Tuesday, years in the making. A dream comes true

Today, Tuesday, June 12, 2019, has been years in the planning. The students and staff of St. Thomas Aquinas Preparatory School, Wiaga  have been waiting for this day for a very long time. It all started with a dream. A dream of an education opportunity for students, a school. That dream turned into the construction of the Primary school, a food distribution program, and educational opportunities for many. Now, there is a Junior high building under construction which will easily double the student body population. It started from 17 students to 117 students. This was Thomas Awiapo’s dream. 

Today marked the official inauguration and blessing of this school and the staff’s hard work and dedication has paid off. I knew I was the guest of honor, but I had no idea what was in store for me. There were chairs under canopies for over 200 to view. Thomas’s wife, Felicia, son Melvin, and daughter Lindy came. A representative from the village chief came as well as representatives from the local diocese. 

The children were so excited to see me. There were musicians and dancers from a local cultural group and others from an adjacent school performed traditional dances. Mass finally began and the children sang, When the Saints Go Marching in. Once again I was welcomed to this event and witnessed a beautiful celebration.   They finally called me up as Thomas told people of his dream. He told everyone of my mothers dream as well. There was a piece of silk over an area near the office with a ribbon. I took the scissors and with the pastor I cut the ribbon to see the plaque that would bring tears to eyes. The plaque was honoring the Reardon Family in their support of the building and continuing education of this school. I was moved. The school had officially been blessed and Thomas’s dream was a reality. 

I had the privilege of witnessing many dances, traditional and modern, by the students led by one teacher, Benedictine. I knew they had practiced hard because I heard the music yesterday when I had to stay in hiding. This was all wonderful to see. 

I also received a nice speech from Thomas on behalf of the school receiving a couple honorable gifts. Afterwards, I had to make a speech. As a representative of the Reardon family, I read messages of thanks and gratitude from my parents. I then told everyone how happy I was to be here and what an honor this was.  I also told them of another family member, Aunt Carolyn who bonded with Thomas immediately. I told the villagers how Auntie Caroline as he pronounces is watching over Wiaga from above and gave the school the gift of her portrait. She will always be watching over St. Thomas Aquinas. 

This day was amazing but far from over, refreshments were served and everyone enjoyed this day. Much music and dancing were being played, even trying to get me to dance. 

What a truly wonderful honor it was to be a part of. The evening was a nice relaxing, celebratory one at Thomas’s for dinner, beers, and watching Ghana in the African Cup of Nations tournament.

I can honestly say this was one of the best days of my life. 

(Pics will follow these posts as the signal gets better)