Today was a very busy day. After breakfast, Perry and Kandie headed out to Kulkpeni to resolve some of the lingering construction issues with the new bathhouses and property wall. Steve and I worked at the Child Center. There was a steady stream of mothers with their precious babies. They each had a weight check, and were given the various vitamins and nutrition supplements. One mother brought in a baby with a severe cleft palate. She was using a very clever specialized bottle to feed him because he was unable to nurse. Steve had previously referred her to a surgeon in Tamale, and they now had an appointment. Steve provided her with money for transportation. Just before closing, an albino man, Rafic, who regularly comes to the clinic, came in for sunscreen.
Following lunch, final preparations for our first VBS session were finished – sorting hundreds of crayons, by color, for children to use. We traveled to Borido, a village about a 45-minute drive from Yendi. Timothy and his wife, Rita, went with us, as well as Zorash, as interpreters. Perry and I both had 2 interpreters each. When we arrived, it was decided that Perry would teach his class of teenagers and adults inside the block church building (which was very hot). Tarps were spread on the ground behind the building, using what shade was available from the building itself, where Kandie and I taught the younger children. There were about 65 in attendance. We taught the story of Joseph. The children were very well-behaved and loved to sing. But their favorite part was the coloring, as many of them had probably never been able to color before (even the adults colored).
It was nearing dark as we finished our VBS, and began the drive home. All of the sudden, Steve stopped the van and shouted SNAKE! Apparently, any snake that is seen in Africa is to be killed. Sounds like a very good practice to me! He backed up a couple of times, and thought the job was done. But after getting out of the van to check, the snake began slithering around on the road. He was promptly and efficiently killed with a large rock to the head. Zorash informed me that EVERY snake in Ghana is poisonous (well almost), and this one was a poisonous variety.
We returned home around 7:00 and are ready for dinner, a shower, and a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow is planned to be another busy day.
Thanks to all for your prayers.
Perry & Gina Martin
with Stephen and Kandie
