Christmas Greetings from Ghana

James and Justine Kainyiah called today and asked us to convey on behalf of the Western Heritage Home Board, staff, and especially all the children whose lives have been touched by us, a heartfelt Christmas blessing. They especially thank Global Citizen Journey and its Ghana Project delegates for their continuing support and friendship. And they wish they could personally thank the many North Americans who have helped build the orphanage/community center facility and all the other projects we've worked together on during 2007. The orphanage enjoyed Opening Day on Dec 5, and is now providing a home for 28 children. Those of school age are attending nearby Manye Academy, a public school, thanks to our collective efforts.

Not all of the children shown in the photo above are living in the orphanage but all are in need. Most are living with their extended families, but their families do not have the financial ability to keep them in school and in many cases, to provide adequate food. Thanks to your help, many of these children will see their lives improve during 2008. They are are on a new and hopeful path.
We Global Citizen Journey Ghana alumni also add our heartfelt thanks to all of you for an amazing and wonderful year.

Small small update

Hi,

I had a nice conversation with Anastasia today. She said "the children are wonderful. They LOVE it here." She said today was so nice, because it was a holiday, and so she worked with them on spelling a lot--first the boys, then the girls, then back to the boys, back to the girls, with an assignment for Monday. They also worked on reading, and those who can read are helping those who can't.

She said they also are working on "please" and "thank you." They must say, "please". She said most did not do that or say their own names clearly.

I asked her if they're sleeping OK at night (new place, scary???). She said they are "sleeping well, very very well." She emphasized how much they really really love the sheets on the beds (probably a new experience maybe for all of them). They also love their school uniforms.

We talked to Mr. B (Manye Headmaster) on Wednesday. He said "the children are doing well, they're doing well. They're into a regular life now---home and school." He has tons of ideas of how their lives should be ordered from sunup to sundown. We suggested he work with Esi on all of that!

Anas' computer is stlll down. Had conversations with Frank, Anas, and Leif today on that. I think we're getting it worked out.

Maryanne

MOVING DAY AT WHH CHILDREN'S HOME IN AXIM, GHANA

Hi everyone,

WE DID IT!! Believe it or not, on Dec 5, 28 children moved into the Western Heritage Children's Home, right there on the hill above Manye Academy, a short walk from the main road, and downtown, into their brand-new beautiful "Happy Blue" Home!

Unfortunately, our Jerome who was there to witness the entire thing had his camera stolen in Amsterdam on the way back from Ghana, and so we have not one photo to show at this time of this "highlight of the year" event. But keep an eye out---the Ghanaians are trying to get some digital shots to us.

Last we heard, the kids had moved in. They arranged the beds the way they like them! Someone gave them a huge roll of bed sheeting, and they were trying to cut "sheet-size" lengths for their mattresses on the bunkbeds. The mattresses themselves were a gift from Volta Aluminum Co (Valco) in Ghana (thank you, you good guys, you). The only scissors they had wouldn't cut it, so Jerome used his pocket knife to start the cut, and they tore them. We heard Annie, our home mother, was last seen sitting on the table hemming sheets.

She was sitting on the table, because thus far we have NO CHAIRS. Nor do we have kitchen counters, cabinets, etc. But, the kids are happy; they consider themselves "pioneers", moving in before everything is perfect, and paving the way for others.

Older kids are taking responsibility for the younger ones. When James left on Sunday about 6:00 the older kids were ironing the uniforms for the younger ones for school on Monday morning (ironing and wearing freshly pressed school uniforms is just what you do in Ghana!)

A little harmless green snake creeped into the girls' bathroom, and caused shrieks and screams all around. The boys set up a make-shift soccer field, with bricks for goal posts. They loved the big styrofoam "world puzzle" Jerome brought. WHERE IS GHANA????

John, our Ghanaian public health extraordinaire, reported he'd delivered 34 veronica buckets to the schools and orphanage, and will soon conduct workshops with staff on their use.

Mr. Browne, Headmaster of Manye, says the kids are attending school every day, and are "doing well." He has a million ideas for how their lives should be ordered, from sunup to sundown. Mr. Browne, we love you, your many good ideas and your unending caring spirit.

We look back on this event-filled year in wonder and amazement. We've accomplished a lot, and we've really had a lot of fun, too. And we're not done yet...