From Linda:
  Welcome from the Cape Coast School for the Deaf,
  Jean and I arrived here "safely" yesterday after an interesting ride from Accra. I get it; you do NOT want to travel these roads at night! Enoch, our TRUSTED driver, is a true artist! With ease he knows how to maneuver around people selling in the streets, driving in the NARROW streets of the market places and on the roads that have washed away shoulders and potholes that will swallow you up! At one time the dust was so thick, that it could have possibly happened. It was not uncommon to see overturned "tro-tros" (a big taxi bus) or bigger trucks. Why are they on (or off) that road to Cape Coast?
  The school is MUCH different than the confides that I know so well at Wisconsin School for the Deaf (Becky, I have much to share with you!) The conditions here are primitive by most standards. This school was built around the 1980's and I have learned much from the former head master, "Robert." There are 317 Deaf students here, ages 4 - 22 years old. What we have seen so far, these kids are very well behaved and receptive to us being here. Unfortunately, the Head Mistress doesn't know that we are here (our attempts to call were not successful, so we were "dropped off," with the acting Head Master's permission, smile) She will return later this evening. It's amazing that Ghana, the size of Oregon, has 13 Deaf schools! We were told that most children loose their hearing early in age due to illness. I can understand that. One can easily see how diseases are a problem here. But for the most part, these children seem to be well taken care of and aren't afraid to work. They are up early
 (!) and since we have been here, have been cleaning the buildings, working the grounds and the garden and washing their clothes in a bucket. Right now they are collecting firewood for a fire so that dinner can be prepared. Recently I finished a "tour" with Danco (a deaf student) who showed me the animals that they raise ("grass cutters"-a guinea pig type- rabbits, chickens and pigs) to either sell or eat. Oh yeah, it's different here. Amazingly, they are all smiling!!
  This morning was our first opportunity to teach. On Sundays, the seminary pastors usually does a service for the children but we were told he was not coming. When we entered the "all purpose building," my first thought was how BEAUTIFUL these children were. They were all sitting, neatly arranged from youngest to oldest, all dressed in their Sunday white clothes and they were all waiting for us! We shared the story of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism. Jean did an awesome job telling the story; we even role-played. I shared with them how this story "applies" to everyday living, how God chose an ordinary person (such as John) and used him to fulfill His promise. My point for these children was that every one of them is special and they all are a part of God's plan. I felt inspired when each one watched intently as I "spoke" to them, in their language, how we are all part of God's family and each of us have a purpose. We aren't perfect but we are forgiven for that. All the kids said
 they are happy we are here. We are meant to be here! Our service lasted approximately an hour with the children taking over the service with song and offerings! They were happy to give and their songs expressed that. We closed with prayers, the way we do it at Holy Cross inviting anyone who wanted to offer prayer to come up front to share. We were struck of the seriousness of their prayers, so mature and profound. They too are concerned about family problems and war. They are also very supportive of each other, the older assisting the younger ones and keeping order.
  There is also a sense of "home" here. The school is host to 2 Peace Corp volunteers from Ohio. Kate is the art teacher here. Patrick, another volunteer works at the hearing school as a science teacher. His family lives in Milwaukee. How weird is that?? They are our "go to" people and promise to cook us "American" food before we leave here on Friday. There are not many opportunities for the deaf once they leave this school. We asked one girl what would she do when she "passes" and is able to leave. Her response was she hopes to be a wife.
  Now, about the food. You HAVE to like rice if you want to visit here. We are not eating with the kids (yet) but we ARE eating what they are. It has been the "same" fish stew (bones AND head included) for 2 days now, lunch AND dinner! The first day was rough, as I had to explain our lack of eating to adjusting to the food (need "baby steps"). Everyone has been soooooo welcoming, kind and helpful, we certainly don't want to offend. They all understand and Robert just laughs at us. But after getting the same stew today.. I am adjusting; Jean is having a harder time. We brought snacks. That has been a good thing, literally!!
  Some of the kids that were gone for the weekend are now returning. From what I understand, the kids really don't want to go home, due to the lack of communication. Sounds as if it's a universal problem. Joseph, who wants to be a pastor when he leaves here in 2 years, just gave me a tour of the garden. A "growing project" was set up here with the same purpose as the animals, to sell and/or eat. I'm very impressed with their work and the vegetables offered (their tomatoes are better looking than mine!) He is a born leader and has the respect of the other children. I'm sure he will be missed when he "passes."
  We will get a better sense of the activities here once we meet the Head Mistress. I am interested in the daily routine of the classroom, their studies, but most of all their spiritual growth. We should have their "schedule" soon. In the meantime, I am absorbing my surroundings and awaiting my next bowl of fish stew. Please continue to pray for us!
  God's Blessings to all,
  Linda
 
Sleep is not my friend! I am just too wound up from all the happenings that I have been experiencing thus far. Jean however is not having any problems. Maybe she is getting the rest for the both of us. Perhaps I should have watched "American Idol" with the "Head Master" (as he likes to be called) when he offered. Fantasia won, again! Yes, that was 2 years ago.
  Our theme this week for Bible lessons will be "ordinary people." Each of the characters that we've decided to teach on (John the Baptist, the Pharaoh's daughter-"mother to Moses", David and Goliath, and Noah), God chose them for a special purpose. This morning during the church service, I tried to emphasis to these children just how special they all are, that they each have a purpose for being here. They all looked like angels dressed up in their Sunday whites, pure and innocent. I have only been in this country a short time but have seen enough to know that extreme poverty exists here. However, these children at the deaf school are safe. These children are not risking their lives walking the streets trying to sell things or begging to survive. They know when and where their next meal will come from and they will have a bed to sleep in. They are well cared for, have friends to laugh and play with, an idea of self worth and have the love of God in their hearts. They are the ones
 that have a chance for an education, for hope, for making it in world that is against them the day they were born. Yes, these kids are indeed VERY special! My purpose of being here is to help them understand just how blessed they are and guide them to the One that has made it all possible for them. But it won't be of mine doing. God has put us all here together.
  I am thankful that I was able to experience this great "PAH" moment at this late hour. Perhaps now I will be able to rest, until tomorrow...
  Good night,
  Linda Zzzzzz
  
Hello everyone,
  It's been awhile I know. It's amazing how you take things for granted. Take communication!! We don't have access to email here and who have "thunk" that I'm still surviving. My husband probably can't believe it! But I do miss getting emails from you. You are my voice from home and my inspiration.
  We finally met the Head Mistress, Madam Barbara on Monday morning (we've been here since Saturday). But we also met everyone else. Jean and I had to sit before the Evangelical Committee and other people of authority of the school to get permission to teach there. There were a total of 9 people in this small office, including us. First the Former Head Master, Robert (who still likes to be called "Head Master") spoke on his and our behalf. He explained that in the absent of Madam, he felt it was his "duty" to make a decision regarding us to stay or not to stay. He spoke very slowly and was very deliberate with his explanation. Robert is a big man with a deep voice and with his "authoritative" body language he can be intimidating. Now he was acting like someone who was in trouble. The whole atmosphere felt uneasy to me, with 3 churches affiliates (Roman Catholic, Church of Christ Anglican Church and ours). At the time I wasn't aware that the two churches that were represented were
 really teachers from the school. I do understood their "concerns," we were dropped off and this is the first time that we were before the people that should have given the permission. They probably were feeling that we were invading their territory. Madam's only words, "The committee is to decide." She barely looked at us. After some discussion, in their language, we were given the approval. We then had to meet with the 4 members of the Evangelical Committee to discuss Bible stories that we would tell and come up a schedule. With all decisions made, we ended up with the noon-two shift, during their "rest time" and before lunch. After a short tour of the school, a meeting with all of the teachers, it's time to prepare.
  We choose to split the group up, I will start with the older students, Jean the younger, after an hour, we would switch. Today's story was about Moses and his Pharisee "mother." My application of the story consisted of a "good heart" and what it means to have one. At my church, I have more experience with younger deaf children, not as much with the teenagers. Today, I felt more at ease with the older ones. After my teaching the older ones, it was suggested that I have an "interpreter," who would then put it into the sign language they are familiar with. Ok, now I felt the students were confused on whom to watch. Twenty minutes in, it was "over." The kids were hot (so was I), they were getting tired and restless. This was also their first day back at school after a month off for "holiday." Jean and I need to regroup. I didn't get discouraged, but wish I had a second chance. There was just too much going on in the room. Tomorrow will be a better day.
  Jean and I took a little walk to the "kitchen," (outside, with big pots on open fires) to find Elizabeth, our cook. We met MANY cooks and they just loved having their pictures taken. We explained we can't eat any more fish, so were asked if we like chicken. We should have counted the number of chickens that were running around. Next we walked to the girl's dorm. Not what I am used to at WSD: mosquito nettings, cheap bunk beds sleeping about 10+ girls to a room, community "shower," (that you have to use buckets of water from the outside faucet). And let's not forget the latrine. It's yards away from the dorm, up a rocky, steep hill. I am amazed that the 3 blind girls make it up and back down again. The kids just love getting their pictures taken too! They're not shy! Good thing that Jean has 1000 pictures on her camera. But she will run out of batteries before that!
  Met a young man named Seth (my son's name)! We had an instant connection! He is hearing but he understands the problems that the deaf face here in Ghana. He has already set up an organization to "expose" people to the deaf community and is seeking government support to teach sign language in ALL schools in Ghana. He has written proposals, visited other Deaf schools (there are 13 in Ghana) etc. Wow! For such a young man, he has done much so far. He is very passionate about everyone using sign language so that they would hire and communicate with the Deaf. As I said before, there are not many opportunities for them once they leave school.
  Early to bed. To be continued..
  Blessings,
  Linda
  
  Here is another chapter, a day and a life in Ghana!
  Woke up this AM feeling "homesick." We're getting to a point where we don't want to overstay our welcome. The original plan was to stay until Friday, but we will leave on Thursday instead. After speaking with Pastor, he agrees. I think he misses us too!
  Had to approach the Committee again this time to change some plans. Going to change the format of teaching too. Was not expecting this to go well, but all in agreement. Jean and I are going to teach together, shorten the class by 15 minutes, and separate times, young then older later. Jean is having too much fun coming up with ideas for David and Goliath and Noah. These kids really depend on the visual teaching, and you can do a lot with clothespins. I have learned much from her. It was a hit! I found also by using her props from the story, I can use it for applications to everyday living. Our theme this week is "ordinary people." God had a purpose for every character in the Bible and they were not "famous" people to begin with. Teaching these children that they are special has been a struggle, but I can relate to it too. When I wonder if these kids are actually "getting it," you have someone come up to that connects the story with their own life. Again, if you can reach just one
 person, it makes it all worthwhile. The seeds are being planted. I am confident that they will sprout and grow.
  My hair is bug free! Smile The girls here just spent some time looking thru my hair, which is REALLY short now, and just feeling how different it is from theirs. We also spent some time looking at the green veins on my arms and them trying to locate theirs. They LOVE the Bible Story book that we are leaving for them, so we spend some time looking at that book together. These kids are just so eager and "hungry" for anything about Jesus. It's amazing! They all know that Jesus loves them!
  Kate, the Peace Corp volunteer here, has been WONDERFUL! After spending the day in Accra (where she met Laura Bush), she came "home" to make Jean and I an American meal of spaghetti, fresh pineapple and bagettes with humus and "matzo balls." It was marvelous! We are getting better with the food here, I think, but the fish is still too much! After we left, I heard DRUMS beating and coming from the "dining room." It was the Cultural Dance Troupe (from the school) practicing for a performance for us tomorrow. This is where the blind students shine! They are the drummers and singers. We just had to watch and enjoy! WOW!! (More about that later.)
  I truly feel so blessed to be here! I can't tell you enough how wonderfully we are being treated here. We brought gifts to give to the school (books, art supplies, soccer balls, etc.) but it just doesn't seem enough. I am REALLY going to miss this place!
  I know that you all are praying for us. I do "feel it" and I thank you!
  Blessings,
  Linda
 

Ok, we woke up this morning (Wed.) thinking it was going to be our last full day here, but by the end of the day, it was not meant to be! TRULY! More later about that..
  This morning, we enjoyed nut paste and fresh bread. Mmmmm! We then decided at the last minute to do a story on Noah's ark, so we spent the morning working on props and visual aids for the story. It will be a spectacular sight! David, the leader of the Evangelical Committee stopped by and told us there will be a change in plans. We will teach ALL the children in 45 minutes, and then the dancers will perform for us! Looking forward to that!
  The story went well except we started late which resulted in being rushed and there were too many kids at one time. Some of the kids went on to "review" the stories of the week, which was good, but I didn't get to spend the time that I wanted with them. It worked out. What we witness after that was only spectacular! The Cultural Dancers, all decked out in their costumes, sat us down in front of everyone (we felt like royalty) and gave us a performance of our lifetime! The drums had me moving! They were all in perfect time and it was wonderful to see how EVERYONE interacted with one another. All the staff, the deaf and the blind students (and even US) were all one, swaying to the beat of the drums, the dancers. It was truly incredible! At the end of the performance, they even had Jean and I up there dancing! What FUN!!! When the dancers retired, we gave our presentation of gifts to the school. As I said before, we didn't feel it was enough, but the reaction of the kids was amazing!
 They are so grateful with so little! They were most excited over the soccer (football) balls and art supplies (crayons and construction paper) but especially the 2 Bible Story books that we gave. I wish we had more!
  David took us to Holy Cross Church where he is a seminary student (Brother). That was a surprise! What a different person he is since we first met him on Monday! He has a vision of connecting this Deaf School with an American Deaf School. I'll see what I can do. But where this beautiful sanctuary is located, the drive there is depressing. Again, every destination is thru some village. Every home is an open venue, an opportunity to sell something. These kids that are here should be in school, but their parents can't afford them to go. Some are fortunate, most are not. It's overwhelming! I am praying more here.
  When we returned, I met a few of the blind students. It was quite the scene. I was teaching the kids my name sign (ILY with a Z) and it was precious seeing these blind girls try to work their fingers. They could only remember the Z part, when I told them, zip, zip, zip. One deaf student (Ana, a "mother" to the younger students) reminded me that they were blind. The blind students are isolated from the deaf, but not right now. I told Dana Esta, "you should see how many of the deaf girls are around you right now," she just smiled!!! She never experienced that before! WOW! I had all the blind students singing to me a song that they knew that they taught me. I taught them a few more signs and we were just having a great time! I wish I met them earlier this week. This powerful moment was meant to happen!
  Kate gave us a tour of the "art dept." Some talented kids are here. Some of their works are hanging in a museum in Accra. Monies will be raised from their sales to help support this dept.
  On the way back to our "house," we noticed all the students in their classrooms but without any teachers. This is their night time study time, for homework and tutoring. A "leader" is chosen to assist in each room and they stay there for 2 hours every night. It is an honor to be chosen a leader and the role is respected. These kids are so well behaved! It is truly amazing!
  Time to pack up.
  Until another day!
  Blessings,
  Linda
 

Thursday and we are suppose to leave today on the 11:00 bus to Kumasi. John, Amadu's friend called and said the bus is full. We need to buy in advance. Ok, we have Amadu working on that. So now, we just wait.
  The kid's are all getting ready for school and each come by to say their goodbyes. It's a humbling experience. They all want to stay in touch with and we have been warned to be careful who give our addresses too, but we cave. I think Jean will get more responses seeing that she is deaf. We'll see.
  Kate invited us up for lunch, fresh cucumber and tomato (soaked in bleach water) sandwich, yummmmmmm! I crave fruits and veggies right now, but we were warned about that too! So many rules! After that, we watched the Cultural dancers practice with the newest members. What a talented troupe! They put Kate on the drums and she did quite well. They performed dances from several regions of Ghana. Their teacher, Mr. Hooper is their instructor and mentor. He is so different in the role of teacher, meek and mild, but becomes a "wild man" on the drums. It's amazing to see the transformation. We still don't have a confirmed time of departure. Now we are being told is not really safe to travel at night. We made the decision to stay another night so that Amadu, Enoch and Pastor can work out the details.
  Went with Kate to a village where her "adopted" Ghanaian family lives. Wow, now we are IN the village, not just passing them by. I will never forget the sights and smell of it. Here the children, who can't afford to go to school, run freely among the standing sewage. These kids look to Kate and her "father" Lawrence to provide them with some hope and some type of education. At this time, as Jean and I chat with Lawrence, Kate is teaching the young ones with wide eyes, the sign language alphabet. They hope to establish a youth group to teach them about such things as AIDS awareness, job skills, environmental and sanitary issues, to name a few. These kids also love getting their pictures taken. Here is a little place of security. Lawrence is just another man we met with a vision. This time, it's to get these kids out of "this place" so that they can have a chance at a better life.
  When we are finished here, we go back to the school to drop off Kate's dog Madison. Here I meet up with the blind students again, and they remember my name when I say "zip, zip, zip. They smile and work their fingers into the ILY sign. I'm in love with these girls too! I teach them, in sign, "Jesus Loves Me" among other signs. They love the attention they are getting from the deaf students. Maybe I bridged the gap. One can only hope.
  We head into Cape Coast for dinner at a restaurant next to the Castle where at one time, 1/3 of all the slaves coming out of Africa came thru here to set sail from the Bay of Guinea. Here the surf is pounding the shore and I'm lost in the sound! I'm at peace and enjoying a great local dish called Red, Red with CHICKEN (beans in a red sauce) served with plantain. I'm liking plantain a lot! Head back to school to unpack and stay another night. No one minds! We are family there now!
  A full day! Good night.
  Linda Zzzzzzzzzzz

  Friday, today, we are leaving! We woke up and it was RAINING!! We were told it rarely rains in January. We must be a blessing! It was cute to see all the girls dressed in their light jackets. They said it was cold! We were loving it!!
  John picked us up at the school, and we went to the station. So far, only 1 ticket has been reserved for us. We'll wait it out. If are not found, I will stay another day and sent off Jean. We prayed and another ticket was found an hour before the bus was to arrive. The Lord loves to work with an edge sometimes!
  The bus was an hour late. Those things happen in Ghana. Wow, now I'm working with deaf time AND Ghanaian time!! You can only imagine! Smile John stayed with us the whole time. A student studying Computer Science, he is also interested in becoming a Pastor. He is also very interested in sign language. We taught him a few signs.
  The bus arrives. It has AC and Jean is looking forward to that! Our seats are separate and I sit in the back, her in front. The luggage area is full so we must bring EVERYTHING on the bus and put in the aisle. There were 6 people on the bus with no seat so they sat in the aisle and on the steps. I believe the driver was making up for lost time, because a few times I thought we were going to die. I can't believe how FAST he was driving thru these villages, with lots of people, children and goats walking around! He was on his horn for the entire 4-hour trip! I tried to focus on something other than my stomach and ended up showing Veronica, a wonderful older Ghanaian woman, all my pictures from the Deaf school. I kept her and all the other women in the back of the bus, entertained. Only after we had an hour left of the trip did I notice that all the seats had seat belts. That would have been a red flag if I noticed it earlier!
  With God's help, we arrived safely. Amadu was going to meet us there, but we didn't know WHERE at the station. Jean and I walked out of the fenced off "yard" and waited in the street. Finding a taxi here is not a problem. EVERYONE stopped. "Those American Women" is Jean's and mine new saying. After waiting a few minutes, I called Amadu back and told him where we were. I'll tell you, he was NOT happy with us. When he arrived at the yard, we were not there, and he thought he lost us. He freaked and when he came to get us, he "let" me know it. I truly love this man and his concern for all of us. He is a trusted companion, manager, friend of Pastor Reinke's and he immediately took all 3 of us women under his care. It was a HUGE miscommunication problem. Between his thick accent and cell phone connection, it is understandable. I guess women aren't seen as strong, independent souls. As I said, "those American women!"
  Came to the Lutheran Teaching Center and this will be home for us until Sunday afternoon. We are still meeting the students here and the future pastors. We ate and yes, RELAXED!! I plan to do the same tomorrow. A party is planned for tomorrow and I heard that a goat would be involved!! That's another email!
I heard the folks back home are preparing for snow. I am sorry that I will miss it. I LOVED getting your messages when I arrived here. Yes, I miss the emails, so it was great knowing that you are still thinking of me. They made me cry! I miss you ALL very much! We are halfway done with this trip! Can't believe how time is flying! I'll be home soon!
 

Love you all. You are all a blessing to me!
  Hugs,
  Linda