Today is a busy day, but a good one. Mark and I returned from Lome last night after going to run errands for our teammates and attending a meeting at the U.S. Ambassador’s house. This morning we woke up, had breakfast with our girls, and then headed out to take two men from AED (the clinic where I volunteer) to the All Church Retreat. Roderique and Pina explained the services that are offered by the clinic and gave some brief info about HIV. People seemed very interested and there were some very good questions asked. I am encouraged to see people from our churches (which are in remote settings) make connections with resources that are available to them. Many times people here just go without help because they have no idea of where to go to find it.
The All Church Retreat was greatly encouraging. I love seeing all of those beautiful people together, sharing in fellowship and joy with one another. I am humbled at how so many people walked hours and hours on end to be together, and at the unity and sweet spirit that is so evident among them. It is hard for me to believe that these churches are so young because so many people have such great faith and wonderful testimonies. I often feel like they are far beyond me!
After bringing my friends from the clinic back I met with Capitaine and got an update on some children that had been abruptly moved from our area. He was able to find them (they are now living in Ghana) and speak with their current guardian about their health needs. He found out that they are in good health right now but the are not receiving ARVs. At least we have the peace of mind of knowing that they are ok for now and we know where to go to check on them. Please pray that the guardian will do what needs to be done to care for their needs and keep them healthy, and that it won’t take one of them getting seriously ill to convince him that ARVs are necessary.
In a few minutes I am off to teach music at our school (always a highlight of my week) and then the girls and I will gather some gifts (sent by our friends at Singing Oaks) to give to the orphans at AED and at the orphanage for Easter. I feel so blessed to be here and to be a part of these great things God is doing here. I pray that the people around me will feel those blessings, too.
ryanrichardson said,
April 11, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Hey, Roo. It’s me (Beth). Been reading your entries as of late & find them to be so inspiring. Thank you for everything you are doing there, from your work with the clinic to your inward struggle to grow more Christ-like to your home decorating! I think the coffee tables with tin tops will look great–you always decorate in such a creative, interesting, inspiring way! I look forward to seeing them. And, I will be bringing you at LEAST two packages of Oreos when we come. Finally, I am praying for Awe and will look for any updates you have on him.
Mark said,
April 18, 2009 at 4:02 pm
very thankful that you are working so hard and doing so much to help so many people…even if right now you’ve been sleeping for almost 3 hours.