Sept. 26, Saturday -- Accra, Ghana
Yesterday was a monsoon. Today was a whirlwind.
It rained on Friday. Serious, down-pouring, bucket-loads of rain – right out of nowhere. Tom, Al, myself and Joe Ayee (the Ghana Navigator director) were sitting in the living room talking about how the ministry has been doing lately. The clouds outside were gray, but they had been that way all morning. Then the thunder rolled in the distance, and something out of Genesis happened: The skies opened up and the floods came pouring down. Then came the winds. It looked like Florida on CNN during hurricane season.
Other than that, the weather has been great. Moderate to hot temps – pretty much the same as Fresno, just a bit more humidity. I've been pretty thankful for that.
This morning (Saturday), the annual conference finally began here at the Presbyterian Women's Center grounds. Somewhere close to 60 people attended – most of them in their 20s and 30s. Day one of the conference has been the whirlwind – the schedule would never have been OK'd in the states. We had back-to-back seminars from 7 a.m. To 1:30 p.m. with short breaks in between, then again from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a dinner break.
The sessions have been great. Besides Tom, all the speakers were Ghanaian, and they were all very engaging and thought-provoking. I learned a lot, and have a lot to think about. I've also gotten to know a lot of new friends and am taking informal Twi lessons as a result – the native language for one of the major tribes in Ghana.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Made it...
Sept. 24, 2009 – Accra, Ghana
Nine hours flying Seattle to London. Three-hour layover. Seven hours flying to Ghana. Actually, when you think about it, it was a pretty easy flight considering the distance covered – only one layover and it only lasted a few hours. But it took a toll nonetheless.
Last night, I slept until about 3 a.m., then tossed and turned until I finally decided to wake up at about 6 a.m. and catch a beautiful African sunrise. At about 3 p.m. today, my body suddenly decided that it needed eight hours of sleep... I cut it short to a three-hour nap, hoping for the best. Definitely not adjusted yet...
We arrived late Wednesday night in Accra and, to everyone's surprise, sailed through customs. Ghana is one of the most economically and politically advanced countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Obama visited here a couple months ago), and they apparently do a good job at making it convenient for visitors to go through customs – something that can be a huge hassle in other countries.
A man named Joe Ayee, who is the Ghana director for the Navigators, drove us to the Presbyterian Women's Conference Center north of Accra. This is where we're having our Navigators conference – at a women's center. It's also where we're staying for at least the next four or five days. The campus is a relatively small, walled-off compound that has a cafeteria, some classrooms, and a 130-bed dorm. It's a pretty nice place with a few gazebos scattered around that make for relaxing spots to hang out in the morning.
I talked with the Center's accountant today – a guy named Ben who recently took his holiday to Indiana – and it sounds like this place does a lot of great stuff, like training women in villages about farming and giving them the basic tools to do that. There are also dorms here for women to stay and take two-week business courses. For now, however, about 65 people involved in the Navigators will be filling up the rooms at the conference starting tomorrow night.
We're staying at a five-bedroom guest house at the Center that is pretty comfy. There are a number of other people sharing this house, including some guys that are attending a conference for Sunday school teachers. We also get to eat at the cafeteria where the food has been wonderful – chicken and rice with mole sauce for lunch, and shish kabob with the best-tasting fresh pineapple ever. The closer to the equator, the better the fruit. And we're pretty close.
This evening, a 26-year-old guy name Nii Ayi came by to visit. Nii is the new administrator for the Navigators here in Ghana. He's also organizing the conference. Soft-spoken but obviously very passionate about what he does, Nii told us about his dreams to get a master's degree in community development and work on improving the lives of those who live in rural Ghana, where education and healthcare is lacking. I asked him if he's done any work with World Vision, and he smiled and said that he has – and hopes to be the World Vision director in Ghana one day.
Nii also told us about a rare disease that affects only a small region in Ghana called the Buruli Ulcer. It apparently starts off looking like a normal ulcer, but then grows to the point where it severely disables a person's arm or leg, rendering their limb useless in the long-run. For those who don't receive treatment, the disease can destroy their livelihood since they would have no way to farm with a disabled limb. Thankfully, World Vision offers a months-long treatment program for free, but many people in the rural villages instead turn to local fetishes that don't work, partly because they can't afford leaving their families behind for a few months to seek treatment at a hospital. Nonetheless, it sounds like progress is being made in combating that disease despite the challenges.
Overall, the day has been very relaxing. I've enjoyed some great conversations with Al and Tom and have had some time to recuperate from travel and do some reading. Ben is staying with his friend Isaac. I'm looking forward to the conference starting up tomorrow night, though I'm sure things will start to get more busy. Thanks for your prayers and emails. They're greatly appreciated. So far, no signs of malaria...
Nine hours flying Seattle to London. Three-hour layover. Seven hours flying to Ghana. Actually, when you think about it, it was a pretty easy flight considering the distance covered – only one layover and it only lasted a few hours. But it took a toll nonetheless.
Last night, I slept until about 3 a.m., then tossed and turned until I finally decided to wake up at about 6 a.m. and catch a beautiful African sunrise. At about 3 p.m. today, my body suddenly decided that it needed eight hours of sleep... I cut it short to a three-hour nap, hoping for the best. Definitely not adjusted yet...
We arrived late Wednesday night in Accra and, to everyone's surprise, sailed through customs. Ghana is one of the most economically and politically advanced countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Obama visited here a couple months ago), and they apparently do a good job at making it convenient for visitors to go through customs – something that can be a huge hassle in other countries.
A man named Joe Ayee, who is the Ghana director for the Navigators, drove us to the Presbyterian Women's Conference Center north of Accra. This is where we're having our Navigators conference – at a women's center. It's also where we're staying for at least the next four or five days. The campus is a relatively small, walled-off compound that has a cafeteria, some classrooms, and a 130-bed dorm. It's a pretty nice place with a few gazebos scattered around that make for relaxing spots to hang out in the morning.
I talked with the Center's accountant today – a guy named Ben who recently took his holiday to Indiana – and it sounds like this place does a lot of great stuff, like training women in villages about farming and giving them the basic tools to do that. There are also dorms here for women to stay and take two-week business courses. For now, however, about 65 people involved in the Navigators will be filling up the rooms at the conference starting tomorrow night.
We're staying at a five-bedroom guest house at the Center that is pretty comfy. There are a number of other people sharing this house, including some guys that are attending a conference for Sunday school teachers. We also get to eat at the cafeteria where the food has been wonderful – chicken and rice with mole sauce for lunch, and shish kabob with the best-tasting fresh pineapple ever. The closer to the equator, the better the fruit. And we're pretty close.
This evening, a 26-year-old guy name Nii Ayi came by to visit. Nii is the new administrator for the Navigators here in Ghana. He's also organizing the conference. Soft-spoken but obviously very passionate about what he does, Nii told us about his dreams to get a master's degree in community development and work on improving the lives of those who live in rural Ghana, where education and healthcare is lacking. I asked him if he's done any work with World Vision, and he smiled and said that he has – and hopes to be the World Vision director in Ghana one day.
Nii also told us about a rare disease that affects only a small region in Ghana called the Buruli Ulcer. It apparently starts off looking like a normal ulcer, but then grows to the point where it severely disables a person's arm or leg, rendering their limb useless in the long-run. For those who don't receive treatment, the disease can destroy their livelihood since they would have no way to farm with a disabled limb. Thankfully, World Vision offers a months-long treatment program for free, but many people in the rural villages instead turn to local fetishes that don't work, partly because they can't afford leaving their families behind for a few months to seek treatment at a hospital. Nonetheless, it sounds like progress is being made in combating that disease despite the challenges.
Overall, the day has been very relaxing. I've enjoyed some great conversations with Al and Tom and have had some time to recuperate from travel and do some reading. Ben is staying with his friend Isaac. I'm looking forward to the conference starting up tomorrow night, though I'm sure things will start to get more busy. Thanks for your prayers and emails. They're greatly appreciated. So far, no signs of malaria...
Friday, September 18, 2009
Seattle, London, Accra, and a really long nap
I fly out to Seattle early tomorrow morning. It's the first leg in what will eventually be a 9,000-mile trip to Accra. I haven't started packing yet, so I will make this short.
I think this will be the most time off from work or school I've had since high school, so it will be interesting not working for the next 26 or so days. I'm thankful that schedule-wise, it all worked out (half the HR and newsroom administrators worked collectively to try to make it work...).
One important thing I discovered: If you get malaria pills, ask for doxycyline... you will only be charged a co-pay (at least with Aetna) while the traditional malaria pills you will have to pay in full. This I found out after being told at first that it would cost me $186 for the pills... later got that changed to $15.
It's a little bit different heading to Africa the second time... the edge is taken off a bit, but the anticipation is still there. I'll be in Seattle until Tuesday morning and then take off for Ghana. Will keep you posted.
I'm very thankful for all the friends and family who have offered encouragement in the run-up to this trip. I'm glad to know that there are people praying for me. It's definitely a blessing.
Below is a flyer with some pictures of my previous trip and information about the upcoming trip. You can view it better if you clink on the link under "important links" to the right.
I think this will be the most time off from work or school I've had since high school, so it will be interesting not working for the next 26 or so days. I'm thankful that schedule-wise, it all worked out (half the HR and newsroom administrators worked collectively to try to make it work...).
One important thing I discovered: If you get malaria pills, ask for doxycyline... you will only be charged a co-pay (at least with Aetna) while the traditional malaria pills you will have to pay in full. This I found out after being told at first that it would cost me $186 for the pills... later got that changed to $15.
It's a little bit different heading to Africa the second time... the edge is taken off a bit, but the anticipation is still there. I'll be in Seattle until Tuesday morning and then take off for Ghana. Will keep you posted.
I'm very thankful for all the friends and family who have offered encouragement in the run-up to this trip. I'm glad to know that there are people praying for me. It's definitely a blessing.
Below is a flyer with some pictures of my previous trip and information about the upcoming trip. You can view it better if you clink on the link under "important links" to the right.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Some names that didn't make the cut...
Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog!
I'll be traveling to Ghana in late September for two weeks and then will spend four days in Liberia before returning to the states. Needless to say, I have been looking forward to the trip for quite some time. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the trip and for my three members of our team: Tom, Al and Ben.
I'm sorry for the boring blog title. Here are some names that I considered, but didn't quite make the cut (also, the url's for some of them were already taken):
MalariaPillsDaily.com
GoinToGhana.com
GhanaHaveAGoodTime.com
... and a lot of other variations of that last one.
I've posted a pdf document on my blog that helps explain a little more about my trip. I've also posted the text from the pdf below. Thanks again for all your prayer and support!
***
Dear friend,
I would like to take the chance to tell you about a trip I am taking to the West African countries of Ghana and Liberia for three weeks in late September and early October. I will be going there with three missionaries, including Tom Crompton – a friend of mine who spent 16 years with his family ministering in Ghana with the Navigators. My hope and prayer is that:
1) I will have the opportunity to learn more about what ministry looks like in West Africa. I am going there with the expectation that I will learn more than I will teach – both about practical things and about what lessons God has for me in my own life.
2) I will be able to work along with the other members of our team to encourage and serve the churches in Ghana and Liberia. We will do this in part by attending two conferences and offering short messages from the Sermon on the Mount.
3) I will get the chance to explore new parts of the world and better understand cultures that are different than our own.
I am writing you this letter because I would deeply value your prayers. It seems that any time we are nudged or shoved – voluntarily or not – outside of our comfort zone, our prayer life grows dramatically. Please join me in praying for a heart of humility, patience and courage during this trip. Also, please pray for safety and for my three fellow missionaries: Tom, Ben and Al.
Financially, I am thankful that God has given me the resources to go on this trip, so please know that your prayers are more than enough. And I truly mean that. However, if you would like to help cover some of the costs of the trip (about $2,000), please contact me about how to make a tax-deductible contribution. I am grateful for any help.
Feel free to email me or call me any time. My cell is (559) 341-9054. My email is chriscollins101@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out my blog for this trip: http://www.westafricatrip2.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
Chris Collins
I'll be traveling to Ghana in late September for two weeks and then will spend four days in Liberia before returning to the states. Needless to say, I have been looking forward to the trip for quite some time. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the trip and for my three members of our team: Tom, Al and Ben.
I'm sorry for the boring blog title. Here are some names that I considered, but didn't quite make the cut (also, the url's for some of them were already taken):
MalariaPillsDaily.com
GoinToGhana.com
GhanaHaveAGoodTime.com
... and a lot of other variations of that last one.
I've posted a pdf document on my blog that helps explain a little more about my trip. I've also posted the text from the pdf below. Thanks again for all your prayer and support!
***
Dear friend,
I would like to take the chance to tell you about a trip I am taking to the West African countries of Ghana and Liberia for three weeks in late September and early October. I will be going there with three missionaries, including Tom Crompton – a friend of mine who spent 16 years with his family ministering in Ghana with the Navigators. My hope and prayer is that:
1) I will have the opportunity to learn more about what ministry looks like in West Africa. I am going there with the expectation that I will learn more than I will teach – both about practical things and about what lessons God has for me in my own life.
2) I will be able to work along with the other members of our team to encourage and serve the churches in Ghana and Liberia. We will do this in part by attending two conferences and offering short messages from the Sermon on the Mount.
3) I will get the chance to explore new parts of the world and better understand cultures that are different than our own.
I am writing you this letter because I would deeply value your prayers. It seems that any time we are nudged or shoved – voluntarily or not – outside of our comfort zone, our prayer life grows dramatically. Please join me in praying for a heart of humility, patience and courage during this trip. Also, please pray for safety and for my three fellow missionaries: Tom, Ben and Al.
Financially, I am thankful that God has given me the resources to go on this trip, so please know that your prayers are more than enough. And I truly mean that. However, if you would like to help cover some of the costs of the trip (about $2,000), please contact me about how to make a tax-deductible contribution. I am grateful for any help.
Feel free to email me or call me any time. My cell is (559) 341-9054. My email is chriscollins101@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out my blog for this trip: http://www.westafricatrip2.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
Chris Collins
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
