Going To Ghana 2012
It’s true!! It’s true! The Signing Time Foundation is partnering with Signs of Hope International for a ten day humanitarian mission to spend time with, support, and do service projects for the deaf students in deaf residential schools.
We will be leaving the second week in January, yes time for all of those fun immunization shots again 
Right now there is a team of nine that are going. You will see all kinds of fun and crazy fundraising opportunities coming your way, I am sure something will speak to you. In our fundraising efforts we will be paying the tuition for 9 deaf Ghanaian children to attend the deaf institution. We will also be providing these students with their school supplies for the year.
Plus, what great timing!! It’s almost the end of the year and I am sure there are folks who could use a tax deductible write-off (Yes, The Signing Time Foundation is a 501C3) so empty the coins out of your couches, and ask the organizations that you work for if they would be willing to chip-in. It’s a good thing for some of the most forgotten children.
When we went to Ghana three years ago, I was surprised how many people thanked us for our willingness to actually get on the plane and go, and they said it was something they would never do, but they were happy to make a donation and stay safely at home:) Don’t you just love the honesty?
Going to Ghana in 2008 altered me deeply. I recognized what a “consumer” I was. These deaf children had two outfits and one pair of shoes and that was it. When I returned home, I sat down on the floor of my walk-in closet and wept. In Ghana if you are chubby or fat it is a sign of wealth. You are only lean if you are poor. You are lean because you are hungry and you are doing manual labor and running from one place to another. You are lean because there is no excess. I tried to imagine the Ghanaian children’s response to seeing me running on a treadmill to lose weight, how absurd it might occur to them. Going to Ghana in 2008 gave me the first glimpse of the possibility of transforming my own life and my own body. I promised myself that when I returned I would not be seen as “rich, lazy, and comfortable.”
Leah was also altered when she returned from Ghana in 2008. As soon as we landed in Salt Lake City she declared, “I love my family! I love my school! And I love my country!” She was able to see how blessed she really is just to be born a deaf female in the United States.
Whether you give a lot or a little, it will make a difference. So many of the children were just happy to have a hug and someone to sign with, happy to have others who understand them.
You can make a difference right now by donating through paypal right here: (If you can’t see the chip-in widget, just refresh the page. If you still don’t see it, you can click the paypal donate button) Even small actions can cause huge reactions. Please spread the word and join us in our commitment to put communication in the hands of all children of all abilities.
~Rachel Coleman
Tags: Africa, Deaf schools, Ghana, Signing Time Foundation, Signs of Hope International, SOHI
November 18th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
I think I just got to be the first to contribute through this channel!
I look forward to the pictures and stories from the upcoming trip!
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November 18th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
I would love to dontate but i really can’t afford it so I will be praying for you.
Looking forward to the pictures and stories
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November 18th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Thanks Lane and Amanda:) I feel like I have to say, when I gave the fabric to the dressmakers I expressly requested that the circular pattern run down the CENTER of the dress, LOL I didn’t want to look all “Hootery” oh well, not like I’m going to fly across the world and demand a refund.
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Annie Hall Eckblad Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Hi Rachel,
I’m from Minnesota, but grew up in Accra,Ghana. I am delighted to hear that you are going. I wonder if you are going to visit New Horizon school in Accra, which is a school for kids with disabilities. My son, Ian has Down syndrome and has mild-moderate hearing loss. We all love your DVD’s and have been to one of your shows. Everyone I know who has seen your show loves it! Lots of people from my Ds support group watch your DVD’s and go to your concerts. Thanks for making learning signing fun! Best wishes on your trip to my old homeland! Take care, Annie
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Autumn Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 7:59 am
Hahahahaha! Rachel, your dress is gorgeous, you look like a queen, and not ‘hootery’ at all. What is emphasized is your defined neckline and waist, and the repeated pattern of the skirt and headpiece just draw the eye up and away too. Really. It works. Beautiful dress! Don’t give it another thought except for thinking you look beautiful in it! (Trust me, my degree is in visual arts!)
Hopefully, the above will bolster your appreciation of the dress a bit – now I’m going to add to your fund a bit –
Best of luck on your adventure!
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connie hall Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Trust me, from my years in Africa I know they don’t even know the definition of hooter. And they won’t think a thing of it.
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November 18th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Is there an opportunity to donate actual goods? clothing, books, toys, etc?
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
I wish there was, there are a number of problems with bringing actual goods, 1 we would have to bring the exact amount in correct sizes for each child or else a riot occurs. I had suggested that we do a soccer cleat drive because so many of the high school boys share 1 pair of shoes among 2 players, but I was advised against it. Also the headmaster often comes and collects anything that was distributed to the students and uses it for their family, which blows my mind, but is culturally appropriate there.
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November 18th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I wish I learned sign language and be able to go to Africa for such a great cause. Stephanie choose to learn sign language so maybe next time you go I will send her. I am very proud of you guys!
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November 18th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
donation sent. Thank you for changing the world.
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Thank you for donating!
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November 18th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
I am so excited to be a part of the group this time. Thank you to all who have and will donate, you have helped make this dream of mine a reality!
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Leanna Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
I can’t wait to see yours & Ellie’s faces included in the next set of pics! I know you both will also be changed/touched! I only wish I could go with y’all!!
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November 18th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
You and the whole Signing Time family are truly amazing!! Y’all make a huge difference ALL OVER the world!! Have fun, learn from them (you educate them…yet they teach you more, I think! ;D)and come back and share!!
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November 19th, 2011 at 3:07 am
love what you are doing! love your dress!
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November 19th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Think wise owl, not hootery!
Donated and can’t wait to follow the adventures of the group.
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Thank you Leigh! We have submitted for our visas and next I just need to pick up malaria pills for all- the adventure has already started!
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November 19th, 2011 at 10:11 am
You guys are amazing. It will be another great trip for sure. Can’t wait to hear all about it. The LaGrecas support your efforts (and a bit jealous of you all… Wish I were sitting next to you guys on the plane).
Have a safe trip!!
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November 19th, 2011 at 11:42 am
I may not be able to donate with my debit card (I’ll try, but my dad wants me to keep a certain amount of money in the account), but I’m GoodSearching for ya!
I’ll also tell people I know to donate.
I love that you guys get to go to Ghana. I wish I could go with you!
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November 19th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Questions about the vaccinations: Which ones require boosters, and how often? I’d like to do some world travel myself and would like to get the shots far enough in advance to not make it a last minute scramble. But close enough to not need the shots all over again when the time comes.
How much do the shots typically cost and how do we find someone to administer them? I asked my doc and he just mumbled something vague about travel medicine.
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
It depends on which country you are visiting. We go to an international travel clinic and they look up Ghana and let us know what we need and on what schedule
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connie hall Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
I have also gotten information through the local health clinic for my travels.
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November 19th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Have a amazing, stupendous, remarkable, sensational trip! Watch out for crocodiles (alligators?) and braids!
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 12:03 am
Crocodiles for sure! Leah said, “I’ll get braids, but just with my own hair, the fake hair is what itches.”
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November 20th, 2011 at 1:24 am
Will you be flying (landing) in South Africa at all? I know some people have a connecting flight at Oliver Tumbo Airport in Johannesburg.We would love to come and meet you!!
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 12:02 am
We only have on stop before Accra and that is JFK. Bummer!
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November 23rd, 2011 at 8:18 am
YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!
Wow. I am loving the dress and headwrap, as well as this wonderful cause. I, for one, would rather be one of those people on the plane with you than sitting behind at home. What an amazing experience!
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November 25th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Hi,
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We would be honored if we could republish your blog RSS feed in our new Family category.
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December 4th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
I can’t wait to read all about this trip and am very happy that you are able to go again. Who are the 9 that are going?
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Rachel Coleman Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Rachel, Aaron, Leah, Ronai, Ellie, Pablo, Carissa, Jennifer, & Curry
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December 8th, 2011 at 12:29 am
Curry suggested that this year we simply skip the paddle boats and just swim across crocodile infested waters. I think not.
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December 8th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
My husband has gone on medical mission trips to Ghana the last two Januarys, and he will be heading over there again on January 26, 2012–probably about the time you return from Ghana. We have been signing time fan for over 5 years, but I had no idea you were doing anything in Ghana. I am planning to order some pins.
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December 30th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
you will be welcome to come and stay o
n the land at kpone tema ghana we do not have water or electricity, it is 1and a half acres that as been bought by 1 of our friends in the uk ,for the disabled and less fortunet we serve the local community the best way we can , we have over 80 children regisered at the sunday school and of course none of them have a proper home to live in , i will be going back to ghana around the 20th january and we are going to send another 40ft container with the disabled equipment that we get through recycling here in the uk , if you want to know more contact me , together we can make a change , happy new year and blessings be with you always mavis hyde desouk.org
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January 4th, 2012 at 12:00 am
Hi Rachel,
I’ve only recently figured out who you were, despite using your Baby Signing Time flashcards (the Potty Time Android app is what put a name to a face and led me to your blog). Thanks for the excellent products.
Good on you for going to Africa. I’d love to do some tangible humanitarian work.
I was disappointed to see the progress you’ve made on donations, so I’ve just tried to give your campaign a little more visibility. I’ve also donated, and put in a gift match request with my employer.
Best of luck with the trip.
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January 6th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
I love the dress and I love what you are doing!!!! Don’t ever stop doing it. If I could do more now, I would. I can’t wait for the day I can donate more time to causes close to my heart! Keep up the good work
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January 14th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
A couple days ago I contributed to your trip. You said that anyone contributing $50 or more would get an autographed picture and a letter. My family is very excited about your trip and about hearing from you. I was wondering if you could make the letter out to my daughter. Her name is Brenda Scott. I think my name on the donation is Malorie Hawkins in VA. Thank you so much for all you do. Have safe travels,
Malorie and Brenda
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