We Praise the Lord for our Blessings!

Many of you are aware that when Brother Dan came to the US this year, his main goal was to raise money to purchase a second bus for the school, OAVI.  With 307 students, one bus which seated 50 (80 ghanaian-style) was not enough.  Even with the bus making two rounds in the morning and evening, this would leave many students to walk 5-7 miles.  Taking public transportation 5 days a week to school is too costly and the students have no money anyway. 

With the help of the Lord, Dan was able to raise $11,000 towards the bus.  This left us $10,000 short.  A church in California will be raising money toward this effort in May and will be able to contribute a portion of the amount.  So on faith, Brother Dan discussed the situation with the dealership.  We were able to pay him enough so that we could have the bus now.  Below are pictures of the old bus and the new one!

WOW!

Hard to believe this bus is more than 10 years old!! It has been rebuilt.



Now, look!  It has been dressed up in style!!!



This new bus will only sit 38, however, I somehow believe the Ghanaian students will find a way to put near 50 or so in here.  Besides, they are all pretty small in size and do not mind sitting close!

This morning I had the opportunity to watch Brother Dan as he recorded one of his TV programs.  I wish I understood more Twi than I do.  I do know that the lesson was on Mary and Martha and the one thing we need....and that is to do as Mary did and listen to the teacher!  Study our Bibles, not just read them.....but STUDY them! 

We then went to the school to look at the progress on the guest house.  The school has slowly been building a 10 room guest house as money is available.  We have decided that the way the building is divided, it will be easy to finish one half of it first.  I will live in one room and the clinic will be in another.  So we will work to raise the funds for the roof and the south half of the building first.  This part of the building will have a kitchen, living room and 3 guest room, each with its own bath.  After this section is complete and the clinic is functioning, then we will raise money for the other side.  Below are a couple of pictures of where we are right now.

As soon as we finish raising money for the bus, we will begin fund raising for the finishing of the 1st phase of the guests house so the clinic will have a home. 

Now, so that you don't think it has all been roses....I will let you know, I have had my second hiccup.  I have have the "visitors tummy" for the last 5 days.  First time this has happened to me on a trip.  No appetite, and not feeling "chipper".  I have only been eating cooked oats and plain rice for the last 3 days.  However, today I have an appetite and have actually enjoyed eating!  I will take it slow.

Another church member stopped by this morning with a gift of fruit....pineapple, bananas and watermelon.  I want it all so much......I will slowly start eating the fruit maybe tomorrow.  I want to make sure that what I ate today doesn't stir up trouble again! :)  Cecilia did open a fresh coconut for me today.  It contained about 8 oz. of fluid which we all shared.  It was okey, but not something I would just sit around and drink.

As we continue to pray for this work, of course, there are many scriptures in God's word which come to mind.  But these have been on my heart for the last few days.

Matt. 7:7-8  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

I Thess. 5:16-18a  Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.

John 3:30  He must become greater; i must become less.