Day 2: Made to Ghana!

We arrived in Accra today as scheduled. Immediately as the cabin doors were opened, we felt the heat and humidity… definitely a stark contrast to Tulsa and New York. The dirt is a burnt orange-red, and as Ms. Poore and Dr. Catts have told us all along, Africa has a distinct smell. The smell is wonderful and indescribable. We went through customs first and that was quite the experience. Our passports were verified and our pictures and fingerprints were taken. Once we got all 24 suitcases (and they weren’t searched!) we were greeted by Pastor David and Wisdom from Manna Mission. 

From the airport, we went to the Manna Mission Compound, which contains the hospital, the pharmacy, school academy, soon to be nursing school and the home we’ll be staying at. Along the way we saw street vendors, and people walking along the streets moving in and out of traffic. We met Dr. Ablohr, his staff and the Head Nurse Matron.

 Everyone is so kind and welcoming. We toured the hospital and got settled in the home. Dr. Ablohr and Mrs. Ablohr were kind to invite us over to their beautiful home. We were finally able to try the amazing and fresh fruit of Ghana. We had pineapple, mango and watermelon. 

Our sweet cook and housekeeper (Grace & Dinah) made us a delicious dinner of fried chicken, rice and vegetables. The home is so great and comfortable. There are 8 of us in bunk beds in a large room and 4 downstairs. We are so grateful and blessed to have A.C. in our bedrooms. Naturally, we couldn’t wait to take showers and get refreshed. There are 3 female residents from the University of Virginia who will be staying with us. We haven’t had the opportunity to meet them however because they are away on a trip. We’ve had a great first day here: very eventual, fun and with lots of laughs and pictures. We had devotions in the evening and covered Deuteronomy 31:5-8, and talked about trusting God in all times, having courage and faith in stepping out knowing God is our strength. We fell asleep to the singing of a nearby all night prayer meeting. 

Posted by Vanessa Davila