This has been an emotional rollercoaster of a day. Words canot express the feelings that I have had but I am going to give it a try.
Our day began by leaving Accra by plane to Kumasi. We were met at the airport by David, an incredibly funny, helpful, joy filled man that looks slightly like the Muppet "Cockroach". He will be our driver for the week. "No problem, no problem, no problem.." is his motto. The people are so gracious and thankful that we are here. David drove the van and was "king of the pot holes". His laugh brightened our day. But, as we were to see, that would not be the only thing. After over an hour drive through the red dirt pot holed streets, watching as children ran around and vendors once again walked with drinks, food, even bicycle tubes balanced on their heads. This part of the city was very slum-like with buildings similar to what we saw in Jamaica when we were there. Many were not finished, as they pay as they go so as not to get into debt.
We finally reached Touch A Life compound. The kids were so thankful to see us. The tremendous smiles said it all. Everyone gave us huge hugs. As Ron had told us ahead of time, personal space is not part of the culture. You have to get used to people being close, touching you, and holding your hands. As we walked in, I could not help but be drawn to the giant Lego Creative Art Center. Walking in , Ron and Nan told us the story of how the design team from the "Home Makeover" Joplin edition had volunteered to design and help create the center.
Walking in, I was so impressed with how the kids were involved in the space. There were tiles with kids names that were designed and used for decoration. There were paintings and drawings. My favorite thing, however, was how Connor Deal was immortalized through his picture, his sayings, and the art.
We continued the tour, and I was impressed how each of the buildings was named after a child in the states that had died too soon. One form a tragic skiing accident, another was 25 and came down with a rare disease. The list continues. Nan told us that she will forever by part of a grieving Mom's support network. This would include all of the moms whose children the buildings are named after.
Everything is open air. the kitchen, the school, the social building.. The only things that were not open air were the arts center and the dorms, where the kids sleep.
Our supplies for the week were in 7 tubs. These had been hauled all the way from Little Rock, AR, as well as Blue Springs, MO. They did not arrive until after 3:00. We were concerned that one of the tubs was missing. However, one of the kids looked more closely in the van and found it! Lots of work to do on this first day, so we were glad they arrived so we could get busy.
We set up and got ready to do screen printing. The kids were mesmerized! I had done some painting with a few kids. They would bring a piece of paper to me and ask.. "Would you teach me how to paint?'. One of the older boys was an incredible artist. He waited patiently for me to work with him. I started a discussion about the painting he was working on, and I was impressed with the art vocabulary and his knowledge of drawing in perspective. They have had a lot of art classes in boarding school. Such a difference from kids in the states. They are very humble, and incredibly hard workers, very gracious. We would leave the two Benjamins in charge of the art center to clean up, and it would get cleaned very well. Immaculately!
The kids were so concerned about us. I had ink on my hands and arms and they wiped it off for me, without even asking. Once again, the personal space issue.. but also loving hearts. There is so much respect for who we are. They have captured my heart. Their stories are tragic, with memories of beatings and forced labor. However, their love for others is amazing.
The food here is rustic, but incredible. Lunch at Touch A Life was grilled chicken, the best mango and white pineapple I have ever had, salad, and rice with vegetables. Dinner at the hotel was spaghetti with vegetables in an incredible sauce. A little spicy, but just enough to make it interesting. We also had french fries ( which were very hot and seasoned perfectly-- I couldn't resist!) . White wine and STAR beer, and a strawberry ice milk.. I wanted to keep eating! We were pretty famished after a long day. I was also slightly depressed, because I had thought at the time that my $$ (cds) had been stolen. I finally found it, but at the time, I was pretty down.
The BEST PART of the day was the devotional. African Acapella singing is incredible. The Ashanti people sing well. Goosebumps and some tears shed.. I cannot wait for church tomorrow!
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