SHIPMENT ALMOST READY

 Life is gearing down here in Hamilton to make room for gearing up in Ghana.  Medical stuff all done, now just getting bags etc. packed and saying good bye to all including my four legged Reilly

The 'getting ready' to travel to Ghana has started for the last time

This is my last journey to Ghana. 

I have made the decision that I have played the Health gamble long enough and that I need to stop challenging the health odds. I am ending this ministry in Ghana. My first trip was in 1994 as a preamble to giving a paper in Botswana at an International Health Care Conference in Gaborone. This ministry has given a perspective to my ministry and personnel life here in Canada that has kept me grounded in a reality that reminds me that the First World culture is distorted far from the Good News in scripture.

I've got the plane ticket, got 'out of country' health insurance, closing the cottage, packing the goods to ship and opening the suitcases. 

Leaving mid November so will be continuing this conversation then.

BACK IN CANADA

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 I arrived back last Thursday. Great travel journey, yea KLM. This is my seat mate, returning to her husband in Toronto. She was very sweet to me, help put case in the overhead space and entertained me with her description of her Henna designs.

Since return, I have been running errands, got my nails done, I do have my priorities straight LOL. Got the car underside coated by Krown, got a rechargeable  free vacuum there too. Started the journey to get my cataracts dealt with for surgery on April 29, Good to get it done so my summer has clear sight lines. I still need to pass my DL test, drawing the clock will be a challenge, LOL. 

I hope the stories have been entertaining and educational as that is my intent. 

I plan to return to Ghana in November for the last time. I think I have challenged the medical odds game enough and will find ministry here in Hamilton with Health Care near by. Getting old is a challenge and a test at times. Have a great fun filled summer.

Coming back

 left the house at 6am Wednesday, it is now 830am Thursday sitting in Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam Holland. When landing I could see canal after canal which keeps this country dry. Flight from Accra uneventful, a very pleasant change from my flight in (my flight from hell). Just waiting at the gate now for the last leg of my journey.

the drive from Wiawso to Accra was usual, bumpy unpaved sections of the highway with at least a half a dozen speed bumps in every village until we met a back up. A oil tanker crashed, one could  smell the spilled gasoline, local folks were carrying gas cans and gathering up the spill (no idea how they did it), we sat and sat and sat. It was only 11 am but I did have concerns that I might be there all day.   

                                                 Waiting waiting waiting 

 Good travelling mercies prevailed and the wait was just 90 minutes. As we got going the back up on the other side of the crash must have been 15 miles long, mostly rigs with trailers, it want on and on and on. Arrived in Accra with plenty of spare time, so sat quite peacefully waiting to board.

                                            Amsterdam... waiting

soon, back in Hamilton

HOLY WEEK = A MARATHON TO BE SURE

 PALM SUNDAY

A walk through the streets and arriving at cathedral

Then Clergy Retreat Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at Bishopscourt. Its a sleep over but I live 5 minutes away and slept in my own bed.

Topic: BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD AND YOUR CALLING

I admitted that I did not want to get ordained, I mean who in their right mind  would want to work in the church, I did not want  to be a priest. The air was sucked out of the room with my comments. I gathered that no one xpoke or thought like that here.......oooopsy I made a social foopaw. Bishop then admitted he too did not want to be a priest and told his story, then a third admitted not wanting to be 

Wednesday CRISM MASS. oils blessed, vows reaffirmed

                                                        all lined up

WHEN

Maunday Thursday: foot washing and stripping the altar

Friday: WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDEROUS CROSS, ON WHICH .........

Saturday: new fireU the Light of Christ, blessing of the water and baptism. new beginnings

EASTER: HE IS RISEN INDEED

Easter Monday Kids Party

I tell everyone this party is the reason I come back to Ghana. 

Shove the pews aside: Kids in the cathedral: playing, being a kid

Core Hole, Checkers, Dominos,  Darts, Blonkus, and more.

                                                              BIG KIDS TOO

 

 A little weary, now packing to return to Canada, leave Wed, and back in Toronto the afternoon o the 9th It has been a good and fruitful time.

ASSIN MANSO SLAVE RIVER

 This was a major 18 Century slave market and the final stop for captives before  reaching the coast Elmlina and Cape Coast castles. Enslaved Africans bathed in this river and rested before being shipped across the Atlantic. It is serves as a poignant historical site and memorial for the diaspora. 

I asked some of the fellows in the office I share 'what this place meant to them' and they have very little connection it seems. I was perplexed as this response so I kept asking why no reaction. One reason I realized is that everyone is quite poor here and that the main life purpose is to have food every day and a place to livev which keeps them busy. I was told today a second that the diaspora have a different life being black. Here there is no obvious difference being black whereas in USA or Caribbean   for example being black means you are different and ttreated differently as well.  When the diaspora comes here, for the first time they do not look different they are the same and not treated different because of their skin colour. So a place live the Slave River takes on a hightened emotional response. 

The entrance to the site has the need to knock on the gate like the slaves would have done, to ensure that is is ok to enter.

We walked along a path that was leading to the river. This small building has the pictures of the chiefs that were in charge down throught the years.. Showing respect for  their elders is very important to maintain so erecting this building is a reminder of the past.

You notice that I am sitting as my mobility is limited these days so using a chair  enabled me to see the whole site. Here is the last steps for the slaves, down to the river where Michael is standing.

All and all this was very interesting. Victor, Dominic and Michale along  with Darby (michael's wife and E:izabeth's motherone wife ) came with me and were very helpful in getting me back and forth to see the site.

The place was quite far so this from Wiawso it was a whole day adventure, from 430 am till 9pm. i guess I do not need to say but I will anyway, exhausted does not cover how I felt and it has been until today, Friday for me to recover. I would not have nissed it for the world, a very memorable visit.

Anglican school ANHWIAN #2,

 The school wrote a proposal asking for some assistance to rebuild their structure that I saw a couple of weeks ago. Last Sunday we meet for them to receivet the funds.

Yes the Director of the school is a Muslim. She is a quiet but an effective leader. I asked for me the obvious question, 'how is it for a Muslim to lead and Anglican School. She was surprised at the question. She said there was not problem ' she just did what was asked of her' I asked what happens is there is a conflict...there were not.  I wondered to myself if obedience overroad theology for her. Anyway it is working and the Bishop is pleased with the results. 

Bishop on my far right along with the Board of Dirctors.

THERE IS A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING IT SEEMS

 Having a la la weekend. Friday was Eid, the end of Ramadan, a time to celebrate with food, give thanks and support those in need. As such it is a government holiday here in Ghana a long weekemd for sure.  Monday is off as well and at this moment I do not know why so will get back to you on that

Saturday unfolds: laundry, reading eating, about 530 or 6pm the hydro goes off. not unusual here, every week it seems. so I have my rechargable flashlight on, reading, several hours pass, outside to me looks appropriately dark for the outage to be the whole community, I can not  shower in the dark, midnight comes , no fan, its hot. I have a plastic hand fan I pick up a couple of weeks ago, wave it frantically, feels wonderful but hand getting sore, keep fridge closed as it is defrosting as I sit,  had some rice and called it a night, very hot, up and down  all  night, send a few WhatsApps and emails to complain about NO FANS. pack all cords to church to charge my deviees, I ride with the Dean, ask him 'does they electricity' Yes, Now I am sure I have a major problem in the house and figure I can not do another night with no fan, I will go to a hotel with ac. I plan to plug all cords to charge my devices during church, I find only plug for one  cord where I sit :(   Its good job I sit at the back, behind the altar, somewhat hidden from view, I spend the whole service rotating devices. including 2 power banks,  I get a ride back to the house, I am staying in a hotel is my mantra,   an electrician is coming, Michael comes in, looks around, opens the fuse box and flips the switch and all is well in the hydro department.It never crossed my mind to look at the fuse box, its in there hall, I pass it every time I go to the kitchen Yes I said my favourite word ++++,  Michael laughed and left. Electrician came and left.

so here I sit , showered, fan blows nicely, devices all charging 

TWO CONCLUSIONS

All is well that  ends well and Never assume anything

MOTHERING SUNDAY

 The church in Ghana celebrates Mothering Sunday with much nire enthusiasm than Mother's Day in May.

So I was up to preach. I wanted to preach from a Mother's point of view, not a priest. I thought to make that easier  I would wear a blouse and skirt, no robe. I asked the Dean to introduce me  as a mother and I came out with blue blouse and multi coloured skirt. When I preach I am translated so the translator and I get into a back and forth rhythm. I do not get feed back when I preach so today I asked Michael if it worked, he said it did as everyone was listening.  I included my own story, of my birth  Mom making the decision to me up, like Moses ' Mother having to give him up so he could live. I also talked about my family.  Sometimes I end up with a sermon that speaks very loudly to me like this did.

I get back to the house, resting after my busy morning,. Bishop Kwame calls, wishing me a Happy Mothering Sunday. Then he starts to laugh as he is telling me that he threw Mother (his wife) out of the kitchen as he is cooking today. I did not know he could cook. Then he tells me that he has cook food for me that will be arriving very soon. I am to eat it slowly remembering that he cooked it. 

A few minutes later, door bell rings, food arrives, hot; rice, yam, beef, fish, tomato sauce with 2 cold Cokes. WOW enough for more than 2 suppers.

So I ate slowly remembering that the Bishop did the cooking, finishing with a Coke.     WHAT A GREAT MOTHERING SUNDAY!!!!!!

SCHOOL VISIT WITH THE BISHOP

 An Anglican school ANHWIAN #2, was erecting a building that collapsed. So Bishop was going to see the situation. They were using wood uprights that gave way so it was suggested they use metal 2 x4's. I wandered into a class, Level 4, had conversation with the teeachers. They have very limited resources even with the government saying that school is free. The teachers buy the only text book for each subject. To teach reading they write the reading lesson on the board so the children can learn how to read it. The building consists of a concrete pad, a tin roof and half walls of 1x6;s, no windows or doors, desks out of rough wood and 2 squares of black board to write on, outhouses down the way. no play equipment and rough grass waving in the breeze. My goodness, we are so blessed in Canada.

                   Meeting under the tree. Bishop brought gift of school supplies 

                                                     Class form 4

                                                  Needs to be rebuilt

UPDATE

My asthma seems to be under control. I feel fine so I am back at the office. Onward and upward so they say. 

visit to Emerg at the local hospital

 My asthma caught up with me and I needed assistance to get it under control. I was in a large room, 6 beds and I sat at the end of the room having a nebulizer treatment. There was  no privacy screens so everybody was privy all. I will admit the nurse in me watched with interest. A daughter brought supper for her mom in a large soup turine . another family sat entertaining their auntie. The patient beside me undressed then she  crawled into bed. Staff were back and forth. I got my breathing  under control, paid my bill of $48.00, next was a trip to the neighbourhood pharmay for follow up medications, 3 meds with a cost of $42.00 one of which I know costs $50.00 at Shoppers in Hamilton, I arrived back at the house in good shape. I called Bishop so he did not get surprised from the gossip line (there are no secrets here believe me, everybody knows everything, no secrets). So my adventure ended well and today I am off to the office as usual.

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2026 - March 6 was the civic holiday

 It is the 69th Anniversary of Ghana's Independence. The town I live in did not have funds so we went to Bibiani. I understand Bibiani is a hub for the area and they always  put on a great celebration. I went with Michael and Dominic from the office. I was advised to wear clericals  which became important in getting a seat in the front row beside the Officials. (It was nice to not have to stand). There is a band playing with drums. The local Primary and High Schools parade past the dignitaries/judges being evaluated as to their competency in marching. The politicians give speeches and Organizers keep us organized. There were some clouds but when the sun was out, it was very hot, yes  know I am in Africa.

                                      Like at the CNE stuff for sale so we got fans to help

                                Some pics of the kids marching their hearts out.

 

During our return trip we stopped for a drink and some curried  goat. I think I have mentioned in the past that keeping one's car clean is next to godliness as many of the roads are dirt with red dust flying in all directions.  So during the stop the car was washed. As someone who lets God be the one to determine when my car is washed, I am very impressed here with clean cars.

                           I love goat but when I am travelling I do not eat or drink 

                        so I do not get  into trouble with my GI tract. It did look good.

                                 I do make  up for it when I get back to the house 

                                                Car Wash while we snacked

A PRESENT FOR ME, I AM BLESSED

 

ICEBERG DONE CALVING

 

REMEMBER ............ DEFROSTING THE FRIDGE

A 3 INCH ICEBERG STUCK ON THE BACK WALL OF THE FRIDGE ENCASING A COUPLE OF SACHETS OF WATER.

SOOOO  TODAY IS THE DAY TO FIX IT  ugh ugh

 

DRUM

 I know a drum maker in Sunyani, Daniel. I have promised myself that I would bring a drum back for me, just to have. Two years ago I brought a drum back for myself and a drummer from Tnrinity Barrie liked it a whole lot soooooooooooooo he has it now. So this year I am trying again. I will put a pic up when it gets  delivered.                                     

            Daniel and  this year's drum (no paint but lovely carving)

SPA DAY

     WASH, SCRUB, EXFOLIATE,  POLISH = SPA DAY FOR TOOTSIES

Monday after a 4 day weekend

     went food shopping, bought more drapes for Bishop's office. I had a weigh scale that looked like glass, could see through it, I guess it hit the wall  as it smashed  into piece like the windsceen in the cars\ anyway bought a new one at Melcomes (like Walmart, food,  household stuff, furniture etc) 

I was given some drapes to ship here and they were very nice so put them in the Bishop's office. Here it is tradition to put curtains up to cover the doors as well as the windows. The donated ones covered the three doors so more were bought to cover the windows. The genrosity of the Bishop let us just march in and change the curtains, He seems pleased with the resuslt. What do you think??

VERY NICE INDEED

ASHES

 Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. 

Lent has begun, our journey to the Friday when no one understood followed by the Sunday when death was defeated.

LAZY DAISY SATURDAY

A week has passed from the 20th Anniversay celebrations. The diocesan officese were quite subdued while we recovered. Everyone seemed pleased with the events and our out of country visitors gradually worked their way back to Accra to catch their return flights. 

Me today, 

- watched utube (internet is working well)

- laundry done by hand in a large basin in the shower, machines exist but I do not have one want one

                          

- I am constanly adding to my list of items that I will bring back in the fall.

 the way I work is to always be thinking WHAT WOULD BE HELPFUL HERE

so I make lists on my phone to gather during the summer (I always will receive unlocked electronics, phones, ipads, computers, hint hint)

- back to channel France 24, somewhat like CP 24

FINALLY HERE - A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER!!!!!!

 SATURDAY  THE GRAND DURBAR

A Durbar defined as a public event  to mark state occasions with singing, dancing, drumming to bond people and to articulate praises.

This gathering had pomp and circumstance with the dignitaries led and seated by The  Rt. Rev. Kwame  Kyem-Ampomah followed by the clergy of the Diocese of Wiawso. The head table included the chiefs and political dignitaries.

Then the agenda contained many speeches praising the 20 years accommplishment of the diocese. The Agenda also included best wishes from across the community and province.There was singing and dancing to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the diocese. The little ones also listened. Please note golden shoes fit for the occasion.

Sunday - the day of worship

A service with all priests lining up, wearing chausibles of the 20th Anniversary cloth. It looked quite spectacular 

In the midst of the service, prior to the sermon, everyone up and dancing to the music being sung loud and clear. It sure lives up the service. (too bad, none such interlude in Canada)

Towards to close of the service (at the 5 hour mark now) Bishop gave out many awards and medals for devoted service to the diocese. I was given a Citation and a Bishop's Medal of Honour for the  work accomplish through the donors from Canada.

The recession hymn was sung and I was homeward bound.

I left the house at 830am and got back at 350pm. Needless to say bed was my first destination. Even though,  it was a great celebratory few days.

LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN !!!!!!!!!

 Yesterday a quiz happened at the cathedral. Each Anglican school in the diocese sent a team to participate in a quiz with the subject Math and Science. Bishop Kwame announced that this event start with the 20th Anniversary Celebration but it will be an annual event. A great applause rose up.

Some pics of winners receiving prizes of notebooks and pens.

GETTING READY

 Office painted inside and out. I was told the cathedral is being painted today. 

Here are the staff

a giggle

 Clergy mtg yesterday, finallizing plans fpr 20th Anniversary celebrations

CLERGY SOCKS

Read a book yesterday

 WOMAN OF GOD  b y James Patterson A story of an American Doctor, just finished med school, wanted to be helpful and went to the South Sudan to work in a remote medical clinic. There was active warring going on around the place. I will admit, reading the slaughtering was very difficult. This aspect of her life last a few years then she is wounded and taken out. Her life wanders through great highs and lows. She is ordained priest in breakaway RC church. Her life then meanders to an audience with the Pope. Yes it is fiction but the struggles are universal. It paints a picture that maybe is a dream today but possibly a look for tomorrow.

COMPUTER DECORATED FOR 20 ANNIVERSARY WITH A STICKER

 

CELEBRATIONS FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

 The Youth Group Executive for the Diocese of Wiawso are organizing  a football tournament between Archdeanories to play on the Friday preceeding the Celebration weekend.

20 Anniversary celebrations ramping up

 

Banner up to announce the celebrations 

WAITING .......

 Time has a different concept here, Time is almost in a different univere. Service       Sunday sceduled  for 9am. I get a ride with the Dean. Time to leave is 845 and here I sit waiting in Dean's Car. 

 

WE get going by 9am to arrive as the cleaning is just ending.There are a handful  of worshippers. The service gets going by 930 and large number have joined us by 1015.  It is a gradual accomodation on my part to stop watching the watch and just let things infold.

fresh from the field, so sweet, and juicy

 

A little snack

 all of a sudden there was a flurry of people in and out of the office. A snack was being laid out in the Board Room.  Fried plantain, baked bean from the can, chopped onion, and pepper sauce, plates handed out, eat with hands and it was delicious. 

a little snack for all

MONDAY MONDAY

Back to the office I go,

What can be new?

What can be blue?

Well, there is something new!

It is Victor's Birthday.

His wife told Dominic.

So, a party we will have with whom ever is around.

BIRTHDAY BOY

Dominic, the party organizer

Michael. still mot arrived

later for party pics

ALERT ALERT THE TEMPERATURE 24C

 And I am freezing, my only blanket (purple of course) is wrapped around tightly  to wear off the cold. you think I jest....no no I need a sweater and socks of which i have neither, so blanket wrap will have to do. A disadventage of living in a hot clime.

 

                                   

MAGI ARRIVE TODAY!!!!!!!

 From afar, through dangers and an encounter with Herod, they followed the star to find the babe wrapped, lying in a manger.