Who Would've Thought...

First, let me just tell you how thankful I am to have parents and grandparents who have taught me how to work!  Both my mom and dad are so handy and can fix just about anything that needs fixed.  I was not only taught how to do the small and simple things on my own from my parents, but I also observed how they did the small and simple things on their own.  Thank you, momma and daddy.

I am pretty sure I mentioned in a prior post how I went to the Accra market this past Saturday, but if not, I am now.  I went to purchase some metal to try and rebuild the swings on the children's playground.  While I was there, I had a crazy idea to build the children a tire swing while I was at it.

The market is no Home Depot to say the least!  It's not even a Walmart!  Here is a small glimpse...

So, one must go from shanty to shanty to find the item they are in need of.  Luckily, all of the metal supplies were in the same area (The market goes on for blocks and blocks). I found all that I needed to repair the swings but now I needed to find the supplies for a tire swing.  I'm not sure why or when I decided this was a good idea.  I am also not sure how I knew what to look for to make a tire swing...as if I had made one before.  I know it's not rocket science but add the Accra Market into the mix and it's pretty close!

Well, low and behold....I made a tire swing!  However, this post isn't about me because believe me, most of my accomplishments here in Ghana have been with the help of a Higher Power.

I have yet to see a happier group of kids (and teachers)!

I thought the little suckers I brought last week to school were a hit but that was nothing compared to their new tire swing!  Only one of the children had even ever seen such a thing.

In fact, the children told Uncle Ben that they want to ask me if it's okay that they name "the ride".  He said they want to name it the "Awesome Ride".

Not only were the kids happy with the tire swing, but they were thrilled to have their swings back.  In fact, they were allowed to play on the entire swing set today in celebration of their new swings!

I love watching the older children have toys to play on now.

PS...my hair has yet to dry while I've been here in Ghana!

Thank you, mom and dad, for showing me how to believe in my own abilities and for not calling a handyman every time something needed a good fixin!

I've decided that I will go back to the market this next Saturday and buy the metal to make a tire swing for the smaller children.  After seeing how happy the older children were, how could I not want this same happiness for the rest of my babies!?!

The smallest gifts mean the world to the children in Ghana!  

Trying to give the world to the children in Ghana is the largest gift I could ever receive.