Bonnie's Letter

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To get another perspective on the progress of the Mephibosheth Training Centre's students, Andrea has invited Bonnie Nakasuji, who is working on her doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) at the University of Southern California (USC), to offer her insights on her experiences with our students. For the past three years, Bonnie has brought OT students to complete their Level 1 internships while they help our students.

Dear Friends and Family,

One of the ways God has blessed me is my work with the children at Mephibosheth Training Centre. I returned from Ghana in mid-March after an 11-day working visit at the center, accompanied by two other occupational therapists and 16 OT interns from USC. I always look forward to seeing the children. This year I noticed how much they have learned, grown, and developed in a nurturing home away from home. Mephibosheth is like one big, happy family.

The first thing I noticed about the MTC children is their ready smiles, which are profoundly and immediately contagious. These children are happy and they shine that light of love. This might seem unusual if you believe that because of their disability, they have less reason for being joyful. But their hearts are filled with the joy of Jesus, their songs and smiles praising God. It is humbling to see how much God has used them to reveal Himself. These children truly demonstrate the glory of God.

When I first met Amanquah, he could not even sit by himself, much less stand. Today he walks around the school grounds with his walker, but also is able to take steps without holding onto anything. He impressed everyone with the incredible, inexhaustible effort he mustered to climb up the slide, a strenuous and demanding task for him. And he went back and did it over and over again. The OT interns were ready for him to quit long before he was. His tenacity and strength of will in not allowing his physical challenges to limit his participation was inspiring.

Last year, Watala often wandered around the school aimlessly. He was not able to follow directions or complete tasks without constant supervision. This year, he proudly performs many tasks for the school, such a fetching buckets of water for cooking, or taking out the garbage and running other errands within the school grounds.
Little Ebenezer (Ebe) learned to dress himself this year. Now he will concentrate on those small fasteners. Since he had surgery on his legs last year, he rarely needs to "walk on his knees" unless, of course, he is at the beach without his walker. He loves school and is always raising his hand to answer questions posed by the teacher. He is one of the youngest students at school, but one of the most active participants.
Last year, Benjamin could not speak, and he was frustrated and unhappy. He would hit other students, a misdeed that got him into trouble. Though verbal communication is still difficult, he is now trying to repeat words said to him. He needs extra time, but eventually can say one- and two-syllable words.
Augustina was barely able to stand last year for more than 5 minutes. This year, she surprised everyone by how much endurance she demonstrated in walking the 2-mile hike into the center of Ankamu village to participate in the parade at the Independence Day celebration. She actually said she enjoyed "working out" to strengthen her quadriceps. She also learned how to hand-stitch with thread and needle, and was so proud of the little pillow she made for herself.
Maame Ama (Grace) barely made eye contact last year and was also not able to stay seated, pay attention, or follow directions. This year, she was making eye contact and imitating words spoken to her. She loves music, singing, and actively participates with hand gestures to the songs. This year she learned how to do handstands against the wall with the interns and loved it!
Zinebu is no longer afraid of "Abrunis" (white people) and loves the attention from everyone. She is talking more, dressing herself and especially loves bath time. She is one of the schemers of the group. so you always have to be on your toes around her. She is good at instigating mischievous activity.
Little Paa Kwesi learned this year how to bring his hand to his mouth. A lollipop that was placed into his splinted hand was the prime motivator for the hour-long effort. We praise God for his perseverance. His ready and bright smile of success was our reward.
Albert likes to take care of everyone. He is smart and clever. After being prevented from advancing from preschool for 5 years because he could not legibly write the answers he knew to be correct on the government examination, he is now in a school that is challenging him academically. He is a fast learner and is now able to read and do math.
Last year Ernest was not very sociable. He would kick others or ignore them. He did not respond when anyone called his name. He did not like to share and would cry if he did not get his way. This year, he is a different child, who is responsive and playful. What's more, he has learned that sharing can be fun, and as a result, is enjoying school. He has made friends and now likes to help others. What a transformation!
Ato is now able to stay at school all morning - a great improvement from several years ago when he could not stay seated longer than 3 minutes. He likes to do chores. His favorite is collecting the dishes after each meal and has therefore become the reliable helper in cleaning up after meals. He still has that glint in his eye that makes you wonder what he is really thinking!
Isaac cried most of the time last year. He was new to the school, did not have friends, and did not have a wheelchair that fit him. Now he is often laughing with the other children. He knows all their names and has made many friends.
Paul is one of the "big guys" in the school and appears to take his role seriously. The other children tend to look up to him, and he enjoys being a role model for them. Despite his significant disability, he is quite independent. He is highly motivated to participate in school.
Franklina loves to write and draw, even though it is not easy for her to grip the crayon or pencil. She loves to sing and knows all the songs that she has been taught at Sunday school. She will accompany any song with drum beats by using any tool or surface she can reach. She recently told her family that she learned at Mephibosheth that everyone needs to brush his or her teeth twice a day. Her enthusiasm and hard work ethic to try to master self-care activities and be as independent as possible is endearing and admirable.
Linda is more attentive and alert, unlike last year when she was easily distracted. She now pays attention to her tasks. She is actively participating in school and classroom activities and has learned to recognize letters and is beginning to recognize words. Linda continues to be independent-minded, a gift from God that will certainly help her in the future.
Don't let Gifty's tough, seemingly indifferent attitude fool you. It is just a facade to prevent you from noticing her sensitive, sentimental, and vulnerable personality. As one of the older female residents, she continues to be a tremendous support, helping the younger children with dressing, bathing, and other routine activities. She also helps the staff with cooking and cleaning. She attends Mephibosheth School every day, the first opportunity she has had in her life to participate in an educational program.
Richard, Theo, Veronica, and Gideon were new students, whom I met for the first time this year. They all seem to have quickly learned the routine, have adjusted well, and have been accepted into the Mephibosheth family. I am looking forward to going back to Mephibosheth Training Centre again next year to see how they are progressing with some of their goals:

Richard might be using more sign language
Gideon might be brushing his teeth by himself - with or without his new splint.
       Theo and Veronica might become
more independent in dressing themselves.

Joe and Andrea Jehu-Appiah continue to give their hearts to these children and their families and continue to be open to God's lead as they see every challenge as a blessing from Him. They are hard working and their commitment to serve God by serving His children is a huge beacon of light in the darkness around them. Together with the vision Mehphibosheth Ministry founder Mary Jane Ponten has for children with disabilities in Ghana, lives are being changed and true hope is being revealed. May God continue to bless this ministry.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Nakasuji
Director
Occupational Therapy Program
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
This is Godsway who dreams of becoming a doctor.