Ivory Coast

Just a quick note.  We leave tomorrow for Ivory Coast (usually called Cote D'viore, here).   We are going with the vision specialists to looks at a couple of places requesting help and then Jim and I stay a  few days longer to looks at some other projects requests.  We don't have a humanitarian couple there so we are it!

We have been super busy lately and one of these days I will post some pictures and do some writing.   Today we had a great hand-over ceremony where we gave some eye exam equipment to an Eye clinic.  Dr. Baah owns the clinic and he certainly knows how to throw a party.  He had drummers, dancers and of course, lots of speeches.   It was great.  He even presented three of us women involved an African dress made from Kente cloth and then men all got an African top that is worn by the men here for special occasions.

After that ceremony we visited another Eye Clinic that serves many many people and will most likely do our next Vision project for them.  Elder & Sister Hunsaker will write that up and do is from home (Utah) and then come when the equipment is delivered early next year and do the training on it.  It is called a major initiative.

Wheelchairs arrive here next week - a container of them (about 350 or so).  The short term specialists will come in Sept. and do the training that is associated with fitting them to the people etc.   We partner with Ghana Health and they will distribute them and report back to us.   

The weather has been pleasantly cooler lately.  It is rainy season.  We are really enjoy the milder temperatures but still run our AC most of the time.  It is just nice to not be hit with a blast of hot air every time you step outside.

We would love to hear from you!!   We are doing well and staying healthy.

Love to all,  Bullocks

Making dinner for the Boarders at the School

These ladies are making rolls for the students who board at the school.  Boarding schools are quite common here, especially for the High Schools.  Children are assigned a school to attend and if they live too far away they will board at the school.  The rooms they board in are large and filled with bunk beds (sometimes 3 high) and the beds are sometimes so close together that there is only a small walkway between.  Their clothing and belongings are kept on the bed (perhaps the floor at night).  They don't have a lot. 

They LOVE seeing their photo!

Jim took a video of the kids and is showing it to them.  As you can see you love it.  They followed Jim down to the truck and some were hanging onto him and hugging him.  It is so easy to make them happy!