A little rain in the morning didn’t dampen our spirits any, and it cleared up before we arrived at Babator. Our morning commute started with a lovely ‘pick-me-up’— literally and figuratively! We picked up some ladies in Bamboi. Most were able to squeeze into the back of the cargo truck that also contained many of our team members, suitcases of school supplies, tools, and the ingredients for an afternoon village feast for approximately 1000 people (a 650lb-ish live cow and the giant cooking pots that would soon contain him). Three of the ladies came onto our bus. Language barriers limited conversation with them, so they began to sing for us and being that many songs were in English, we tried our best to join in with them. They were the perfect diversion as many of the teachers were in their classrooms for the last time, feeling happy-sad: happy to bring our students through the Fun Day activities that Heather led us in organizing and excited to present gifts to all the children, but sad as we faced the fact that this was our last day in their classrooms, and after tomorrow, most of us may not ever see them again.
Despite a crazy Fun Day with gifts to give and receive, tears flowed from both the Ghanaian and Canadian teachers and many students as well. Those tears were pushed aside for a while once the drums started beating, the feast was served, and the dancing started. Heartfelt thanks was expressed beautifully by the chief, including an African proverb, “Although the oceans are vast, they still accept every single drop of rain,” describing the fact that although they know we Canadians have much and their gifts and attempts to express thanks may seem quite small, they still offer them to us in hopes that we accept them. The teachers themselves brought forward a gift of yams, which we humbly accepted, honoured to receive them knowing that that of the four, only two of them are paid and the other two are ‘putting in their time’ as they complete their teacher training.
The construction team was not able to paint the exterior of the church due to the threat of rain, so thankfully some of them helped us run the Fun Day activities, while others watched the butchering and food preparation process. The foundation work at the latrine was continued, renovations continued at the school, and more finishing details were done at the church.
Back in Carpenter and Teselima, the excavation team continued to work and now the have all the equipment up and running beautifully, ready for another day.
Thank you for offering to donate some snow to fill the fish pond! We know Teselima would love it. Today there was a little water in one corner of the pond due to the early morning rain, and the young villagers were seen playing in it.
Some token gifts we brought are packaged and ready for our team party tomorrow evening here in Carpenter after a short work day. It was requested that we begin the party earlier than usual so that everything is wrapped up in time to watch the Africa Cup final game together. (Go Ghana!)
Today truly was a day not one of us will ever forget. Thank you for all your support that enabled us to experience it!
Kim
Ron and Ruth says
Hey Aaron, So great to get you phone message Friday evening and to hear you connected with Jackie and could deliver the tractor manual prepared by Mrs. B. (Further to Carol’s comment-) After all our weather reports, you may have a longing to stay, but the temp. is up to minus 5 with a chance of rain tonight in TO. Got your exact locations on google maps – amazing! Everyone have a great evening, rest well, praise God, prayers for renewed health and strength and safety in travel ahead, xo -Mom and Dad
Carol Peterson says
Good Morning Everyone,
I was expecting Feasting Friday but “fabulous” works for me!
Hoping Saturday will be sensational, satisfying and sentimental. I am not surprised about the tears from the teachers. When you throw your whole self into something so worthwhile it can feel a little empty as the need for that level of constant effort fades. Amidst the longing for home there may also be some feelings of wanting to stay!
Continue to relish all the sights, sounds and aromas of Ghana and its lovely, generous, resilient people. I would have loved the singing in the cargo truck and the drumming later in the day! One thousand people for dinner though? I had 8 guests for Chinese New Year last night and that was sufficient!!
At home some people are talking about sump pumps running continuously; when this snow melts we will have an overabundance of water. We can’t send this water but, thankfully we can send people like YOU who can find water, teach children, build churches, ponds, latrines, and best of all… lasting relationships with people who are just like us in many ways.
God’s blessings on your remaining days in Ghana. Stay strong, healthy and supportive of each other; it’s not over yet!!
Carol
jean says
So you are pre-empted by African Cup not hockey night in Canada.
We will cheer for Ghana too.
Progress. We did not get our 2cm of snow and you got a little water in the pond. Now if we can just transfer the 10cm they are suggesting for tomorrow night we will all be thankful.
So far Tuesday looks good for the drive home.
Have so enjoyed your cheerful support of our interest in all your efforts. Thank you all.