Everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to sleep in a little this morning. We, along with the peanut truck full of the Carpenter congregation, traveled up to Tinga to worship in and commission the church we had built in 2012. Tinga has a new chief that David had not yet met, so to respect traditions we went to his home to introduce ourselves, and at the end of the service we awaited permission to leave the village since he had indicated he wanted to see us again before we left. He sent his linguist to offer us gifts of eggs and guinea fowl, which added to the gifts from the church of yams and a very healthy-looking goat.
Jacob preached from 1 Peter 2:4-5, challenging us to trust our God the Creator, the Almighty, our refuge and fortress. He is the Living Stone: above all (money, poverty, presidents,…) and we can trust Him.
The afternoon was spent relaxing. Some napped, some played soccer against the Ghanaian pastors (who let us feel good by keeping the score tied), and some toured the village of Carpenter. Local resident David, who was a volunteer on our last build, recognized Jacqueline and proudly introduced his family to her.
At dinner David Mensah taught us a new song, and created a healthy competition by scoring how well each table could sing it. After dinner, the teachers were busy preparing for Monday’s lessons and really appreciated the willing hands of the building team members who helped staple and cut out shapes for them.
It really is a wonderful blessing to see how our team has enjoyed one another in play and in work. Again, your feedback and encouraging posts posts were well-received by your loved ones! Thank you! We are all well and ready to face the coming six workdays. God truly is our provider — physically, relationally and spiritually.
Feeling blessed,
Kim
Vanessa Fockler says
I am so glad to hear your updates and that everyone is safe and well.
Floyd Fockler: Hi Daddy!! Sorry I didn’t say goodbye, I got caught up with school and by the time I remembered you had already left. I sent you an email. Mom has been telling me about your phone calls. Sounds like you’re having a blast!! I knew you would 🙂 I’m so proud of you Dad!! Looking forward to your return and the many stories you will have to tell. Love lots and lots xoxo Ness.
P.S. Praying for you all daily, keep up the great work. Your are all an incredible blessing to Ghana 🙂
Harry&Eleanor Bell says
Hi Doris, Aaron &Pat,
Greetings from verrrry cold and snowy Magnetawan.
We are so enjoying the e-mailsfrom Kim. Some arrive in the late evening, others through the night. So we enjoy those with our first cup of coffee.
School was cancelled in Whitby to-day (Monday) due to terrible weather conditions. Rachel was disappointed as she had studied all week-end and now it is postponed until to-morrow. Then she will be finished.
Everyone is well here. We miss all of you, but it is fantastic to get your updates. We are anxiously awaiting all your stories and pics.
Don’t forget the ones for the G and G!!!
Lots of Love
“The Bells”
Ron and Ruth says
We are so appreciating the time taken after long, hot, busy days to keep us updated, Kim. We are praying that God will renew the strength and health of every team member and surround you all with safety for tasks in the week ahead. Aaron– so great to get your phone message Sunday evening and we sure are looking forward to a sample of Auntie Doris’ famous pie! Weather same as Brighton area,-white! Please bring us back 150 pounds each,– of warm!! — Ron and Ruth
Sam says
Great to hear how well the Building Hearts & Minds Team is doing! Appreciate the regular updates and all the details. I can picture it all in my mind and follow along through the day!
Glad to hear the equipment broke down while Phil & Glen were there to show how to fix it up again. You don’t learn as much when everything operates smoothly!
Please ask Jacqueline to say “Hi & God Bless” for me to David (the farmer in Carpenter village), and Ebenezer, and Jacob, Peter, Charles, Rance, etc!
Please let David know that I hope to visit him soon.
All is well at home and Ranger is doing well but missing the company of that nice lady!
Love & blessings from Stephanie, Pete, and Sam
Carol Peterson says
“Attention – Monday, January 27, 2014
Due to continuing heavy snow, blowing snow and associated poor driving conditions, school transportation is a cancelled for the day for all schools in the STSCO jurisdiction. ”
Another snow day, yes indeed! Thought you’d like to know what it’s like here on the north shore of Lake Ontario today, likely where many of your relatives (at home) reside. This cancelled bus memo was the first thing I read today and Kim’s blog post was the second. I feel blessed today and it’s still early!!
Joyce and Les may know that this is my Day 1 away from school (now that I teach 4/5) but I still hoped to make it to the Y in Trenton this morning and evening choir rehearsal with the Oriana Singers in Cobourg. I will be shovelling lots of fluffy white snow before I go anywhere, if I do.
I continue to be delighted by every bit of information that Kim shares and I know the complete stories are something I`ll want to hear directly from Joyce and Les in a few weeks!!
They know that I am going to lead a team of Canadian teachers (who I haven`t even met yet) to Jinja, Uganda this summer where we will be co-teaching with Ugandans, providing in-service training to teachers. So, I am eager to learn everything I can about the challenges, but also the JOYS, of living and teaching overseas. Kim, you are doing a great job of educating me. Thanks.
How exciting to be building structures and education levels through God`s will in Ghana!
Blessings on your day,
Carol