Clap for Jesus

Niels has had an ambitious schedule since arriving in Ghana. Niels spent this past week at the Bishop’s which is very close to the site. He worked at the school construction site every day, met with the contractors and many other folks working on the project. Niels brought his survey equipment to Ghana this trip. He focused on engineering work for the roads, the site drainage and the water distribution system for the project. Niels documented the project with photographs and video. Yesterday they visited a saw mill that exports mahogany. They have also visited a variety of farms. Today he is back with Father Simon. He and Father Simon are working on computers and other equipment. He continues to meet with the Ghana team members and is working with them reviewing contract documents and pay application methods. Father Simon will be taking Niels to a funeral and an ordination this week. They also plan to visit Lake Volta before heading back to Accra.

Niels is in a guest house at the Bishop’s home which is closer to the school site than Father Simon’s home. Mr. Mensah came to visit him last night. The cook loaned him her phone for the duration of his trip. He said the land is hilly and beautiful at the Bishop’s. Niels has a driver so he does have transportation. Niels spent the day today, Tuesday, at the site. Edem was at the site also. The contractors were working. Someone helped him with the surveying of the site. He shot elevations, one, to do the plan and profile of the road design and two, to establish flow lines for drainage. The buildings look great. The steel is tied meticulously. The buildings are sound. Power poles are in the correct spots. On Sunday, there was an all day Mass to celebrate Corpus Christi. They celebrate Mass, take the blessed sacrament through town in a procession and then back for a durbar. It sounds like an event! I believe Niels used Father Simon’s digital video camera, so we may get to see it later Niels tested Father Simon’s new internet café on Monday. It has quite a few computers in it and the internet access is fast which is terrific news. We am not sure what Niels will be doing on Thanksgiving, but Edem has a pumpkin for him. Will report more later this week.

CFJ Scribe, Kim Sak

Saturday, Ghana time, no trip to site. Saw St. Theresa pig farm and Father Simons citrus farm, beautiful, growing plantains and some other things while the citrus matures. Corpus Christi celebration this weekend, a campout for the weekend, I will be coming back tonight however and going again early tomorrow. Monday to the site and to stay with the bishop for the week. Frank was at a funeral yesterday and today so no site visit. I hope to see other team members at the service tonight and or tomorrow. Worked on the new digital camera today and read up on the web cam.

Arrived in Accra last night, took 5hrs on the bus to Kumasi this morning, then a hike thru the market in Kumasi to get on a bus to Bibiani. Arrived in Bibiani 30 minutes ago on foot as the bus stops about 1.5 miles from the mission. Kofi was with me thru the trip to Bibiani, got back in the Ghana swing quick. Going to site tomorrow, Church Sunday, Site Monday and staying at the bishop's for the week so I can be on site everyday with minimal travel time. All is well.

Niels