Work and fun. An update ...

During our first visit to the orphanage, Pastor Koifi gave us a tour, and along the way mentioned specifically some of the things that the orphanage needed. Last night at devotionals, the youth decided to spend money on bunk beds, mattresses, and mosquito netting. So today was a shopping trip for those items. Several locals that specialize in hair weaving came to the hotel, so the group divided up between hair weaving and bunk bed shopping. After some delays, and some adventure, we got it all accomplished.
We had our first real rainstorm since being here. It was about half an hour of torrential downpour, no wind just rain. The water poured downhill everywhere. Those 8”x 2’ deep sewers were raging rivers. There are frequent cement covers over the sewer to allow vehicles to cross over them. There were roostertails at the edges as the water gushed. Then it was quickly all over. It didn’t rain at the hotel so only the bunk bed shoppers got to experience it.
The bunk beds have to be made to order, but an order is being placed. We were able to deliver the mattresses and the mosquito netting to the King Jesus Orphanage in the late afternoon. Several of us have now received personal letters written by the children. They are of course quite moving and funny at the same time. Mine also has a drawing, and all the key elements are labeled, allowing Isaac to show off his spelling to me. Quite touching. I’m sure I’ll tear up a bit when we say goodbye.
The digital cameras are a huge hit with all the kids. “Flash, flash. Camera. Me” Then we have to turn the camera around to show off the picture, much to the delight and laughter of the children. The older ones are just as concerned about getting a picture of themselves, but more reserved when observing the results, and very polite and articulate about saying thank you for it.
Tomorrow we go to Pastor Kaofi’s service, then spend much of the day at the orphanage. We will be singing and Ann will be reading the bible scripture. We have printed many pictures of ourselves with the kids, and put together a scrapbook for the kids to keep. We have some more crafts, and some chocolate (including an extra $20 worth courtesy of the Airline Stewardess, see prior blog). I should have mentioned this earlier in the blog, but all Ghanaians speak English. Twi is the native language here in Kumasi and the south, and there are other native languages up in the north, we are told. But everyone speaks English, some better than others, but basic communication is not too difficult. They teach English exclusively in all the schools, public and private. Both reading and writing is all English, while Twi writing does not seem to be taught. Boats told me that he learned it at his University.
More tomorrow,
Randy