This last Wednesday, we had visitors from MRCC (Memorial Road Church of Christ). Jim and Norma Freeman came to Ghana with their 2 daughters, Cherie and Deanna. Dan and I met them at the airport where the girls headed for Village of Hope and Jim and Norma came with us to Takoradi. It was so good to see some of my home church family. We chatted and chatted for the 4 hour drive from Accra to Takoradi.
When we arrived in Takoradi it was getting late (7pm). Norma and Jim had been traveling since 7am the previous day. It really is a long, tiring trip. I think they really enjoyed seeing the Atlantic Ocean and coast line. We took them straight to our house where Linda, Cecelia and the other kids had dinner ready for us. The Central Takoradi Church of Christ leaders and some of the school board members were all there to welcome the Freemans to our country and town. Our dinner was typical....chicken and rice with fresh mango, papaya, pineapple and apples. I think the mango and pineapple were the favorites.
As soon as prayer and dinner were over, we took Jim and Norma to their hostel. They really looked beat. Although it was dark, I think they were able to get a little feel for the roads we travel every day. At one point, Dan made a quick and unexpected swerve to miss a big pothole. As we all gasped, he informed us that it was just a little "turbulence"!
On Thursday morning, I headed to school at my usual time of 6:45am. Dan would pick up Norma and Jim around 9am and bring them out to see all. They arrived around 9:30. I gave them a tour of the school while the students were in class. We also toured the buildings under construction. One will be the clinic and a hostel and then we have a smaller building under construction which will be Dans office and a conference room. Dan is very busy with the school and church activities which require meeting with several people at one time. His office is too small to adequately seat the numbers at times.
After the tour, we went to the pavilion where the students, board members and church leaders gave a short (2 hour) welcome program for the Freemans. The students gave welcome speeches, sang church songs in English and the local languages and the church leaders presented them with Ghanaian clothing. I think they both enjoyed the opportunity to see the students and interact with them.
We left the school around 2:00 and headed to see the Central Church of Christ building. This building has been under construction for 10 years. No financial assistance has been received from anyone other than the church members. They have pledged to build it on their own. We finally left town around 3pm to take the Freemans to Village of Hope. Again, I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with them during the 4 hour drive. We arrived at the hostel by Village of Hope around 6:30 pm.
The purpose of the Freemans trip to Takoradi and OAVI had two purposes. First, no one from my home church has been here, so they will report back to my church family what we have going on here. I really hope they loved this school as much as I do and can see the need and potential which exist here. The second purpose of their visit to OAVI was to bring us a suitcase of medicines and medical supplies. Wow, these will really help us to get started. I have been seeing students for a variety of ailments, but was so limited with what I could offer. Dave Ellis, Cory Shipman, Drs. Beth and Steve Walker really hooked us up! I am so thankful to them all.
The Freemans also brought me a very special surprise. A quilt made by the MRCC Piecemakers' quilting group. It is so special to me and I will cherish it always.
In preparation for the supplies and medications, I had purchased one cabinet with doors and ordered an 8' bookcase to be made. Late Friday night, the bookcase arrived...Oh, my! It is huge! It took approximately 10 of us to unload it and get it into my office! But it looks like it will last a long time. The next time I order shelves, I will order 4'.!!!
Long update with all the pics. (Can you believe that we only got video of Jim and Norma....no pics. Sorry. They have lots, maybe they will send me some to post.) Hope you enjoy the pics of the students and school. I will leave you with a short verse to think about.
Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.
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