Ghana Mission
2010

Today at 8:15am Mark Creasap, Paul Petersen, and I left Spartanburg and headed for Charlotte-Douglas Airport. Hugh drove us on his way to West Virginia. He dropped us at the terminal and we checked in without difficulty even with the duffels. The airport wait was no fun but at least we were on our way. The flight to JFK was uneventful once we were in the air (we took off 1 ½ hours late). We had a short 20 minute turn around and we were on our flight to Accra. As I write this I have an empty seat beside me. Maybe I can get some sleep after all. Oh boy-major update- a row of 3 seats is mine- this is better than 1st class for me. The guys are behind me but I know they have at least one empty seat each. We are cleared for takeoff-up, up, and away. The flight was easy with good service, food, and quiet. I slept, stretched, and slept until breakfast. They served a hot breakfast sandwich, a banana, and coffee and by clean up we were making our approach to Accra

The landing was soft and we boarded a bus for the terminal. We cleared immigration with only a slight problem; Paul had not put in an address. Duffels and luggage arrived without mishap and soon we were through customs and waiting in the terminal. Our ride was a bit late (rainstorm and traffic) but we were greeted warmly when they arrived. Ebenezer is the new clerk of the Presbytery (took Alex’s place) and our driver was Kwasi. Soon our bags were stored and we were off. Our first stop was at Mr. Kisi’s and we met Cosmos who is our clearing agent working on the container. They have great hopes that the container will be opened while we are in Ghana. Reminder to self-God is in charge! From there we traveled for a while and stopped for a potty (squat toilet) and something to drink. We also stopped to drop off some papers. The ride was long, almost 4 hours, and the roads were rough and rutted. There are no traffic laws that I have been able to distinguish and everyone seems to be in a hurry. Paul and Mark dozed some but sitting in the middle I was pressed for space. We travelled up the mountain road that is a major switchback and just as 2 years ago there were over turned trucks on both sides. We made a stop in Mpraeso at the Presbyterian Women’s Center and saw all of their projects and greeted old friends, especially Margaret, Mary, and Grace. This was fun but our energy was dwindling and we made the final leg of our journey to the Presbytery office. We met Poa and he was very nice but it was strange to see him in Emmanuel’s office. From there we walked to the Ramseyer Training Center (RTC) for a late lunch. Minnie and Annette joined us along with 6-8 Presbyterian Women and several ministers. The food was delicious and the company was entertaining. We then walked back to the Presbytery where we were staying. Margaret Menz would not have liked this arrangement. The sinks, toilets, and showers are all down an outside hallway. The rooms are small but included a desk, 2 beds, and a dressing table. The guys decided to rest and I separated out the duffle bag goods, journaled, and laid out my clothes for Saturday and Sunday. We are travelling to Donkorkrom tomorrow and will spend the night at Tease before we go to the church dedication on Sunday! Cooler tonight and I plan to sleep well. Click here to see Accra, Abetifi, and Mpraeso pictures

I was up early for our trip to the Afram Plains. Having showered last night, I am up and dressed quickly and had my bags down before breakfast. Oatmeal and veggie sandwiches are the fare this morning. When we were finishing our tea, in walked Boss and I was so surprised and delighted (he was our photographer, interpreter, and etc. last visit). We talked like old friends and I was so glad to have him to look after me. We boarded our two vehicles, a Land Cruiser and a 10 passenger van. We had a large group, Poa, Boss, Kate, Kaitlin, Isaac, Charles, the five of us and the two drivers. We headed to the lake to make the first ferry crossing of the morning at 8:30. Surprisingly we arrived in time and there was not as large a line as we expected. The ferry sight is a virtual circus with people selling fish (smoked and fresh caught), bread, buns, fruit, etc, and today there is funeral for a ferry worker. We boarded the ferry and we were able to ride up with the pilot. It always amazes me how much they can get on to a ferry. The crossing was smooth and soon we were on our way to Donkorkrom. We made a stop at a church along the way to see a manse being built. The roads are dusty and rough and it takes us a while to get to our next stop- the church at Maame Krobo, our church. It is bigger than expected and lovely with the workers busy still hanging doors and the ladies busy sweeping the floor. The inside is empty and the fear must have shown on my face as I was quickly assured that all will be ready for tomorrow. We see Rev. Ben and his wife, the manse, and too soon are on our way. We arrived at the Spartanburg Orphanage and it was great to see the construction work on the guest house built by the Scottish churches. Inside we were entertained by the children and as usual my heart melted. I saw a lot of familiar faces from 2 years ago and it made me so sad that they have not returned to their families. We gave out bubble gum but quickly realized they didn’t know what to do with it. We had to give gum chewing and bubble blowing lessons. After some fun and songs, we made our presentations and the workers were especially excited by the dental and medical kits from Tyger River Church. The presentation of the dresses, shorts and shirts from Iva was made by Annette. We then went outside to make our group picture. It was time to leave and as we were loading the cars we found Kate crying and complaining of pressure at the base of her lungs on both sides. I took her vital signs, asked questions, and was almost sure everything was ok, maybe a homesick 19 year old reaction, but we decided to get her checked at the hospital which was our next stop. When we arrived at the hospital I was amazed to see all the changes in 2 years. My friend Aaron was a wonderful administrator and used the presbytery funds well. The waiting area is now covered with great seats and no one is sitting on the floor or the wall. The admission area is much more efficient and the grounds are in much better condition. I was so sorry to hear that Aaron had moved on to teach at the university. Kate was moved into a room and the PA checked her and did blood work while we looked around the hospital. They decided to keep her for several hours and wait for the blood work results and give her some IV fluids. We went to visit the doctor who is doing double duty as the administrator. I had met him 2 years ago and I was so sad to hear that he had been injured in a house fire while saving his 11 month old. His hands and arms and feet and legs are burned but his son had burns over 70% of his little body. All we could see was his sweet little face. His dad was sad but praising God for sparing his life. This is a prayer commitment we will need to make. We made the presentation of the medical supplies to the head of operations and went to say goodbye to Kate and Kaitlin who stayed with her. We went to the manse at Donkorkrom for lunch (chicken and rice) and enjoyed it very much. From there we drove to Tease for the night. When we arrived we were met with the bad news that they had no water. We were hot and sticky and sad we couldn’t shower. We had to use small water bags (for drinking) to wash hands and faces and pour water from a bucket to flush. Mark and Paul shared a room and Minnie, Annette, and I shared. We walked the property with all the staff and saw land and buildings they hope to refurbish and make into a guest area. This area was developed by Salem Church in Virginia but the project has been abandoned. We then went to dinner (chicken and rice) and over our tea we sat outside in hope of catching a breeze. Annette retired early with a migraine and it was so hot we all headed to our rooms. It was a long night and to add to the heat problem, and the water issue, we had a choir practicing under our window until 10 pm. We were miserable. Minnie took her malaria med and it made her sick at her stomach so all the girls sat up and talked until she was feeling better. I was worried that the church was not going to be ready, that we couldn’t even clean up before the dedication, and that I would not fall asleep at all. I think everyone is tossing and turning this night away Click here to see Afram Plains, Maame Krobo, Donkorkrom, & Tease pictures

I was up early and so was everyone else. No one was in a very jovial mood as sleep in the heat was very difficult. After our sponge baths with water bags, we dressed and went to breakfast (oatmeal, boiled eggs, and veggie sandwiches). We were not a very lively group. We finally got everything tddid youogether and we were off to Maame Krobo. I was still anxious about the church; I feel that this is my baby. When we arrived we were met by a choir, the church ladies, and a church yard filled with people. There were ladies in the PW dress, youth in Presbyterian t-shirts, a choir in graduation robes and mortar boards, and a praise band with trumpets and drums. The church members had hung curtains, moved in plastic chairs, and established an altar and pulpit area and there was a sound system that even played outside. All of this had been done since our visit yesterday. It was so exciting. We were moved to the manse to wait because of the processional we participated in. This was a great time to mingle with the people and get some pictures. It was loud and joyous and they had a speaker outside so we could hear. When it was time for the service to begin we went to the front of the church and the doors were closed. The elder from Maame Krobo handed the keys to the clerk of the General Assembly, Opong, and he unlocked the door but did not open it. He then knocked 3 times and said open these doors that the spirit of God might enter. He repeated this 2 times and then opened the doors. It was very moving. Our processional moved in slowly; the ministers, Opong, Ben, Mark, Poa, Ebenezer, then Charles, our group, and the choir. It was emotional and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was hard to believe that just 2 years ago Jeff and I stood in a open sided thatched roof structure where the wind and rain kept the congregation from worshiping to now stand in this lovely building with a sound roof and lots of room. God is good!! We were seated on the raised dais and I was glad that Boss had my camera. We were called to worship by Ebenezer, we sang a song in Twi, had prayers of praise, intercession, etc. We had a song from the Praise team and it was time for the Old Testament reading Hab. 1:1-4. Rev. Ben read it in Twi and I followed in English. We had a song from the PW fellowship and Rev. Mark and Mark did the New Testament reading from 2 Timothy. After another hymn, Paul began the sermon on Jesus calms the sea from Luke. All of a sudden we had a hard downpour and it was so appropriate for the message, unfortunately the slats for the windows are not in. The rain was blowing in and the congregation moved their chairs in from the walls. When the rain stopped they moved back, never missing a word. Ebenezer translated and it went very well. Annette led us in an intercessory prayer. We had our 1st offertory with music, dancing, and giving, a powerful combination. We then had a song by the choir. Rev. Ben gave a history of the project beginning with our visit 2 years ago. He told about his prayer for a bigger, stronger church and how he had relayed this to Jeff and me. He went through his shock and surprise at the generosity of Westminster and how he wished that Jeff could also be here to enjoy this. He broke down several times and had to stop for a bit. He presented me with a book of pictures of the project and I was moved and tears flowed. Poa then made his remarks and offered his thanks to Westminster and the whole of the partnership. I presented Rev. Ben with a framed picture of Westminster to hang in their church to remind them we are praying for then daily. Paul presented the plate and chalice that we have used for 4 years at the 8:15 communion service. Then Opong and Poa commissioned the church to a lot of amens and praise. We had a long, long special offering with Ebenezer making the plea. After more music and thank yous we had our communion to celebrate World Communion Sunday. It was wonderful and so special since it was also the first in the new building. We had our recessional and they unveiled the temporary plaque at the entrance. The final one will be marble after the church is completely finished. We had group photos made and this ended the inspiring service. At 1:45 we had lunch prepared for us by the Presbyterian women and it was a lovely meal with great fresh fruit. Sadly it was then time to leave to get to the ferry. It was amazing how we got from Tease with no water and had such a marvelous day. I rode back to the ferry with Mark, Minnie and Annette. Poor Annette was not feeling well. The roads are rough but we arrived ahead of the van. Kwasi is a good driver. The ferry was on the other side so we had to wait. I made pictures and we people watched. One of the oddest things we saw was an old minibus, green and yellow, with at least 3 dozen sheep on top being held by a net. The ferry finally arrived and we boarded and went up to watch the vehicles load. It is amazing how they distribute the weight, amazing that it does not sink. The ferry crossing was smooth and as we headed back to Abetifi our SUV made a stop at Grace’s school. We got to see the library and offices and meet some of the headmasters. Grace served us a delicious “light” meal that would have filled a football player, curry, rice, beef skewers, juice, and water. Wonderful!! Poor Paul was not with us and when we arrived back at the Presbytery he was waiting for us to eat dinner. Mark and I sat down determined not to eat. We ended up having some delicious soup and some good conversation with Paul, Kaitlin, and Kate. Poa joined us and it was late before we were able to get to our much needed showers. Shower completed I sat and journaled and then went to talk with Minnie about our wonderful day. Click here to see Maame Krobo, Ferry, Grace's School pictures

I was up at 7am and feeling great after a good night’s sleep. We had a later morning with 8 am breakfast and then a walk around Abetifi. Our walk with Poa started on the road that has the Presbytery. We walked past the large houses that overlook the lake in the distance. Poa told us the story of the praying hands house and how generous the owner has been to the Presbytery. We continued on to the Abetifi Clinic and met another nurse midwife (not the one from last time) who is the wife of one of the ministers. We did not stay long as she had someone in labor. We also met the cutest trio of ladies headed to the clinic. The oldest was in her eighties and the youngest in their seventies and they were a giggly as schoolgirls. From the clinic we went to the Presbyterian University College which is next door. We passed the internet café and it was empty, no email again today. At the college we saw the new building which will house classrooms, ICT-tech support, and administration. The men were busy finishing walkways and putting in curbing. We also walked to the canteen and Poa told us his wife Teresa would like to get the job of catering for this facility when it is operational. From there we walked through some of the small businesses and saw the seamstress, the shoemaker, and others. As we started back up the hill to Ramseyer we were greeted by a lot of locals. As we approached the training center I noticed a lot of change, new buildings, renovation, and landscaping. Boss joined us and we made a stop at the original chapel of the Ramseyer Church built in 1876 and now housing the RTC library. The infrastructure of the ceiling is lovely. From here we walked up to Ramseyer Church and I was amazed to see the changes here also. The gentleman who owns the praying hands house had given money for the church to be restored and updated in memory of his grandfather. I looks lovely and the courtyard and landscaping give it a new look. The new signage is impressive but the biggest changes are the lovely windows and floors inside the church. The new white ceiling brightens the whole inside and new video screens and paintings give it a completely new look. It is a very different church from our last visit where a monkey came in a window for a wedding we attended. I was disappointed that Seth was not there anymore but had been transferred to another church. We made pictures and then went to the newly finished fellowship hall that had only been a shell 2 years ago. We had a nice break here with sodas and snacks. As we left we saw the children from the Auntie Jane School out for recess. They wanted to get in the video and get their pictures made; so cute. From the church we walked to the Seminary and saw the AMO project where they make wooden toys for teaching. It was a very well done workshop facility and the finished products were wonderful. Paul, Minnie, and I bought things for the grandkids. The young man working at the time we were there was Emmanuel’s son. From there we stopped at the Administrators office and met the registrar. We crossed the soccer field and ended at the Presbytery for a late lunch. We had a quiet afternoon with pouring rain. Everyone napped, read, downloaded pictures, or listened to iPods. While I was journaling and Paul was reading in the conference room dinner was announced by Eunice. We had a long lively dinner and then returned to the conference room to play cards, edit video, or journal. We had water and snacks and before long Poa joined us. We looked at pictures of our trip so far. Poa left and Minnie retired. Mark, Paul, and I played 3 hands of Gin Rummy, 1 to me and 2 to Paul. You can tell that Mark and I took it easy on Paul. Click here to see Abetifi Pictures

Oh wow, what a wonderful night’s sleep, a cool breeze and the sounds of nature. I was up early to brush teeth and shower. I had a nice surprise this morning, warm water for my shower. The sun was shining and I dressed quickly and walked a bit before I journaled. This trip has been just as interesting as my first and getting Paul and Marks' views is good. There have been a lot of positive changes but organization with the new administration is coming slowly. Our days have not been as busy as before and I am afraid we will not see everything we need to. I’ll have to wait to judge. Breakfast was ready at 8 and we enjoyed the eggs and crepes and tea. We stayed for another cup and told crazy travel stories. It was a fun morning. Poa came by and we are to go the Model School, the Mango Farm and the top of the mountain for the view; unfortunately he didn’t say when we would leave. With teeth brushed, backpacks ready, we waited. About 9:30 we headed toward the Mango Farm, a money- making project of the Presbytery. I was surprised at the changes in 2 years. They now have 30 acres of the 100 acres under cultivation. The trees are much larger and they are growing pineapples, cabbage, maize, and plantains. There is a new tractor and lots of farm implements. They employ 3 fulltime employees and the rest of the work is done by day laborers who make 5 cedi per day. We walked through the farm and even saw the corn cribs and bee houses. The dried corn is sold at the markets. From the farm we went to the Presbyterian Model school. They are developing this school to be a model for other schools in the area. It is a private school K1&2, and grades 1-3. They have 75 students who pay about $65 per session which includes transportation and a daily lunch. The classrooms were nice and the children well behaved and very cute. We passed out pencils and cross shaped erasers. The teachers were as happy as the kids. We took some time to look at a cocoa pod in the schoolyard. We stopped at the upper school to see a young man who had been seen in a clinic several years ago and had surgery. He was doing great and Minnie was so happy to see him. We then drove up the mountain, Odweanoma and saw the area where they hang-glide. It started to rain but we hiked to the other side to just see the view. It rained on us as we descended the hill and continued to rain as we went to the Prayer Center. We saw the progress on the hostel that the Presbyterian Women are building. The landscape has been greatly improved by the youth of the church. The road is still very rugged. We drove back to Abetifi for a late lunch and then had some down time. Minnie and I talked, I listened to my iPod and then we went to the Training College where Boss teaches. Minnie and I walked around the campus and looked into the classrooms. We all met the dean and he told us there are 611 students and all are boarders. This is a diploma school for teachers and the 3rd year they go for a year practicum and then return for 2 exams and then graduation. The cost is $600 per semester including room and board. The students receive a subsidy from the government. We arrived back in time for dinner and had a noodle dish that was great. We had some very good conversation and Poa joined us to update us on the container. It looks like Friday might be the day. The whole committee is going to meet with the head of ports in Tema for a final time. Prayers are going up constantly. It is cooler this evening and the humidity seems less. Nights are slow here with no TV, or internet. We decided to take a walk and down the hill we went. It was fun to see people out and about and it looked like a school function had just ended as there were lots of school kids out and about. We trudged up the hill and it was time to settle down for the night. Click here to see Mango Farm, School, Prayer Center pictures

Good morning world!! After a restful night I was up early and by 7 I was showered and ready to start my day. The sky was clear and the sun was hot already. I spent some time listening to my iPod and getting ready for the day. Today we went to Minnie’s village at Pankase and then off to Kumasi to shop. It was a long day. We had a great breakfast of oatmeal and toast and surprise, surprise, we started out on time. It was further to Pankase than we thought and we traveled on some steep roads with sharp switch backs. We saw lovely rock faces on the hills and the trip was pleasant. We had a little rain as we headed down the rough dirt road to the village. The children were lined up on both sides of the road and they followed us into the village. We got out and followed the children to the church where we were greeted by the ministers, praise team, PW’s, and the elders. They sang and danced and all the children from the school came. They made a big deal out of the visit of their Queen mother, Minnie. It was fun to watch. Minnie made a lovely presentation to the ministers and elders and they gifted her with a dress, necklace and bracelet. Paul made some remarks and closed us in prayer. We toured the school and I was able to get some pictures. We saw the new church that was started in 2005 but not completed because of finances. There are 400 children in the village and they are divided between the Presbyterian school and the Catholic school. We then went to the manse for a terrific lunch, rice (yellow and white), chicken, plantains, and oranges. The sauce for the rice was the spiciest yet. Minnie was served the traditional snail and fish lunch. From Pankase we headed to Bonwire and saw them making Kenti cloth. Minnie made some purchases and then we talked Boss into going to the outskirts of Kumasi to the street market. We visited all the stalls and then we had Boss and Kwasi bargain for us. Paul and I purchased nativity sets and Mark bought a lot of musical instruments for Linda. We were pleased to get so much done and we were ready for the trip back. We stopped and bought fresh pineapples for dinner and told funny stories as we made the long trip back. Kwasi and Boss were listening to football but the game ended in a draw. Back at the Presbytery by 6:20 and we started the download of Boss’s camera onto Marks computer. We had a late dinner but it was great. We had soft vanilla ice cream (we ate it before our meal so it didn’t melt) and also the fresh pineapple for dessert. We went up to our rooms for packing. Tomorrow we go to Accra and we want be back. Packing was easy as I gave most of my clothes to Eunice who has been so terrific taking care of us this week and I had very little else. Tickets and electronics are in my carryon and my suitcase it done. Click here to see Pankase, Bonwire, & Kumasi pictures

Today I woke up much earlier than I had planned. The area was very noisy. By 7:15 I was showered and packed up and ready to leave. It has been a short trip to me and I am not as ready to go as I expected. There are so many people I wanted to see and places we were not able to get to. It has been a great trip and I know I will never forget the joy, praise, and thankfulness of everyone at Maame Krobo. It was the experience of a lifetime. The Doctor and his son at Donkorkrom will stay with me also. I keep wondering if there is anything we can do for the little boy. It was wonderful seeing Boss again and also Grace. I was amazed at how many of the people remembered me from last time; the doctor said “I remember you even though all white women look alike.” This trip we have laughed, cried, and worshiped together and friendships have been deepened. At 10 we met with Poa, Ebenezer, Charles, and Boss. We were presented Ghana bracelets, name bracelets, and a piece of mud cloth designed by Boss. We were also given scarves of the presbytery. Our closing time will be in Accra. We loaded the van and we were on our way, loaded to the max with people and bags. We had to make several stops as usual but soon we were on the switchback hill that I hate; big shock, no broken down trucks today. The road to Accra is unbelievably rough, traffic-filled, and dusty. I felt like I had ridden a bucking bronco by the time we arrived. The traffic was bad and it had taken over 3 hours to go 122km. We stopped at a sign shop and we were able to use the WC while the ministers did Presbytery business. We had lunch at a Chinese restaurant and had fried rice and chicken. From the restaurant we made our way back to the van and started off to the Presbyterian Headquarter/Ghana. It was a slow trip and we traveled thru Accra central, around a very scary traffic circle, and passed vendor after vendor selling everything from, shoes, clothing, underwear (there was man holding at least 2 dozen very large bras on each arm), food, and household goods. The streets were teeming with people and chaos reigns here. At the Presbytery office we went into the Business Depot, spoke with Clerk Boateng, and visited Emmanuel the head of PR who gave us scratch pads, mugs, and a book on the Presbytery. After this we traveled to the Arts Center where we were met with a rush of hawkers. It was so crazy that it became uncomfortable. Mark and Minnie got a couple of musical things and Ebenezer bought each of us a trinity (we need to pay him back). We sat in the car with Poa while Charles and Ebenezer finished some business. From there we traveled along the coast and before we turned around saw the ocean and some lovely hotels and resorts. We were not staying in this area and no one seemed to know where the hotel was. We went up and down streets, got stopped in traffic, asked directions and called for directions. Where is the GPS when you need it? Finally we stopped at the Mahogany Lodge and the gentleman there pointed out the Mariset which was just a few doors down. When we were shown to our rooms they were great; air conditioning, private bath, hanging space, a chair and table and a refrigerator. Nice TV, too but no English channels. We had time to relax and freshen up before dinner. This is definitely more than we expected! I organized everything for my trip home and got Marks drum in my suitcase. We hadn’t been called for dinner and its 8:15 .I joined Mark in the lobby where he was emailing and I journaled. Paul and Minnie have not shown up yet. It is 9 pm and no dinner. If dinner and debriefing doesn’t take place soon I will be dead on my feet. Dinner is finally called and we have fish and chips with slaw, very tasty. We discussed the trip and things that can be improved. We were presented with Presbyterian polo shirts, stickers, a dress/shirt, shawl, and our trinity statues. Paul, Mark, and I made contributions to the Presbytery. We checked our flight on the internet and it looks like it should be on time. The A/C is so unexpected that my body is not sure how to respond and a full force shower made me want to stay forever. Maybe I am ready to go home. Click here to see Abetifi & Accra pictures

Today we are up early for breakfast and our trip to the airport. Everyone is packed and ready for breakfast on time; it ran a little late!! We started our trip to the airport which is only 10 minutes away a little late and got caught in traffic. We still got to the airport in plenty of time and said our good-byes to everyone. We made it through the check in and we met a young man who lived in Maame Krobo and he had heard about the church we built. After the bags were checked we made our way to the security and cleared without a problem. Minnie decided to do some shopping in the duty free and the rest of us sat and talked or listened to iPods. When it was time to clear the last security Minnie had some liquids she had purchased and they would not clear them. She had to get them put in her checked bag. The plane loaded and took off on time. This flight was almost full so we all had seat mates. I had planned to stay awake for the flight and so I played games, listened to my book, and talked to my seat mate. They served meals and eventually announced that we were approaching JFK. This came just as I was about to go stir crazy even though I had walked in the aisles. At JFK we cleared immigration, claimed our bags, and then cleared customs. We rechecked our bags and Paul went to the American Sky Club to check email and Minnie, Mark and I shopped, ate, and talked in the Delta terminal. We boarded our flight on time and we arrived at CLT with no problems. Jane and Linda were there to meet us when we got to baggage claim. After our bags came we headed to the garage to load the cars. Mark and Linda headed to Columbia and Jane drove the rest of us to Spartanburg. Hugh met us at Publix parking lot and we took Minnie to our house until her daughter came from Greenville. It was a long day and my bed was calling my name. Great Trip!! Click here to see pictures of us on our final day in Ghana