'I want to send the rescue boat to these children; the one I never had"

"Obruni! Obruni!" I heard as three young boys ran up the crowded roadway. Then, a surprised look upon one little boy's face, a grin, then a wave. Surprised to see someone of such light complexion, he continued on his way up the street. Slowly making his way out of my line of sight, I thought to myself of a story a local obruni teaching in Ghana once told us.

*[Obruni, meaning light complexion put simply white]

Close to where we are staying in the Volta, both a river and a lake. The Volta is the largest man-made body of water in the world. There, fisherman net and spear fish, then selling them to earn income. Although they don't work alone. Many children are trapped, tricked if you will, into helping these fisherman. Children just like the boy that stopped and waved to me with a precious smile on his face.

Using promises of an education and plentiful food, these fisherman lead these children into the villages and use them for cheap labor. If a net gets stuck or torn, a child is sent down to fix it. Unfortunately many children, not knowing how to swim end up drowning.

Amy, an obruni teaching here from America, has a major role in saving these children's lives. Amy works at a local non-governmental organization called 'Challenging Heights'. This organization enters these fishing villages and rescues these children that are being trafficked. James, the founder of 'Challenging Heights' was one of those little boys , but was one lucky enough to escape. He then founded 'Challenging Heights' and works with colleagues, such as Amy, to better the lives of these children. Jame's motto: "I want to send the rescue boat to these children; the one I never had"

'He is my soul, my rock, and my song'

Over the past few days that I have spent in Ghana, it is absolutely impossible to not absorb the religion rich culture. Never in my life have I seen people of such an under-privileged community trust in Jesus and all that he can do for them.

As Americans gathered Sunday morning in their carpeted pews and listened to their microphoned sermons, the locals of Winneba assembled in an open building with plastic lawn chairs organized in rows. Women and men alike wore brightly colored handwoven dresses, suits, and shirts. Shouts of "Hallelujah" and "Amen" never rang so loud in my ears. Songs such as "He is my soul, my rock, and my song" that were sang by the choir in Fanti and English echoed.


Religion and faith, primarily Christianity, is such a major part of life here in Ghana. Places of business are commonly named after verses of the bible. "Walk with Jesus shoes" and "Sweet Jesus Enterprises" are common names of local stores and markets. In schools, everyday is begun with a prayer and followed by many more throughout the day. Other places such as the University of Education-Winneba, our partner in this journey, requires prayers in all formal meetings, sessions, and activities.

Never have I seen people in such unimaginable conditions live so faithfully. Whether they lack of food, running water, or a stable home to protect them from the elements the faith remains. No matter what hardships or struggles they face, the Lord keeps them alive, safe, and fruitful.

Ghana is AMAZING!

AKWAABA!- Welcome in Fanti, one of Ghana's many remaining tribal dialects. I'm here, safe, and never felt so welcome into someone's home, the home of people who have touched my heart in only the few days I have been here.

From the time I stepped off the plane I have felt an array of emotions, sometimes more than one at a time. When we landed in Accra [pronounced Ak-kra], the capital of Ghana, we went through customs and all the airport formalities. Upon exiting the main doors of the airport we were bombarded with thousands of people holding signs waiting to pick people up. Next we were rushed by men,  who then load your baggage. Our luggage was swept out of our hands and taken to our bus that was waiting to take us to Winneba. The bus ride was an unimaginable experience. Common scenes were children washing their cloths on the street corners, as well as women and families 'hawking' [crowding around attempting to sell goods-similar to soliciting but on the streets and in between cars and trucks].

These activities are a way of life and how these families earn their income. These children do not spent their Saturdays watching television on playing on the jungle gym, but selling goods on dangerous, busy, and congested roadways. In about a 2 hour bus ride my outlook on my life, as an American, was altered forever.