tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812672364305424902024-03-12T16:02:36.674-07:00Sauder's In GhanaSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-83458778643326078002014-04-13T01:27:00.000-07:002014-04-13T01:27:30.827-07:00sweeter than strawberry pie (Botanical Gardens edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somewhere along the Accra-Kumasi highway. The Cape Coast-Accra road. The George W. Bush motorway. The Adesio road. The Kwame Nkrumah Circle. The Kwabenya stop-n-go street. The Mallam Junction. The Asamankese road-of-pitfalls. And inside the walls of house #5 opposite the Pokuase Magistrate Court.<br />
We've grown taller and wiser. Sweated more and sang louder. Cleaned our ears and ignored our filthy feet. Ate more cucumbers and less cheese. Ran from fire ants and yet ate a few black ants for lunch in our noodles. Kick footballs harder and walked slower. Hollered "Hallo!" to every neighbor passed and softly end every phone conversation with "Okay, ByeBye." Bought yam and pepper for breakfast on the way to church and liked it better than an egg casserole. Are okay with Pas. Jon giving a 'something small' sermon and Mrs. Maame Sauder giving the closing prayer. <br />
And somewhere along those paths- and often the within our own walls- our love and forbearance and fortitude were multiplied. <br />
God does that. We were willing and not able. <br />
He is <em>altogether</em> able. Through Him we are closer, stronger and <em>sweeter</em> as a family. <br />
These pictures are not a vanity. They are reminders to us that though young feet keep growing, spirits young and old need renewed & surrendered to<em> keep</em> growing. <br />
That's a journey worth taking, pitfalls and all. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 1st Birthday, Leila! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Steph has served and loved and grown with us these last few months. Thankful for her! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>You're the only mosquito in my net. ;)</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks all around! </td></tr>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-56692141663646710482014-02-09T13:45:00.000-08:002014-02-09T13:45:11.222-08:00normal is not boring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know that last post? With all the church pictures, smiling kids and praying adults? Yah, that's not every day. </div>
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This folks, is my everyday. No dirty face edited. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Last year at this time, my downward view was a bump of a belly. This year my lap is full of a wiggling, grabbing, usually cheerful almost one-year-old. Thankful!!</span></em></td></tr>
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<em>Big brothers lovingly care for the youngest. And by care I mean removing the 'destroyer', as they affectionately call her, from their area of play. </em></div>
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<em>Little ones cannot resist getting into literally everything. Here she is busy shredding my cabbage.(If I'd've cleaned her hands and the cabbage, maybe that would actually be helping with supper prep. Ha.)</em><br />
<em> More likely is tasting the dog food and racing off with the toilet brush. How did she learn so quickly just what to do to get a reaction?!</em></div>
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<em>Sometimes the principal of Bright Child Academy needs to get involved if the morale of the students becomes one of despair due to adjectives and long division.</em></div>
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<em>As kindergarten is much less intense, we improve moral in other ways. ;)</em></div>
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<em>Campfire? Check. Hot dogs, roasting sticks, marshmallows and friends? Check. Something to do with the ashes the following day? Check! </em></div>
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<em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXnfzaB3qUNDHcjavSsLrItkYDBHVXZhAHPhbdCTipPCEhZOJkxlTeuCvsqkilTyxOmXWfj0YiNXfm0uJV0th7D9ktGqoFzzRgpG_SrwZRUa40acfkjzvbZOI7E2rlZRmpmAQ8EAutjE/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXnfzaB3qUNDHcjavSsLrItkYDBHVXZhAHPhbdCTipPCEhZOJkxlTeuCvsqkilTyxOmXWfj0YiNXfm0uJV0th7D9ktGqoFzzRgpG_SrwZRUa40acfkjzvbZOI7E2rlZRmpmAQ8EAutjE/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></em></div>
<em>Best news? We've got company. Stephanie, my niece, is here with us until our departure in April. She is serving us in so many ways and also helping 2 days a week at a local school/children's home. </em><br />
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<em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER_gXPU4N_0jRcR3sf1IpJuYr2mrYU2A3BPPOG60EV2j6_vUkTFrqsyJ9Z9Yb8bp9kjlMu71eCUjD5_hTfurlreVHiB3YKGxUgsQaNiKyMxLEFkqkuPXXleOhTVnYS9n7N3-n7SrJ_ow/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER_gXPU4N_0jRcR3sf1IpJuYr2mrYU2A3BPPOG60EV2j6_vUkTFrqsyJ9Z9Yb8bp9kjlMu71eCUjD5_hTfurlreVHiB3YKGxUgsQaNiKyMxLEFkqkuPXXleOhTVnYS9n7N3-n7SrJ_ow/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></em></div>
<em>And just in case I feel the need to prop my feet up, this is the view on the other side of the room. Can't say I'm looking forward to the cleaning, the packing, or the leaving but we are incredibly excited about being back in Pennsylvania in a few months. </em>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-36965665929036684882014-02-09T13:44:00.001-08:002014-02-09T13:44:12.439-08:003 years [ an anniversary ]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Though we've posted this shorthand on Facebook....</div>
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<em>Three years ago today we left on an adventure to Africa. The many experiences we went through changed us in so many ways. The people we had the privilege to meet, the food that we have eaten, the joys, the visitors, the teams, all equal an unforgettable journey. We are planning on leaving Ghana on April 15, and although it will be hard, we are also excited about the places God will take us next! Thanks for all your prayers and support, we couldn't do this without you</em>!</div>
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<em>And the children summed up this step in the journey this way: Rory shouts a "Yahoo!" complete with a happy dance, Elle folds her arms and declares, "I'm not going unless Sunny (the cat) is going," and Max buried his face in his arms and began to cry.</em> </div>
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Classic reactions, right? Denial, grief and bubbling (but unrealistic) joy. I am enjoying and challenged by the unvarnished view of life children take on. I learn from them speak the truth and (I pray) they're learning from me that the truth must include love. And interrupting your dad to ask when he'll be done preaching 'cause it's taking really long, though it may be true, is not okay!</div>
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(<em>Yes, that happened. It was a small village church and the small boy did tap Jon's leg until he leaned down to listen. Whoever thought I'd need to add 'Don't interrupt the preacher' to my list of church guidelines. )</em> </div>
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I wanted to post it here too. Life deserves so much more than a status update or a clever hashtag.</div>
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So many of you pray, give and love us both in the absence of updates and through long, inconvenient Skype calls. </div>
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Thank you. We consider each of you our partners in this work. </div>
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And now we have 8 weeks to catch every moment we can of this place that has become home and taught us so much. Just today, as I said a goodbye to one of our pastor's wife, we decided to say only 'See you later.' Goodbye didn't fit. Someday I'll rejoice beside her before the throne of the Almighty. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeAg8Sd6VA4yGVr4Jm6_JcDpRe_VO5n0NZVMh1cvC610NFR0cbWUDTnPAdoZ98kQupltixcMbViNb2MYIlXLQVSZNPmvRByXW-Hf7ESUSNvlerw0NDzk6Jh1ZwyNIZ87HWr1lf3onIcc/s1600/IMG_5618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeAg8Sd6VA4yGVr4Jm6_JcDpRe_VO5n0NZVMh1cvC610NFR0cbWUDTnPAdoZ98kQupltixcMbViNb2MYIlXLQVSZNPmvRByXW-Hf7ESUSNvlerw0NDzk6Jh1ZwyNIZ87HWr1lf3onIcc/s1600/IMG_5618.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church members at Ayaa, a farming community 27 km north of us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estern, a church elder and CFC Bible School student and Jon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPMpSaLjnBBo4ewQJRvCjD-In5YXL_dGhprpjC2UK1TD_qnNhTOStlkuOLAE8z-bkuFVRShT5zXx6p-o3Llb4iKtk_wwzasYhn5ni10v1gn7mKW8k_I4Toi2RxovleoUhF9H3_qHGcOY/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPMpSaLjnBBo4ewQJRvCjD-In5YXL_dGhprpjC2UK1TD_qnNhTOStlkuOLAE8z-bkuFVRShT5zXx6p-o3Llb4iKtk_wwzasYhn5ni10v1gn7mKW8k_I4Toi2RxovleoUhF9H3_qHGcOY/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village church bonus: exploring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ-ehJGqWFEdUJ9iUyrklBW6eBONopbonHhnxbjaLjjQiK6ZWNEw2EmZsp_ca5CUuyHWs-o3xZLkEEIXxHPRqUiKeeSo54l57teaWf_7KsJ5dX_VIBWM0-tX2SWZiFp-sWohntbNchrM/s1600/IMG_5700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ-ehJGqWFEdUJ9iUyrklBW6eBONopbonHhnxbjaLjjQiK6ZWNEw2EmZsp_ca5CUuyHWs-o3xZLkEEIXxHPRqUiKeeSo54l57teaWf_7KsJ5dX_VIBWM0-tX2SWZiFp-sWohntbNchrM/s1600/IMG_5700.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying over Pastor Samuel and his wife Grace as they begin to work in a new place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick snap before church for the church directory back in Pennsylvania. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWhT9o-9r0JBHrwFD1-DiOdG_kLgD1thdl8vGlrSc_Lr8JnFoz3anQF1nMCVTpaur4WJ-92TChn5Fwctmgdrbg-B8fa9wl2Lh8AlWNcI5tHEKNg7skajQJIwKZbXAnp4rhl9Tg-mqr8g/s1600/IMG_5670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWhT9o-9r0JBHrwFD1-DiOdG_kLgD1thdl8vGlrSc_Lr8JnFoz3anQF1nMCVTpaur4WJ-92TChn5Fwctmgdrbg-B8fa9wl2Lh8AlWNcI5tHEKNg7skajQJIwKZbXAnp4rhl9Tg-mqr8g/s1600/IMG_5670.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the sweet spirit and helpful hands of Stephanie, my niece. </td></tr>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-20991395037985108832013-12-16T14:07:00.000-08:002013-12-16T14:07:07.835-08:00Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgCDYp-O_GE-t9NZvMJ38bYb9yd1_o2sp8IP4iES9hCkDNfgUlkZQeTB5twnxDg0mrtaDh07QCR1ByawXN5J6CFXNd9pu2LhrffE0i1dlq4m69slO8d1Wp2evJ27L1D10-L13ljElkes/s1600/group+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgCDYp-O_GE-t9NZvMJ38bYb9yd1_o2sp8IP4iES9hCkDNfgUlkZQeTB5twnxDg0mrtaDh07QCR1ByawXN5J6CFXNd9pu2LhrffE0i1dlq4m69slO8d1Wp2evJ27L1D10-L13ljElkes/s640/group+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
On October 28th, twenty two energetic missionaries arrived in Accra to begin 12 days of intense evangelism and ministry, hailing from Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan. Although we had the obligatory missing bag and some excitement with immigration, we stuffed the truck and van with bags and the group jumped into the trotro we had rented for this special occasion. By then the group was quite weary and just wanted to return to the house for some rest.<br />
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<em>Isabel assists in eye exams and handing out reading glasses.</em></div>
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<em>Jaxon and his buddy Willard</em></div>
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<em>Drake, Jaxon, and Richmond at the Cape Coast Slave Castle</em></div>
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The rest of the days went by quickly, with much activity, late nights, and memorable experiences, including wading streams in the jungle to hand out tracts, providing glasses to people to help them read the Word, and worshiping God multi-culturally and joyously. Our ministry tasks included handing out 4000 tracts in Central Accra, 4 clinics, 6 crusades, and evangelism/tract distribution in the villages of Asamankese, Ayaa, and Kotoku. Many times the bus would arrive back to the house in the early morning hours, followed by supper and wrap-up. <br />
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This team did extremely well. The counselors were well prepared, honest, and sincere as they shared and prayed with the patients after the clinics. The testimonies that the team shared before the crusades and during group devotions were so good, and it opened hearts to hear the Gospel that followed. We had a couple of the men preach during the crusades, as well as the local pastor from each village. You can read more here: <a href="http://cfcint.com/newsandevents.html">http://cfcint.com/newsandevents.html</a><br />
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Another highlight was Sara's sister Mary, and three of her children Drake, Isabel, and Jaxon, were able to come and join us for this trip. Due to a visa application problem we were expecting them to come a few days later, but the Lord heard our prayers and the passports arrived the day before they left! They were able to stay a few days after the team, and we enjoyed touring Ghana a bit including a visit to the beach. Although very sad to see them go, we also hope that we will be seeing them again in a few months.<br />
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School at the Institute wrapped up on Thanksgiving day. Exams were over by 11 AM and the party was on, although the fufu was an hour late. We washed it down with cold minerals and some fresh chocolate cake, and after some words by the faculty and administration we sent the students out for the last time. Graduation commenced this past Saturday, and we sent them out to begin the ministries that God has called them to. <br />
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November 29 found me racing towards Accra at 6:15 AM, as my friend and mentor David Brubaker and his family were arriving to spend a few days in Ghana. It had been a while since I had travelled to Accra early in the morning, and found the traffic snarled most of the way. The normal 30 minute trip to the airport turned into a sweaty, almost two hour trek. When I finally ran into the arriving lounge it was after 8 AM. All was well though, since they were delayed in Nigeria and were scheduled to land at 8:45 instead of their original 7:20 arrival time. <br />
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I was excited because they were bringing, among other things, 6 desktop computers for our computer lab. Dutch Valley had donated them after hearing of our need for computers for our lab. And when I say he brought other things, I mean things like <em>STEAKS, HAMBURGERS, CHEESE, and TURKEY HILL ICE CREAM! </em>Ice cream here is made with plant fats. Seriously. So when we knew real, dairy goodness was on it's way, we couldn't even tell the kids. But all this was in jeopardy as immigration decided to take their pleasant time with filling out the paperwork for the computers. Since it was for the school and not personal items, we had to pay duty on the used office equipment. This process took quite some time and really was difficult for the little girls who had been up for 24 hours at that point. Thankfully we finally worked it all out and we were on our way by 11 AM.<br />
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<em>Lunch with Pastor Joseph, enjoying Lydia's famous fufu Sunday morning after church</em> </div>
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We had a busy trip planned with the Brubaker's, with the main event going to Mole National Park. I had always resisted the idea of cramming my family in the van for 13 hours and bouncing over the notoriously rough roads to see the elephants. But as the trip got closer I began to get very excited about going. We also asked if Richmond could go along, and after writing a note to his school headmaster explaining what we were doing and how it would be very educational, it was approved. We left at 5 AM Monday morning and after a slight detour we arrived at the park at 6 PM. We were very pleased to realize that the roads were vastly improved since the last time my coworkers had traveled them. As we drove in the driveway, with the sun setting, we saw several deer which made my day. After we checked into the "no-frills" motel room, we realized the pool was still open. We all hastily plunged into the cool water which washed all the accumulated dust off of our weary bodies.<br />
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Tuesday morning found us waiting to board our jeep at 7AM for the morning safari. We all climbed up on top, including our guide, for a total of 14 people. He carried an well-used rifle that appeared to have an old nail as the trigger. He said it was a .375 and was very powerful on elephants. He declined my offer to hold the gun, even after I explained I had a license. Oh well, I was also holding Leila so that may have contributed to his answer too. However, I wasn't too certain of his capabilities in stopping a charging elephant.<br />
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<em>The closest we got; elephant tracts.</em></div>
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<em>A beautiful brush buck</em></div>
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We drove around the park for a little over 2 hours. Our driver was new, and it appeared he couldn't hear very well, especially when the guide told him to stop. We saw lots of deer, including brush buck and kob, wart hogs, birds, and monkeys. We did not see any elephants, which was a bummer but in reality it is a toss up to seeing them. It helps to go over dry season, which forces the elephants to the pond in front of the motel. But dry season and Thanksgiving vacation do not line up, so we went when we could. The drivers of the various jeeps that were out communicated by phone if any elephant was spotted, so they must have been deeper in the forest. It was incredible to see the many varieties of animals, and we totally enjoyed the trip. Unfortunately the motel did not have a room for us the second night, so we left around noon and traveled back to Accra, arriving Wednesday morning at 1 AM. It was an uneventful trip, except for passing a truck which had no tail lights and the passenger in the front seat was shining a flashlight out the window for the headlights! Throughout the trip we traveled through 5 different regions of Ghana, and it was 601.4 km from the Mole parking lot to the Bible Institute.<br />
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<em>The motley crew</em></div>
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We also visited Cape Coast and spent a few memorable days with fellow missionaries. We had a blast with the Brubaker's and we hope they got a taste of African life. It was great for Elle to have 2 girls to play with again, and all the children enjoyed each other very much. We had a good time catching up, laughing, and making memories.<br />
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Since David works for Pure Test Lab, he took back several samples of water to test it's quality. After he tested our water we have discovered that we might as well be drinking from the gutter, as our filter is not cleaning the water sufficiently to safe drinking levels. It is really, really bad water. Although we haven't gotten blatantly sick off the water, we have switched to drinking bagged filtered water to eliminate all the extra bacteria we were consuming.<br />
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My niece Stephanie is coming in January to work with a children's home nearby and to travel home with us. Please pray for her as she prepares to come, and especially as she travels here. Thanks for your continued prayers for our safety, health, and spiritual well being. We couldn't do this without each one of you. God bless you!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-3221398061420483932013-12-16T03:27:00.002-08:002013-12-16T03:27:22.146-08:00The three (little) pigs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>After a very busy stretch here in Ghana, we are catching up on some of the highlights that have occurred. Please accept our apologies and allow us to catch up.</em> <br />
It is hard to count how many new experiences I've had in the last 3 years. And, yes, pig butchering was a first for us. While not squeamish, I can thank being raised on a chicken farm and trauma/post-op nursing for that, I will admit to being intimidated by three 175 pound dead swine that arrived on Jonathan Groff's truck bed from Cape Coast in late September.<br />
As the Groff's redistributed some of their farm wealth, a group of Accra friends were happy to benefit. Pork is eaten here. Most commonly eaten in our neighborhoods is the cleaned intestines chopped into stew, the organs & other miscellaneous parts. The larger cuts are for sale but I'm not yet brave enough to stop a truck full of random chopped animal parts if he has a few pork chops for sale. I could find some things for sale at the larger grocery stores in Accra, but the price is high and often the quality is low. <br />
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I can say we would <em>never</em> have tackled this in the States. Are there not professionals for this sort of chopping and dismembering? And shouldn't we worry about life threatening bacteria and contamination? <br />
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Our friends, Mattie and Irvin Rudolph & Jonathan Groff, have butchering experience. We followed along and tried to be helpful. After removing the entrails, they needed to be skinned and the head removed. Finally a saw was employed to cut them into two manageable pieces. They were then carried into the house to be processed on the kitchen table by the skilled and swift knives of Mattie and Julia. After the big cuts were removed, the meat was picked off the bones and ground up. Everything, including the heads, was used, with a wheel barrow load of organs and skins going to very willing neighbors. <br />
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It was a very good experience for all of us. A front row seat to our link in the food chain. It's good for kids to see the step between the cute little farm animals and the hermetically sealed sausage package at the grocery store. <br />
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Pork chops, ham and sausage in the freezer doesn't seem like such an awful thing either. ; )<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can tell by our faces, separating the skin and fat from the meat was a challenge. Behind us you'll see a small smoky fire my Boy Scout husband started to keep the flies away. It worked! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examining the kidneys. Rory looks like he's about to vomit. He did just fine. The boys were pretty willing to touch and learn about the organs. Elle kept her distance but had a lot of questions. It was a good school day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lungs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't take much for a party to start around here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We cut the meat on the kitchen table and then used a borrowed meat grinder to make the sausage. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was some good sausage we had for supper. When you've worked that hard for something the taste is even sweeter. </td></tr>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-55903765789053253422013-10-14T09:24:00.000-07:002013-10-14T09:24:09.428-07:00beginning of the end<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems like there are always decisions to be made, no matter what situation you are in. Many times they are simple, easy decisions, but every now and then you are called to make a very difficult decisions that impacts your future and that of your family. And so it is that time for us as we wrap up our 3 year term in Ghana. Do we stay? Do we go? What are the next steps for our family?</div>
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These pictures were taken as we walked to a baptism on April 3, 2011, just 2 short months after we had arrived in Ghana. In many ways it feels like a long time ago. Thankfully we have adjusted to life here in Ghana, and truly consider this our home.</div>
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Life here in Ghana has been good for us spiritually, our marriage, and our relationships with our children. God has graciously allowed us to serve with and meet many wonderful, godly people who have encouraged and strengthened us to continue on. These friends come from many denominations including Lutheran, Baptist, Charity, and Assemblies of God. What we have found was amazing unity of believers when out on the field, a solace when your warm, comfortable church is 6000 miles away. We have grown to really appreciate so many people here, we love what we do, and in many ways it would be easier to stay.</div>
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But we feel that it's time to go. </div>
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This has been a very difficult conclusion to come to. Our children are already crying at the thought of leaving our friends behind. . </div>
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No replacements have yet to be identified. But yet we feel peace at moving forward, trusting that God has given us the next steps for our family. </div>
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Our term ends on February 4, 2014. When I signed my contract way back in February 2011, this date looked extremely far away. Now it is right around the corner. We have requested to our board to be replaced by the beginning of April, and we are trusting that God will have the right people on board to take over the work at the school by then. Since Leon has taken oversight over the pastor association, right now what we need is a school administrator who is willing to teach a few classes. If you want more information on this position, I would be happy to give you a call. </div>
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We are asking you to join us in prayer that replacements would be found in the very near future. Pray that He would direct the steps of this mission in every aspect. Pray that He would continue to lead our family as we begin the transition back to the States.</div>
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We appreciate each and every one of you who have walked with us on this journey. We truly are grateful for your emails, letters, gifts, prayers, and financial support. This journey was at times difficult, but we wouldn't want to change it! Thank you!</div>
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-24128331002022109712013-10-12T16:03:00.000-07:002013-10-12T16:03:48.957-07:00sweeter than strawberry pie (part III, family edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's to a sweet 6 month old who gives and receives so many smiles.</div>
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Sister Abenah is a sweet tempered til hungry, </div>
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must be in the middle of the action, </div>
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feed me whatever you are eating, </div>
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take me wherever you are going, </div>
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make that silly face again, </div>
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paper-eating,</div>
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nose pinching, </div>
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hair pulling,</div>
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glasses nabbing,</div>
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banana-chomping,</div>
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water-slurping</div>
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little lady. </div>
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She has conquered rolling and scooting backwards. </div>
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She ventures onto her knees sometimes but bellyflops back down quickly.</div>
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She loves baths in the sink when the dishes are done. </div>
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She loves meals by Elle & baths by Max. </div>
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She is the sweet strawberry of her Daddy's eye. </div>
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I lean in to every sticky fingered snuggle, as she rubs her spitty chin into my neck. </div>
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This child. This one we have prayed and hoped for. </div>
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She is an enormous blessing wrapped up in sparkly eyes and sweet pink skin.</div>
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And these children. </div>
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Though they've grown past the age of baby, they are a sweet treat. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Benita for the props! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsR1OTEdUevJXUNGLw62EBWTZyv8sr4_bb-wQ168c8sVXwsDIB-TrxVNJcEsLl1Fxar16APW5Aa66uSprsbT4xu59FWwCPM5WDnxlXN5kFk3-9g2boFLi9dj7xWsz886BO4Ynx_F31_E/s1600/IMG_6107-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsR1OTEdUevJXUNGLw62EBWTZyv8sr4_bb-wQ168c8sVXwsDIB-TrxVNJcEsLl1Fxar16APW5Aa66uSprsbT4xu59FWwCPM5WDnxlXN5kFk3-9g2boFLi9dj7xWsz886BO4Ynx_F31_E/s200/IMG_6107-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benita Meyers is a sweet friend from South Africa who has blessed me with her photography talent and hospitality. Her testimony of God's work in her life and marriage in an encouragement to me. Thanks,Benita! </td></tr>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-12639062962928703782013-09-29T15:36:00.000-07:002013-10-12T15:37:47.392-07:00a batik lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever find yourself reviewing the rules before you leave the house? About two weeks ago I was (amost) nervously reviewing the rules of going on a homeschool group outing to Gracia Fabrics in East Legon. Listen to whoever is in charge. Bring your patient spirit (Mmhm. Leave the high and mighty one here at home, please. )<br />
Wait for your turn. Raise your hand and, for goodness sakes, no shouting. No taking off at high speed to explore the compound. If someone greets you, how do we respond?<br />
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We enjoy the times we are able to catch up with a homeschool group in Accra. <br />
I just feel slightly nervous bringing the youngest kids in the group. Nationals here are also not always receptive to the idea of homeschooling never mind of group of us unsocialized expatriots playing tourist. <br />
Except Ms. Grace was very kind. And welcoming. And very gracious about my smaller son leaning over the dye vats. And swinging from the drying rack. <br />
She's been batik designing and dyeing for her whole adult life and in business for 22 years. The process is done with chemical dyes and color fixes but used to be done with natural bark and nut powders bought at market. So (sadly for some) this was not the organic batik spot, but it surely was great in so many ways. <br />
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The older kids chose large foam stamps to create their designs. The process of dipping the foam into the wax, shaking off the excess and repeating many times over was assisted by two helpers but the children were allowed to take off on their own if they could brave the spritzing wax. <br />
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We began with white fabric. The wax protects the base color. Then the first dye is applied. When set, the cloth is dipped in boiling water to remove the wax. The cloth could then be restamped and redyed, adding another layer of color. To shorten the process for our crowd, we did one stamping, one dyeing. <br />
My three are the youngest in the group and so they worked on the ground with a tie-dye style batik. Their white cloth scrunched while damp and then let to dry. The man showing us the method went ahead with a first color of yellow and then the children could choose the second shade. We waited a short time between colors and then after both were added to allow the fabric to dry. They were a little disappointed they were more observers for this activity but I was thankful no one handed them the ladle of boiling hot chemical dye! <br />
Apparently, my rule reviewing was a success. The only thing dyed was the fabric and no one destroyed anything. In fact, our relationships with our school friends were built upon and, hey, we got some pretty cool clothes as well. <br />
We are thankful for the work that went in to planning the day. Thanks, Pam S.! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our turn for color.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the older kids design their fabric.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elle wanted to help....:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max and Stephen watching Stephen's cloth being rinsed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQ7P3ljmAJqNyJ-A_1S2ZZarCMQRLrH1fNt4JGZZznz8e7UVl9BMeRwAnhTJ4YRihXqFkkl3hSZqVkY7zXfPGXxwvzjTPrzZ-RHaHH5VPXOsdP3NBRx1rxYVFn_dcEzapSM8_9j59xqU/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQ7P3ljmAJqNyJ-A_1S2ZZarCMQRLrH1fNt4JGZZznz8e7UVl9BMeRwAnhTJ4YRihXqFkkl3hSZqVkY7zXfPGXxwvzjTPrzZ-RHaHH5VPXOsdP3NBRx1rxYVFn_dcEzapSM8_9j59xqU/s320/IMG_1917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the first color. He said it was yellow but he had a hard time convincing the children. Only when it fully dried did the yellow come out lighter and brighter. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemfDB1yohNI8-oFbI7W_eJ6QX7XgoYjs-yqM46D2Zen25wDWYAs6ImWXaKqF6tOfIwmllgCEudoDRFrD5M8GG5UltPVaFgAPH4dx0HlC1JufiOF476_CSQXmdDmGlFCO4I-PaDq1HrX0/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemfDB1yohNI8-oFbI7W_eJ6QX7XgoYjs-yqM46D2Zen25wDWYAs6ImWXaKqF6tOfIwmllgCEudoDRFrD5M8GG5UltPVaFgAPH4dx0HlC1JufiOF476_CSQXmdDmGlFCO4I-PaDq1HrX0/s320/IMG_1920.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our co-workers Leon and Barb entertaining Leila. They've got a grandson in the States a few days older than her. Leila loves the 'Grandma' time and so does Barb. What a blessing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrru4GphTyKrpKCTnEB4L3T0Y8AW3bDtXglitfW_H4BEcc7XghxgQlkq3RL7eolUfOg-ZXdtd-bUAguQm2a36WulaZh9PXrDMZzbwIyizm5OGE_GXT6J83Ftq7zCgxl48pN2GXZHj9CHc/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrru4GphTyKrpKCTnEB4L3T0Y8AW3bDtXglitfW_H4BEcc7XghxgQlkq3RL7eolUfOg-ZXdtd-bUAguQm2a36WulaZh9PXrDMZzbwIyizm5OGE_GXT6J83Ftq7zCgxl48pN2GXZHj9CHc/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the color to dry. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMThp5_K7iWI5n3FNWvI4SFWPPNDVoxsdPmghlclVYtNocmGPvVlvywUkZQbwWRofZhcby47R9UhmKN_qDK8khxeborFJZmSXZ8Ucf6tE6ffZMWGJSUCPUqYnyfMS28WTULkibdbJ07p4/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMThp5_K7iWI5n3FNWvI4SFWPPNDVoxsdPmghlclVYtNocmGPvVlvywUkZQbwWRofZhcby47R9UhmKN_qDK8khxeborFJZmSXZ8Ucf6tE6ffZMWGJSUCPUqYnyfMS28WTULkibdbJ07p4/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The results! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra the seamstress whipped up these handy little shorts. When the boys said they wanted shorts, I wasn't so sure! But I'm thinking these are pretty cool. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ5ZhWl19F8GmarZQCKA_lJyth90Dcdun2ijr6CGIrB3nnqXe-rvu7yx-_Zed_INBn0XGDpiC_d-BM1v3QV23rDvK5stPuYlyUCjRF-t8ZtRAfcUFxjQNFty57joLcS35nhqQTYhvCQo/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ5ZhWl19F8GmarZQCKA_lJyth90Dcdun2ijr6CGIrB3nnqXe-rvu7yx-_Zed_INBn0XGDpiC_d-BM1v3QV23rDvK5stPuYlyUCjRF-t8ZtRAfcUFxjQNFty57joLcS35nhqQTYhvCQo/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool, indeed. Those shorts turned these guys into, er, well, pirates?! </td></tr>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-32229147659421925032013-09-03T06:15:00.000-07:002013-09-03T08:32:38.288-07:00still here<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTQwoQkKSnOd-lbaOkIdneGIxeqNOOQwBrDbCD1EzW4se4xiEm2Iu4Bo0Ap_XEqe960bOzQTLSMAQnSe1_gv0ylhGTflSQ63rlLd5kpCecfsJnyX4sexMxiW1KKOw-LGdL8QuUtJfSIg/s1600/DSC00054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTQwoQkKSnOd-lbaOkIdneGIxeqNOOQwBrDbCD1EzW4se4xiEm2Iu4Bo0Ap_XEqe960bOzQTLSMAQnSe1_gv0ylhGTflSQ63rlLd5kpCecfsJnyX4sexMxiW1KKOw-LGdL8QuUtJfSIg/s320/DSC00054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A day trip to Bojo Beach. </td></tr>
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<em> Dear reader, I know you'll forgive me without hesitation & I shall accept your offered grace. I can no longer call this a monthly update. I have scolded my children for repeating an action & giving a half hearted apology every time. Perhaps I need a lesson on true repentance. ;) Nevertheless, here is a bit of what is going on.</em> <br />
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Ron & Audrey and kids have left this continent for the temperate zone. We played & laughed every minute we could up until the very last. It was a teary goodbye for all. Predictable of the fairer gender, Elle & I are feeling it the most. Several times we've stopped our snapping at each other & admitted we really just both miss our best friends. Let's just say boys are a little different. Their sadness involves fists & wrestling.<br />
Life does go on. The three of them have been playing very well together. Max & Rory have been playing 'Mom & Dad' & Elle happily plays in the nasty dirt under the trampoline. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSLqKz-ggnBi4PRTuMhYOWLL-FwTaA85JSQJ5N4OmSJkKCyMckQtuZVFwvlU9D52KBwkQ9stCV0jc62bEeq7gG0OJDcI8SASR-o6DjXPL6DtKQAAPhJKn3pwT02NGyQaTf5F7zuuTktY/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSLqKz-ggnBi4PRTuMhYOWLL-FwTaA85JSQJ5N4OmSJkKCyMckQtuZVFwvlU9D52KBwkQ9stCV0jc62bEeq7gG0OJDcI8SASR-o6DjXPL6DtKQAAPhJKn3pwT02NGyQaTf5F7zuuTktY/s320/IMG_1795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah, Elle, Arielle & Tirzah get crafty at the missionary weekend early in August. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a wonderful weekend of 9 families talking, laughing, saying hello to Leon & Barb & many saying goodbyes to the Bontragers. Juanita & Audrey are the sort of sisters only God can provide. So thankful for them! Here they are talking with Geraldine Kouwen. </td></tr>
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Leon, Barb & Carissa Geigley from Indiana here now to join the work of the CFC Bible School & churches. Leon & Barb are blogging <a href="http://ghana.geigley.com/">here</a>. They've got some great pictures of the last few weeks & are doing a great job at showing life here in Pokuase as they settle in. I'm embarrassed to say I've got no pictures of these great new friends. Let's just say it's because their baby girl is a beautiful 12 years. My baby girl is not quite so helpful with taking pictures and allowing me time online. :) <br />
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I am full of thanksgiving today. A melancholy thanksgiving. One phase has ended here in Ghana and another has begun. My big kids are busy learning & my little one learns a new trick daily. As life changes, bringing endings and new beginnings, I see us all gaining that flexibility that God grants those who rest in Him. Change happens. He is the same. <br />
( But in case you're wondering about the rest of us....) <br />
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Jon is still here...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuLKAW0wX4PzYSCcraJuaMF1xj9HZH48vDl2clcEgHhHNH0VKF5SpT2AtoExekXfPPwyoJsUlqnG9SKUAtO5ni20_emaxjKL3nkBdZ5NtFOq3qwA32fuoyqFnQwkiy32OgV27sJaEs3M/s1600/IMG_20130713_155914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuLKAW0wX4PzYSCcraJuaMF1xj9HZH48vDl2clcEgHhHNH0VKF5SpT2AtoExekXfPPwyoJsUlqnG9SKUAtO5ni20_emaxjKL3nkBdZ5NtFOq3qwA32fuoyqFnQwkiy32OgV27sJaEs3M/s200/IMG_20130713_155914.jpg" width="150" /></a><em>I continue to work at the Bible Institute in attempting to make the school an option for the most amount of people possible. We have a large facility that is not up to operating capacity, and we are working to change that! One of the options we are looking at is starting Saturday classes. Our current program aims at students achieving a Diploma in Biblical Studies, which is a year-long course with 51 different courses spread out over 800+ hours of instruction. But we could also offer different certificates courses such as Christian Leadership, Missions, Counseling, and Church Administration. These courses are only 140 classroom hours, so we are processing whether this is the next step for the school. Many Ghanaians have difficulty working and surviving, much more so when you try to fit school in during the week. Saturday classes would allow more flexibility to these students.</em><br />
<em>We are also slowly getting some computer training in at the school. I have developed a short handbook that covers some basics in computer hardware, software, and networking. We also have a one computer that the students can practice their typing skills, which I think is the most practical aspect of anything we will do with them. It is difficult, however, to learn without having computers to practice on, so the next step will be filling our computer lab.</em><br />
<em>And no, I don't normally wear glasses. I really don't like them, but persistent eye infections have forced me to pull out my 10 year old scratched spectacles much to the dismay of my wife. Some of these things we are waiting until we return to the States to resolve, although with an uncertain return date it can be frustrating. Please pray that we would get clear direction in the next few weeks, as we have asked to be relieved since our term is up in February. This time is one of crazy feelings, probably swayed a bit with our co-workers departing. We always appreciate your prayers, and we keep our prayer list active on the right side of our page under "Prayer Requests."</em> <br />
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And I'm still here.....<br />
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Kindergarten & third grade are in the 3rd week of progress. We try to start at 8:30, take recess at 10:30 & then Max finishes up in the afternoon. Elle & Rory get off with an easy 30 minutes of learning fun & games. Max has quite a bit more to do with the addition of spelling, geography & science. It is a fun thing teach on culture when I consider our German ethnicity, American nationality, Anabaptist heritage & Ghanaian home that cross 3 continents & 2 climate zones! (Maybe I'm not so boring after all. :) )<br />
I've got some school pictures to post soon. <br />
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One of the best things about life at the moment is, despite our dear friends leaving, how settled our children feel here. They are comfortable going down the street to buy the egg sandwiches for supper & sit on the curb to wait for them. The neighborhood is out & about right now as schools are on holiday so they had a crowd of company as they waited. And they were okay with it. The waiting part & the crowd part. :) I joined them & stopped to talk to a friend while there. I wasn't surprised when she held my hand while talking to me. In fact, I was flattered. It's a sign of friendship & comfortableness. <br />
We just might be getting too comfortable here. We are not to be comfortable anywhere in this troublesome world. And so we find ourselves in an uncomfortable place for our human nature: waiting on God for the next step. <br />
We are focusing this month on resting in Him while we wait. <br />
Thanks for praying! <br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-42245837746106410342013-07-10T13:06:00.000-07:002013-07-13T13:48:11.972-07:00july [a slow start]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was a rare week for us. Nothing like staying home, doing most of the same things we usually do in a week's time but calling it a 'week off.' It was Jon who got a break in routine with the arrival of term break at the Bible School. It was well deserved! </div>
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He has a 2 week break between each term. They are usually filled with additional teaching or other things. March's term break was used up holding our new baby. This term break found us hosting a conference which you can read about <a href="http://saudersinafrica.blogspot.com/2013/06/transform-conference-more.html">here</a>. </div>
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This week's break in the schedule at a great time. We fit in some rainy season cleaning, a July 4th party, & lots of 2nd grade taught by Dad & much baby time. 4 months is a delightful age. See more of Leila <a href="http://saudersinafrica.blogspot.com/2013/07/sweeter-than-strawberry-pie-ii.html">here</a>. It's great fun to get her to trade that furrowed brow and stare for a gaping smile & (almost) chuckle. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July party at the Baptist guesthouse. Burgers were a great treat as was the huge yard for the children to expend all extra energy. We enjoyed catching up with friends and making new ones. </td></tr>
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<strong> Have we told you we just said goodbye to Gary & Joy Butikofer? We wish them all the best as they settle back into WI.</strong> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary & Joy receiving their going away gift from the students & faculty. Speeches were given, hymns were sung in honor of Gary & goodbyes were said. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collection of friends enjoyed the evening together with Gary & Joy a few days before they left Ghana. </td></tr>
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<strong>How about what this guy's been up to?</strong> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike enjoying lunch with friends at the Lead Like Jesus seminar. He has entered into this culture with both feet. Joining in fufu eating contests, eating banku for breakfast (often) & living on a Ghana schedule. He will finish his 4 months of assisting Ron with the building project this week. He will be missed. </td></tr>
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<strong>And have mentioned how <em>much </em>we are going to miss this lil' family?</strong> Ron & Audrey Bontrager will be training Barb & Leon Geigley to take their place beginning August 1. They leave Ghana August 26. They are wonderful friends & coworkers to us all. We look forward to seeing the great things God has in store for them. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Felix praying over the Bontrager family at his church in Boi.</td></tr>
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<strong>Or how after more than 2 years we still mightily enjoy Grandma's love sent by mail?</strong> <br />
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And now you know. :)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-77252180214159470512013-07-08T15:30:00.000-07:002013-07-08T15:30:07.976-07:00sweeter than strawberry pie II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: x-large;"> There</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">s really </span><span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">nothing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">quite so sweet <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">as tiny <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">little <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">baby feet</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: Astonished; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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Four months of life is a sweet milestone. We celebrate Leila's healthy body & a curious mind. Her fingers are reaching, & her voice beginning. She has managed to roll from her belly to her back a few times. Happiness in her little world is riding along to the school table, the sink for kitchen duty and anywhere else someone will take her. She lets us know if she is left alone in a room & Max is the first to bring her along, "So she won't get lonely, Mom." he says. A more routine nap schedule is appearing slowly. Her wet baby fingers love to pat and poke Elle's face, these little girls who have their own communication.<br />
Leila isn't always cheerful. I don't know anyone who always is. Her squeaks and squawks are usually related to loud brother-made noises, long car seat rides & an empty (or half empty!) belly. <br />
Do we indulge her? Maybe a little. So would you for the reward of a gummy smile and wet wiggly nuzzle against your neck. She does do her share of waiting. It's not always her turn. <br />
But we surely do make way for baby. <br />
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Thanks, Juanita, for being a willing & very able photographer!</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-17181738851108488722013-06-23T15:44:00.001-07:002013-06-27T12:27:54.685-07:00Transform Conference & more Tomorrow marks the first day of the last half of the school year, and we have seen men begin to be transformed as they are taught the truths from God's Word. As we look over the landscape of the world today, we see an all-out attack on the authenticity, authority and sufficiency of Scripture. Our desire is that we can train these men to rightly handle the Word. On just about every car and banner alongside the road we see advertisements for miracles, healings, and deliverance services, but the Word tells us the only offensive weapon we have in our Armor of God is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. So our focus should not be on signs and wonders, but how we can understand and apply the unchanging Truth into our culture. May God grant us wisdom so we can spread the Truth without letting ourselves get in the way.<br />
We have just come through an amazing time of refreshment as Luke Kuepfer came to Ghana to speak on several topics. We opened up the chapel in the school for 4 days of seminar, in which Luke covered UnveilinGlory (Cat and Dog Theology), Missions 101 (based on the book "When Helping Hurts"), and Lead Like Jesus. Some of our friends from Cape Coast journeyed to Accra as well. The result was homes full of encouraged people, great food, and discussions lasting long into the night which resulted in much coffee being brewed in the mornings. The seminar ran from Monday to Thursday, and then on Friday Luke trained 16 individuals to be Lead Like Jesus facilitators here in Ghana. Luke's desire is to always begin training people to take the message onward, like the ripples move outward in the water after you drop in a stone.<br />
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Luke washing all the attendees feet following the Lead Like Jesus encounter</div>
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Brittany and Luke enjoying banku and groundnut stew</div>
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Luke was joined by his daughter Brittany, who spent the evenings teaching English to 24 children from the village of Terno. She really did a great job and the children loved her. We would return to the Bible School after supper, where she was joined by her helpers, Mike Martin and Isaac Iddrisu, to manage the class.<br />
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English class meeting in the new classroom</div>
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Brittany explaining nouns, verbs, and so on</div>
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Saturday we headed to Cape Coast to tour the slave castle. Although I have toured this several times, it still amazes me how depraved a human being can become to treat another human in such a disgusting way. They even built their church on top of the male slave dungeon, where down below up to 1,000 men were struggling to survive, with the stronger ones chained to the walls. It was heaven on top, hell down below. It was so bad that only 1 out of 5 survived, a fact that leaves everyone puzzled based on economics alone. But according to our guide Kwese, it was done to break their spirits. After the tour we went to Conrad and Katie's house for a wonderful lunch of rice and ground nut stew. On our way back to Accra we stopped at Jon and Juanita's place for a quick tour of their farm before arriving back at Ron's for supper.<br />
We attended Pastor Felix's church in Boi on Sunday, and as usual they treated us with minerals after the service. We had an afternoon program in Adeiso, so we dropped off the family and grabbed our packed lunch. We picked up a van load of guests on the way to Adeiso, stopping in Medie, Dobro, and Ayaa. The goal was to have Pastors Isaac and Samuel do their first Lead Like Jesus encounter with the pastors of our churches bringing their elders and board members. Isaac and Samuel took turns teaching through the material, although we got a late start due to rain. Luke listened through an interpreter and gave them feedback during the breaks. We were very happy with the way they prepared themselves and the way they presented it. We were off to a good start! We didn't get through all the material and so we will return and finish up with the material at a later date.<br />
After some final discussions on Monday morning, we took Luke and Brittany to the airport to continue their journey to Egypt and Uganda. We were so blessed to have them here. He really encouraged us to continue on, to strive for God's greatest glory, and to follow the patterns of the greatest Leader of all time because the best is yet to come!<br />
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I have been involved with the men's fellowship with Elim's International Church. Yesterday we traveled an hour and a half to Kinder Paradise children's home/school in Pram Pram, near Tema. There were many games planned, including basketball, volleyball, tug-o-war, football, sack races, and a nine-legged race. They also had bouncy houses for the little ones, popcorn, juice, sno cones, and even a cotton candy machine! I am not sure how many times my children went through that line. I was team captain of the "Sharks", and we had a blast as we came up with our war cry, our special dance, and competed in the various games. We managed to scratch out a second place finish with an award for team spirit! The day ended with a water balloon fight and a time of worship. The children really enjoyed interacting with one another, and even the adults had a lot of fun, sunburns and achy muscles aside. Since Kinder Paradise is in sight of the ocean, Richmond got to see the ocean for the first time! Next time we promised to let him swim in it. <br />
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Arranging the kids into 8 groups</div>
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Billy, Kinder Paradise director</div>
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Cotton candy!</div>
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Mike with some new friends</div>
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Team Shark! 2nd Place and trophy for team spirit!</div>
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-53079308457533545582013-06-18T06:56:00.001-07:002013-06-18T06:56:10.717-07:00a good man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBJOZ8v5c-2B5e6TNuto7HxAad6jD2YPnOt6bUtW2KWaNr4OrjNfgr-qYZyHUMDdI2V9opKHUygqcLrJPvBKWQWAUO8-yxIqwTTACJskSpGOFrg7ClE1VWYw_0nHFXkQGQt3MWnJBAzQ/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBJOZ8v5c-2B5e6TNuto7HxAad6jD2YPnOt6bUtW2KWaNr4OrjNfgr-qYZyHUMDdI2V9opKHUygqcLrJPvBKWQWAUO8-yxIqwTTACJskSpGOFrg7ClE1VWYw_0nHFXkQGQt3MWnJBAzQ/s320/IMG_1012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems to me</div>
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it is possible for a woman to find a good man. </div>
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And it is possible for a woman to find a faithful husband. </div>
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But for this woman to have found a good man who is <em>honorable</em></div>
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And a faithful husband who is a <em>servant</em></div>
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And a <em>teachable</em> father to his children. </div>
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This is a gift from God. </div>
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I am thankful.</div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-5882392342191271852013-05-13T13:15:00.001-07:002013-05-13T13:25:17.290-07:00the kitchen or the keyboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More than once a day I choose between the kitchen and the keyboard. Between distraction and production. Between one world and another. <br />
I've been reading recently on a mom blog ( <a href="http://moreformissionarymoms.blogspot.com/">http://moreformissionarymoms.blogspot.com</a> )about how living in a second culture requires a certain amount of detaching from your first culture. All while creating that all important third culture for your family. I've been doing that for the last 2 years & it's a whole other post but lately I'm feeling like I'm taking a guess at each one and leaving each undone at the end of the day. <br />
The blog is silent, the ants are winning, and I've no energy to read the requested pile of story books on my 4yo's bed. <br />
<br />
It's easy to think my husband should be the one pouring out his heart for
ministry and sharing culture stories here. What he has to say would, it seems,
be much more interesting. Mental knowledge that my call in the 'kitchen'
mission field is just as vital as his isn't enough. Knowing it and showing it in my attitudes & words are two very different things. <br />
<br />
That's a hard perspective for me when I'm simultaneously coaching
subtraction with regrouping, breastfeeding, trying to savor my one-cup-a-day
coffee, hearing someone in the fridge (<span style="font-size: x-small;">big deal when the light is off &
leaving it closed means the food won't spoil</span>), hearing someone banging on the
gate, & telling my dear 4yo daughter I <em>really do</em> want to come see her tree
climbing feat...and I will...soon. Today I got it right. Subtraction finished
with a better spirit in the afternoon, I got to the gate before the veggie
lady, Grace, gave up on me, the fridge-stalker settled for a banana, and the
tree-climber performed her stunt later for me with no broken bones or bark
brush burns. And Leila has grown to almost 10 lbs. Good evidence any chaos
around here isn't distracting her from what she needs. ;) <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This week I has the opportunity to support Jon in a more visible way. Once
during the 10 week term, the students gather for an evening of fun. This week we planned a movie night with a meal of
fried rice with salad, pineapple, and popcorn. I planned for about 11
adults, making what seemed like a huge batch of fried rice with fresh red
pepper, ginger, garlic, veggies, beef, & egg. I always have ingredients to
chop since eat almost all fresh local veggies but this was a few more than
normal. <br />
(<span style="font-size: x-small;">Frozen and canned are available for higher price and are usually of
lower quality. Though it means the variety is less, we adjusted to staples of
carrot, cucumber, green pepper, cabbage, tomato, lettuce & a type of green
bean. Occasionally, eggplant, squash & cauliflower can be found as well.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Since finding bus transport after dark takes longer, we covered the
classroom windows for an early movie showing that would allow everyone to get
home in good time. Right now one student is using the dorm and the farthest
student comes from Adeiso. It seems word got out about the fun night. A few
more showed up than expected including workers, children & one random
church member who no doubt smelled the rice from the village. :) <o:p></o:p><br />
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As is the custom, the cook serves. I was paranoid I was giving them the
wrong amount. Too little, since they like a rather large serving of rice( - it
isn't a ball of starch as banku or fufu) or too much since it was made by an obruni-
what if they didn't like it? Call me paranoid but a guest did spit out a
cookie at my table once because it was too sweet. I was also praying it would
reach all the extra bowls I needed to fill. <br />
<br />
I'm thankful to say it reached with just enough to spare that one student
asked to take the remaining for his son at home. So I think the quality was
okay and God made sure the quantity reached. By movie end, all the food was
finished. <br />
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If you've ever watched Flywheel, you can guess their favorite part. When the car dealer returns the overcharged money to the customers, one happens to be a lovely African American. They laughed and hooted at all her reactions. They understood her. I could only imagine what they were thinking when the main character and his wife are crying out to God. Um. Quietly, with a few tears & prayers. Pretty sure our students thought that was the worst acting they ever saw. Who repents like that?! <br />
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In this place where relationships take priority to schedules & personal interests, we see the value in this time spent together. It's lesson we are still learning and want so much to never neglect. And I was thankful my kitchen missionfield got a work out. <br />
<br />
At the end of the night, the food had been okay, the movie was fine.<br />
It was the people that were <em>great.</em> <br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-44758169847591138612013-04-16T10:16:00.002-07:002013-04-16T10:16:32.089-07:00sweeter than strawberry pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How much there is to say about a new life. A new lady-in-waiting. </div>
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Leila is adding spice to our life and sweetness to the quiet moments. </div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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(And we'll both pretend little girlies are always so sweet and lovely. Except when there not. Which is the way life is & adds to her personality. Her opinions are loudly expressed & her wishes are rarely delayed. )</div>
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Ah, we love this bit of sugar & spice. </div>
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<strong><em>One week old....</em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">One month old</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong><em> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Sugar...</span></em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em>and the spice.</em></strong> </div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-85941355504283086142013-04-05T06:30:00.003-07:002013-04-05T06:30:50.845-07:00Easter 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He is Risen! </div>
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Although well versed in the Resurrection miracle, Rory wanted Jesus in the tomb for the picture. We decided it was the moment before God raised him from the dead. And those other people, well, his actors are a little early on stage. It was a great visual to keep the Truth in front of us through last week using baked salt dough & a tomato paste can. </div>
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This year we celebrated Easter with three of our churches who gathered for 4 days of services hosted by the Terno branch of CFC at the Bible School. <br />
It was delightful to see the three churches that joined together this year share parts of the service, taking turns with worship, preaching, & keeping order. One woman was tasked with going around tapping the sleeping youth on the shoulder. Another man & woman documented offerings & attendance. Young boys brought cold water bags & bottles around. Multiple translators were needed for translation into 3 dialects. <br />
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A large Sunday School class met under the 2 huge mango trees. Grace, Pas. Samuel's wife, does a wonderful job with the children. They even had their own worship time, the line of them dancing around the driveway followed by the drummers. <br />
So many times in other services here I've been completely distracted by things foreign (still!) to me. The sweat dripping the children's chins, the length of the service, the type of songs sung and even the assortment of clothing that appears at church. Lately, those things have faded from my attention & I feel more focused on participating when I can & holding an internal worship & prayer service of my own when I cannot. </div>
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After the service, baby Abenah was the main attraction. Leila was born on a Tuesday, her Twi week name is Abenah. This is how we introduce her to our friends here. They would expect her to have an English name as well but laugh with delight at their new sister (which she is, since she was born in Ghana). Thankfully, Abenah was awake & calm as she was passed from Pas John & Cynthia to many others & then to 11 yr old Jessica to have her little pink arms stroked & her cheeks pinched. I've met Jessica before as she attends the church at Terno. She was so sweetly persistent to holding Leila, fending off the older women so well she got two turns! </div>
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As soon as Leila started to squeak from all the rumpus, the nearby women all began to instruct me that the 'this baby is hungry! ' and grab their chest (as if their English wasn't good enough). She had a full belly...but they were guiding me according to their ways. :) In their houses there are no nuks, few toys, few snacks & no schedules. So you breastfeed on demand. At any squeak at all. That reason & also I'm sure they were curious to see if I'd take care of business in front of them. The myth is that white woman are so rich they always buy formula & don't breastfeed. Not this momma. And if they'd have wanted a show, they missed it, as I fed her during the church service.</div>
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Pastor Joseph & Lydia and their church family from Asamankese. Their son Desmond is at the far right in yellow plaid.</div>
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<em>Pastors Joseph, Samuel, John, Isaac, Emmanuel & Jon</em> </div>
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We took some group pictures after the service. This is something we enjoy doing for them. It's easy for us, we can even get prints at mall, but something they have little access to. Last time Jon got the prints for free! The guy at the counter saw a movie on Jon's flashdrive he wanted to watch so they 'traded'. Actually, Jon gave him the money anyway but that's how things work here. Always room to barter. </div>
By 2pm we were enjoying a family Easter dinner at our coworkers ,the Bontragers. 5 families from various places in the States, a noisy children's table of 11, & a meal of turkey, mashed potatoes & more, an egg hunt & conversations both hilarious & serious made the classic family dinner. <br />
These friends, they are family! Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-23980172808045441272013-04-04T13:21:00.000-07:002013-04-04T13:21:17.991-07:00A season of change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Written about 10 days ago & posted now due to our electicity being off quite enough & the Internet connection being difficult. Thanks for understanding! </em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry season turns our little weed patch into sandy dirt & our orange tree to twigs</td></tr>
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I'll admit to missing living in a 4 season climate. The change of seasons has many routines back in Pennsylvania from the flowers in spring </div>
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to the warm summer nights</div>
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to picking out fall pumpkins </div>
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to the crisp breath of winter air. </div>
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The driest part of dry season is ending here in Accra. The rain carved craters on our dirt street have been softened by the erosion of the dry powdery dirt. A very occasional rain comes. No gully-washers yet, but it has been enough to put water in our well. An item we give thanks for often. Just like the hot summer sun seems far off to many of you, the cool breeze of rainy season seems a far off change for us. </div>
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But this seems to be our year of changes. It would seem so tidy to give a list of the easy & the difficult, the for better & the for worse. The reality is even the most joyful change contains the bittersweet. Every bend in the path bringing new & exciting leaves something familiar out of sight behind us around the dusty bend.</div>
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God has this year chosen to add a fourth blessing to our home. This new little girl is a delight. The sweet unfolding of newborn development is a gift that has draws us all.</div>
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But I will tell you not every cry is sweet. Newborn tempers flare just as pre-schoolers do. And when attention is going one direction, as newborns sometimes require, 4 year old people revolt with sassy words & bruising fists. </div>
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At our house, Mom (me) begins the mornings. And so when Leila keeps me sitting so she can start <em>her </em>day with a full belly, the day starts later than it should. The bread lady still knocks at 6:15, Jon still leaves at 7:10 & the boys still wake up hungry. Meeting all that in your PJ's just isn't an option. </div>
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We have managed to hang onto our school time. The time seems to change daily, but we are excited to be half way through our school year. We had a late start thanks to furlough last fall & plan to finish 2nd grade in July & start 3rd grade & kindergarten in September. </div>
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This week we'll say goodbye to my Mom. Her weeks here have soothed the change of routine. But what a change for her! She has endured trading her quiet house for our hot, sticky, noisy one with grace. Despite unreliable electricity & other inconveniences, we've managed to get some housecleaning finished, tomatoes canned, sewing projects completed, freezer defrosted, market visited, games played, & baby held! </div>
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The bittersweet comes in the time this week when she'll return to spring-hopeful Pennsylvania & reacquaint herself with 'normal' life. That would be life with constant electricity, Internet access & the occasional need for socks. She must go, we know, but she'll be missed! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a week before Leila aerrived, Mom & I did the weekly Bible School cleaning. </td></tr>
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This year brings the end of service in Ghana for the two other families we serve with here. Gary & Joy will return to Wisconsin in July & Ron & Audrey to Indiana in August. Familiar working relationships & friendships are about to change with new staff. Please pray for us as we adjust to new 'family' here. That is what we've become for each other as we work & play together. We wish each of them peace & confidence in the Father as they plan their next steps. God's plan for ministry is just as vibrant in the States as it is in W Africa. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting CFC board members Elvin & Ruth Martin with the Sauder & Bontrager kids.</td></tr>
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Jon's first term as CFC Bible Institute administrator is completed. He has taken this new role beginning January of 2013. Prior to this his role here was very flexible. Working with the pastor's association meant a different schedule every week. He would also assist the building project & school as needed. Now all those flexible items are fit around a four day-a-week Bible School schedule. Add in weekend services & time for this little family & the week is full! Jon will tell you he is enjoying the Bible School & it's variety of students. He has been able to make the unofficial beginning of a technology class for the attending students. They asked & he was happy to help. Currently, one day a week they stay late for the class. Working it into the existing curriculum is in the future. This is currently the only class he is teaching. Otherwise he keeps busy managing teacher schedules, student applications, village outreach & church support through films & seminars, keeping supplies stocked &, just for fun, cleaning every Tuesday before school starts for the week. <br />God always makes a way for us to grow here. We had no idea that Jon's willingness to pick up 3 of the students who live near our junction would be one of those things. Now he not only hears about their lives on the way to school, but they can answer questions for him as they travel home together. </div>
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And for us. After 2 years of making Pokuase our home, we are no longer new here. The list of lessons learned has grown. The change is now that we are looking at 'lasts' as we anticipate returning to the states early in 2014. </div>
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How tempting it is to crane our necks to look back around the bend. To wonder what should've been done differently, done better or not done at all. Jon & I've purposed to look ahead, living this year out with enthusiasm & looking with anticipation to the next steps we'll take in 2014. Changing cultures again is another best/worse situation. Although the children have been asking when we'll go back to American to live "forever" , they get teary over leaving Accra & not knowing if or when we'll return.</div>
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This year our roles will again change as new staff arrives. We are praying for God's call on lives, a raising up of unqualified servants who are wlling to let the Father be their Teacher. We also pray for God's call to bring someone with a teacher's passion to take the work of the Bible School forward in administration & teaching. Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-746545112019856682013-03-07T13:41:00.000-08:002013-03-07T13:42:17.144-08:00Leila Evangeline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Waiting...<br />
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waiting...<br />
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waiting...<br />
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Walking what felt like miles in the hot, dusty corridor outside our room. <br />
<em>Feeling willing to do anything to sustain the contractions that had been coming intermittently for weeks thanks to illness, heat & caring for my family</em>.<br />
Hearing the mosque call to prayer.<br />
Offering snatches of Ps. 139 as timing to my steps.<br />
<em>You hem me in behind & before. You lay Your Hand upon me...</em><br />
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A labor of love that began with 4 hours of light contractions and then started in earnest at 11:30 am on March 5, 2013. The physical labor ended at 2:50pm when a little girl took her first oxygenated breath in the delivery room of Egon German Clinic, Abelemkpe, Accra. The truest labor of love has now begun as we begin the journey of shepherding another soul. </div>
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<strong>We are happy to introduce Leila Evangeline Sauder. </strong></div>
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<strong>March 5, 2013 at 2:50pm</strong></div>
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<strong>6lbs 8oz, 18 inches long</strong></div>
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Her first few minutes were quiet. A few squeals proved healthy lungs, but she took in her surroundings with calm eyes. </div>
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Annabelle & Angela, the midwives who delivered Leila are overseeing her first set of clothes We agreed to their recommendation of removing only facial vernix, leaving the first bath for the next morning. A choice we now regret since the bath oil they use has given an ugly rash to her sensitive skin. Lesson learned. <br />
They were also present during labor. They were working in the adjoining building. Jon was my 'call light' to get Angela when I knew the time was<em> now</em>. Then they stationed themselves outside my door until I wobbled past them to get to the delivery room, saying this baby is <em>coming. </em>Don't think them negligent. I was happy they didn't hover & they were happy to help when needed. :) <br />
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The fun of a few phone calls back to Pennsylvania. <br />
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In 2 hours we had walked to another building & climbed to the second floor to find our room for one night. We brought it many things from snacks to towels to diapers to a sleeping mat for Jon. No provided meals, white towels or deluxe cable nearby. Our simple room had hot water & air conditioning as it's best features. We enjoyed it very much. A few blood pressures taken, a few cursory checks of Leila were all that interrupted our quiet rest. I was left to knead my own fundus (just for you, Bethany,Becky & Danielle ;) ), take my own meds & marvel at our new daughter. <br />
The sweet housekeeper did offer to hand wash my laundry & then kindly requested that I finish my 'bafing' so that she could turn off the hot water heater. <br />
Looking back, I realize how anxiety giving that quiet atmosphere could have been to nurse-Sara. I believe God laid His hand on us these last few days, covering us with His peace. We were resting in His promise. He had hemmed us in behind & before. It didn't depend on how we were feeling about life at the moment. The last few weeks had brought more moments of frustration & impatience than I care to recount due to lack of water, electricity & unending heat. And wanting this pregnancy to <em>end</em>! <br />
We were able to rest. Peacefully. <br />
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A proper welcome home began with shrieks of delight from two of our neighbors who are young mothers. Gifty & Patricia were delighted with my 'very white' baby. <br />
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A long awaited look at the little girl who, according to Max, makes the teams even. :) Though he did think she'd need to be bigger than cousin Chayel to play ball with him. More big sister/big brother pictures soon. They crowd around for every new squeak. <br />
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And last but never least is the servant of the house, my mom Lucille. This is the lady who threw her schedule to the wind and hopped a plane to Accra to serve us. She's holding back the tide of dirty dishes, laundry & grumpy children. The last 2 weeks have earned her a place in a comfy chair with a cold drink & sweet Leila. We are so thankful she's here! <br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-45102268296029938932013-02-02T09:36:00.001-08:002013-02-02T09:36:52.973-08:00make way for babyWhoever thought nesting was confined to the house? It may be cultural cliche or a back handed insult but, for this list maker, nesting is quite real. <br />
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Trimming unruly bougainvillea takes a man with a ladder & a cutlass. And two strong boys to haul them off. And two smaller people with scissors clipping the small shoots. Our work was commented on by all passers-by. Many of them said "Ayiko". This is a greeting we've received at church services, and were told it means "You are welcome to this place". We answer with "Yaaye." Meaning, thank you for welcoming me. <br />
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It took Richmond to explain why we were being welcomed after 2 years. He says they were encouraging us in our work, that we were welcome to join them in working hard. Yep, these Americans like to do their own work. We turned down many offers for the work outside the wall to be done for us. <br />
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A neighbor employed as a mason dug out the deep concrete gutter for a small wage plus keeping the sand to make blocks. Jon finished digging out the gutter, a job he relished after some difficult meetings recently. Above you can see the crowd gathering to watch us finish up the day. They were very impressed with the blower Jon used on the sidewalk. <br />
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The boys have changed rooms 3 times. I think they are now settled in room ruled by Tom & Jerry, Legos & K'nex. I caught them one morning starting the day quietly playing & reading. Some moments must be preserved. This was one of them. For two boys who's first words of the day are always clamoring for breakfast, 'cause their <em>starving hungry</em>, this was a treat. <br />
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A little Saturday paint job makes this dandy piece of furniture baby-ready. <br />
And we are ready too. <br />
When the children say they wish our baby would come today, I still reply "Hmm, maybe not today. Tomorrow, please?" <br />
As the hot days stretch on, I know I'll answer "Today? Yes, please," very soon. Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-80792974332568808022013-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:002013-01-23T09:50:01.080-08:0033.5 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tomorrow is my 34 week visit to the Clinic. This little one is growing quickly for an introduction into the real world. Baby growth is my growth too. Not just belly size but in walking cheerfully even though I'm slow & to play it cool even when I'm drenched in sweat. I'm leaving the stage of "It's delightful to be pregnant" and entering "I'll do anything to give birth someday soon". </div>
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And that little-big self titled princess in the blue dress? She is one excited big sister. She is busy convincing me she<em> can</em> paint her own nails, her eggs <em>really do</em> taste like chicken ( a bad thing on that morning) & that we must name the baby......(I'll never tell ;) )</div>
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She prayed this week that our baby would be cute & nice & that she/he won't get dead. From her mouth to God's ears. </div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-19977308832372758812013-01-23T09:26:00.000-08:002013-01-23T09:26:40.976-08:00gone <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>What's gone?</em></span> </div>
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Christmas. </div>
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And all the Christmas paper & treats that hid in the bottom of the freezer. We enjoyed our Advent calendar so much this year. Taking time each evening to teach the kids Christmas songs, accompanied by Jon on the guitar, made some great memories. They are still singing "I, Said the Monkey from the Rafters High" & "Go Tell it on the Mountain." It is humbling that basically what they learn about the Christmas season comes from us. That thought made us more intentional about the holidays. And that's a tradition we plan on keeping. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Crackers for a snack at the pool on Christmas Eve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> A tradition I recommend. </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">What's gone?</span></em> </div>
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2012. </div>
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And all the hopes & question marks we had about our 'middle' year here.</div>
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We had a party-cancelled, power-out, move the mattresses to the living room, cheese & cracker snack & America's Funniest Home Videos kind of New Year's Eve party. The children? Disappointed in changed plans but quite happy with alternate plan. Jon & I didn't complain either. They bounced. We relaxed. </div>
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Though we weren't posting here, we were experiencing the holidays. Our second year away from the many delights & obligations of a Pennsylvania Christmas was a quiet one. The good times were spread out over a few weeks. They included our Christmas Eve tradition of going to the pool, a quiet start to Christmas Day & a noisy ending at a church Christmas party, a table full of friends for a holiday dinner that began with (gasp) appetizers, a missionary retreat early in January ...relaxing & fun. <br />
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Juanita & I doing food prep. She & Jonathan made some amazing onion rings for the appetizer table. We ate, talked for a few hours & ended up eating our meal around 5pm. It was the Bontrager, Groff, Sauder extended family Christmas dinner. Now that feels like the holidays I'm used to. :) <br />
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We blessed Marilyn & Ray Weaver many times over for the amazing ham. We thanked God also. It got 'lost' coming here in a tote in November. He saved it for us & we enjoyed it with no worry of it having spoiled. Thanks again! </div>
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Rory & Elliot are enjoying breakfast by the beach at the missionary retreat in early January. </div>
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I couldn't resist posting this picture. Funny faces over hot dogs for breakfast. And Milo to drink (hot chocolate-ish drink people enjoy for breakfast). These two are about 6 months apart in age & have developed quite a friendship. They disappear before we know it & are off looking for trouble. :) The best kind of 4 year old trouble, of course. Hope this partnership lasts a very long time! </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-59882977288923493932012-12-23T09:03:00.001-08:002012-12-23T09:03:29.245-08:00Christmas goodie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>A Christmas goodie from me to you. Eat it quick before I do…</em></span></div>
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Christmas Sandtarts are worth a Saturday morning, right? We dabbed, sprinkled & slathered until all were satisfied with their creations. Elle licked the bowl from the melted butter. Max took many long sniffs of the dough. We do love these buttery cookies! </div>
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Elle is trying to be patient. She & Rory were sneaking sprinkles before we even started. </div>
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Max is the first one to look for his apron when he hears of a job in the kitchen. Thanks, Mom. Last year's gift is still being put to work. <br />
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Ready for the oven. I see sprinkles...where are the cookies?! She made sure Daddy got what she called the "most <em>beautiful</em> one". It had the most sprinkles, of course. He ate it cheerfully. <br />
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Cookie baking for me has always been a family social event. It stretches us all to do it here away from the cousins, grandmas & aunties that make it an event. My childhood included Aunt Ruthanne's Cherry Winks. Maraschino cherries & cornflakes in a cookie, anyone? It felt a long way from that cold Pennsylvania house buzzing with laughter & conversation to Sandtart cookies on a hot Ghanaian morning while boogieing to TSO. <br />
It is a rewarding thing to take a tradition from my childhood & see my children make it their own. <br />
We did that today & I'm glad we did. <br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-15786317200529607522012-12-03T11:30:00.003-08:002012-12-03T11:30:47.168-08:0026 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aren't children a journey? Whether the little (or big) ones in your life are babies of the belly or the kind grafted in by grace, you are on that journey. <o:p></o:p><br />
We feel like many of you have been 'in' on our family's journey all along. But I suppose there is no harm in starting from the beginning. The better you know us, the further down the page you can skim read. :) <o:p></o:p><br />
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Like each of us, we began this parenting calling with joy & apprehension. Max is 7 now, but I still recall ( & Jon with me) how that little guy turned our independent, scheduled life upside down. We knew, all thanks given to godly parents & a chosen love for the Word as adults, that this new perspective was the <em>right</em> one. This shift in focus & willingness to change meant our definition of things like <em>vacation</em>, <em>afternoon off</em>, <em>meal time,</em> <em>church participation </em>&<em> Christmas decorations</em> changed. Really, how many broken antique glass Christmas tree balls does one endure before finding one more durable? <o:p></o:p><br />
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I thought my work as a nurse & time as a new wife had been one of increasing surrender & trust. Little did I know the call of mothering would take me beyond all of those lessons. I will admit to being surprised by the level of effort needed to deny my selfish spirit & pour myself into the Biblical, culturally radical job before me. <em>Daily</em> denial.<o:p></o:p><br />
Mothering so often fizzles down into plain servant hood. It has worked more surrender & trust in my spirit than anything else. When your self rears its selfish head at another unruly child at quiet time when I-deserve-to-rest, when thoughts & tasks are interrupted to tie shoes to skateboards, when a carefully prepared dinner meal is declared 'disgusting' ( That one received truth over grace!), when faces are clown painted with marker the night before the church Christmas program, I am thankful to see the works of the Spirit in my life. <o:p></o:p><br />
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My every response is not gracious. But, by grace, the<em> pattern</em> of my responses is. I don't aim to complain or brag. I aim to encourage, to inform young mothers of the difficulty of the path of motherhood. It's not all covered by the sweet love we feel toward that helpless newborn. Or the well intentioned reminders that 'in a blink' the diapers will be traded for a drivers license manual. <o:p></o:p><br />
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When this journey is taken on our knees in surrender & trust, it will be one that bears the fruit of the spirit in our lives through <em>every</em>phase. We cannot live in surrender & trust if we are constantly sighing for the next, easier phase. I have it from an excellent source those teenagers bring some serious fruit in a mother's life. ;)<o:p></o:p><br />
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Before Max turned 3, our country life was turned upside down again by newborn Rory & an energetic little city girl who came to us through foster care. Although she soon returned to her birth father, a 2 day old little sweetie came & stayed. Elle was adopted 15 months later. <o:p></o:p><br />
Never before that time had I been forced to so clearly choose between embracing motherhood & just surviving it until kindergarten. Picking up a newborn at the hospital when you have a soon-to-be 3yr old & a 2 1/2 month old at home will do that. Truly, when God moves & we surrender He picks the pieces of us up off the toy-strewn floor, puts us back together & teaches us servant hood. My very existence as mother is proof of the Source of power! <o:p></o:p><br />
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I am grateful for the family & friends around us who encouraged us in this call over & over. Words & actions given are not forgotten to this very day! <o:p></o:p><br />
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And, yes. About this very day. I am entering week 26 of pregnancy. Number 4 is expected to arrive March 13. <o:p></o:p><br />
My best explanation for getting pregnant while living overseas is that God didn't give us peace about waiting. And He could have. It's what we expected Him to do. We have 'enough' here, right? Apparently not in His eyes. <o:p></o:p><br />
Max, Rory & Elle are anticipating this baby so much. We have many conversations about what the baby might be doing at this very moment, what they eat (food from blood!?), if they hear, why they wiggle and, of course, just how they will arrive. <o:p></o:p><br />
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I tend toward sciatica pain in my legs during pregnancy. So far the pain rating has only gone high about twice. Honestly, it's not the moments of harsh pain that are the worst. Jon & the children take excellent care of me. It's the weeks when the pain is constant stiff ache. Did I say surrender earlier? Surrendering to pain & doing my work with a cheerful spirit is a current lesson for me. Max so kindly rubbed my leg the other day & told me he just wants the time to come for the baby to be born so my leg can stop hurting. And I agree. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Another joy of pregnancy in West Africa as dry season begins is enduring the heat & accompanying fatigue. It's so strange for me to feel so much hotter than I ever have before here. And have heat rash like never before. On my arms, for crying out loud! FYI, heat rash is a raised bumpy irritation that itches til you scratch it, then it burns. Different things help, nothing takes it away. We'll put that on the surrender list too. ;)<o:p></o:p><br />
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The sweet peace of the Father is present as we continue on. This is His child I carry & He is more than able to care for this little one. This was just as true when we lived in Pennsylvania. Here we carry the reality of surrender & trust before us daily. Our focus may have been blurred before by level one university hospitals, fire companies & ambulances, reliable electricity, the nearness of beloved family. No more. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<em>He</em> provides,<em> He </em>protects, He <em>knows</em> the path ahead. <br />
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We have twice visited Egon Clinic for maternity appointments. We travel about 30 minutes in light traffic into Accra to reach it. So far I am measuring correctly & my lab work is fine. I wanted to include a picture of the inside of a patient room. When I asked for a tour-it's that single story building just beyond the parked cars- they laughed at me & asked if I thought I'd be returning tomorrow to deliver. Then they told me I can wait til another time. There's a glimpse into medical culture for you. Patients are to be obedient & not ask too many questions. <br />
Seriously, the ObGyn is German & I'm pleased with her level of knowledge & skill. I'm not a comnplicated patient & actually look forward to a 'lower' level of care. By lower I mean skilled staff but care in a basic clinic setting instead of a university hospital with all the frills. <br />
Besides, I've got the best nurse & coach around. His name's Jon & he has gotten me through twice before. :) <br />
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These two pictures are just to give you a visual of what a clinic looks like here. The buildings include basically what you can see in the bottom picture. It's dusty & crowded outside, dim, but clean, inside with a sputtering air conditioner. The magazines are in German. The patients are a mix of Middle Eastern, Ghanaian & American. It's mutlicultural health care at its finest. I even get to walk by own labs to the other building for testing. <br />
What an adventure. Grace required! <br />
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-23719607057499712412012-11-25T12:52:00.000-08:002012-11-27T12:07:22.464-08:00Happy Birthday, Mr. Sauder ( a grandparents tribute)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">To Mr. Sauder (aka Pawpaw):</span> </div>
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We wish you the very best birthday. Max & Rory were delighted to hear you spent it at the cabin stalking deer. </div>
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The special times you made possible while we were on furlough this year are priceless. We could not ask for a better example of integrity, hard work, & kindness for our children to follow. We bless you for taking the time to manage our mail & pinch our pennies. We very excitedly await your arrival in just 5 months!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday!</span></strong> </div>
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Nanny, Grandma & Grandpa, </div>
We cannot resist taking this time to thank you all as well. Two teams of God-loving family- committed grandparents is a blessing too large to be deserved. We are so thankful for the influence you all have on our children. They love each of you both for your differences & for the consistent love you show. <br />
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In December of 2011, my parents visited us here in Pokuase. My mom made many memories cooking up treats & sewing up crafts. These puppy pillows are no longer crisp & clean, but they are well-loved!</div>
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Also on the December 2011 visit, my Dad joined in the homeschooling venture. I think with all his children endeavouring to home school he was taking a look at what all the fuss is about. Max enjoyed a different first grade teacher. Wonder if this substitute was as much fun as the substitute teaches I had in school. :)<br />
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Ah, Nanny. This photo is on our fridge. Elle would like to carry it off, tuck it under her pillow & never share it with anyone else. <br />
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Dad, I wish I could sit and talk to you today around the fire, or on the walkie talkies as we check in every hour on the hour from our tree stands. Or to spend a morning bagging horse feed and just having fun and working hard together. Thank you for being my dad, my mentor, and my kids hero. We love you!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-481267236430542490.post-15872316201964450822012-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:002012-11-24T11:11:07.911-08:00Fighting the good fightSo, just 1 week ago tonight we took our weary travelers from Indiana to the airport for their flight back to the States. Maybe they weren't weary, but we sure were! Just 3 weeks after we returned from the States, 19 enthusiastic individuals showed up here in Ghana to do evangelism, basic health clinics, and some work on the Bible Institute. It was a terrific trip, and together we handed out about 8000 tracts and saw almost 350 patients at the 2 health clinics! We had 4 solid crusades, and the response has been encouraging. Pastor Frank, who pastors the CFCI church in Adawukwao, told me that "the children are many!" Both Pastor Frank and Foster are doing new believer's classes and following up with all those who gave us their contact information either at the crusades or clinics.<br />
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It always seems that the time leading up to the trip is always stressful, with many things going wrong to distract and discourage us. This year was no different, with Ron's washing machine clonking out just days before our guests arrived. The power was on serious load sharing, with light being off usually 12 hours a day. With only one working generator between us, and that needing to go out with the team for lights, sound system, ect., we were concerned. Our guests did arrive in Accra on November 8th, after traveling many miles and through several airports to get here. Alas, we found that the airplane did not bring 10 of our suitcases, causing some serious trouble for several of our guests!<br />
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We were rained out of the evangelism we hoped to do the first day, although we traveled to Adawukwao and set up the stage and waited out the rain. We did get the crusade in, which we were thankful for. I did call the airport on the way home and they confirmed that the remaining suitcases had arrived. We knew it would be close, but they didn't close until 12 AM so Ron and I raced in. I got to the desk at 11:55 PM, and the lady was just locking the door to the baggage claim. I had been in phone conversations with one of the guys, and he had promised to wait for us and even later if we gave him a small gift. =) This particular lady was not privy to this conversation and was quite annoyed at me, and boy did she let me know. After much growling, griping, and plain down foot-dragging, we finally got the one suitcase that was there. My airport friend then took me up to the conveyor belts where the remaining bags were, but unfortunately only 4, not the remaining 9, were there. We were thankful for what came in, and so were some of the guys who were on day 3 of wearing the same clothes!<br />
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The following day we did the clinic with a crusade in the evening, and I got another call on the way home that the remaining bags had come in. Again, we raced home, but since I had responsibilities with the group, Ron and Leon went to the airport and picked up the remaining bags. They brought them home and we unpacked them, and for the second consecutive night the clock pushed past 1:30 AM before we got to bed. <br />
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The rest of the time passed quickly. We were extremely tired but we pushed on. On the morning of our final clinic, I could not find the patient forms that I had previously printed out. After tearing up much of our living space (which was quite reduced, since we had 11 extra people staying in our house), I finally just printed more and refused to be frustrated with it. If you don't know me well, I like to have all my ducks in a neat row, and when things get out of line I get a little testy. Well, needless to say, I found the forms just as we were to leave for the clinic. I was thankful as it proved I didn't totally lose my mind, but just looked at it as an attack from the evil one. We were much more efficient with our second clinic, and we had taken care of the patients who had coupons within 1.5 hours, so we opened it up to others for the remaining hour. We ended up seeing 210 patients that day, and if I wouldn't have "lost" those patient forms and printed more, we wouldn't have had enough, thus losing valuable names and phone numbers for later follow-up. See, God works ALL things for good, and we just need to rest in that.<br />
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Sara was busy helping Audrey with the food, which was a monumental task. They worked together very well, and nobody went hungry! In fact, some suggested that they ate better here than at home! <br />
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After our Indiana team departed on Saturday, the PA group from NCMF went to Jon Groff's place for a visit. We visited Pastor Felix's church Sunday morning, who is a member of our Ghana board of directors and a valued part of the ministry! I think this is the first time for all our guests that the sermon didn't start until after 12! We did leave the church around 1:30 PM, after they served us minerals (Coke/Fanta/Sprite) in appreciation for our visit. We did also get to go to his new home and get a tour. God has blessed Felix greatly. He told us Sunday that Felix did nothing, God did everything, and he took my small faith and made something great! <br />
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We had a great time in Apam, and visited the Cape Coast slave castle and Living Hope Ministries. The one downside was our motel ran out of water, so bucket showers were a necessity. We traveled back to Accra on Tuesday afternoon and had them to the airport by 6:30 PM. <br />
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Although it was sad to see them go, we had a tremendous group who worked so hard and so well together. We thank those who sacrificed to come, especially those who left spouses and children behind.We look back and see that when things didn't go as we planned, we made due and things were OK. Maybe not to our American guest's standards all the time, but workable. And I would suggest that in those times when the power is off at night and your sweating profusely in your bed, we begin to understand the blessings that we may take for granted. And when we don't have the "basics" like running water, to understand that maybe, just maybe, we are a bit spoiled. A thorough journal and more pictures are available online at <a href="http://www.cfcint.com/">www.cfcint.com</a>. <br />
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Eric sharing the love with a small girl.</div>
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Naomi fitting right in.</div>
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Showing the pride here in Ghana!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084338516132742408noreply@blogger.com0