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Noah, Rebecca's dad, accompanies Elder Markham and Rebecca on the trail. |
The trail is wide, but there are some large water hazards along the way. |
On Sunday afternoon, November 13, 2005, we drove to Sotad village. The Huffs came from Kpong to participate in the discussion with Rebecca's parents and to say goodbye to us. Click this link to learn about Rebecca's medical situation .
The meeting with Roseline and Noah, Rebecca's parents, went very well. We told them that Dr. Addo was helping to arrange for a doctor from the USA to do surgery on Rebecca’s feet and hips in Ghana. We were very careful to explain this was tentative pending full evaluation of the x-rays and other medical information. We also were careful to explain that her feet would always be small and that her ability to walk might be limited. A school teacher fluent in English and their native language ensured everything was well understood. Finally, we explained that private donations would cover the expenses associated with Rebecca’s treatment. Rebecca’s parents were satisfied that they understood the situation and are very desirous that the effort continue. They want the surgery to happen. They have the strong faith so common in Africa and believe this will allow Rebecca to live a more normal life.
Elder Markham pushed Rebecca in her seat (wheelchair) along the trail she takes each day to school. This is the trail that she spider crawled on all fours to meet the Huffs on their first visit to Sotad school. It is a little less than half a mile, but physically walking it strongly reinforces the determination Rebecca demonstrated that she wants to improve her life. Going to school each day is a continued demonstration of her spunk.
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Noah, Rebecca's dad, accompanies Elder Markham and Rebecca on the trail. |
The trail is wide, but there are some large water hazards along the way. |
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The path wanders by other compounds where neighbors live. |
It narrows as it passes through a small amount of jungle. |
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There were goats, chickens and dogs plus their droppings all along the way. |
Elder Markham had definitely broken a sweat by the time the school was in sight. |
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Though locked out on weekends, there is a tank of clean water for students to use for drinking and washing their hands. |
There are also some new, vented latrines behind the school that are unlocked for students to use. These were installed as a health initiative by an NGO. |
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Two other interesting things we found at the school. The teacher who helped translate was there to enroll families in the National Health Insurance Scheme. (left) When asked about customers, she said it requires money the villagers don't have. There were tracks in the path that indicated Rebecca was going to school rain or shine. (above)
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Roseline seemed very happy about the outlook for Rebecca. She asked if she could be with Rebecca during recovery. |
Family and friends accompanied Elder Markham and Rebecca on the return trek. Frank wanted to ride with his sister. |
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When we returned to the compound these young men brought chairs for us to sit in. We are always treated with warm hospitality. |
Elder Huff kept eyeing the D6 Cat. Is this a potential hijacking? Noah told us the Roads Department parks it there between gradings because they don't have enough trailers to move all their donated equipment. |
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Sister Huff and Rebecca share a tender moment. Rebecca seems to understand that these teary eyed obruni adults really do love her. |
Frank just wants another ride! |
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Elder Markham walked into the compound to say good-bye to Rebecca's grandma. |
When he returned to the car to leave, Frank ran up for a good-bye hug. |
Markhams Pose with Rebecca's Family and Friends
The genuine feelings of family and brotherly love in Sotad village
override the cultural and economic differences, so we truly felt
'at home' with our friends there.
Maybe it was us who were abducted by the aliens!
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