The Rainforest from the canopy.....

I went with a couple of friends to the Kakum National Park in Cape Coast last Thursday.  I was shocked to find that there are two fee schedules:  a price list for Ghanaians and a different, much higher price list for Non-Ghanaians.  I was expecting the price which was on the web-page, but due to me being a foreigner, the cost was about 3x higher than expected.  Oh, well, I wanted to see it.  Now I want to share it with you.

The bridge is made from several small ladders which have a 1x12 laying on top of the ladder steps.  The net is wrapped around the ladder and is usually about waist high on both sides.

The view is fantastic even though I could scare myself without too much trouble.  When that walk-way starts swinging, it can really start the adrenaline to pumping.

This is the view down from the middle of one of the bridges.  All you can see are treetops.

But even though we are above many of the trees, there are still others which are taller still.

These bridges were built by some Canadians in 1994.  I would have never guessed Canadians, British maybe, but not Canadians.  Anyway, it was a wonderful walk, fantastic view and a much needed break from school.

Now for the important stuff....an update of the school and clinic.  I administered the 2nd dose of the hepatitis B vaccines to 184 students on last Tuesday.  I, unfortunately, ran out of vaccine so I still have 54 more to go.  There were 35 students who were absent on the day we did the HIV and Hep B screening and so I am planning to get them tested in the next few weeks.  After re-testing the Hep B positive students, we now have the following numbers of students who will need further work-up and counseling.  HIV positive 4; Hep B positive 18 with 2 of the HIV positive also being Hep B positive.  I will be working with one of the other area clinics/hospitals for the follow-up work for these students as we do not have a laboratory at this time.

I continue to teach Basic Health to all the students throughout the week.  I have been focusing on disease prevention to this point.  I believe that if I can teach them the importance of and the ways to prevent disease, I will be able to make a bigger impact.  Unfortunately, it is proving to be very difficult to get them to actually put what I am teaching into practice.  I am continuing to modify my lessons in order to assure that I reach the majority of the students and that they are able to see the importance of good health.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council called me a week ago.  They have received all my required paperwork from the US and so I can sit for the Nursing Exam on December 5th.  I am excited about finally getting to move forward, however, a little anxious about be prepared for the test.  I do not wish to wait another 6 months to re-test.  I should know whether I have passed by the 15th or so of December.  (Let's think positively)....After I pass the test, I will then have to complete a 3 month orientation in a government hospital. 

This next week we will begin WBS (World Bible School) studies between church members at the Central Takoradi Church of Christ and the OAVI students.  At this time, we have 20 students who have signed up.  I anticipate many more to follow once we have actually gotten underway.

So, all in all, things are progressing here.  I expected things to take a little while to start to happen.  I am, however, always busy and thankful to my Lord and Saviour for this wonderful opportunity to serve.  Please keep this work in your prayers.  Pray that God will be able to use me for his glory and I will be able to serve these young people, teaching them of His Love and Salvation.