Due to time zone sleeping adjustments, a couple of our team members may have missed their breakfast this morning, but we were all in the back of the cargo truck or in the bus and rolling on time!
Traditions were kept as we met and presented Babator’s dignitaries and villagers with suitcases displaying the school supplies and a small chief gift.
Teachers observed classes, and some jumped right into their roles when needed. After lunch they met with the friendly Headmaster and three Ghanaian teachers to introduce our plans for the coming two weeks. Joyce has prepped extremely well, and they were impressed!
The construction team got right to work with Ebenezer and a new crew we’ve never worked with before. Four courses of bricks were laid, seven window frames are well underway, and the latrine requires a couple more days of digging before our work can begin there.
Glenn and Phil headed back to the Carpenter area to investigate the proposed dam site where they will be working tomorrow. Phil then excavated for a septic system in the hardest dirt he has ever worked on! Glenn started to teach the NEA team maintenance and essentials for operating and transporting the heavy equipment.
We returned to the compound at the end of the day. Scaffolds and ladders were loaded for tomorrow, teachers reestablished their first day agenda, and many team members were in bed early — some with sunburnt skin and rosy cheeks — exhausted from a hard day’s work in the hot African sun (with proper hydration and sun protection at the forefront of all discussions).
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Although some are tired, we all continue to be well. Continue to pray for the good health, strength and energy our days require.
Kim
Andrew Cheung says
2014/01/20 at 10:29 pmVery good report. Our hearts are with you. More important is that God must be pleased to see you serving diligently for the needy. You shine for Him.
Andrew
Carol Peterson says
2014/01/21 at 6:27 amI appreciate the specific details about activities in Babator. How I wish I could have been one of the Ghanaian teachers viewing Joyce’s well prepared materials. Having taught teachers in Wa, Tamale, and Berekum I know that classrooms in Ghana have desks, chairs, blackboards and that’s it. It is a stark contrast to our crowded Ontario classrooms. Ultimately, though, it is the passion, perseverence, training, and endless JOY with which educators engage their students that make the difference… especially when the materials have been well used or used up.
Here in Brighton, due to icy, cold conditions we’ll be having indoor recesses yet again today- out come the chess, checkers, Racko, Lego, K-Nex, dress-up box…!
Carry on the good work, everybody! Stay hydrated and be sun-safe!!
Peggy Evans says
2014/01/21 at 11:48 amSo pleased that the grace of God has been granted to all your team. Just to let you know that we where -31 degrees this morning and I thought of my dear sister Doris Langford would be in probably +31 degree weather.
No matter the temperature the love of our Lord keeps us strong. We will continue to hold you up in prayer.
Walk in the ” strength of the Son “. As you face the “:strength of the sun “. The Lord is the King of kings and The Lord of lords. The Lord reigns forever
Love to all from the folks in “the Mag”
xo
Pauline says
2014/01/21 at 8:47 pmI shared your adventure with the Denne group tonight. Glad things are going well. We give a personal hi to Heather Walker.