Hi everyone,

I really cannot believe I am in Ghana, West Africa.  It seemed like yesterday that I have been there.

My flight to Africa was long and tiring. Total hours, about 20. My cold and sore throat did not make it easier for me.  We had a lay over (6 hours) in Amsterdam, so we did not get to Accra, Ghana till Thurs. the 3rd around 7:30pm.  Seeing our friends, Akorful (Deaf .Vicar), Amadu and Enoch made the trip worthwhile.  They were so happy to see us.  Boy, the weather is hot!  90 degrees at night!

The next day, Friday the 4th, I woke up with a dry throat, it seemed like I lost my voice.  I almost stayed in, but then after I had breakfast with tea, I felt well enough to go out.  We went to Evangical Lutheran Church of Ghana to meet Dr. Fynn.  We ended up meeting with 2 elders and a layman.  They welcome us in Dr. Fynn’s place. They were happy to see us.  They do not have the skill to teach the Deaf Ghanaians and Deaf children.  They wanted to be involved with the corn mill project. (we are trying to set up corn mill machine, so that the Deaf people in their village can raise money to support themselves, help Akrouful with transportation, to pay for supplies for their kids at the Deaf school, etc).  They do not want us to leave here frustrated.  Mr. Asante is willing to help with the corn mill situation.  He will also be the liaison of ELCG, the Deaf village and us.

Our next stop was to the Deaf Village, Adomrobe.  Mr. Asante came with us.  The building housing the corn mill is pretty much done except for several things are missing or need to be fix.  The corn mill is not up and running.  The mechanic came and we had him work on it.  Meanwhile the Deaf people started to show up after they heard we were here.  Some were kids, teens and adults.  The children are off from school that day.  Linda was wearing the salvation bracelet and I decided we should do some Bible lessons with the kids instead of standing around.  We had a teen girl to repeat what the bracelet meant and told her to share it with the other kids.  Linda gave her the bracelet so she could share the gospel to others and spread the good news.  We saw about 50 Deaf people. Some came later; they were out in the fields working.  Wow, it was fun to be with them.  We had to leave, so the mechanic is still working on the corn mill ….. Stay tuned…..

Saturday was a traveling day.  We rode the jeep to Kumasi where we are to hold classes at the missionary house.  This is where we are staying for 10 days. 

Yesterday, Sunday the 6th we went to a school where the Deaf Ghanaians use a room for worship.  Other groups use different rooms.  We had Jeep trouble.  The clutch started to have problems and Pastor Palmer had to turn the steering wheel hard…. Sigh.. We were able to get there and back with no break down. Thank goodness!  The place was packed!  Over 50 people showed up.  I’ve never seen that many Deaf Ghanaians at worship.  We are so happy because more and more Deaf people are learning God’s Word.  We had Sunday lessons first, and then Pastor Palmer showed several short DVD stories and delivered a strong sermon.  We were able to social with these wonderful people and hope to see them tomorrow.  We set up things to get ready for our lessons when we got back to the missionary house.  We plan to teach the students about the New Testament.  I am looking forward to it.  I hope to feel better.  Still have the sore throat…  I will keep in touch with you soon.  You can contact me using my home email address.                           

I miss you all,

Betty Jo