Hut Hello

Kathryn. me. Kristen. & Paradise

Paradies Lost & Found

After all the Christmas hustle & bustle, a small vacation sounded nice! The day after Christmas piled in a Tro-Tro with my two good girlfriends Kat and Kristen to head for "Ada Foah" "PARADISE", as we were told by a few who had been there! After our 2hr ride we got dropped off in the middle of a marketplace in which we were left to find our own canoe ride to the tip of the penisula. A young, local boy approached us and assured as as we winded through the market and his village that HE could get us there... soooo we looked at each other and decided adventure was what we had come for, so why the heck not, what else were we gonna do? We hopped in his canoe he had carved himself and set out about 2 inches above lake level, a 30 minute boat ride to " The Estuary".

Along the way we passed a feast for the eyes, one section ~ naked kids jumping off their fishing boats soap~sud bathing or swimming/chasing after us to smile and greet us!!, woman gathering water in their buckets to start lunch, and men bring in their fishing nets... to the neighboring section: white, pot~bellied rich men sitting on their verandas dining and sunbathing with their jet ski waiting nearby. Thankfully, passed that confusing neighborhood front... further and further up the lake until we stopped at a little beachfront with several simple huts and a quiet neighboring village on the otherside of small lagoon. One side of the pennisula the lake, the other~ the ocean!

Settled into Hut 12.. one double bed with a hot pink mosquito net for the three of us to share, a sand floor, four palm leave walls, and a straw roof...no running water, no electricity. a community latrine. yep. thats about it :) spent the first day laying on the beach and playing soccer with the locals. That night made a bonfire and stayed up until we were told the moon would bring in the sea turtles to lay their eggs. When it was nice and dark and the moon bright, we headed to the beach with our flashlight to check for turtle prints. They look almost exactly like tractor prints!..and b/c there are no vehicles anywhere around here... you know it when you see it. Followed a couple tracks, but the turtles had already made their circle up the beach and were back in the ocean. Finally followed one a long, long way..seemed this turtle had already layed its egg as we could see the big circle it made at the top of the sand hill...but it was winding around confused and lost in how to return to the ocean. We found it up the beach making a wheezing sound, it was so tired, it was having a hard time moving. Before we knew it the "hut" manager~ Winifred, decided to SAVE THE TURTLE. so he and our new german friend Hanz pushed the turtle all the way to the entrance of the sea. The sight was incredible. The sea turtle was HUGE~ estimated about 500 pounds, looked like it could EAT me..seriously looked more like a DINOSAUR to me than a turtle.

The next morning slept in and after breakfast tried to read & journal in the hammock across the lagoon, but 6 energetic village kids and one drunk man had other plans for me! The kids wanted to swing me, and then SOMEHOW found myself giving the drunk man a "Love 101 lesson" as he spilled out his decision to marry either me or the other local 16 year old he had his eyes on, who was ALSO right next to me~ giving him the evil eye with her arms sternly crossed, ha. I hope my ranting saved that girl :) His name...Papa ZuZu, the coconut buisness man...enough said. next... well if you can't beat em' join em'... grabbed another Mercy Shipper and we headed into the children's village. Went further and further into their village as we played endless games of tickle tag ;) met the Big Chief and got a funny photo with him. and finally in the late afternoon made my way back across the lagoon for another canoe ride tour further up the river. By the time we got back to the huts it was about dark and we needed to head home.

Made it all the way back in our tro~tro and to my cabin were I was so excited to show my roommates all the amazing photos and video footage I got the past 2 days, when... i came up empty handed. At the bottom of my pack.. no camera to be found. I got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach..and am puzzled how it all came about. All i can figure is after we looked at the photos in the tro~tro, remember putting my hand down deep inside my pack, but maybe b/c it was dark i "thought" i put my hand inside the pack but it was just to the side of it... I don't know.. all i know is that I hope whoever finds my camera can really use that money to get their family ahead a little bit.

What I loved about "The Estuary" is that it was actual tribal land belonging to the chief I met. This hut "hotel" was just an extention of their village.. their locals passed THROUGH it and there was no scolding by the manager or evil eyes given, only warm greetings by all the foreign hut "resorters" and staff. We were all one community. It felt really unique in that way.

And when I watched the children and mothers and father...there was ONE thing that stuck out in my mind.. They were SO FREE. They walked around with no possessions to worry about clinging to, no schedules to be bound by, just the day and whatever it brings. So as much as I felt horrible about losing my camera... i couldn't cry, b/c what i've witnessed with these people, is what I've witnessed over the past 2 1/2 months here with the Ghanians over & over again.

" Do no lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20

" I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" John 10:10

These verses stick out in my mind when I see them. There has been a lot of mind games and questions swirling around in my head trying to sort out what I make of poverty..its ups and downs riches...ups and downs. I don't know if i'll have it answered by the end, but I do know that these simple people may not know who the first person to walk on the moon was, or even care about it... but they know A LOT about whats important when it comes to being free in their spirit and pure in faith. I hope its contagious, b/c its really attractive. Paradise lost is sometimes Paradise Found.

* sidenote. God is GOOD! Ironically enough.. The Mercy Ship photographer was at the same place as us and tagged along with us for pretty much everything, so many of those pictures that meant so much to me will be replaced by hers when she gets back...and probably much better! A camera is replaceable, I'm just SO thankful some of those trip's amazing memories won't be lost in picture form.

Wish you all a merry, blessed new year*

Christmas times*

Merry post Christmas :) I don't know about you but I always get a bit sad the week following Christmas... what an AmAzIng season and event it represents*

The Christmas season was buzzing on the boat..we had a German Christmas, a Swedish (Santa Lucia) Christmas, a Dutch Christmas...a VERY interesting Ghanian Christmas eve service, & of course an American Christmas celebration. Christmas AROUND the world!!! It's a Dutch Mercy Ship tradition for everyone to leave their shoe outside their cabin Christmas eve for people to fill with presents. Christmas morning my roommates and I gathered outside our door to find a small mountain of goodies :)

On the ward Christmas morning, the patients woke up to find a pillowcase with a bow tied around it at the end of their beds. They didn't get it at first?? As the nurses encouraged them to untie it, they peered inside, and pulled out a gift specifically for them. I'm sad to have missed it. But Christmas evening I worked a shift on the ward...and it was magical :) Each patient pulled out their gifts for me and held them up proudly on display, smiling the cutest smiles ever from age 4- 65 :) We only have about 12 patients left on the ward during this break, so little nursing was needed, but MUCH celebration! They drummed, we danced, we sang, we watched christmas movies, we played games, we ate...some liked my brownies, and other tried to HIDE it and told me they liked it. ha. :) I think the hot pink frosting scared them & they are not used to sweets. Wish i had that problem! Had a wonderful conversation with a patient's father who through his son's several operations on the Ship has turned from Muslim to Christianity and was so elated to express his joy in this seasons meaning; the birth of Christ~ the Son of God, coming down in humble human likeness to be a living example of service & sacrifice! Maybe the most joyful man I've ever met. Wish you could wrap THAT up & take it home!

The week before Christmas had some great day trips! Was able to go to one of our local villages~ Ashiamin, to see our HIV/AIDS team do some education in the local church. They are educating several community leaders through 6 different classes: 2 on "What is HIV/AIDS?" 2 on "Counseling/Community Support Pre/Post HIV tests" & 2 on "Basic care of an HIV/AIDS person"
It was some of the BEST teaching I've seen here so far, the group was VERY responsive. Ghana has one of the least HIV/AIDS population in Africa, but it is still prevelant. There is a big focus in Ghana now to support and not condem/outcast those with HIV/AIDS. These leaders will be in charge of continuing education and starting a support system for these people in their communities. exciting!

Christmas eve eve I went to the Nswam's Women Prison to give out presents and celebrate with them. Mercy Ships has been in partnership with them in our Rabbit and Bee Harvest projects. It was a very interesting experience, one i think you just have to be there for... But I can tell you their prison grounds were the most bright green I've seen in all of Ghana so far; the prisoners do all their own gardening and cooking. They walk freely between their cement homes and grounds, enclosed by a simple but tall cement wall. They were either dressed in White or Blue dresses. White meaning a crime other than Blue~ murder. Some are said to be on "Death row" but it is only a title to which later goes down to "Life Sentence". There is no death row in Ghana. I can't describe it, but their walk, their deep song, their faces (for the most part) seemed free. Much more so then our American prison systems. It wasn't scary, the grounds almost seemed peaceful. Kate, the M.S. leader that has been working with them talked about how although they may be enclosed by big cement walls, with Christ they are free, born again. Some women let me hold their babies, which they only get to keep with them for one year. It all seemed kind of ironic, but ....true. wish i had more time there.

Christmas Eve!! woke up and drove to the local beach to see the bright orange African sunrise with the surf gang. Wasn't planning on setting foot in the ocean, as i have a slight phobia of it, but my friends boogie boarding looked too fun to miss out on, so i edged my toes in and made a fast splash into the ocean before i changed my mind. After about an hour of boogie boarding and no bites yet!!! I tried surfing. Lol and behold before i knew it my friend Lucy pushed me ahead towards shore and I stood up and rode the wave all the way in. Got up several more times, got my butt kicked several times too! It was no family fireplace Christmas Eve, but i'd say it was the next best thing!

Kaitlyn & Naomi

A quiet Sunday afternoon on the ward :)

Ghana Outreach Update~ stats

Tema Outreach Update*
as of Dec. 5th

Just wanted to give you a New Year's update on the Mercy Ship Tema Outreach. We are scheduled to be finished here in Ghana by mid Feb. Our last surgical date onboard is Feb. 2nd.
Here is a bit of whats going on over here. God is doing wonderful things here, not only physical, but very much giving hope and changing hearts. Feb 25th we will sAiL to Liberia to begin a 10 month outreach!!! The Africa Mercy is rescheduled to meet us May 15th!

1) Reconstructive surgery- accomplished to date: 277 Goal: 500
(ie 277/500) Common patients I see: Hemimandiblectomies r/t facial tumors, thyroidectomies r/t goiters, burn
contracture release r/t acid burns(abuse) & fires, cataract removals, Benign tumor removals

2) Vesicovaginal Fistula Repairs- 31/70 Many more to come in beginning of January. Please pray for courage for these
woman as they re~enter society after being abandoned for many years.

3) Dental Clinic- 2,565/4,500

4) Eye patients (cataracts, strabismus) 968/2,000
training locals- 15 eye workers
17 eye professionals

5) HIV Aids Care & Prevention: starting volunteer programs to equip locals to teach locals
83 participants from 23 communities/churches
Hope to have 2+ Mercy Coalitions created
* Although Malaria kills more people in Africa than AIDS!!!, much edu is needed in this area. Please pray for receptive
ears and earnest workers. Common myths keep this disease alive (ie- A.I.D.S. American Invention to Discourage Sex!
or that if they sleep with a virgin it will cure them!)

6) Fountain Head Christian School
The local community communicated a need to expand the school beyond Elementary school to include a Junior High so their
children would not have to switch schools. This is a Christian school lead by YWAM, Many influential government leaders
are sending their children here! Please pray for the staff as they have a daily impact to change the future of Ghana :)
*added on 6 classrooms, 2 offices, staff room, bathrooms

7) Tema Polyclinic Maternity Ward
To be completed in January
Project requested by Minister of Health to meet a "felt" need.

8) Ashaiman Youth Health Center
Giving youth a safe place to come to for HIV/AID edu and help
To be completed in January

9) Water & Sanitation
13/38 Wells completed. Mercy Ships working with a local company that has committed to complete what we are not able
to do before leaving in Feburary. The Minister of Health identifed the areas for us where there was the most need.
Local villagers are also being taught how to build effective latrines.

10) Bee keeping
training 52 local woman, 1st Harvest in January!!!! These woman work for Ghana Forestry & have committed to do
continuing education for locals~ passing on their new knowledge.

11) Agricultural Training
Ben, our agricultural expert just arrived last week. Please pray for him as he jumpstarts this program!
training HIV Africans to start a produce business, starting late December.

12) Empowering Woman
154 participants graduate Dec 13th, after having started
snail, rabbit, or mushroom businesses! Wonderful woman!

13) Strategic Health Initiative Program (SHIP)
Partnering with Medical Ambassadors to teach 30 men and woman to be their Village's Basic Health and Sanitation
Leaders. Pray for the new leader's courage, effort, and effectiveness in spreading the word! Have gone out with the
director several times..she is very creative and thorough! Pray for Jean's perserverance in finishing strong.

14) Church Leaders Conference
300+ local pastors to meet mid January Topic: Unity

Thanks so much for your support in so many ways :)

ELF :)

MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE!! If you haven't seen this.. you simply must :) Even if you have.. you should watch it AGAIN :)

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!"

Christmas season!

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE!!!! :)
(tarps & hard hats)

Christmas season is getting into full swing here!!! Portholes being decorated with lights and greenry, Advent services, Christmas movies on the deck, holiday baking! - I was completely lost in the market maze yesterday among the pigfeet and plantains, when i literally stumbled across a cake decorating store? I was able to buy some red food coloring and green sprinkles!! Thats the first store like that I've ever seen here! It was definetly a gift from God. Its fun to see God cares even about the little, silly things that are important to us :) He is providing me with exactly what I need here and more. Also, today I moved into my new room with two good friends. We are all here until end of May so no more constant new roommates! It only took me about 10 minutes to move, ha. Thats a first :) And NO MORE acrobats to get into & out of my bed.. aah :)

It really is starting to feel like a home and family here. Now if they would just let me go to breakfast in my pajamas! As much as I truly do miss all of you, especially around the holidays.. I'm REALLY looking forward to spending it this year in Africa. Its a totally different feel here. I look out the Tro~Tro windows and see the mud huts passing by and think.. this scenery is like baby Jesus's time :) I get so easily caught up in the hustle and bustle back home, but life is slow pace here, no matter what you wish. No Big Santa's plastered on store fronts or the "obligated" gift giving. I wander through the market and hear "O Holy Night" among scattered pieces of tinsel decorations..and it just feels simple..peaceful, like the real reason for Christmas is not able to be disguised by mall sales.

I can't believe it, but somehow my work schedule gives me the 22,23,24,25 off as well as New Years Eve and the 1st. I was fully prepared to work many of these as patients will still be with us. To tell you the truth, if I can't be with family I think the ward is the next best place to be. The patients and parents on the ward have grown so close to my heart. I LOVE spending time with them, they are such amazing people. Teaching me SO much. So I think thats where you will find me Christmas day.. giving them a taste of Betty Crocker's frosted brownies with red frosting and green sprinkles! I'm love my job here, my life here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.. for now :)

a heavy heart

this week i lost a dear friend and co-worker back in Texas due to a tragic car accident... i don't think i've ever had such a hard time accepting some is gone before... i think its because she has always been so vibrantly full of life. i close my eyes and shes right there, telling a funny, inappropriate joke ;), or giving personal care to the families on 4W, i've always thought of her as a cornerstone to our little unit, keeping our chaoticness together with her hard work. ... i want so badly to be with you guys, please know that i've been thinking of y'all all week, want to just sit and be with you.. i absolutely hate being so far away right now. you guys are in my prayers, praying that God brings peace and his arms around you all during this. i feel like i have so much pent up emotion right now, but i can't release it. one good cry and maybe i could squeeze all the pain out.

its funny how you cry when you don't want to and can't when you want to. the ward has had some difficult moments as well this week. had to cancel a surgery of a little girl's burn deformed hand due to having malaria and a dangerously low red blood cell count. it couldn't be rescheduled like it normally would be due to our already full schedule til the end of our outreach in Tema. not only that, but i was told to discharge them by 7am to make room for incoming patients as we are getting short on beds. (had come 8hrs away from deep in the mountains) as i sent them away i've never seen such visible hope drain from a mother's face before. i choked up inside and couldn't even manage to say a prayer with them, i had the translator do it. the mom was so disappointed, knowing she could never afford on her own to have this surgery done in a local hospital. she refused to hug me goodbye..it made me want to throw up. ... but God is faithful and gives tender mercies in between questions we may never understand.. if nothing else it made me realize the strong impact it must be to do the surgeries for the ones we can..

God was good to bring it a bit full circle with a quiet week on the ward, with plenty of time to spend with the kids and just play. Regina (whose picture is above, just before she decided to PEE on me!) is here for the same type of surgery as the other girl i had to turn away. (she had some burn contractures on her arm and side released due to falling into a firepit a year ago) shes spent the week on my lap just wanting to cuddle, offering the new ability of moving her arm again to give me hugs and blow kisses :) God knew just what i needed.

Its ironic how we want control in our life to keep everything within our understanding, but somehow..when life seems to become crazy for awhile- i'm learning all i really wish to do it throw my hands ups, not in defeat, but because i realize i don't know how best to take control, and if God's above and near, looking down on this mess seeing the big picture, then its better left to him.. and accept he knows what he's doing. i may never understand why these things happen, so i will take time in each season as He brings it Eccesciastes 3 "a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to dance". ..... Lydia, you are dearly missed.

Moto

Thank you Miranda's small group!!!! We look forward to the toys you will send us very much :) Look at the pathetic toys we have to play with now...stephanie's stethoscope!