nothing too exciting for Easter, they mainly only have church on Sunday and then Monday is also a holiday and they have picnics at all the various churches.
Cape coast Castle/fort
The entrance of the tunnel leading to the slave dungeon.
One of the six dungeons. That one window served as their only light.
This is the view from the fort.
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