Staci and I during orientation. So glad to have a familiar face so far away!

The first village we visited: cement houses with electricity but no running water.  All of the rain had made the dirt into mud. The kids didn't mind though!

We had a cookout for the 4th of July.  The missionaries, Brits, and Australians even celebrated with us. Ended the night with sparklers :) 

I'll save those with soft stomachs and not post all of the unique diseases and tumors we have seen. But here is a lady who was part of an albino family in the village. All of them were deaf but communicated by some sort of hand motions. This lady had plantar fasciitis. 

Tomorrow we will go to an African wedding for Joseph who works for Theovision.  Pictures to come I'm sure!

Ntekyerekye Village

So the past two days have been busy busy and a whirlwind of emotions! I don't have good internet today but hopefully will be able to post some more pictures tomorrow.  You can see our schedule for the month is packed :) 

5:45am the group is ready to go on day one!

Katie and some of the children from the village. TONS more pictures to come.

We have seen all kinds of diseases and all kinds of symptoms. Our hearts have been broken for some of the children. No matter what... they have a beautiful smile on their face and love life even with so little.  We may not be able to cure them, but God is showing them love :)

24 hours in Ghana

WE'RE HERE! Thankful to be off the plane after we loaded up and a bad storm came to DC that kept us on the runway rocking back and forth for over 2 hours before we could take off. After 13 hours we were ready to stretchhh! Just a quick update.. 

Did y'all know I had the most wonderful sister? She expressed mailed me this package as my "African Survival Kit" the day before I left. I cannot wait to see the kids at the orphanage's faces when they get all these goodies!! Thanks Sis :) The Starbucks is going to keep me going too.. 

So, Sunday morning we headed to church at the big University here in Ghana. It lasted over 2 hours! There was over 500 people there (we stuck out needless to say)

After church we went to a Turkish restaurant called DNR and ate lunch. Chicken Doner was delicious! Don't let the bread fool you - it was full of air inside! 

Staci and I are staying here this week and next week we will be moving in with a family who works for HCJB Global. 

We finally got connected to the internet so we are updating our families :) 

The next two days will be full of orientation. Wednesday we will head to the villages and start our medical work. 

So far so good. Overwhelmed by all of the support, love, and prayers people have given me. Thank you to all! God is going to do great things this month. Xo

T-5 days

(stolen from staci) 
As you know for the upcoming month of July, and my ninth rotation out of thirteen total, I will be traveling to Africa on a medical mission trip. 
I am inviting you to take part in this incredible experience with me through prayer. This is a unique time, as I am afforded the opportunity to finally begin using my hard-earned knowledge and skills to serve those in need as a healthcare professional. 


 Please JOIN ME IN PRAYING:
• for the spiritual preparation of the Ghana team, that our hearts and hands would offer the healing, mercy, and grace of Jesus
• for the people of Ghana, as they welcome us into their country with vulnerability, desperation, and appreciation, that their hearts may be softened to the powerful work of God in their lives, even greater than the healing we have to offer
• for safe travels, good health, and physical protection while we serve
• for the work that God will do in each team member’s life, that we would listen for His guidance, stay focused on His purpose, and be filled with the gentleness and love given to us by the Spirit

Excited for this life-changing experience!!

Ignore the video - but enjoy the song :)
My mom heard this in Zumba months ago and it has since been "my pre-Africa theme song"