Well the decision to go is probably the easiest thing I will do. It really did seem to be an easy decision to make, although when I tell people what I am going to do I hear one of the following comments.
1) WHAT!? Are you CRAZY!? Or 2) Have you lost your mind?
I want you to all know I have neither gone crazy or lost my mind. I am praying daily for God to guide me on the path he wants me to take in order to be a servant of his.
Information and contacts are two of the items I am hunting for now. I have been on the Internet researching facts about Ghana and the availability of medical care. Malaria is one of the top 5 death related diseases which is sad because the medicine to treat malaria only costs about $10. Ghanaians make less than $2 per day on average. I learned about an organization called "Malaria No More". Perhaps you have heard of it too. It seems that George and Laura Bush are involved in this work. This organization provides treated mosquito nets, malaria meds, mosquito spray and education to areas with high incidences malaria. I have written them asking to be trained in prevention and treatment of malaria, so I will be successful in helping the Ghanaians in decreasing the deaths related to malaria in the area which I will be working. I am waiting to hear back.
I read a book titled "Jantsen's Gift" by Pam Cope. Wow, what a powerful book. It is a story of a woman searching for a worthy cause to become involved in To honor her son who died at a young age. If you are looking for a great book to read.....this one is the one! It was an
Oprah pick! Anyway, she mentions a place called "Village of Hope" (VOH) which is an orphanage in Ghana about a 3 hour drive from where I am going. Many of my church family go to VOH each year, so I began talking to everyone who would listen (not that I really give anyone a choice). I learned about a young woman, Chelsea Jones, who is at VOH teaching. I began writing to her asking for information. She has a blog which is very informative, www.chelseainghana.blogspot.com. I have also requested to visit VOH for 2-3 weeks in April to see their clinic and learn from them.
Many of you know that I have been going to Guatemala with an HTI (Health Talents International). This organization has two wonderful clinics and a does a wonderful work. It is my goal to begin a work similar to that in Takoradi. I will travel to Searcy, Arknsas at
the end of this month to meet with Rick Harper in the HTI office where I hope to learn much. I learned a lot from the Lisa, Kimmel and Sheri who are my missionary friends in Guatemala.
One other organization I have learned about is IHCF (International Health Care Foundation). IHCF currently has two clinics in Ghana. These clinics are north of where I will be. IHCF will host a seminar in Ft. worth in January for medical missionaries which I plan to attend. I have also written to IHCF asking to visit one of their clinics
I have much to learn! I am sure that I will be seeking high, low and in-between for many months to come. I will remember that I am but the servant, God is the author. I will seek information and assistance where he leads me.
Matthew 9:35. Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and healing every disease and sickness.
Cheryl, I am praying for the sucess of your work. Stay stong and continue to ask for guidance......God will lead!
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