Karen's Updates, 21-1-07

We first went to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana headquarters in Accra to meet with Dr. Fynn. Unfortunately, he had a conflict so we met with Pastor Yung. The discussion was about the Deaf vicars and their placement; Pastor Reinke shared his concern that the Deaf vicars need to be placed in Deaf churches / institutions.

We, then, returned to the Institute of Linguistics to gather our things to make a couple of stops before heading to Kumasi . Because Linda and Betty Jo were going to be dropped off at Cape Coast Deaf School , we needed to re-pack our luggage and action packers. And . . . before leaving, we had to have some of Pastor’s birthday cake!!

We, first, made our way to a Botel out of Cape Coast ; completely unloaded the vehicle – didn’t want to leave any temptations – then had dinner. While waiting for dinner, we took pictures of some alligators lying in the cool grass. The next morning, after a breakfast buffet, we headed for Kakum National Park and Rope Bridge . . . well; I have to say I enjoyed the partial walk! I couldn’t make it to the bridge, so I sat in a rest area to catch my breath, people-watch, watch a couple of Ghanaians cut fresh coconut for the returning hikers, and thank God for what I could do. After all returned from their bridge-experience, we headed to Cape Coast Deaf School to drop off Linda and Betty Jo. Then it was off to Kumasi House to unload the car and unpack and sort materials brought from home.

It was great to see so many familiar faces at church! Lots of hugs!! The rest of the day was getting settled in, setting out materials brought over, and lesson-plan, lesson-plan, lesson-plan. We took a break to go to a Ghanaian restaurant that Amadu recommended – very good!! On the way home, because of network problems, Pastor Reinke and Amadu went into a networking office to re-set the notebook.

Students came to help set up and clean the classrooms. Sandy had a great turnout of students; I didn’t have any students, so I sat in on Pastor’s class to give me some prep ideas for MY class. Took notes; thought I was okay; worked with Sandy ’s class for a short; then went to prep for my students. I knew I couldn’t do Reinke-level-work but thought it would benefit my class prepping. I read, highlighted, and struggled! Students started coming around 3:00. I taught - - - well - - - let’s say I talked and read but didn’t feel like I really taught. Needless to say, I was not happy with my teaching!! Sandy consoled me as best she could. I prayed for strength and guidance for the next class.

As I read them, I realized one of the sets was a script of the DVDs he had given me BEFORE leaving the States!! We agreed we both should have planned/prepared differently – he explain the materials better and me go through all materials given to me!! Today’s class went much smoother!! Students don’t start showing up in my class until around 3:00, so I use the mornings to lesson-plan and write outlines on the board.

Amadu met them at the bus stop and they taxied to the house. It was good to see our “sisters” again. As they arrived, we lost electricity – throughout the city. That ended Sandy’s and my classes; Pastor Reinke moved his class to the outdoors. After class and after settling our “sisters” in, we went out for Ghanaian pizza. It was delicious and Linda was in 7th heaven.

What better place to wash clothes than in the bathtub!! The clothes were hung outside and were dry in about 2 hours – thanks to the HOT weather. It was even early enough to wash a second load!!

The internet was up and running so I was able to check on my home email! Because some correspondence was from my chilluns, I had tears – happy tears!! – love-felt tears!! But, of course, the internet was again down in the afternoon. I was able to focus on my lesson plans and, per Pastor Reinke, focus the lesson on the Apostle’s Creed. Class went well; Betty Jo sat in on part of the class. I am so thankful that class is working out better than my first day and am, also, very thankful for this experience and second opportunity to be here teaching to the Deaf Ghanaians. Tomorrow, Sandy and I will go to the Ashanti School for the Deaf in Jamasi while Linda and Betty Jo travel north to the school for the Deaf in Tamale. Keep them in your prayers as the situation will not be as comfortable as in Cape Coast . I know their stay will need a lot of prayers to go with them so they will have a positive experience.

Saturday, January 20, Pastor Reinke ran his class while Sandy and I went to the Ashanti School for the Deaf in Jamasi. Being Saturday, the students needed to be gathered together for us to teach a Bible Story. Afterwards, Sandy was given a tour of the school and class rooms. One of our goals was to see if the school would accept a 14-year old girl who is in need of schooling. It looks promising. We were picked up around 3 o’clock and headed back. After dinner, we met with a 4-member group of teens who are staying here at the Kumasi House. They are the Cross Fire Group of Lutheran Youth Mission Teams from the U.S. They will be here, in Ghana , for four months and will travel around doing puppet shows, dramas and songs. We fed them some dinner and invited them back for breakfast.

Again, I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your financial support, your words of encouragement, and, most importantly, your prayers. It sounds like we are having fun – which, at times we are – but, more importantly with God’s aid and guidance, we are spreading the Good News to the Ghanaians.