Beautiful Misadventures

Haven of Hope Academy got two days off this week to mark the midway point of our second term. So to celebrate, we took the kids to a place that is a favorite among locals called Boti Falls. We inquired whether or not this would be the best time to go since we are right in the middle of dry season, but everyone assured us that it would be great! So we all piled into the vans with 2 huge coolers full of rice and headed to the falls, but upon our arrival we discovered that the falls were really not falling at all. I was pretty disappointed as we walked a couple hundred steps down to where the waterfall pools and was afraid the kids would be severely disappointed as well. Instead of feeling bad for themselves though, they ran as fast as they could, shedding clothing along the way, and dove straight into the small pool of water where the falls usually descend. It was a beautiful sight. I was so proud as my kids taught me a lesson in making the most out of every situation!

After the kids had their fill of swimming in only a few feet of water, we went on a little hike to an area nearby that is the sight of what the Ghanaians call “umbrella rock.” Elise and I braved it and climbed the shaky bamboo ladder to the top and were met with a breathtaking view. We all ate our lunch, piled back into the vans wet and smelly, and drove home full and happy. That trip could have gone a lot differently and in the end made all of us miserable if it wasn’t for the glorious optimism of our children! There is so much they can teach us if we have the patience to listen and observe.

Paa Kwesi is the boy of the week and is also a student of mine! He is 8 years old and has a smile to melt even the hardest heart. He is very bashful and gets embarrassed easily when I smile back at him. He is a very smart kid but struggles with motivation in school, as I think is the case with many of the students. In a culture that relies very heavily on manual labor and street sellers, I can understand that it would be difficult to see a different future for yourself and therefore see a reason for your hard work in continuing education. I ask that you join me in praying that these kids see a glimmer of hope in a continent that has very little, and that they will remain motivated to work hard in school and change their futures and the future of Ghana!