The year 2024 is coming to an end

 Remember all the hype about the change over at the year 2000, computers were going to crash, phones would break down, and on and on. Folks that was 24 years ago, how time does fly. 

Now in 2025 we look forward to the war in the Ukraine continuing, Gaza still being bombed, the Canadian dollar struggling to  hang on, a new president in USA, the earth heating up, sounds like doom and gloom and I guess it is on some level. But the good news is that tomorrow the sun will rise, for most of us we can continue to live a life worthwhile by working for justice for all, we can hear the dogs bark and the goats bleat,  we know that the babe that arrived on Christmas Day continues to be present for us today and always. I find that very comforting and reassuring amidst my life .

I wish every blessing and good health to all in 2025

Peace 

Betty

December 25th

When  I looked out  from behind the altar at the Advent Wreath with all the candles  lit, it struck me like a sledge hammer that Christ had come again. It is almost refreshing to be  forced into a new reality. The wreath may look small be it impact is great.

 

office xmas party on the 23rd

 FOOD, CONVERSATION, VISITORS, FOOD

The menu  was great; rice with vegetables, goat stew, roasted chicken, and drinks including coke of course.  Sharing  with excitement to return to home village, funny stories, teasing one and other, just plain fun. You will see in pics the Board Room in the diocese is quite handsome now with stately long table and chairs

                      looking up to serving table

                                                                                   looking down with enthusiastic eating

                                    Dominic and I trying to take a selfie using the volume button

Visitors

 I did not to church this morning as I have been battling a cold since Friday. I got antihistamines, nose spray  and Tylenol called Paracetamol over here.to help with battle. I stayed home to be ready the xmas party tomorrow in the office.

Lo and behold an hour after church finished 4 servers were at my door checking that I was ok. They had walked from the cathedral, (a couple of km. but they assured me they are used to walking) so I thought they  deserve their pic in the blog.

from left to right;

Grace Dzigborne, Kelvin Adu, Carlos Innoconi Yeboah and Gilbert Adu

BIG THANK YOU FOR A BRIGHT MOMENT IN MY WEEKEND, THANK YOU.

Oh my goodness, wonderful celebrations

 Two years ago I visited a primary school with 300 students and teachers, functioning well in a very rural setting. the high school wondered if they could have 2 white boards as their blackboards were falling apart. They were very pleased when the white boards arrived. What I noted as the school layout was described that there were no toilets, just 2 trenches.

Last year the school put in a proposal for assistance to build toilets.  Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional organization for women educators took up the challenge to gather support for the toilets. the money raised, the toilets built and last week the celebration to launch their use took place. The students, teachers, parents community leader and the chief were are gathered together. A programs involving all stack holders took place.

I was introduced to the leaders in the community, Director of Education for the area, sub chiefs, and the chief. I remarked that he must be the Boss which he burst out laughing.

 as this is a farming community that exists from one harvest to the next so there were never extra resources to complete such a project..  a great time was held by all!!

I was given a Citation thanking me.

                                                  the kids and I in front of the bank of toilets

new white stole

the week has started

 Monday; now had a loose upper retainer and going to dental clinic at the hospital with Victor. am quite OCD about my teeth, registered and got in line, I  think I jumped the queue to see the dentist, got some sort of adhesive to secure the retainer till I get back the my dentist in Hamilton, I will eat a soft diet, no peanuts :(

Tuesday; escorted again to office by several students from the school across the lane, a student carries my purse, another  my computer and another my water bottle bag, today was all boys but if it is girls, they also hold my hand as we walk up the hill.  office very busy as I sit on the side line and watch, getting ready for xmas party on Friday, 

I cant believe xmas is next week   holy moly 

xmas decor lol

 20 minutes and all done, no lights out doors in freezing temps, no struggle getting the tree cut down  from the woods. just 15 minutes and ALL DONE

FRONT DOOR

ENTRANCE TABLE

THE MAIN EVENT

I pray glad tidings to all with peace and health in 2025.

Blessings

Betty +

Ode to a Toilet

A toilet lid got broke a few years ago.

Being a person with a little OCD

the toilet needed to be fixed.

The stack pipe being too close to the wall

a short depth replacement toilet needed to be found

Well, last year after scouring, only went to one store

a toilet was found that would fit.

Having never installed a toilet

my knowledge about such is limited

BUT I do know that a seal is needed to make things work.

Not seeing a seal but being reassured it was ok

the plumber left and my OCD was pleased.

Every since I am sure this new toilet was working 

as the stack on the septic tank .

It was impossible to stand the stench.

This year I made louder noises about the stench

my last resort was the Bishop.

Going to the top does have good results

so today that not so new toilet was taken apart 

Guess what .. no seal and a broken stack pipe.

A job not finished yet, my OCD still a little nervous

but I think tomorrow it will be settle down.

Toilet will be 100%

Elizabeth, my Ghanaian grand daughter

Elizabeth, born much before her expected date in August 23.

A big girl now going to school. Here she is in her uniform already for a day of play.

Monday at the office

The office in the diocese I am in has ac. pleasant to say the least. Discussion as to how one thinks when one is living hand to mouth with no spare cash for a safety net. The future or next month is not thought of but how to  manage today is the focus. It reminded me that it was strikingly  similar to the attitude of the homeless when I worked at Street Health in the late 80's. Poverty is poverty regardless of where or when. The inflation rate here is 50 per cent. Wages have remained the same. A new president was elected yesterday, John Mahama with a majority government. He has been president a few years ago. Hopefully this new government can turn the economic slide around. Interesting note; they closed the airports for the day so everyone could vote .... good job I had not planned to arrive last Saturday .

A Miracle every day

 Today Ebineezer (Bishop's driver) took me to his home to see his Mom. Mom had a stroke  a while ago and has severe left sided weakness. So Ebineezer being the oldest son (no sisters) has the responsibility for Mom. Every day Mom is cared for in all ways by her daughter in law. Mom needs help to sit up and still can not walk well. Ebineezer and family make sure Mom is ok.  This all takes place down a twisted narrow path between buildings, over bricks, rocks, finally arriving at the door. His apartment consists of one 12 x 12 foot room and two small ante rooms, one used for storage and and the other for cooking with a pail for the toilet.. All water needs to be fetched from the local bore hole and hydro comes and goes. The room has two double beds and a sofa for three children, the parents and Mom. And yet the Miracle continues each and every day. kids get ready for school, meals are prepared and ate, bathing happens, and they live and grow as people of God. The dedication of this family to care for each other is outstanding in my mind. Their struggle every day also is amazing to over come. I pray blessings and goodness for them in abundance.

Sunday Sunday

A number of ingrediants so to speak in the service. To begin with the was a Churching: (the Orthodox def. it is for the mother and the infant when prayers are said for both and the infant is presented  to the Lord at the altar )

Dancing for 20 minutes or so.

  During the announcement three Liberal candidates  came to make conversation before the Election this Saturday. (Toto, we are not in Kansas  any more)