Full Measures of Blessing

Our week started off in a lovely way. We visited Kinder Paradise in Pram Pram, a little over an hour away, to take part in their church service. Several young women from the home led us in worship. They included Darlene Zschech's Let the Peace of God Reign & Blessed be the Name of the Lord into the many songs they sang. It was beautiful and lifted our spirits to worship with these children and their caregivers. I have much to learn about God being my strong tower, while for many of these young people His name is their only refuge.Our only distraction was the long line of handsome boys and sparkly eyed girls circling the front of the room, clapping, dancing and singing praise to God.
While their lunch was being prepared in the outdoor kitchen ( I wanted to take a look! It included open fires, huge kettles & about 6 plastic tubs containing all kitchen tools.) the children joined us on the playground. The only playground in the area, to be sure. Steven has his arm around Max. He took Max with him to the children's class, made sure they had a turn with the football (soccer), and showed them all around. He would shout, "Come, Mas!". The letter "x" is hard for them to say! He also helped Rory climb the ladders and seesaw. We plan to attend once a month with Ron & Audrey. I wonder if Pastor Jon is on to give the message next month!:)

After the service we headed down the street to Comm-ci & the beach. Since there is no Ghanaian equivilant of the OCBP, stretches of beach are managed by businesses that charge about $1.50 per adult to enter and then have food & drink for sale. Audrey packed a classic picnic of tuna salad, veggies & , of course, chocolate chip bars. We bought spicy sausages on sticks and cold sodas to top it off. I was again thankful for my unpotty-trained 2year olds as the bathroom facilities that consist of a neck high wall & a trench. Enough said.

The beach was beautiful, the water cool, the rocks perfect for little boys & little girls. It was a delight!

We say again just how much Miss Andrea added to our first steps here. She gave it all as Auntie, entertainer, and friend. She even managed to bring out the firm hand of love for my rambuctious little guys. How we love her!

As I have encountered that milestone birthday this week, I am grateful for a lifetime of blessing. I'm grateful for grace given to me, in full measure, pressed down, shaken and overflowing! It is only out of this that I am now able to walk this path with Jon. While these gifts ultimately came from the Father, so many of you have been His hands in my life. Thanks, family, church family & dear friends. Every word of blessing, prayer & encouragment armour my heart against Satan's attacks of fear & discouragment.

We have left your shelter, but we take you with us in so many ways!

The Wild Gecko, a shop of local artisans, yielded this find for my birthday. Thank, Audrey, for your sneakiness. Thanks too to my sweet husband. :) The brown pottery was a gift was well. I look forward to these things making my house a home.

Anna, it reminded me of your tree of life tapestry and, because of that, reminds me of your steadfast & life-giving friendship.

To all of you who sent gifts with me: I could not endure any more of the sweet notes and thoughtful gifts! I need to spread the love out for a dry day here in Pokuase. You understand, I know you do. :)

Thanks again to Audrey for the chocolate cake with peanut butter icing! Thanks, Arielle, for the valentine!

Magistrate Court, Pokuase

We were able to visit our new home. Though still under construction, it is a place we will be excited to call home.

Missing you all as we learn to feel at home here...:)

Jet lag and shopping wore Rory out.

Naptime for Elle & Jon. Thanks, Arielle & Kalli, for loaning us your room!

Our fearless sister and auntie taking a moment off between dishes, laundry & entertaining little ones.

Arrival

We arrived in Accra safely on Saturday morning and are settling in at the Bontragers while we await the construction on our house to be completed. The children are loving hot sun, flip flops, cool showers and homemade pizza. Although hot, the weather is a relief from all that snow and cold in Pennsylvania. The story is clearly told in the amount of water we drink and our red, sweaty faces.

We enjoyed a Sunday morning service in the village of Kotaku. We walked through the village after the service. They experienced " helping" a women pump her water at the village pump, having some girls rub Rory's hair, and chasing a few goats.

We've been able to get a preview on our new residence, just around the corner from Ron & Audrey. We are excited to have a picture of where we will be and, God willing, we will host a few of you. How many times I see things and wish to have it be seen by all those we love at home. I will just have to be a faithful witness so you all can take this journey with us. :)

Many are the plans in the mind of man...

...But it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

We have been planning. Lists upon lists of things coming, things going and things to be completed.Many apply to the ending of our life as country folk in Hopeland, and even more to our coming life in the suburbs of Accra.

This new beginning has sprung from many endings. We are calling this ending bittersweet. To the little white and green house in Hopeland, we say a fond farewell. To our lineup of parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends, we say an even more fond farewell. Your kindness to us and your prayers on our behalf have spurred us onward.

Our Father has begun a new work in us and, as we all know, when the new comes the old must go. Our new year has begun with no small expectations of what will come. We expect painful growth in our spirits. For truly this light affliction carries an eternal weight of glory. ( Yes, sisters, leaving you is an affliction!) Trust will grow as we learn to trust the Father for daily needs. We expect joy in new found relationships and even greater joy in finding Him faithful.

The house sold. Against all odds. Even the realtor called it a miracle. We were prepared to rent, as we were down to less than a month til takeoff and no buyers had worked out. We were, with difficulty, trusting that God was faithful and still guiding the circumstances even though the house was still in our hands. God has taken it off of our hands and I am joyful to say we were able though His grace be cheerful givers.

Prayers are appreciated as we travel to JFK on Friday the 4th and will be in the air by 5pm. Let the adventure begin!