Author: Shannon McClain

  • How Does a Butterfly Eat an Elephant?

    How Does a Butterfly Eat an Elephant?

    The truth is, butterflies don’t eat elephants, but they do catch our eye and our imagination. When we started our project to support St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage, we had a very minimal understanding of their operating budget. We couldn’t see the whole elephant but we felt that the need required…

  • The Feast of St. Bakhita

    The Feast of St. Bakhita

    Eleven years ago on the Feast Day of St. Bakhita (8 February), Peter founded the St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage. His goal was to protect vulnerable girls from becoming victims of prostitution, child marriage, and other dangers. The girls celebrated the anniversary on the weekend of the 10th. So, who was…

  • São Tomé: Relaxation and Tasting Trepidation on the Mountain

    São Tomé: Relaxation and Tasting Trepidation on the Mountain

    I have a tendency to over-schedule vacations. I have to make a conscious effort to build in down-time. We need to relax and enjoy a place instead of rushing from one experience to the next. When I planned our trip to São Tomé, I consciously built in nothing time –…

  • St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage: The Origin

    St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage: The Origin

    The origin story of the St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage. We sat down with Peter to here why he started the orphanage and how it began.

  • Gift of the Butterfly Calendar Year 2023 Report for the St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage Project

    Gift of the Butterfly Calendar Year 2023 Report for the St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage Project

    The following is Calendar Year 2023’s financial summary for the project to fund St. Bakhita Foundation Orphanage.  Distributed Donations Paid for: Outstanding Bills: Known Bills due in January: Planned January Expenditures:

  • The Santa Network for the Win!

    The Santa Network for the Win!

    My husband might doubt the existence of Santa Claus, but he is profoundly grateful for the efforts of our neighbors, family and friends – the Santa Network – for their donations, prayers and well wishes during the holiday season.  What We’ve Done We received pledges from 34 friends and family…

  • São Tomé: A Mountain Paradise Divulges its Colonial Past

    São Tomé: A Mountain Paradise Divulges its Colonial Past

    10 April 2023. When we discovered that we would be moving to Accra, Ghana, one of the first places we put on our travel wishlist was São Tomé and Principé. The tiny archipelago sits just north of the equator in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Gabon. Because…

  • A Walk Through Old Osu

    A Walk Through Old Osu

    26 April 2023. Sometimes the best adventures are last minute decisions. I have not explored Accra or Ghana as much as I would like. I could make plenty of excuses, but it’s a waste of time and space. I’d rather just resolve to do better. Knowing this, and rested from…

  • The Paradox of Accra: Tranquil Gardens and Teeming Markets

    The Paradox of Accra: Tranquil Gardens and Teeming Markets

    10 Feb 2021. We’ve been in Accra, Ghana for just over a month now. Carlton is settling in to his job at the Embassy. Isaiah is settling in to life at school – under strident protest. And I am getting things set up at the house and working on expanding…