Friday, March 30, 2012

Journey in Ghana to Aburi and botanical gardens


On the home front Joy's heart checked out perfect.  A really nice pediatric cardiologist listened to her heart and had an echo cardiogram done.  The echo revealed her repaired PDA which needs no further evaluation unless she has symptoms.  He said her large scar on her back may cause some discomfort if she runs a lot just from the pulling of scar tissues nothing to do with her heart.    We are so blessed she had her life saving heart surgery as an infant in Ghana.  Next week we have many appointments lined up while the kids are spring break, so hopefully Elise will come with us.  Joy likes it when Elise is with us.  On Wednesday we see an ENT and audiologist to confirm her hearing loss and sign off so she can receive hearing aides.  Then Thursday she will have her teeth cleaned and get two teeth filled .  We are hoping the laughing gas makes this an enjoyable experience for her.  Then Friday we will see the eye doctor.  One of the nicest men who makes the experience of getting one's eyes tested a breeze.  Sneha really liked him and had a positive experience.  Joy's vision seems perfect, but better to have it checked before she starts school.  Elise has been very pleased with her contacts and there ease of use since February.  We are very happy to have such great insurance since our move to Washington, it makes everything so much more stress free.    

On the school front Graedy is all signed up for high school which will include Spanish and guitar lessons.  Elise is continuing to play the flute and excels at it.  Elijah received the citizen of the month-all star student 2 months in a row at his school.  Sneha received student of the month at her school an ate lunch with the principal.  Joy will begin school after spring break at Elijah's school in an individualized program to help her jump start her formal learning.  She has a lot of catch up to do, but she is very bright and will endure all the changes and challenges.  I have tried teaching at home, but  it is a challenge since she is learning the role of family and parents.  I think she will do much better with a formal teacher at school.  The educators are trained in non-traditional learning and teaching with special needs.  I want home to be her place of family and relaxation away from the stress of the world.  I was hoping she would jump into kindergarten at home, but my most important role is teaching her family and values.  When Elijah came home he loved to practice letters, colors, and he soaked up all the knowledge he could, but I think with Joy's hearing deficit it makes things very frustrating especially new language,  and an entirely new and different life. Life in a convent was wonderful for her growing up to this point.  We are so grateful to the Sisters and Father Campbell for loving Joyce .                                                           















Cocoa pods


Palm lined drive



huge termite mound



huge trees



A great shot from Elise

Hibiscus



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