Till's Beach

Ah, vacations. Usually earned, this one was a gift! After only being here in Accra for one month, we were able to join 20 adults (plus kids) for 3 days at Till's Beach Hotel. Part way down the road to Cape Coast, this little place was a great quiet spot to make new friends and soak up sun.
For a few years now, a group of missionary families has met at the Beach to relax and encourage. This year the group held new faces, ours included. It was wonderful to hear how the other families are settling in and reaching out. It was especially encouraging to us since two of the famlies are only a few months less new than we are!
I'm wishing now I had bothered everyone with a group photo!
Audrey & Ron were in charge of the details. Each day ended with a time of worship, reflection & games for adults and the little ones. American snacks like gummy candy and caramel popcorn were eaten with delight. They took care of everything from what everyone was charged correctly for their rooms, making sure they made breakfast for 4 less people, not 4 people, procuring a fridge for our room, & bringing extra eggs. Yes, bringing extra eggs. Last year not all had breakfast since the eggs "are finished" before everyone was served. This year the chips (fries) were finished before the buffet even began. And the man who went to buy salad never returned. That did shorten the buffet a bit. :)

The beach was a good one. Though there were rocks to climb on, the main beach was perfect for swimming and wave jumping. The waves were stonger than the children were used to, but they soon loved being knocked over and tumbled about by the shallow surf. Elle was getting up her nerve and was taken out by a wave. She came up sputtering salt water and stayed latched my leg for awhile. ;
These days I hear "no" leaving my mouth often. Not your toy, not your room, not your drink. The Bontragers share like champs, but there is only so much 7 children can share! It was a relief to have so much space to run, jump and splash. I will admit as well, that a few days of blue skys, coconut palm framed views, hot sun & laughter were a relief to me as well. Well...the sky & the laughter may be the same here in Pokuase, but the vacation spirit made all the difference.

We packed our American expectations on this trip. Let's just say we repacked them securely after the fridge quit working (just after it turned on), the air conditioner gave only tepid puffs & the ceiling fan sped up and slowed down at will. As you can tell, we still think about being hot & sweaty. :)

This line up was enjoying games organized by the girls from Living Hope. Thanks!

Breakfast was provided both days. The setting in an open sided pavilion just up the hill from the beach was beautiful! Best part: real butter. The worst part: instant coffee. How bad could it be, you say? Bad enough. I only had 2 cups. ;)))

Mylo, this is for you. Max is drinking Milo ( said Meelo). Giggles all around. It is a hot chocolate type drink the children enjoyed sloshing in every morning.

Saturday we left Till's Beach for a 45 minute drive to the Groff Farm. We were able to leave thanks to the strong backs of three employees as we jump started the truck. Never easy, always exciting.

We are also adjusting to a new way to travel. First they poke, tickle and giggle. Then they poke, pinch and cry. Then they fall asleep. Such sweet sleep. ;0

Max was so excited to see where Elliot lives..he kept asking just how long we were going to stay. We made it there with no trouble, parked beside a coop of sassy chickens & got a tour of the best little start up this side of Africa. Some bias here, folks, just join me! Groffs.us tells the rest of the story. Miss Juanita is always posting something amazing! We enjoyed our introduction very much and are excited to return and try our hand at weekend farming! I hear no complaints from a few little people of mine about tractors, wagons, tools & Juanita's tasty cooking. Good friends are even more special this side of the Atlantic. Thanks, Elliot, for sharing all those toys and even your bed!

As we begin our fifth week, we continue to choose patience about moving & peace about all the ways we need to settle in. But the children are still showing beach delight in sandy scalps and handfulls of shells. They delight in recounting how they jump the waves and dig, dig, dig in the sand. And I am delighting in the joy of a rested spirit and God's gift of friendship. It is more than enough.