Our meeting on the 17th of August with the President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. I am at the far left of the photo. She graciously welcomed us; we presented a report on the accomplishments in her nations during the two past visits by the m/v Anastasis and our proposed activities for ’07. She reviewed them and then she asked how she and her government could help make that possible. The Minister of Health then spoke of the protocol – our official welcome and the arrangements and agreements between Liberia and Mercy Ships.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Medical Center
Some members of a local Baptist church wanted to do something in their community to help address the medical care needs of the people. They purchased a land and are working on the drawings and thus we are planning to come alongside them with the constructions and equipping of a medical clinic for their community. We are pictured in the rain going over the plans and reviewing the goals and expectations of those involved.
Open Bible School
One of the projects for ’07 for our Community Development Services crew is to come alongside Open Bible Church in the construction of a two level school building. I met with the school director and they have made progress already, though when we arrive we can contribute to the completion of the school. During the long civil war in Liberia, most schools were closed and thus we have a generation now that missed out on 14 years of schooling. The building will be used by both children and adult students. Each of their days will start out with a time of devotions, worship and/or prayer.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Bibles in local languages
Our fellow Mercy Ships crew/staff who are in England with the Africa Mercy gave us an offering in £ for local Bibles which I converted into cedis = 5,019,200. I was able to purchase locally 120 Bibles and 3 children's Bible lessons packets. The local languages are Twi-Asanti, Ga, Ewe, Twi-Akuapem and English. We will share these with locals who we have established relationships with - some are patients and others are at the various sites.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Alcoa / Ghana Health Services
We have partnered together with Alcoa and Ghana Health Services to construct and equip and youth health centre in Ashaiman. This is one of the communities we have targeted for our services. After review of our proposal, Alcoa has donated the funds for the building and Ghana Health Services has the property and will staff and operate the health centre. We all came together last week on board the m/v Anastasis.
Airport Runs
Have you ever arrived in a city,state,country,continent and came out of the airport and wondered what if there is no one there to meet me? I have had the concern and I have had that situation that no one was there. The airport here in Ghana is about an hour drive from the ship – depending on traffic. Since arriving here myself in June, I am average 2-3 trips to the airport each week to pick up new crew/guest or to drop off friends as they head home or elsewhere. Thankfully the motorway is good between here and the airport. The picture is of Marleene who just arrived last night – her first time in Africa!!!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Kakum National Park
There is some remaining rain forest here in Ghana. I went with 19 other friends to the Kakum National Park and the Canopy Walkway. It was rainy as we started on the first of seven long bridges – about 60 meters above the ground. We didn’t see any animals except for some birds. Beautiful nature that God has created and has asked us to care for.
Elmina Castle
Many of us know of the slave trade that existed between West Africa – Europe and the United States. We visited Elmina Castle which is the longest standing castle that was used as a slave fortress by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British. We had an excellent guide who took us on an hour tour. This photo is taken at the exit where the slaves (who had survived) would leave the castle and be lowered to small boats and taken to the slave ships. Very sobering – we had a moment of silence while in this room.
Pauline & Ellie
For all my friends who know and love Paulina Rick – this is her baby, Ellie. She got her just before Christmas. I thought you would like to see the picture.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Well Drilling Rig
Our Well Drilling team had a slow start here in Ghana with delays in getting the well drilling rig, but they are on site now at the first location. We have been provided 26 locations from the Ghana Water and Sanitation Agency. We plan to do 38 wells while we are here and this is the same drilling rig we had on the Caribbean Mercy. Helping to provide potable water for the people in villages in Ghana.
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