The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Today was the second day of classes! After a long, bumpy bus ride, we arrived at the village and all of the kids were already standing in front of the school. When we piled out of the bus, they came and attacked us all with huge hugs. While setting up for class, the children learned how to play “duck, duck, goose” outside. Some got the hang of it, while others kept saying “duck, duck, DUCK!” It was a joy watching them run around and enjoying their time. When the game was over, the children lined up to sing the Ghana national anthem, Lord’s Prayer, “Read your Bible, Pray every day”, and “Shoo fly don’t bother me”. They are better singers than any American Idol I’ve heard.

 

The book of the day was called “Anansi the Spider”. The kids enjoyed listening to the story, counting the spiders on the page, and pointing out colors on the page. We repeated the word “Spider” more than a few times, showed a picture with the word on the board, and they wrote the word as well as drew a picture of a spider with pretty colored pencils, and crayons.

Soon it was time for the activity for the day. I have 3 groups of 5 kids that are already split up sitting in pods around the classroom. The first group created spider hats, the second group practiced drawing on construction paper, and the third group was working together to finish a puzzle. It was really great seeing that group use teamwork and help each other out when trying to do the puzzle! After three rotations, everyone had a spider hat, and it was time to sing the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” song. They LOVED it.

It was raining this morning, but fortunately it let up before lunch! Thank goodness because they were getting so restless in the classroom. One soccer ball goes out the door, and they all go running with it. Soccer kept a group of about 15 boys occupied while the girls improved their jump rope skills. The best thing about children: it’s not hard to entertain them.

For lunch, we left the kids at the primary school with the Ghanaian teachers so we could go up to the pre-school. There, we ate yummy spaghetti and watermelon that Mercia had prepared! Pretty soon we were back at the primary school making bead necklaces! My class, and Sarah H’s/Ian’s class were beading, while Stephanie’s, and Zach’s class were making salt dough (or homemade play-dough). The day ended too soon and we had to say good-bye. The kids never leave right away after we say good-bye and tell them to go home. It’s so sad, I wish we never had to leave them!

Now I am at the hotel watching John Atta Mills (Ghanaian President) speak to the public about water sanitation, and hopes for the future of Ghana. It is pretty interesting. The Ghanaian commercials are so cheesy I love it!

Sarah Rossmeisl

Stay tuned for the playground saga!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Today was truly awesome!!!!!  After much planning and nervous anticipation, we arrived in the village to begin our reading camp.  There were no children when we got there, so we had time to sweep out the classrooms and set up.  And then they came—58 beautiful children ready for this new adventure.  They had never experienced anything like it.  Tooty ta, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and the Itsy Bitsy Spider.  All of us will be singing these in our heads for weeks to come.

The most amazing thing for me was watching our team in action.  Everyone gave it all they had.  We all started with the same lesson plan and the same materials, and from that came four distinctively wonderful lessons.  Of course, none of it would have been possible without our Ghanaian colleagues.  Their efforts and obvious enthusiasm, not to mention their translation of the children’s words from Ga to English helped to make today possible.  I can hardly wait to see what happens tomorrow.

Michelle

 

 

 

Every teacher knows that even the best made plans don’t always go as expected.  In fact, sometimes a teacher has to switch gears as soon as the lesson begins.  This was my fear while planning for the reading camp for the children of the village this week.  We were obviously planning for children we had never met, we weren’t sure how many were coming, and we knew the language barrier was going to be challenging.  My apprehension quickly faded as the 58 SMILING children arrived at the primary school.  I could feel the excitement as they buzzed around the school grounds.  Many were peeking in the classrooms hoping to see what was going on.  In fact, a few came in and learned how to sharpen pencils…I think they would have sharpened pencils all day!  After everyone arrived, the goats were shooed away, and morning assembly was over, we launched into our first story.  The children’s desks were set up in a circle so everyone could see each other.  We sang some songs, recited the alphabet, and counted (all in English) as a quick icebreaker.

The children listened very quietly to the story “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” (an alphabet story).  The more I read, the closer they moved to me…it was great!  The children then worked on 3 different activities—painting a coconut tree using their arms and hands, using coconuts with the letters to put the ABC’s in order, and writing and illustrating something about the story.  Megan, Felicia (the Ghanaian teacher) and I each worked on an activity.  I am happy to say, the morning went just as planned!  When we finished, the children had the opportunity to play outside for a few minutes before lunch. I was most shocked when several of the children asked me for paper and crayons.  One of them drew another coconut tree, brought it to me and said, “tree!”  I was elated…what we learned this morning had really sunk in!  The other child also brought me a picture of a tree and had tried to write the word tree by herself…”terr”.  They both were so proud!!

We had lunch up at the preschool and had to take our small bus to the school.  We had 2 vans/buses, 58 children, and a few adults to transport.  And yes…it worked!  We piled about 30 or so in our bus with several adults.  I think I laughed the entire ride!  These children had obviously never had this experience either.  As we drove through the village, they yelled and waved out the windows to everyone they saw.  They couldn’t wait to get back on the bus after lunch.

After lunch, the team gathered the children all together in one classroom for a final story.  Before the story began, we decided to let them dance and sing to the song “Tooty Ta”.  I use this song with my preschool students at home and they love it.  I had hoped that the Ghanaian children would also love it.  Boy did they love it!!!  I have a feeling “Tooty Ta” will be performed multiple times this week.  It was heartwarming to watch 58 children perform this song in English and dance…having so much FUN!

After we bid them farewell, we climbed back on our bus for the long ride back to the city.  I can’t wait to get back to work tomorrow!

-Stephanie

Notes from the Team

Photo by Tana Lopez/Woven Eye

Saturday, July 30, 2011 

In the morning we went to the Children of Mary Preschool for their graduation ceremony. Children of Mary was started by Mercia Laryea, Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope Ghana Executive Director, 6 years ago when she retired from the Ghana School System. Now, Mercia spends most of her time working for GMH helping us set up preschools.

Sue Ulrich writes:

“It was graduation day at a Ghanaian pre-school. What an experience! There were so many beautiful children singing songs, acting out scenes and performing plays for their parents and us.  I felt a strong sense of community among these generous people and admire the support that families offer one another. The children were beaming with pride as they told us about different districts in Ghana and shared what they wish to be when they grow up. I so appreciate the warm welcome given to us by Mercia and her school. Good luck students and God bless you all!”

Photo by Tana Lopez, woveneye.com

Scott and I left early to head to the airport to pick up Anna and Sarah. Children of Mary is about 30 miles from the airport but the traffic was terrible. We allowed 2 hours and needed every minute. Luckily for us, the girls had checked their bags a day early so they were the last ones to get their bags.

As soon as Anna and Sarah got in the van we hurried to the Cultural Market for a little fun shopping. I have been there so many times that the venders know me by name. It is such a rich experience in customs, crafts and perseverance. Families of the missioners should be very proud—they all passed with flying colors—actually they are all a bit more colorful. The van was quite full by the time we all piled in with our purchases.

 

 

Here is Jacki Coates take on the day:

“On July 29^th the group went to a preschool graduation. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and acting. Then we went to the cultural market and got a lot of great deals. They were selling drums, masks, shirts, dresses, food, bags, and wooden play sets. Then the whole group went out to eat. The day was very nice and it was a perfect day in Ghana.”

 

 

Ian at the Market.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

By November Graham:

“Today we got to experience a church in Ghana. . .  It was amazing. It was one of the coolest, most loving, welcoming places’ I have ever been!!!! The women were dancing and singing and just so happy to celebrate their faith. We left that church and went to another church very quickly so we could see father Victor for a late lunch! There I met the cutest little, 2 year old, boy named Nathan who sat on my lap after lunch and just played, which just made my day more phenomenal… if that’s possible!”

Tomorrow is the first day of camp. All of the girls and women are just chomping at the bit to spend time with the children. I know it will be love at first sight for everyone. Keep coming back to see how

80 Ghana Cedis, no, I will pay 40 Ghana Cedis

Yes, the bartering has begun and hopefully the blogging too. Blogs by our team should begin tomorrow (they missed my 10 pm deadline), so for tonight just a little update.

#1, Sarah and Anna Rossmeisl arrived  this afternoon. They stayed in Chicago over night, then flew to DC, followed by 9 hours at the airport and an 11 1/2 plane ride to Ghana.  Truly and adventure for Anna, who has never flown before. We are all happy to have them here with us.

Today the team was invited to a preschool graduation which was very entertaining. The 6 big speakers, right behind our chair, were at full blast as the kids recited their poems and songs.  They are so cute at that age.

The afternoon was spent at the Cultural Market where everyone, and I mean everyone, learned the art of bartering. The teens became excellent barterers. I think I’ll just give my money to them with a shopping list.  Better photos and stories by the team start tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

They’re Here!

 

This is a very short blog to let everyone know that most of the team has arrived.  They are staying at the Kris View Hotel which has a beautiful view of Accra.  After a good dinner they have gone to rest. Everyone room has a cell phone and they should be calling home.  They all look fine and excited. Big day tomorrow at the market.

Unfortunately, Anna and Sarah Rossmeisl were delayed due to a problem with United Airlines pilot “sick in”.  They claim it was weather related, however when the rest of the team got on the plane, there was a note from the CEO about the strike.

Sarah and Anna have arrived in DC and should be taking the plane tonight, arriving tomorrow.  I promise to have photos tomorrow. My camera has decided to take a vacation without me and hopefully will return tomorrow.

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African proverb

 

All Photos by Tana Lopez and woveneye.com

Today is so exciting. The team leaves the US and will arrive tomorrow, Friday.  Since this will be posted very late tonight, many of you will be reading this as the team arrives in Ghana, 9am US time. 16 people, 5 different states, many meeting for the first time.

We are very excited here. Many preparations have been made. It is a lot to prepare for 18 people, including Tana, the photographer, and myself. Plus, often we will have Mercia, Sophia, Vivian, Marian or other Ghanaians participating. We have made countless trips to many markets, walking for hours to find the best price on the items that we will need.  In food alone, we have bought:

1 case sardines

1 case mackerel

20 cases of water                                 

200 pounds of rice

10 boxes of spaghetti

1 case of corned beef (it is the meat for the spaghetti)

50 pounds of onions

100 pounds of tomatoes

3 pounds of garlic

20 pounds of beans

20 gallons of oil

And that is just he beginning. There are bowl, bottles, soap, shirts and much more for the programs. But to see the faces of the children makes it seem like so little.

As I met with Archbishop Justice O. Akrofi on Tuesday, he told me several stories of how he has watched the lives of children be changed because someone took the time to be with them and let them know they are loved.  He is excited that this team has chosen to come and be with people and not just send money.

I would like to share what Marjie wrote to the teams traveling tonight:

Tomorrow is the day to begin our journey in so many ways:

Some of us will meet each other for the first time;

Some of us will travel outside the country for the first time;

Some of us will travel on a plane for the first time;

Some of us will be away without our families for the first time;

Some of us will work with children for the first time;

Most of us will grow spiritually and emotionally.

All of us will be supported by each other and our Ghanaian partners;

All of us will be changed by this experience in some way;

All of us will change others because of this experience.

So, welcome the new experiences and grow from them.

We will be serving God and his people. What better way could we spend 12 days out of our lives!

Anna, Becki+, Bruce, Jackie, Ian, Marjie, Meaghan, Michelle, November, Paige, Sarah H., Sarah R., Scott, Stephanie, Sue and Zach, Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope Team Summer 2011, Akwaaba, we welcome you. Keep scrolling to see the team. - Their picture will be posted by 11 pm. Thursday. (it is 8 pm her and only 4 pm US)

Here are a few things they will see.

Our hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cloth.  Yes, Obama cloth comes in many colors.

 

 

 

We met these Chiefs from the Volta region having dinner at Chicken Republic-KFC with rice or fries.

 

 

Joshua, Godwin and Comfort.  Joshua  is Mercia and Victor’s son and Comfort now lives with them (see post from last Friday).

 

 

 

 

Will your picture be here next year?

SHE NEEDS YOUR HELP

We met Lady last year while visiting the patients at Amasaman Hospital.  She was a young girls of nine, living in the bush with her family.  When the public health nurse was told of Lady’s condition she gathered a team to investigate the family. The 7 children were kept naked and had never seen strangers—not even people who lived in the near by village.  They all ran in fear, except for Lady.  She was immobile. Totally unable to walk because of Buruli Ulcer,  she had been lying in the dirt for almost 2 years. Her father had been giving her whiskey to fight the pain.

Mycrobacterial ulcerans is related to Tuberculosis and Leprosy.  It can begin as a small nodule but soon turns into an ulcer.  Children under the age of 15 are the most affected.  The transference is totally unknown.  It is found in parts of Africa, Australia, some Eastern Islands and Japan.  In Ghana, Ga West, Ga South and some parts of the Ashanti region are affected.  It is suspected to have a link to certain rivers.  Untreated, Buruli can cause severe disfigurement, limb amputation and death.

Disfigurement in a young girl caused by Buruli Ulcers.

Lady was taken to the Amasaman Hospital where she has been treated for the last one and a half years.  Her mother visits on occasion. She has the most beautiful smile.  Today she hobbled up to me on her one crutch.  At first I thought her leg had been amputated.  It has so many adhesions the tendon has atrophied so it is tucked tight to her body under her dress.

Lady is lonely and wants to be with her family, but the Buruli has caused so much damage that she needs to go to Korlebu Hospital for plastic surgery.  The cost will be $3,000 to cover her and her mom’s expenses.  Once she has healed the social workers will place Lady with her siblings in an American Rehabilitative Village for children rescued from unsafe environments.  Unfortunately, without the help of Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope and the Anglican Diocese of Accra, Lady would not be able to have surgery.

 

ON A HILL FAR AWAY

 

 

 

Mornings come way to early in Ghana—6 am here is still 2 am in the US and it takes several days for my body to catch up to the difference in time.  It is easy to stay up late at night (it is 1 am right now) but then I want to sleep in the morning.

 

It was difficult to stay awake and focused at church this morning.   St. Andrew’s is a large Anglican church, usually having 600 or more adults in attendance at a Sunday service. That many voices, most singing from memory, fill my heart with such joy. But I am still brought to tears hearing The Old Rugged Cross. On my first trip here, in 2004, my job was music director for a Cursillo weekend. After the keyboard blew the circuit, I was forced to consider doing all music with drum accompaniment.  Of course this is the most common instrument here so everyone was perfectly happy. At our Friday night candlelit chapel, all the men started singing The Old Rugged Cross in four-part harmony. Each word was heart felt. “And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down.  I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown.”

 

Tana had fun attending the children’s service.  We could hear the children singing for her.  As I look at her photos, I am reminded that these are the future leaders of Africa.  Twenty years from now they will be starting their careers and building new lives.

 

With church ending around 2pm—Yes it was a 4 hour service–, the remainder of the afternoon was spent at the home of Auntie Ce in celebration of her birthday.  There was fufu pounding and jolif rice with pepe.  No cake. Sweets are a real treat here—I have  a few cookies stashed away to satisfy my sweet cravings.

 

Tomorrow we hope to clear our container, which has been in port for almost a month now!! Sigh. I will be going to the port to answer questions and pay our customs.  THANK TO ALL WHO SENT ITEMS IN THE CONTAINER.  WE ARE ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL FOR SEED FUND, INC. WHO HAS SUPPLIED US WITH SEVERAL SOLAR PANELS.  THANK YOU, NORMAN.

 

At Home in Ghana

Mercia, Debi and Sophia

I felt it as soon as I stepped off the plane. That feeling you get when all that surrounds you is familiar and comforting. Like Mac and cheese or hot chocolate. Even before Mercia and Sophia came running to greet me with big hugs, I was at home.
The van now sports our new logo. The driver is new and definitely not a “Moses”. For those of you new to GMH, Moses is an exceptional young man who drove for us for two years. He now has a family and needed to move to another job but we continue to look for another drive with his skill and personality.
Joshua, Mercia and Victor’s son was jumping and squealing for joy as the van drove in the compound. The house is block construction with three bedrooms. There is also another small building with two bedrooms and a kitchen. I have a room in the main house with two beds and a closet filled with my Ghana clothes.
There is a new addition at the house, Comfort. Her mother recently died and she was to be sent to the Volta to work on a fishing boat. We are not sure of her age but I guess around 6. Mercia rescued her from a life of slavery and for many, death by drowning. This is the issue that Oprah addressed two years ago.
Recently, several women in the Westminster area started a new project; pillowcase dresses. They took pillowcase, some old, some new, and made them into little summer dresses. I brought 38 dresses with me. Comfort wears this old, drab, blue dress. I found a pillowcase dress that was just her size. She beamed with joy. Then she saw another, shorter dress and asked if she could have that for a top. If I could get her to try them on, she is afraid I will ask her to return them. Maybe tomorrow. Later this week we will give out the dresses in Trewbo.
After a restful night, I began the task of unpacking the three bags. I brought another computer to use her at the house. My son, Jeff, refurbished it and then we realized it was too big for my carry on bag. If we put it in my checked bag, it could be stolen, so we took it apart. I carried several of the components in my carry on and the case was place in my checked bag. It arrived safely but I needed to put it back together. Easy for a computer geek but a challenging task for a laptop girl. It should be working by Monday.

We had a great trip to the terrible market. Well, it isn’t really terrible, unless you have trouble with raw meat, fish and flies. The fruits, vegetables and people are beautiful.  We could not resist these two adorable children who were sitting by their mom while she worked. We will make many, many trips to the market before the team arrives.
Stay tuned for another “Candy Awards” as the week progresses and photos of Pillowcase dresses in action. Five teams arrive on Friday, our biggest group yet—16. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING US HERE—I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

HOW MANY BATHROOMS ARE IN YOUR HOUSE?

How many bathrooms at in your house?  Mine has 2 and there are only 2 of us living there.  Recently, the bathroom at an office where I do some accounting was shut down.  I had to leave one building and walk to another to find a working toilet.  It was inconvenient but, my employer understands the need for working toilet facilites and I am sure it will be working when I return next week.

I am celebrating toilet facilites today as we at Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope REJOICE  in our recent grant from The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland to build (drum roll please) two brand new toilet facilites at St. Paul’s Primary School.  This may not be as exciting as building a preschool or medical center but for 250 primary school students who have been sharing 2 toilet–Yes that number is right.  There are only 2 toilets for 250 children and 6 teachers.

The new facility will have 6 seats for boys and a separate facility with 6 seats for girls.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! TO THE DIOCESE OF MARYLAND FROM THE CHILDREN AND TEACHERS AT ST. PAUL’S, AKRAMAMAN.