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