MyStory by Jes Sudol

Jes is blogging on her site.

Get a glimpse of her heart and experiences at http://jesmystory.wordpress.com/#

/K

Welcome to Hohoe Jes!

Great to hear from Jes Sudol, our rock star missionary who has just arrived on location in Hohoe, Ghana. I love her pure heart, emotion, and analysis! /K

Hello there!
I have finished orientation and started teaching today. It was interesting to say the least. I am teaching at the Gbi Special School for the Intellectually Disabled. Most of my students have Down Syndrome, a spectrum disorder or a developmental delay. You can tell that the teachers are doing their best but that it is not quite everything that is needed. The teachers, even though they all have a formal degree from the university for special education still have a lacking view as to what these children can really accomplish. They do however, unlike most of society, seem to genuinely care about these kids, which is a blessing to see. I had a conversation with one of the fellow teachers today and he spoke very wisely about how each child/person is created in the image of God…that i

f we are not ashamed of our God, then why would be ashamed of a child who is created in His image. It was a great conversation. I then spent the afternoon in the market and around HoHoe buying fabric, going to the seamstress etc. I even found a Pepsi. It was also interesting because I was able to choose my own fabric for the dress and choose how I wanted it styled, I also am having a pair of capris made. I had my first language class tonight and learned a ton! Some I knew but some will be very helpful with the children in school. Like I now know how to say “be quiet” and “sit down”.It has been great…it is very odd not having other people I know from home around. I didn’t realize that I would be taken so off guard with that. The first night was rough. I didn’t even have roommates then and so I was feeling very lonely and homesick. Thoughts of “what am I doing” going on through my head, but I quickly reminded myself that I am never alone wherever I might be and finally got a few hours of sleep. It has been good since. I have been getting to know my housemates and have made friends fast.

I haven’t had the chance to see anyone from FIGA yet. I am hoping to connect with Godwin sometime, I don’t even know if he knows I am here haha. For the first 3 weeks my days are pretty much packed and scheduled, after that it will die off and I will have more freedom to move about on my own time. This weekend I am planning on going to HO. One of the girls that is leaving soon would like to go to the market there. I am hoping to see Albright and Olivia this weekend when we are there, we may even stay the night at the Freedom “Bob Coffie” Hotel and take a hot shower or go swimming.

Will update you again soon, hope you are great!!!
PS The food at the homebase is soooo much better than the great food we get at the hotel…it is amazing!!!!! Our cook, Joe, is a hoot as well.

Many smiles and much love,
Jes