Kluma Andor Dorfor: The Hands and Feet

Today was our service day in Kluma Andor Dorfor village, and without question, the most touching day of the trip. We began the morning in prayer, grounding ourselves in the understanding that we were not arriving as saviors, but as servants. That we were being the hands and feet of God, answering prayers that had been lifted for a long time.

After another long bus ride, about three hours, we finally arrived. Before the bus even came to a stop, I could hear drums. I looked out the window and saw people dancing, smiling, and clapping in pure joy. I became so antsy, counting the seconds until I could get off the bus. The moment my feet touched the ground, I joined them. I couldn’t stop dancing. It felt instinctive, natural, like I was home.

I hugged older women who held me close as if they’d known me forever. I held hands with little children, laughing as we all shared one small white toy car, passing it back and forth, completely content. We didn’t need much. We were just happy together.

The village welcomed us with a ceremony filled with song, dance, and prayer, celebrating the clean water they were receiving thanks to our partnership with Hope for Ghana. Then we walked to the river where they had previously collected water. It was heavy. The water was dark, murky, and stagnant, thick with mud and debris. The banks were slick and uneven, and the air felt dense as insects hovered over the surface. This was the water used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Seeing it was painful to witness, knowing this was the only option for so long.

We walked back to the new well, cut the ribbon, and began filling cups. Clear, clean water pouring out for the first time. Watching villagers drink, smile, and celebrate was overwhelming in the best way.

Afterward, we partnered with Samaritan’s Feet to distribute shoes. We washed feet, spoke

words of love, and placed new shoes on children and adults alike. I reflected on John 13:14-15, when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” In that moment, it all made sense. Service isn’t symbolic, it’s tangible. It’s humbling. It’s love in action.

Earlier that day, before arriving at the village, we toured the Samaritan’s Feet warehouse, where we saw the very shoes we would later distribute being made. Watching the process, from production to purpose, made the moment in the village even more powerful. 

After the distributions, we simply played. Dancing. Laughing. Teaching each other moves. Taking selfies. Hugging over and over again. I didn’t want to leave.

As we boarded the bus and pulled away, I waved out the window until the village disappeared from view. It felt like leaving family. That day changed me. Kluma Andor Dorfor will always be a part of my heart. A reminder that love, when put into action, can change everything.

Read about Day 4