In less than 48 hours I will depart back home to Ghana with great excitement and the wonderful sense of uncertainty that comes with one’s visit to Africa. I look forward to the overwhelming smells, colors and tastes of this beautiful country and the warm welcome of the Ghanaian people. I can’t wait to see the many children and young adults who inspired my vision four years ago and who continue to drive my mission overseas. They continue to change my life and define much of my life’s work.
Overwhelmed is an understatement to describe the sense I have as I pack for such a trip. What do you bring to children who need and want for so much? And what do you dare leave behind because the suitcase is just too full?
I’ll bring with me many books including donated classic children’s books and bibles, shoes, clothing, pens, toothpaste, vitamins, school backpacks and so much more. I’ll keep putting more and more into those bags until the airline tells me they just won’t take my bags.
The irony is that I’ll pack my bags until the last second on Saturday until they can’t hold any more, but what I will bring to those children in Ghana is not even in those bags.
Hope for Ghana’s mission remains unchanged. You have joined me on a mission of hope. As I set forward to build a third library in the Volta Region of Ghana the mission remains that of providing hope through opportunity, hope through education, and providing the hope that comes as children are reminded of how many people on this side of the world care about them and love them and believe in their future.
To all of you who have helped me see my vision come to life over the last few years I have abundant gratitude. You are the reason I can go to Ghana as a messenger of hope. Please follow my posts from Ghana on Hope for Ghana’s Facebook page, and look for all the pictures and videos when I update the website upon my return to Pittsburgh in three weeks. Goodbye for now.
Blessings to you as you embark on this trip. You're changing the lives of so many, with your love, hope and pure heart's desire (not to mention the monetary donation)! I've said it on more than one occasion. YOU...are a remarkable man. I can't wait to see the pictures and videos that you post. Be safe Dr. Greene!
Thank you so much Darla. I am so very excited to leave tonight to begin this adventure. Thanks always for your encouragement and support.
Dr. Greene, I am Eftychia from Greece. I know you from Dr. Christian Haasen and your mission, and I want to say thank you for this great human work that you do!! As such, my friends and I have seen the library in Elena's name. We were totally happy with your help of course! Thank you very much!!! This special girl, Elena Haasen, she directed us to leave a doctrine! Elena, you will always be with us! With best regards, Eftychia
Eftychia, thank you so much for your beautiful words about The Elena Haasen Library. What was left behind in Ghana is a wonderful tribute to the ideals and values of Elena. You'll be happy to know that today The Elena Haasen Library is greatly impacting the students at the school as well as the surrounding community.