Ghana – Update 3 – We are on our way back home after a great dedication day! The day started out questionable, as thick clouds were everywhere, after raining most of the night. We were praying for it to clear up so we could see the kids play. Sure enough, no rain for the whole day. It was a blessing. (Especially considering the massive flooding that Accra had been getting all week…)
We could feel the energy and anticipation for this dedication. The kids were going nuts all morning and could hardly contain themselves. It was so cute! They kept saying “Obrani, can we go on it today?” The ceremony was short and sweet. Joshua, our partner on this project with his Ghanaian Christian School Ngo, asked the kids some questions. The kids weren’t even answering the questions right….they just kept saying thank you!
Once they were let on, it was an all out assault on the playground. They really let out their energy and had so much fun. While this was going on, we were interviewing parents and teachers for a video that is being made on this project. We asked the parents why this playground is so important for the school. Most said how it will help their kids socially and physically, while also giving the teachers a much needed break during recess! One lady we interviewed, didn’t have kids that go to the school. She had a small baby. She was very animated and said that she now wanted her baby to go to this Christian school when he gets bigger because she could tell how much the school loved their students! Part of that message this week was the playground. It’s an act of love for the kids, and not for the adults! It shows how much the adults love and care for them. This really means something to the kids and their families.
We had a great time ministering to these kids and families. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for us while we were serving in Ghana….
For the team,
Chris Marshall
Ghana – Update 2 – We all woke up early to a heavy thurnderstorm and thought that the day would be washed out. As we went to breakfast, the rain had stopped but the clouds looked ominous. Once we were at the school, we quickly saw what a blessing it was to be building on sand! The ground was dry and there was no water buildup. That helped alot – along with the nice cloud cover. We were able to work with our local Ghanaian team and get everything done today.
While we were working, we had lots of time to play with the kids and talk to them. We asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. They had a wide range of answers – from doctors to drivers to agriculture. However, alot of kids wanted to be pastors. This is no doubt a result oftheir education at the Christian School! The staff really love the children and treat them very well.
We are not in Accra. Life out here is different and a struggle for most. While most people are generally happy, they have daily struggles like people in most African countries. An education like the one these kids are receiving can really give these kids a hand up towards a promising future.
We are excited to partner with this school to bring some joy into their lives. As we said before, this playground is also a great tool to lure more kids to the school. Right now, kids come from all parts of the countryside on a school-owned bus. There are more kids waiting to get in, and they would be lucky to be a part of what is going on here.
Tomorrow, we are working on some other things and will have the dedication on Thursday. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for our team while we are in Ghana.
For the team,
Chris Marshall
Ghana – Update 1 – Our small team was eager to get to work this morning. After a nice cold shower, we went out into the Ghanaian heat and went right to work. We are building at a Christian School in Swedru. This school has 170 kids and they are adorable. They keep running around saying “obruni” which is their word for white man. It’s funny to hear that word as we work all day! Whether the kids are in class, during recess, or on their way home, they seem to say it constantly. The kids are so innocent and kind, and mean no harm in it. Sometimes, its a derogatory term in places like Mexico or in the South Pacific. Here, its more like a term of endearment!
The Head Mistress of the school is so excited for the playground. Part of me can see why, since the kids have nothing to do outside. But the real reason she is wanting it is because of what it will do for her school. She is part of a sustainable Christian school planting program and has done very well with it. A NGO gives certain people loans to build a school, and the schools recruit students to pay school fees. Once the school gets going, the school fees pay the loan back. The more kids you get, the more school fees and the more of the loan that you can pay back. With this playground, they think that many kids will want to come to the school, which will help everyone out. Also, parents will want to send their kids to a school once they see how well the kids are treated and cared for. Their new playground will exclaim loud and clear that this school values their children! We have also heard that there are many schools waiting in line for an opportunity like this one. The word is passing around quickly!
For us, we had lots of work to do. Most of the day it was sweltering sun….but then the rains came quickly! Check out the picture. The playground was blowing over…literally! We did end up getting alot done and look forward to tomorrow as we look to complete the rest of it!
Please pray for our team as we continue to minister to the children of Swedru…
For the team,
Chris Marshall