The true beginning was years ago, so we will begin with my first trip to Ghana. I have been going on medical mission trips with HTI to Guatemala every year for the past 7 years. I loved going on these trips for so many reasons, but most of all to help God's children in another part of the world with the gifts God blessed me with. However, this year I decided I would not go on any mission trips. I thought I wanted to take a year off, take a vacation for my own enjoyment and then next year go to Tanzania, Africa for an extended mission trip. God had another plan.
In May, I received a call from a man who attended another church of Christ in my area who needed a nurse to go on a trip with a small group to Ghana in August. Some one I knew told someone he knew that I was a nurse who liked to go on mission trips. My immediate response was "I don't think so" because as you know, I had other plans. Well, the request continued to be on my mind for days, so I prayed and tried to listen. I called this man back a few days later and agreed to go.
In August, I left for Ghana with 3 other people who I had never met before. This is where The BEGINNING of my Journey started. It was amazing to meet so many new people who immediately felt like long-time friends. It is hard to truly explain how welcoming and hospitable
Ghanaians are. The biggest impact on me was made by the students at OAVI (Outreach Africa Vocational Institute). This school is in Takoradi and is totally free to those who are accepted. It is supported by churches of Christ in both the US and Ghana. I was privileged to be invited to spend an afternoon with the students, hold a health screening for them and then attend their graduation. What an amazing time!
The director of the school, Dan Asiamah, informed me that the next goal was to have a clinic at the school by 2012. He wanted me to ask around when I got home to see if I could find someone who would be interested in assisting with starting a clinic. Are you kidding? Is this why I was pointed to this trip? Could this be the plan?
Well, after much prayer, I am now making my plans for moving in March next year! I put my home up for sale and it sold in 2 weeks! I have sold all my "stuff" by word of mouth and in a garage sale. I am living with my parents in order to save money and have time to research ways to raise money, purchase supplies/equipment, and make contacts who can assist me in this journey.
Matthew 4:23. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
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