Tuesday, January 31, 2006
 
It has been almost a week since I have written . . . where has the time gone??  The last days of class were full.  We discussed The Creation through Moses  parting the Red Sea ; discussed the Ten Commandments – even a mini quiz with some of the words missing and the students having to fill in the blanks; looked up Bible verses that related to the Commandments; gave more Bible passages to practice how/where to find passages; and, on the last day, gave a “mini test” for the students to look up and think about the stories that we had discussed.  Pastor and I were impressed at how they eagerly delved into finding the answers.  I, for one, was amazed at how they wanted to find the answers!!
 
Thursday, January 26:  While driving up to Tamale, one could feel the different heat – much hotter and drier!!  I see, from Linda’s and Jean’s updates, that you have been informed about our road trip from Tamale to Mole.  Yes!!  Truly the Lord was -and is- with us all the way!!  He IS an Awesome God!!  Now we have a better understanding of why Pastor Reinke wants to leave early so we don’t have to drive in the dark – harder to miss potholes and big, over packed trucks without any running lights! 
 
Our stay at the Mole National Park was a nice break.  We checked into our rooms, had dinner, then a night cap to help us relax and sleep.  Friday, January 27:  We rose early to catch our Safari.  Two German students joined us in our SUV so they, too, could go on the safari. (They were volunteers at orphanages for six months.)  Pastor Reinke sat in the back, with the students; Jean and I were in the 2nd seat; Linda sat in front with Enoch and the rifle-packing ranger; as for Amadu, he got approval to sit on the top of the SUV!!  With some of those paths we drove on, we, periodically, called up to him to be sure he was still with us!!  He kept a strong grip!  So, off we went!  “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!!”  Oh No!!  Baboons and gazelles and alligators and elephants!!  Oh Yes!!
 
After the safari, we made our way back to the compound to find many of the leaders and students waiting to present us with very pretty dresses with matching head scarves.  I am anxious to show off my outfit to you when I return to the states.  The leaders then met with John to discuss their travel plans and contacts while we ladies finalized our packing.
 
Saturday, January 28:  was the day to pack the truck and leave the compound for our 4-hour drive to Accra.  We checked into our room then went out for dinner.  Pastor Reinke said that now that we are familiar with the foods, we could order our own meals.  Wow!  we felt “in-the-know”!
 
Sunday, January 29: was a day of driving into the mountains to Mampong to go to the Deaf Secondary School for Sunday School and Church service.  A local student gave the Sunday School lesson on being good! good! good!!  (You know:  “LAW!”)  Well, then, Pastor Reinke was invited to preach – which was strongly taught how much God loves us, forgives us, stays with us – even when we’ve sinned!  (“GOSPEL!!”)  And the students couldn’t help but understand how much He loves us, no matter!! because Pastor kept giving example after example to help the students know - and learn - the gospel! 
 
We made our way down the mountain into Adamrobe Village where about 45 Deaf live.  What an experience!  We also saw the land, that was donated to the church, for a new church to be built.  Again, an awesome evidence that God is working here, in Ghana.  From there, we went to the Mampong School for the Deaf to leave some school materials and to meet the MANY Deaf children.  From there it was back to GIL (Ghanaian International Linguistics) site to check back into our rooms.
 
Monday, January 30:  This was a “business” day.  Banking work had to be done, business at hardware “store” where negotiations for a corn mill purchase was done, meeting with Dr. Fynn to fill him in on our travels, then a trip to the Cultural Center, and dinner.  We arrived back at the GIL and completed our packing for our trip home on Tuesday – with mixed feelings, I must add!
 
Today, Tuesday, January 31:  Pastor Reinke, Amadu, Enoch,  Akorful (one of the evangelists) and Linda took a drive back into Mampong to finalize some business.  Jean and I stayed behind because neither of us were ready for another long, hot, sweaty drive.  They should be back in time to leave for the airport; if not, we will meet them there.
 
I want to, personally, take this time to thank everyone for your support, emails, words of encouragement, and prayers.  Without you, none of this could have happened for any of us.  You, truly, have been a blessing in helping us Reach the Deaf in Ghana!
 
God’s richest blessings to you all,

Karen

January 31st: The LCMS Ghana Deaf Mission Team is on their way home.  They left Accra, Ghana about 8:30 their time.  They will be in Chicago about 10:30 our time on Wednesday morning.  They will have a few hours of a layover in Frankfurt, Germany on their way home.