Today we arrived in Tamale, in the northern part of the country. Last year, we sent a container of supplies to the Tamale teaching hospital. After a bumpy seven-hour ride from Kumasi, we finally arrived. We checked into our hotel, then walked to a nearby orphanage that U2H members visiting last year as well. The orphanage is called Hands of Mercy and is home to 16 orphans. The founder of the orphanage, Silas, and his wife live in the home along with their three biological children, working full-time to raise all 19 of them. Strikingly, his own children were amongst the pack, donning tattered clothes just like their orphan peers. The kids range from 1 to 15 years. They all attend private school. Currently, the orphanage relies on charity to survive: however, Silas informed us that he was given a large plot of land by his tribe’s chief, and his long term goal is to start a farm and create a self-sustained program.
The kids were adorable and full of joy. They welcomed us with a few happy songs while the oldest of Silas’ boys played a hand drum. After, he continued playing as the others took turns dancing for us. Pretty soon they got each of us to take turns dancing as well. Too funny. We will be returning to the orphanage tomorrow as well.
Also tomorrow we will be visiting the Tamale teaching hospital. Hopefully we will see some U2H equipment in use. In a couple of days we head back to Kumasi, then on to meet Dr. Ofosu in the Sene District, the place to which we are sending a container this year.
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