https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks daily 0.75 2025-12-30 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2025/12/30/loaves-and-fishes-our-2025-letter monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/36765d44-d4be-4386-a02e-677c4fc1ef7c/IMG_6727.jpeg Blog - Loaves and Fishes: our 2025 letter - Make it stand out L-R: Lucky, Sarah Jr., Regina, Sarah Sr., Gloria, Dina, Richlove, God’s Way https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2025/9/6/june-2025-throwing-the-mantle-1 monthly 0.5 2025-09-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/da3b0b9a-0e50-4e0f-aeff-8d46ea70096c/IMG_7140.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/c1c250bd-8149-4d4e-b838-2527a2d88305/IMG_7135.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Nursing students https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/490787e9-fdcc-4318-92f1-2793ab4077ed/IMG_6909.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/9c171878-4521-40a9-a4cf-de14831cbfb7/IMG_7222.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out You do not stand in the dungeon of a slave fort and read this quote and leave unmoved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1f6181ba-46a4-4db3-aa31-494036d8e895/IMG_7077.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Always fun to bring treats from the US and see what’s a hit and what is a flop (we still laugh about the Peeps we brought several years ago which the girls tried and then threw away, saying “the sugar is too much!”). This time around, the Dot’s pretzels were positively coveted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/8ae70b25-3389-43be-b805-c7fb8d67ffe4/IMG_7050.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out L-R: Richlove, Gloria, Lucky, Regina, Ted, Sarah Jr., God’s Way, Dina, Sarah Sr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/941f99e1-1701-4f26-bf83-abccb972d34f/IMG_6780.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Dinner the first night. Jollof rice and chicken #IYKYK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/63d2533a-8b4d-4a05-a186-bb44a26799a3/IMG_6900.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Dina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/42053630-8fef-40fa-ae6e-c05dde55480d/IMG_7054.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out You might recognize these pink sweatshirts from our last trip :) L-R: Sarah Sr., Dina, Gloria, God’s Way, Richlove, Ted, Sarah Jr., Richlove, Lucky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/7061f854-27e0-4621-8afd-d39fd3bec176/IMG_7060.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out It was an absolutely frigid 75 degree afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/524cb23d-51bc-4c5a-800b-854a43b747de/IMG_6958.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out And shells https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/36765d44-d4be-4386-a02e-677c4fc1ef7c/IMG_6727.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out How many years have we taken pictures in front of this window? The perfect measuring stick. L-R: Lucky, Sarah Jr., Regina, Sarah Sr., Gloria, Dina, Richlove, God’s Way https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/de094a2a-ffd4-4e9b-be7f-4c1b72576caa/IMG_6792.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out God’s Way. If she had ambitions to become a singer, I would insist on this being her album cover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/fa52f8dd-0d2c-44c2-9831-79f01149edd9/IMG_7175.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/5d217215-1d70-4d10-86b3-1f5cc0eff92c/IMG_6675.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out One of my delights is seeing the way the house changes between visits. Love this picture that they chose to frame and hang. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/10144aa2-8562-4492-a08d-1e769b98c8ba/IMG_6921.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/93dd5f5a-cddb-4d08-95e7-1880e70351dd/IMG_7119.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Touring a nursing college https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/34f7d88c-47a9-4204-a6b2-c27b67d8edde/IMG_7259.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Gloria, God’s Way, Regina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/bed2be73-5d38-40c3-a1e1-0696d341bf53/IMG_6923.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Searching for hermit crabs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/8fe04412-c106-4dad-8650-75fec9d134a7/IMG_6765.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out I’m not going to lie—there were a LOT of selfies to wade through https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/c007da77-7ff4-47d2-bc0d-0f386dec6b83/IMG_7035.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Celestine, Bernard (Eight Oaks Directors), Ted, Celestine, David (Father’s House Directors). Both of these couples took us into their homes and fed us and taught us to shop at the market and took us to church during our first few weeks in Ghana when we had NO CLUE what we were doing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/3fd6ef51-c966-4769-b26a-58ec0a0b5da2/IMG_7269.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/2403196a-e683-41fc-ad53-25554aa1bcad/IMG_6699.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Bernard, Celestine, and their granddaughter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/751f50fc-ece6-474d-94b0-78c2d7975f2c/IMG_6825.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/de952833-ddc4-4b03-8ed6-36f1652ec1d8/IMG_7108.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Ted with Jeremiah Banini, our longtime friend. The first time he and Ted crossed paths they were unmarried guys in their early 20’s. Now they both have kids of their own and Jeremiah is a doctor! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/7f7b3eb8-78a2-4a8c-ab8d-c721314a26a6/IMG_6804.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Dina, Lucky, Gloria, Sarah Sr. walking along the beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/e1bd1c36-da0b-4a9c-91e8-8bf55814a3be/IMG_6887.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Porch swing back at the guest house. L-R: Akpene, Richlove, Gloria, Jennifer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/76519fee-dd33-4c03-b594-aa762e00b7b1/IMG_7248.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Richlove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/f8c0559d-8993-459f-8062-4532b4f770d4/IMG_7210.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/c9086513-af2a-4ce0-bab2-3df71f840710/IMG_6682.jpg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out It’s hard to see here but the girls sang at church and a photo was chosen for the calendar! This is a ~big deal~ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/10e1d3f8-79f8-4673-bd9b-bc0e0d6a6695/IMG_6680.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Self-made chore chart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/6b54f1bb-bfd2-433d-8d13-3ebd907c900e/IMG_7095.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Pizza! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/0f4732c2-25ce-45ff-ba22-7770248c3454/IMG_6745.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out ROAD TRIP! All eight girls (and Ted) plus Jennifer (throwing the peace sign) and Akpene (taking the selfie) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/680ff300-e609-470e-b1c0-5087abc16b53/IMG_6833.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/193c44a7-e3dc-4a12-96cc-a0725952a775/IMG_7167.jpeg Blog - June 2025: Throwing the Mantle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2024/12/30/gray-area-our-2024-year-end-letter monthly 0.5 2025-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/df01f93b-5446-4587-8f93-0727e66bd69d/DSCF6595.jpg Blog - gray area: our 2024 year-end letter - Make it stand out Regina, Sarah Jr., Lucky, God’s Way, Gloria, Dina, Sarah Sr., Richlove https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2023/12/10/rings-on-the-tree-our-2023-letter monthly 0.5 2023-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/9040977c-4434-4cc0-99bb-ed31b1ac7690/DSCF6582.JPG Blog - Rings on the Tree (our 2023 letter) - Make it stand out L-R: Dina, Gloria, Richlove, Regina, Lucky, Sarah Sr., God’s Way, Sarah Jr. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2023/12/3/october-2023 monthly 0.5 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/e994edff-a88c-4ee8-9961-a8de3347a305/IMG_3617.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Bernard’s great-niece, Rosemary, lived next-door to us for several years and became our “ninth girl” de facto. She’s attending the same high school as God’s Way and Dina and it was so fun to see her! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/0f945d29-d22e-45a4-a2db-f2248f7e5ea5/IMG_3562.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out She is teaching second grade! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/7e31372c-f6ca-4247-b848-262a4ea21e44/IMG_3627.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out I love that our bookkeeper is in his seventies and flying around Akatsi on a motorcycle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/81b5c055-eeea-484e-8321-02a39502b043/IMG_3647.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out The only four (soon to be three!) still living full-time at the Yellow House. Back Row: Regina & Lucky. Front Row: Sarah Jr. & Gloria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/2c8cfb61-3f43-4613-a661-a0f23e79e67c/DSCF6633.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/5146686c-08c8-43d3-b8a0-e9b5cd4c72ca/IMG_3603.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/5b3eb80e-28a7-42ea-b9f7-4da86b439457/IMG_1509.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out 10 years ago. Same lineup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/e4efdb6d-f05d-4e4a-9891-3061e31dc43e/DSCF6586.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/fdbd0aaa-bcd5-4764-9e51-b5b2b619ff40/DSCF6606.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out I love this front porch so much. Lucky, Richlove, Helen, and Akpene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1e5f32e1-b34c-487f-b1b8-14c74269da19/DSCF6585.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out L-R: Dina, Gloria, Richlove, Regina, Lucky, Sarah Sr., God’s Way, and Sarah Jr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/34884c4f-4d1d-4628-9cf2-a7ef7567e2bd/DSCF6620.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Jennifer, our social welfare officer who replaced Destiny a few years ago. I was truly so impressed with her. It’s clear that she has worked hard to gain the trust of the girls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/6ddf9714-b2ad-463e-ba78-09d399e12555/DSCF6563.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out After-school snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/5a2cb746-a2fe-4e78-a9e9-5c5a11cbbc41/DSCF6623.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Jennifer and Helen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/34721641-327e-4364-8555-c57ab0d452e3/IMG_3560.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Mercy with her class. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/9b0b2ee7-13ba-4cc3-8132-7c39617247ba/IMG_3533.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/84aa71c8-f4c2-4142-8725-04db93ca32b9/IMG_3554.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Walking the younger girls to school, and Mercy walking to her job! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/f4fbdefb-2e6d-472a-a1ca-d1472bdc6549/DSCF6614.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Jennifer, Helen, and Dina playing a game in the courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/6ee10eed-4a79-4a1b-b802-018ccd194275/DSCF6631.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/57c4f980-5fc2-4d7d-ab1a-e85cd2bf1c50/IMG_3628.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Quick selfie with some of the members of our Ghanaian board. L-R: Ted (obviously), Francis, our accountant, Oscar, a local pastor, Bernard, and Celestine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/7d03019a-a8f9-45d3-b0c8-4f1a1917eb61/IMG_3552.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Evidence of the watches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/c6c88ef5-6ac9-4f4d-917b-d0fb1c526721/IMG_3566.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out I remember well the enjoyable feeling of taking my younger siblings to school when I had the day off. We said goodbye to Sarah Jr., Regina, and Gloria, and then stopped for a photo shoot on the way back to the house. L-R: Sarah Sr., Dina, Lucky, Richlove, God’s Way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/e885fda4-9850-4405-9222-b155d327d2ad/IMG_3525.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Chicken coop at the Yellow House. The chickens are out, terrorizing the yard, but this is where they lay their eggs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/cd9d8aff-3213-4311-9d7c-5c973117f22b/DSCF6564.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Sarah Jr. coming home from school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/a257d9c3-09fb-4d33-a621-10747c0def0a/IMG_3622.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out L-R: Dina, Lucky, and God’s Way. I think Ellie and I will always call them “the girls” but they are definitely young women. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1a4d189d-fdef-4ea4-a721-bd272768310d/DSCF6554.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Mama in the courtyard. Her voice has become the soundtrack for the Yellow House, in my mind: that low, soothing tone speaking Ewe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/2485b120-21f1-469e-bdfa-83d1d577aa01/IMG_3651.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out I stayed with Bernard and Celestine and they, per usual, took excellent care of me. This is Bernard greeting me with a fresh coconut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/219a9812-6f31-47d3-8603-aa2e42759155/DSCF6582.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/832b32b7-cc52-47c2-9afb-745437116087/DSCF6608.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Akpene. If nothing else speaks to Mercy’s tutelage, please take note of the peace sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/9ba22ea3-e331-42b2-892d-735b44dc5095/IMG_3535.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out “Meeting” with the girls at Bernard’s house. Lucky led the agenda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/eb6e81c1-1e22-49ce-a53d-885f238c550a/DSCF6595.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out L-R (back): Lucky, God’s Way, Dina, Richlove L-R (front): Regina, Sarah Jr., Gloria, Sarah Sr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/6c4d22d2-2622-481c-89ad-912be1b71617/DSCF6548.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Lucky and God’s Way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/0a3cda51-2a98-47d6-9eaa-ae80fbaf7793/DSCF6592.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out October in Ghana is one of my favorite months because it’s “minor” rainy season—a few weeks of cooler weather before it gets VERY hot for a long time. This morning was drizzly and the girls were thrilled to pop those hoods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/e50588d7-909e-4605-97a4-3b9fab838928/IMG_3598.jpg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Evidence of the ring pops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/20c4281d-02c1-4441-9efc-d5c1428ad28d/DSCF6590.JPG Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Sarah Sr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1707a24f-a8d8-4cd4-b0ee-17c531f85894/IMG_3536.jpeg Blog - October 2023 - Make it stand out Ellie usually does the gifts distribution when she’s here, so whenever I do it by myself I have a feeling it’s less exciting. I just sort of set the stuff on the table. They were thrilled nonetheless. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2023/1/2/full-bellies-amp-empty-hands-our-2022-letter monthly 0.5 2023-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/9fb801a0-b60e-4326-bca2-ed72d3d49521/girls2.jpg Blog - Full Bellies & Empty Hands (our 2022 letter) - Make it stand out Lucky & Sarah Jr. In their volleyball uniforms. Adidas socks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/44336538-dab3-4b7c-84de-6fb13810b93f/girls1.jpg Blog - Full Bellies & Empty Hands (our 2022 letter) - Make it stand out Mercy & Helen with (top row, L-R) Lucky, Richlove, God’s Way, Regina, (bottom row, L-R) Gloria, Sarah Jr., and Dina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/d314a18c-59a6-42af-b8f7-d689f6a5c647/girls4.jpg Blog - Full Bellies & Empty Hands (our 2022 letter) - Make it stand out At church for Sarah Jr.’s and Gloria’s baptisms. Top Row, L-R: God’s Way, Dina, Lucky, Richlove. Bottom Row, L-R: RIchlove, Sarah Jr., Sarah Sr., and Gloria. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2022/1/1/happy-new-year monthly 0.5 2022-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/299d0423-f661-4701-afe6-0ca1bfb76e37/DSCF5861.jpg Blog - Happy New Year - Make it stand out Top Row, L-R: Lucky, God’s Way, Dina, Richlove Bottom Row, L-R: Regina, Sarah Jr., Gloria, Sarah Sr. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2020/12/20/2020-in-review monthly 0.5 2020-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1608484035601-PEX7MOBIK93LY1XWHPX3/2020+Eight+Oaks+Christmas+Card.jpg Blog - 2020 in Review https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2020/2/4/november-2019 monthly 0.5 2020-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522827816-2Z0H6YKKGG69WKF9YAPG/DSCF5887.jpg Blog - November 2019 Morning light and the before-school hustle and bustle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522702194-M5YK8CWWF5WLSS0U62CC/DSC_1022.jpg Blog - November 2019 And that they will be mothers to many in the literal and figurative sense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522107267-MS7ZOHZMRD532O00RRZY/DSCF5774.jpg Blog - November 2019 Sarah Jr. with my phone, taking pictures of Mawufomor, Regina, Dina, and Gloria. I love getting my phone back at the end of the day and seeing what they’ve captured. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597518990992-KX6E80VR1VI06STCYR8X/DSCF5692.jpg Blog - November 2019 I got a little teary when I came in the main room the first time and saw that they’d left this hastily-written note on the marker board for six months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523666931-97CHZ2SH2DWN7HB0LGL4/IMG_2065.jpg Blog - November 2019 Lucky (photo by the girls) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522170936-CTMAG1DYHZPC98WJE79L/DSCF5796.jpg Blog - November 2019 Mama made this little concrete bowl at the base of the mango tree for the chickens to have clean water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523739390-C78JGQJW2M1075NHGWM6/IMG_2157.jpg Blog - November 2019 This picture of Mercy and Lucky is just crazy to me. I know I sound like a broken record but it’s WILD to see them talking at eye-level and looking like peers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597945779236-DMRYY12UIV3SW969CRF3/DSCF5865.jpg Blog - November 2019 November 25th, 2019. Recreated the original lineup! Takes my breath away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522737387-8C7GTA287E90XB2MSFL9/DSCF5881.jpg Blog - November 2019 New cloth from Bernard and Celestine. L-R: Sarah Jr., Regina, Gloria, Richlove, Dina, Sarah Sr., Lucky, God’s Way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597524031227-YFFZO4R1U28MXM6O8QTR/IMG_2381.jpg Blog - November 2019 Sarah Sr., Dina, God’s Way, and Richlove getting home from school. (photo by the girls) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522863407-XZ5LNFV38DVZ0MN1JYXT/DSCF5888.jpg Blog - November 2019 Where would we be without Mercy and Helen? I cannot imagine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523698415-NPOMXZV9RO4BFZ2Z6YIB/IMG_2100.jpg Blog - November 2019 Sarah Sr. (photo by the girls) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523878132-3C89YX9NUAC6IMVSPBWS/IMG_2301.jpg Blog - November 2019 You might remember that Richlove competed in a spelling bee at the national level last year! This is the principal of their school presenting her with an award in front of the entire student body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522267904-OPMNUNEXFFCMTQCAF03Z/DSCF5803.jpg Blog - November 2019 Facetiming with Ted and Lewis. I was asked why Lewis did not come on this trip approximately 1,000 times a day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523495232-0IVRJM2RA00H077UGHX7/IMG_2046.png Blog - November 2019 A spotty connection to say the least, but we’ll take what we can get! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597524086503-81QP6TH53AAWTWIEELVO/IMG_2404.jpg Blog - November 2019 My room at Bernard and Celestine’s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522349724-V1B44Q4SMACZ1KQHSLEC/DSCF5862.jpg Blog - November 2019 I’ve still got a few inches on three of them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m the shortest of the bunch by the next trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522009710-IE678MHAEEEDVYE9I48H/DSCF5749.jpg Blog - November 2019 Everyone gathered in the courtyard for fufu preparations. The girl in the orange dress behind Lucky is named God’s Way and is 14—she is staying with Helen and going to school. She hangs out at The Yellow House a lot and I loved getting to know her on this trip! She goes by her Ewe name, Mawufomor to keep the two God’s Ways straight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597524149065-DO1P4DVZ7CT17VQXA1LV/IMG_2414.jpg Blog - November 2019 All 9 of us in a selfie on the walk to school on my last morning. I only cried a LITTLE bit. Mercy always makes fun of me when I come back to the house sniffling and red-eyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522632097-8SFYJDTEYB21YPAB2599/DSC_1034.jpg Blog - November 2019 I daily pray that they are always joyful and free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522902355-JP8JKE7FS71TZJP19P83/DSCF5892.jpg Blog - November 2019 I am so grateful for their leadership and friendship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597524061608-482OG7XO4MS6OF8XKU1E/IMG_2400.jpg Blog - November 2019 Power outages mean doing puzzles by lantern-light. I am getting old because YIKES my eyes could not take this! The girls were determined, though; they knocked it out in no time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522797141-SR323CU45GXRZOQD6JPO/DSCF5884.jpg Blog - November 2019 This was also the first trip where I was unable to help with some of the homework! The older girls in particular are getting into advanced geometry and I was…not useful. Bernard and Celestine brought over these markerboards that they are supposed to take to school and use for practicing graphs, etc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597519074166-YEUN17L0OO5SXYLD7V38/DSCF5707.jpg Blog - November 2019 Gloria and Jeptha, Bernice’s son (Bernice is Helen’s daughter and Mercy’s sister). I got to Ghana on Saturday after a missed flight (about 48 hours of travel, total), and Bernard insisted that the girls take me back to the Yellow House after the English service at church ended. Mercy and Helen stayed for another couple of hours for the traditional service, but Jeptha came home with us for beans and garri and endless games of UNO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522138806-RFOYYSBRE9YOW1R5DRJK/DSCF5795.jpg Blog - November 2019 Groundnuts cleaned and ready to be roasted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522603381-NI27BIVWU7XCZZSN4NDK/DSCF5872.jpg Blog - November 2019 And know and claim their full value and potential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522202058-WU172GRU5XHQ8A1HMOXC/DSCF5799.jpg Blog - November 2019 Gloria in the fenced-off portion of the garden. This area is growing tea leaves and a few other herbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597524242561-76HHMXKA84K568N0ZBPB/IMG_2438.jpg Blog - November 2019 A few years ago I started writing letters to all of the girls and leaving them on the dining room table right before I leave. I like to think of them coming home from school and reading them when I am at the airport in Accra. They are a gift to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523807505-FGIRD9UMZSZM5OQHMBWZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - November 2019 Richlove, Mawufomor, Regina, Dina (photo by the girls) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523372959-LVFJKKZRHRQJZ3D90UPG/IMG_1875.jpg Blog - November 2019 The first of many selfies. Me, Lucky, Dina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597518644775-XKDG0YPE5CJIWVAQDNSA/DSCF5675.jpg Blog - November 2019 It brought everyone NEVERENDING DELIGHT that Mama did the side-hip pose with Mercy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523843560-FTAUA1OQ23RMPDX90BD5/IMG_2293.jpg Blog - November 2019 Bernard’s house cat, which they have housebroken and taught to kill mice. I want one for the Yellow House! It was very shy and only let me get close if it was taking a nap on the tile floor in the heat of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522670276-RP0R8639E2K1F5EAKLIV/DSCF5871.jpg Blog - November 2019 Leading a new generation into light, love, prosperity, and freedom. Isaiah 61:4 “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597519301195-2EHHJJWC6IMGMC8QB8L9/DSCF5731.jpg Blog - November 2019 Are you tired of hearing about the garden yet? Because the girls definitely get tired of walking around with me and answering endless “WHAT’S THIS?” questions. I cannot believe how much it has flourished and everything they have planted! These are groundnuts, aka peanuts, which they boil and roast for my favorite afternoon snack (with bananas). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597519213617-7NU05VIRPQW0TF41TX0Y/DSCF5727.jpg Blog - November 2019 The more things change…Gloria has grown SO MUCH but I usually find her by herself like this at least once on every trip. Same as when she was 5 :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597524115522-GIH74DWK6465ARTE5IZ6/IMG_2406.jpg Blog - November 2019 The garden in full swing. Here is a list of what is currently growing: corn, cassava, noni, soursop, avocado, pineapple, plantains, bananas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coco yams, mangos, groundnuts, tea leaves, ginger, onions, moringa, and papaya (18 total crops!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597519594100-MONF9QEON6DUNN0KBPVN/DSCF5746.jpg Blog - November 2019 Dina and Lucky doing Mama’s hair :) I love Sunday afternoons in Ghana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522232507-Q18GQQ4D9HPNJ7SCK7AI/DSCF5800.jpg Blog - November 2019 Ghanaian soil is so fertile. Mama and the girls cut branches from the moringa trees to create this penned-in area, and now the branches have begun to take root and sprout new leaves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523904445-AVYAJXPULNDI3AHUW2G5/IMG_2326.jpg Blog - November 2019 Regina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523770562-84MHEJF1QZY5YJ57NHQE/IMG_2244.jpg Blog - November 2019 Sarah Jr., me and Mawufomor (photo by the girls) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523316304-I3KHHBWWFT662WTVVBDA/IMG_1865.jpg Blog - November 2019 Heading to the Yellow House! I love looking at all the fruit stands on the way to Akatsi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597518864194-N2295UE8ANJTR9M8TUK1/DSCF5690.jpg Blog - November 2019 Just cannot believe how old and beautiful and wonderful they are. Gloria, God’ Way, Lucky, Regina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523567648-37YR4VKMKE2GL9IKVWTG/IMG_2051.jpg Blog - November 2019 Helen is in the church choir these days! They all wear these outfits. The entrance of the choir is my favorite part of services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522455559-EP2HS8ZMUZRPHTDDA9J6/DSC_0998.jpg Blog - November 2019 November 21st, 2013. First picture of all eight girls together, just a day or two after Regina, Sarah Sr., and Richlove arrived. L-R: Dina, Gloria, Richlove, Regina, Lucky, Sarah Sr., God’s Way, and Sarah Jr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523349179-5SNY6AJ5WFCK8SY5A3YS/IMG_1872.jpg Blog - November 2019 I can tell by the light here that it’s about 4:00 p.m.—one of my favorite times of day in Ghana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523399252-ZZU2Z22GA3W2WJ0HVPHF/IMG_1877.jpg Blog - November 2019 Playing UNO and eating M&M’s (photo by the girls) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597519509729-YB9GXEPLW317XAP6MW9C/DSCF5737.jpg Blog - November 2019 The most exciting development is that The Yellow House IS. GROWING. PINEAPPLE. West African pineapple is what dreams are made of. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523036230-JWA5L38SIJEIO5V43B0Y/DSCF5901.jpg Blog - November 2019 I stayed with Bernard and Celestine on this trip and they took such good care of me. And BONUS: Victor, their 4th-born came to visit! He is the same age as Ted and me, and lived in Akatsi for the first few months we were there in 2013. He was our guide and friend and would frequently stop by just to check up on us, bringing fresh coconuts and mangos. He left town to complete his government service and I hadn’t seen him in 6 years! Victor loves basketball and sorely missed Ted when I had to admit that I have no idea who Paul Pierce is. The woman on the far left is his fiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522318032-QH5EKSL8698H3UCT6ZJQ/DSCF5859.jpg Blog - November 2019 Top Row L-R: Lucky, God’s Way, Dina, Richlove. Bottom Row, L-R: Regina, Sarah Jr., Gloria, Sarah Sr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597518777709-191ADXVQYPR5DH7HTQ3N/DSCF5687.jpg Blog - November 2019 Charm bracelets that say “sisters forever” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597518438092-XKWP8DMFBV6NRH4KJ32D/DSCF5672.jpg Blog - November 2019 This was the first time I shopped for all of the girls in the ladies section vs. the juniors section. Mercy & Helen were delighted because I bought 10 dresses in different sizes, just in case, and they quickly grabbed the extra two. Top Row, L-R: Lucky, Sarah Jr., Dina, Richlove, God’s Way. Bottom Row, L-R: Sarah Sr., Regina, Gloria, Helen, Mercy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522071307-BD5EHIF55OV313YAM5BR/DSCF5758.jpg Blog - November 2019 The pounding of fufu begins. Mercy used to do most of the grunt work (that stick is HEAVY) and it filled my heart with pride to see the girls execute this labor-intensive meal from start to finish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597522039909-8B4O2AYG7L3F0134GPGF/DSCF5751.jpg Blog - November 2019 Grinding tomatoes and onions for stew (Sarah Jr.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523598099-CQM2BIZ1D4FUGNHDA5P6/IMG_2054.jpg Blog - November 2019 Richlove carrying Jeptha home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1597523528874-H0H8VCG8AY39B30WN093/IMG_2050.jpg Blog - November 2019 Helen’s grandson eyeing me on the way to church. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2019/12/14/2019-in-review monthly 0.5 2019-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1576382142988-AUTPKUIWN9WX3IYE5UMY/2019+Eight+Oaks+Christmas+Card.jpg Blog - 2019 in review TOP, L-R: Lucky, Gloria, Sarah Jr., God’s Way BOTTOM, L-R: Regina, Richlove, Sarah Sr., Dina https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2019/5/28/ghana-2019 monthly 0.5 2019-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559358801006-THL9Y2TJ8FG106GE9TR7/DSCF5303.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mercy preparing to go to the market—making her list and calculating the costs. I hope all of our donors know how well our Ghanaian staff stewards our finances. Mercy and Bernard track everything down to the last pesewa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056637770-K20QFXQ9NYS625WPZBSD/DSCF4962.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Gloria and Lewis. I love the bend of her right knee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559531771533-ET8KFGYNN3MMWVDX0J1G/DSCF5340.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Fruit of the soursop. Feel very fortunate that we visited when it was ripe—there’s always something new to try in Ghana! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056173915-HZH1I1FEZMNE7EIEL5IP/DSC_0238.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana I looked all through my photos trying to find a good “before” picture and this was the best I could do—it was taken a few weeks after we moved in, almost six years ago…although the angle is different, you can still see the same corner of the yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559532251670-PVMHLEG77I5R7MGUDUL8/DSCF5458+2.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana One of my favorites from the trip: God’s Way, Gloria, Sarah Sr., Sarah Jr., Lewis & Ted, Lucky, Regina, Richlove, and Dina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559581938305-6B8N2RSE8DGYJM29FEU4/DSCF5523.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mama agreed to be in a picture after the girls haggled her into submission:) Lucky, Sarah Jr., Mama, Gloria, Dina, Regina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056887397-4GESO5P9L2C7L2IQRP71/DSCF4980.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana The concern on Ted’s face contrasted with the girls cracking up makes me laugh. Sarah Jr., God’s Way, Dina, Regina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559581903216-8I3PDARMJ3VU3LAJGV0K/DSCF5515.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559063769137-F7CZVQ8RNC8Q6X1PJZM9/DSCF5133.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Lewis’ epic 3.5 hour nap on Mercy’s bed, preserved in film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582352954-05NV0RQ5X80KV59U14QP/DSCF5525.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Lucky made this mask for school! She brought it home to paint it and then it was going back for a display. I love it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559703928228-G6VTLMSXSGIRV89MOBVC/IMG_8391.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Within—I don’t know exactly—probably thirty seconds of meeting Mercy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582730106-I3DJZAKV6PJJ8ZUZP8XD/DSCF5575.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Lewis abandons Richlove for more banana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559065312002-790ZD2119WAC8F57HKCI/DSCF5293.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Sundays are for making fufu for dinner. It’s a LONG process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559532308436-TC1UW7FQ1I6TYDGP1LP2/DSCF5465.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Welp. The only two who are not as tall or TALLER than me are Sarah Jr. and Gloria. They will always be my “girls,” but wow, I am so PROUD of these lovely, strong, capable, intelligent, compassionate, gracious, brave, beautiful young women. Sarah Sr., God’s Way, me, Sarah Jr., Lucky, Richlove, Regina, Dina. Gloria was holding Lewis, undoubtedly somewhere in the compound chasing after chickens and throwing up a peace-sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559531846797-FBYUBZL4QKYLXRM4GEE1/DSCF5375.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Our chickens drive me crazy, but the Yellow House wouldn’t be the same without them. The girls spent HOURS helping Lewis chase them around the yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559055496321-XBY82FN07L1VQK8HVS5M/DSCF4915.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana The house has seen some much-needed improvements. This structure was added on to the right of the existing bathroom with two new showers and toilets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559703964931-C970ZUTW2NZDQNQXECEE/IMG_8380.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Our first stop in Akatsi was Bernard’s house. When we pulled up, he was outside reading his Bibles (an English and Ewe version) and taking notes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559057011274-FPX0WF429IH4UMB45M08/DSCF4992.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana We don’t often bring clothes because Ghanaian seamstresses are unparalleled in their craftsmanship, but when I saw these flip-sequined shirts at Target, I caved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064966112-0XHLAWY1BDBJH8CDVTZT/DSCF5241.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Lewis and his Auntie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559057504555-F3QMYYOUO935AXBEI96S/DSCF5034.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Gloria, Lucky, Regina, Dina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056493152-IGTALJ1J79NBCWNSMY9Y/DSCF4947.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana He wasn’t spoiled at ALL (*rolls eyes*) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559532195779-N19Q1QZ042H136RQ0US4/DSCF5450.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Group hug!! Lucky, God’s Way, Sarah Sr., Lewis’ arm, Sarah Jr., Regina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582126782-L3LRJ5ZBFQM0C2F2902P/DSCF5478.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana All eight dressed in their church clothes. The older six were baptized in early May, and they all got new white dresses for the occasion. Sarah Jr. and Gloria got new dresses too, just of the more colorful variety:) Top Row: Richlove, Lucky, Dina, God’s Way, Bottom Row: Sarah Jr., Gloria, Sarah Sr., Regina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559532139272-639XKBX053YKFDTHM65V/DSCF5445.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Voguing! Richlove, Lucky (kneeling), God’s Way, Sarah Jr., Gloria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559065090606-F0QRLW9Y6BCBYDU3U11C/DSCF5244.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mercy’s photography team. Cracks me up—they’ve all had a LOT of practice taking pictures on her phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056296456-PCKF4E3UL40NUGVUMQJZ/DSCF4924.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Shadows on the Yellow House on our first day in Akatsi. Late afternoon is one of my favorite times of day in Ghana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559531945044-TY21EBJ9IMJ23JVFXHZH/DSCF5392.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Kitchen shelves. The peanuts that were roasted were jarred for snacks, or ground into “paste” (aka, peanut butter) to be used in stews. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056539794-HX8U1P60J7ZBH3871UZ7/DSCF4956.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana I love these images where multiple stories are going on at once. In a house with eight girls, someone is always in the kitchen, and here Sarah Jr., God’s Way, and Dina are teasing/talking through the window. Gloria and Regina are walking Lewis around the compound, chasing the chickens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064293655-8156J8YN0GD4CJSSXDX1/DSCF5183.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana I’m happy that they haven’t washed these scribbles off the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582571047-IMXHYKHDYYCDV4P7QA06/DSCF5547.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Painting in-progress. THUMBS UP! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559063848060-7DV8TM6YRKL0C1S0Y8ZZ/DSCF5164.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Me, Sarah Jr., and Gloria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582987186-OGO7A9E5S86SWLJHHFS7/DSCF5617.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Getting ready to walk to school on our last morning. Shouting “REGINA!!” because she was dawdling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559418097854-MNAR73SGG9ZGQABKSI0T/DSCF5193.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana This fruit is called a soursop, and it’s one of the newer additions to the garden! It’s surprisingly massive for how small the tree itself is, and it tasted really good—tart and sweet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582832588-XGXSUUTUHJJZUAF6THHX/DSCF5616.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Breakfasts at the Yellow House are my favorite! Viva Cafe in Milo mugs and egg sandwiches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559532060884-KGFGB2H51U739RPZYH5N/DSCF5443.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Richlove, Gloria (again with the peace sign, sigh), God’s Way, and Sarah Jr. Lucky is on the far left, almost out of frame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559057542510-ZFAXFVV8D1L3E42B71BW/DSCF5041.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Kudos to Ted for this great shot: the EXACT moment Gloria loudly pronounced Landon’s beard to be too long. So Landon, if you’re reading this, Gloria thinks you’re past due for a trim ;) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559581570379-EI1L1UA9N5FFT88IA9SH/DSCF5495.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mercy is so loved and admired!! God’s Way, Richlove, Sarah Sr., Mercy, Gloria, Sarah Jr., Lucky, Regina, Dina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056815615-4L4QDYHQBEIGNASFJUIS/DSCF4977.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Love this moment of Sarah Jr. with her arm around God’s Way. Sweet sisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064192649-76RZ7UEJPT39JN2UABCF/DSCF5250.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana God’s Way toasted them and we ate them in the courtyard in the afternoon. I LOVE Saturdays in Ghana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582700765-9Y8KMMFAP3BRYJ3XWZ1W/DSCF5566.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mercy feeds Lewis banana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559359080720-U6JHY616XOBASXYXTOXL/DSCF5322.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana When a picture is taken at the Yellow House, there’s a 95% chance an exclamation of “GLORIA!!” will follow as soon as the shutter is clicked. Photo-bomber in chief. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559063919661-0QWNUZG3DCAJ6G0GLYOQ/DSCF5174.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana It was amazing—this house just feels like a house of teenage girls. The RADIO was on almost constantly and Ted had a long conversation with the girls about their favorite singers. Shatta Wale was the most popular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559583111040-Y4HNSTF9YBTM90I6T6TA/DSCF5621.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Homework https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056962275-D7MG6CBVM3XRWYEAIJC6/DSCF4990.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Gifts!! Earrings, coin purses, crayons, markers, colored pencils (each time we visit I wonder if they will be “over” coloring. They don’t sit and draw for hours and hours like they used to, but they still enjoy it!). Pam James from my parent’s church put together these sewing kits for each of them, which were a huge hit and are SO PRACTICAL. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559065212039-0RLFVHKZPAJ2BEDWMSXZ/DSCF5279.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Sweet feet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056356439-L0DR7WWJ9OAC3OHTLBV9/DSCF4931.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Truly, it was not my intention to take so many pictures of Lewis, but the girls were determined to carry him everywhere and he ended up in a LOT of the photos. He was doted on non-stop and is missing his older sisters now that we are back home ;) Here, Lucky and Sarah Jr. help him pick a mango. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559677162029-JQUJ6MVB5QTBD3CZMNA8/IMG_3182.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana On every visit, I wonder if it will be the last time they ask us to walk them to school in the morning. I was fully prepared for them to simply go on their way this time around, but was so happy (and a little relieved) when they asked us to walk with them. Of course, it could’ve been because they wanted to take turns carrying Lewis and showing him to their classmates. I don’t care about the reason!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559055426119-GXDPJ8JCR2K9VOGJPDRK/DSCF4911.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Inside. Ever our faithful money-manager, when Bernard learned how much new tile for the floors would cost he brought over loads of leftover tile from construction on his own house. I actually really like the way it looks—like a mosaic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559055554987-TXLD79HC2D0I7QGDNDOI/DSCF4919.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana One of our new plants at the compound. This fruit is grown on a bush and is referred to, locally, as Noni, although looking at the Wikipedia page suggests that there are all sorts of names for it. Mercy said that it’s usually used in Ghana medicinally and is very expensive. Celestine found a small plant and brought it to the Yellow House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559057248083-RWZHE29PRH9WV3489X2C/DSCF5016.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Their English is pretty great, but we got to teach them ONE new word on this trip: SKORT. The skirt/short combo of the 90’s is, apparently, back in style. L-R: Sarah Jr., Sarah Sr., Gloria (with Lewis), God’s Way, Regina (who leaned to laugh and accidentally covered Richlove), Lucky, Dina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559532019409-VPIA81WN9L7PWUD4DW4N/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana “We are family” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559065259477-QUKNLPKRJ5ACW1W5S5E3/DSCF5291.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Cassava scraps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582670443-12CS5LN4XOBM83N4UZ5T/DSCF5559.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582632236-LEYIGNGEEB4JGXYXHZSU/DSCF5563.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Richlove and Lewis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064654811-ZQEVQUQL67RLBF27PY2Y/DSCF5197.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana The girl holding Lewis on the far right is named Sandra: she is our new neighbor and comes over often! We miss having Bernard and Celestine next door, but they are still less than five minutes away, and the new neighbors are pretty great, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559057401588-D9RB4RS3DWI9VTKLB1G9/DSCF5020.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana SASSY. L-R: Sarah Sr. (whose poses were on POINT this whole trip), God’s Way, Sarah Jr., Richlove, Lucky, Dina, Regina, and Gloria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056745691-8MLG6C1VO7NEVV6I5LVS/DSCF4972.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Gloria with the peace-sign photo bomb. Typical pre-teen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559063538567-NYKQCYO73GPZV89PHEVQ/DSCF5056.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana The bamboo bunk beds were officially retired—maybe a year ago? and the girls moved into the extra bedroom that was once Landon and Kate’s room, and then the room Ted and I stayed in when we visited. Although I miss sleeping at The Yellow House, the girls definitely needed the space! They offered to let Lewis bunk with them but that would have been a little too chaotic, I think. And no sleep would have been had by ANYONE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559056693703-ZTUJ0FWMKIXR9T180V4P/DSCF4964.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Sarah Sr. and Richlove, starting on akple. The girls have always been helpful and very involved in the maintenance of the Yellow House, but there has been a definite shift in how the chores are handled. Mercy and Helen used to spend a lot more time delegating, instructing, correcting. Helen still sits in her “spot” by the kitchen door and oversees everything, offering feedback and advice when asked, but the girls are so sufficient. They can execute meals from start to finish now, with little to no help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559359010330-3PR4R9YD1Z6APWP6WMAS/DSCF5314.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Gloria and Sarah Jr.—wearing Lewis the Ghanaian way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559359229527-FBKYALVZXKW17SGQBG6X/DSCF5335.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Lewis living his best life with Mercy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064724616-7NVTMO8ZP0F6H5L2NV2W/DSCF5213.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mama—overseeing operations. Love her so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559065022451-JA90HLJR7W0K0LFA9S80/DSCF5234.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana There are approximately 10,000 pictures of Lewis on Mercy’s phone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559055962056-YVSE0RM2RD1ZKK6QZ7MV/DSCF4921.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana THE GARDEN!!!! When we first pulled up to the house, Kwabla chuckled and said, “eh—farmers.” Mama and the girls have continued cultivating all sorts of fruits and veggies—the biggest difference this trip was the maize they’ve planted and the sweet potato vines that have absolutely exploded! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064559580-ZINNJDUZ7AAGJCKYCK3M/DSCF5203.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Dina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559582765010-P3RXG2DFSDAM2X58A96J/DSCF5595.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana God’s Way playing with Lewis through the screen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559057663467-DBMO42IKL4OJVNAX2KYD/DSCF5051.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Everyone looking at the pictures we brought of Landon, Kate, and their daughter Ella. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559064099958-8TB4F93ZD1XQ77DQDWGM/DSCF5177.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Mama sorting groundnuts (aka, peanuts) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559063709366-ZVD2AR2QJ7I8AD35HS33/DSCF5131.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana Saturday afternoons :) Sarah Jr. and Mercy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559676949246-E9HGYFOQKM7WK429Q14R/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana A hilariously bad iPhone selfie—taken when Ted and I realized that we did not take a single picture together the whole week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559581705919-ODPZR3USNUS2VUR0FC57/DSCF5501.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana THEY LOVE THE HAND-HOLDING, KNEELING DOWN POSES! They orchestrate a picture like this on every trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1559581814811-M17GV408A3GQS2LCYNBW/DSCF5507.jpg Blog - Lewis Goes to Ghana I also have a picture like this from every trip—Ted leaning on the edge of the porch. It’s one of his regular haunts. Funny to see Lewis in the lower left. The more things change… https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2018/12/25/2018-in-review monthly 0.5 2018-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1545790426200-CT9TLJ1WKKC2YOYZYUEP/girls2018.jpeg Blog - 2018 in review Top Row, L-R: Regina, Sarah Sr., God's Way, Richlove Bottom Row, L-R: Gloria, Dina, Sarah Jr., Lucky https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2018/11/1/5-years monthly 0.5 2018-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273473239-UP83X0JFQX5JBTQK1AJV/DSC_0531.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: Sarah Jr., and God’s Way https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273838663-JJBQKXDB9FV4XY2A2PFH/DSC_0764.jpg Blog - 5 Years Our first full day at home. L-R: Gloria, Dina, Sarah Jr., God’s Way, and Lucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273412133-U937UR8LX5MKGG2MN6SE/DSC_0445.jpg Blog - 5 Years Little Sarah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541274097510-L1DCL9EWMFXYNSQEPR3Z/DSC_0998.jpg Blog - 5 Years The first picture of all eight girls. L-R: Dina, Gloria, Richlove, Regina, Lucky, Sarah Sr., God’s Way, and Sarah Jr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272894881-22M6S4DJW4DQXX7VXQ27/DSC_0393.jpg Blog - 5 Years Fishing nets hung to dry (and goats). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272604214-G57WHWTUXRNGM4DL1R90/DSC_0376.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272950895-2KZRF2BG2TKB0EK4RH8M/DSC_0398.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: Ted, Bernard, God’s Way, Mercy, and Joseph. A little girl from the village is standing in the background. In addition to our difficulty with procuring paperwork, we wrestled with the agony of leaving behind so many children (and adults!) in such terrible conditions. Please continue to pray with us for those living on Lake Volta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273862050-TVDTXQXOK8YY9U659TJG/DSC_0766.jpg Blog - 5 Years You can probably tell that the few clothes they had were ill-fitting and in bad shape. One of the first things Celestine did was bring over new shoes and have the girls fitted for Sunday dresses by a seamstress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541429596771-IP6HH28R9BTK6BWWAZ0R/DSC_0360.jpg Blog - 5 Years Nothing like a Ghana thunderstorm. Look at how tiny the Moringa trees are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272709581-DEGIS58652ON0TL3J9RJ/DSC_0380.jpg Blog - 5 Years Only later, when I was going through these pictures, did I notice the verse on the boat. Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272828323-CXQB6W0TZPHY5DK0WD2D/DSC_0392.jpg Blog - 5 Years As we got closer to the island, the lake turned to this marshy area filled with reeds. We rowed through this for several hundred feet before we reached dry land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273608847-M86OLEOUZOWGSMFPO8IW/DSC_0497.jpg Blog - 5 Years I remember after taking several photos of the girls, Bernard said, “eh…shall we join them?” I’m so glad he asked! I also love, love, love that he and Mercy wore formal wear for the “rescue.” L-R: Mercy, Lucky, Sarah Jr., Dina, Gloria, God’s Way, and Bernard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273009202-GC41JG4YJ4QAP9JP1SDE/DSC_0409.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273295436-JVDKR1DYD42RT9GYUTUJ/DSC_0437.jpg Blog - 5 Years Gloria and me. Landon’s foot is actually the object of the camera’s focus, but I love this picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273375513-FSB6YMM4X5PNS000RHX8/DSC_0478.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: Dina in the foreground (out of focus), God’s Way, and Gloria, who fell asleep almost immediately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272477334-O045S0X4IUHWVBSVG3E0/DSC_0552.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272864576-3I94E34EJV89OX7GXHIF/DSC_0400.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273329062-V95P7V5PP3Q6B4B920WG/DSC_0438.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: God’s Way, Dina, Lucky, Sarah Jr., and Kate. The cameras were some of our greatest allies early on:) I just realized that you can see our bike-riding hero in the background! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272748860-85XNGOVIMCDZTNU6S80W/DSC_0383.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272924932-4OAM9XCWVQ6TEGFHS6TG/DSC_0394.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273703345-09YQV9RZ5N5PKEZB6GGU/DSC_0649.jpg Blog - 5 Years Sarah Jr. and Dina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541540196912-96X2MHECM4GJYGFZTZVA/DSC_0420.jpg Blog - 5 Years Bernard and Joseph, our guides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273261445-FJDMZLA49PAYBSY8R108/DSC_0434.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: God’s Way, Dina, Lucky, Sarah Jr., our driver, Kate, and Landon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273576266-LG2CP7F37PG5MROSQA7Y/DSC_0485.jpg Blog - 5 Years The picture we posted on Facebook. L-R: Dina, Sarah Jr., Gloria, Lucky, and God’s Way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272375867-9PKQT5AMA6STO3U62I63/DSC_0370.jpg Blog - 5 Years (the yellow paint came later) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273735687-CE764IBIX5DMIWHFKRXH/DSC_0657.jpg Blog - 5 Years Waiting at the Accra airport. L-R: Kate’s legs, Dina, God’s Way, Lucky, Sarah Jr., and Gloria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273901452-65X1ESIJTIC2A7W7LIHZ/CSC_0899.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: Sarah Sr., Richlove, Regina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273192505-KWGRUJSZSJ1XURD12C5A/DSC_0435.jpg Blog - 5 Years L-R: God’s Way, Dina, Lucky, and Sarah Jr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273673008-984L2EKGSUSDA1U6WJEC/DSC_0640.jpg Blog - 5 Years Mercy had not flown prior to this trip either. She got her jitters out on the trip from Accra to Kumasi and was all smiles for the journey home. Gloria stuck to her like glue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272325476-T5FBZFWNNQVBH93HPKHE/DSC_0362.jpg Blog - 5 Years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541693519479-N3YSEAF1BJC19TQ2E79L/DSCF3381.jpg Blog - 5 Years Our most recent picture. LOOK HOW THEY HAVE GROWN! L-R: Sarah Jr., Dina, Gloria, Richlove, God’s Way, Sarah Sr., Regina, and Lucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541273533468-73GFOKUN6OZHFR55HOVX/DSC_0536.jpg Blog - 5 Years One of my favorite pictures of Ted, ever. He barely slept leading up to this day. Once we had the girls, he crashed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1541272804408-K60ERZSCMSUGQP5A1IO4/DSC_0386.jpg Blog - 5 Years Smiling as always—the eternal optimist. https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2017/12/27/2017-in-review monthly 0.5 2018-04-26 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2017/12/16/ted-and-mike-go-to-ghana monthly 0.5 2018-04-26 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2017/06/02/a-fly-on-the-wall monthly 0.5 2018-04-26 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2017/04/09/on-the-move monthly 0.5 2018-04-26 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2017/02/24/wishlist monthly 0.5 2017-02-24 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2016/12/05/2016-in-review monthly 0.5 2016-12-05 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2016/10/07/our-money-where-our-mouth-is monthly 0.5 2016-10-07 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2016/06/17/gone-to-ghana monthly 0.5 2016-06-17 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2015/12/31/2015-in-review monthly 0.5 2015-12-31 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https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/09/13/back-in-the-states-the-student-side-of-eight-oaks monthly 0.5 2013-09-13 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/09/09/a-month monthly 0.5 2013-09-09 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/09/02/plastic-pearls-among-other-things monthly 0.5 2013-09-02 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/09/01/list-of-prayer-requests monthly 0.5 2013-09-01 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/08/25/week-two monthly 0.5 2013-08-25 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/08/17/first-week monthly 0.5 2013-08-17 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/08/11/you-are-welcome monthly 0.5 2013-08-11 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/08/08/were-leaving-on-a-jet-plane monthly 0.5 2013-08-08 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/08/03/location-location-location monthly 0.5 2013-08-03 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/07/26/whats-in-a-name monthly 0.5 2013-07-26 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/05/23/landon-kate-plus-eight monthly 0.5 2013-05-23 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/2013/04/29/introductions monthly 0.5 2013-04-29 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/category/Our+Story monthly 0.5 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/category/Updates monthly 0.5 https://www.8oaks.org/eight-oaks/category/Uncategorized monthly 0.5 https://www.8oaks.org/donate-1 daily 0.75 2018-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1528773720487-3T1RH1ZFLVQJXHP44A4L/brown-bg.jpg Donate https://www.8oaks.org/mission daily 0.75 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527363297770-2XI322X6CNLVOIU5ZSIC/sarahjr.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527362720437-CYD466S42IMWJQAJS6W1/gloria.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527363372348-6EJ6QIBZVEK5KP6FOUK1/sarahsr.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527363201504-XKGQP39287E23RIR48T0/richlove.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527362948872-C7YQXWSZ7653UEQ9OQ6T/lucky.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527363087254-KBFCME2G475M0KW2QFS7/regina.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527362622951-5YV3ODB9XRGY2T1UEPCG/dina.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527362859211-FJVM2X1FUK78XE2H5VTZ/godsway.png The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527361758167-7Y5PD94QRDL77LEIHS0A/bernardcelestine.png The Yellow House - Bernard & Celestine Bernard & Celestine are our in-country directors, responsible for overseeing everything from finances and building repairs, to spiritual growth and maturation of the girls. They have been a part of Eight Oaks since the very beginning and the success of our organization is owed in large part to their dedication and passion for this work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/0bebff19-5ce2-4b7d-9c27-1e10b8113eb6/DSCF6621.jpg The Yellow House - Jennifer Jennifer replaced Destiny as our social welfare officer in 2019. Amongst her many responsibilities, she is in charge of maintaining records, facilitating positive connections with government officials, and communicating with the girls’ families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/314ae7d1-925e-4ce2-950b-4d6715fc0576/DSCF6608.jpg The Yellow House - Akpene Akpene is the “caretaker” and unofficial big sister at the Yellow House. She manages the daily budget, trips to the market and meal planning, and about a thousand other tasks that go into running a household. We are grateful for her leadership and influence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527360982391-D20MWU9XQI5K5RZDAKQH/theyellowhouse.jpg The Yellow House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527361127806-45TP35IBO4XFOGFR7BSB/tedellie_web.jpg The Yellow House https://www.8oaks.org/home daily 1.0 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527360772638-AFRXNVYOO6GIPTJK0HM1/whereitbegan_vertical.jpg Our Story - Where It Began Ted Kriwiel visited Ghana in the summer of 2011 at the invitation of Jeff Miller, co-founder of the Father’s House: a home for boys who were rescued from slavery on Lake Volta. At Jeff’s urging, Ted and his wife, Ellie, began investigating the possibility of establishing a similar home for girls in Ghana. Two seemingly separate visions began to collide: an urge to inspire youth in America and a desire to rehabilitate victims of child trafficking in Africa. A handful of high school students began meeting weekly to pray for Ghana, for Lake Volta, for themselves, and for America. Word started to spread, the Eight Oaks family grew and expanded, hearts were transformed, and the Lord provided in unexpected and wonderful ways. Ted and Ellie left on their first trip to Ghana in August of 2013. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1527360866727-8PWQWHVW5ZEB5IJJZWIC/thisisourstory.jpg Our Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1519854844385-O9ED2QF9551DVIN4PMGU/DSC_0345-1184x793.jpg Our Story - The Journey Home In November of 2013 a handful of Ghanaians and Americans traveled to a remote part of Ghana to meet the girls. After hours of preparation, prayer, and paperwork, Dina, God’s Way, Sarah Jr., Lucky, and Gloria were brought to their new home on November 8th. Eleven days later they were joined by their new sisters, Sarah Sr., Regina, and Richlove. The rescue was facilitated through Ghanaian abolitionists, whose work on Lake Volta has resulted in the redemption of over 90 children, and whose team of local volunteers ensure that the cycle of slavery is not perpetuated or encouraged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a962aa37e3c3a95c1dad4dd/1701633334602-LMPWHWZ6O9B3PPBI557K/DSC_0970-1024x685.jpg Our Story https://www.8oaks.org/contact daily 0.75 2018-05-26