The Sweetest Faces of Ghana

April 2026

 

I loved this artwork hanging in the mission home. I had never seen this particular picture before, but something about it stirred a deep love inside me.

The children in Ghana were absolutely adorable. They were curious about us and sometimes brave enough to say hello, come touch us, or hold our hands. Then they would squeal and run away. Most of the children were in school during the day, but we learned that some have to stay home while their families save enough money for uniforms or school supplies.

While we were visiting one of the villages, a little group of children followed us for about a block. One girl, who looked to be about five years old, had a paper bill clutched tightly in her hand. I playfully reached over and tugged on it, but she quickly pulled her hand away. I immediately felt a little bad because I could tell she had probably been given strict instructions to keep it safe.

She told me the money was for water. In Ghana, small plastic bags of drinking water can be purchased from the little shops.

Of all the children I interacted with during our trip, only one ever asked me for anything. She asked if I had any water. I didn’t, and at that moment I was separated from Brian and Parker, who had the money. I still feel badly that I wasn’t able to help her.

I think Parker was especially happy to hold this little guy—particularly since holding children wasn’t something he was allowed to do as a missionary.

The children seemed to have so little, yet they also seemed happy and resourceful. Some were playing with old tires. I remembered a picture Parker had sent home during his mission of a child playing with a sardine can that had tiny wheels attached to turn it into a car.

At one school, the children were playing in an enclosed dirt courtyard. When they saw us, they ran up the stairs to a window so they could wave. We were every bit as happy to see them—to smile, wave, and say hello—as they were to see us.

I also loved watching the women carry their babies on their backs while they worked. This little guy was Edmund, our driver’s son.

At the bus station, we saw two tiny babies nestled close to their beautiful mothers.

And this sweet little doll was blessed in Accra on the Sunday we attended church.

The children were a sweet and memorable part of our time in Ghana. Their curiosity, big brown eyes, and simple happiness found a permanent place in my heart.