You haven’t seen much of me lately. January’s been a very busy month … working, travelling across the province, sneaking in a few moments with friends and family.
And now, as I procrastinate packing, the reality of leaving for Africa is finally setting in. In a mere 13 hours I will be leaving to volunteer in The Gambia for three weeks. Assuming technology is in my favour, I hope to post updates and possibly photos from time to time.
Thank you for all your well-wishes, prayers and financial support for the project. I couldn’t do this without you! Have a wonderful February … stay warm … and I’ll talk with you soon.
I’m off to Africa this February with CVM. If you are interested, we’re still looking for some funds for the projects described below. (Click here for more info on giving to CVM … this is project CVM008)
Of course, your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
(Send me a note if you would like email updates.)
Royal Victoria Hospital Construction Project ($5000)
We will be constructing shelving for the hospital central pharmaceutical stores. Additionally, we will be brightening up the walls with a little fresh paint on a number of hospital wards.
Treated Mosquito Netting ($1000)
The center for malnourished children is in desperate need of new treated mosquito nets for the children. Malaria is the leading cause of death for children in the developing world and is largely preventable. We will be helping Sisters of Charity refurbish and replace old mosquito nets.
YWAM Discipleship Training School ($2500)
In addition to teaching a portion of the lecture phase, we have been asked to assist the all-African group to help cover the costs of the school. Cost covers books and housing.
Tags:
africa,
charity,
Construction,
CVM,
fundraise,
gambia,
hospital,
Malaria,
mosquito nets,
support,
YWAM Category:
gambia
Oculus Dei means “Eye of God.” If I am able, I hope to use my photography to help me, and others, see the world the way God sees it. I hope to be an advocate of the poor, the orphaned, the abused and neglected, those displaced by war and famine and other tragedies. Our Western eyes are often quite capable of scanning over scenes like the ones described above, but if we were to see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps we would not overlook those in the nooks and crannies.
But, the oculus dei is also a technical term from architecture. In ancient cathedrals and other structures, the walls needed to be solid enough to support the weight of the roof or dome. This didn’t leave much room for windows, so to provide light, an opening was left in the ceiling. This Eye of God provided illumination for the worshipers below. It is my hope that my photography will serve in such a way: illuminating, shining light on those we might be able to over look, or who are invisible to us, because they are living in the shadows of our world.
Greg Kendall-Ball
I wrote about Matthew five years ago. Matthew is one of my many, many cousins. He also has Down Syndrome. I have heard people describe how some cultures view individuals with Down Syndrome as being a divine miracle, having vast spiritual insight, being revered by the entire community.
This weekend one of my other many cousins got married. I spent a good portion of the evening sitting back and watching their friends on the dance floor. But then there was Matthew, dancing with the rest of them, joyfully happy to be part of the crowd.
This evening I received a phone call from my father. Matthew is in the hospital with sepsis and pneumonia. The doctors say it does not look good; prayer might be the only option at this point. I found it hard to believe that the same person I Saturday night had taken such a drastic change in less than forty-eight hours.
I am left with possibly saying goodbye to the only person who may have been able to see God so perfectly.
