Time well spent

Well, we had been warned. Our fearless mentor Ray had told us that missionaries wear many hats. Thus, we knew that we had a "job description", but that could change depending on the needs. When we sat down with Robert (board chairmen) a week after arriving, we went over a revised job description focusing on some areas where we were planning, and several that we weren't. I will be spending less time working at the institute and more time taking over the CFCI Pastor Association. Sure, I will still work on the website, produce the newsletters, and hopefully put in a computer lab at some point, but my main focus is on the support, encouragement, and training of the 7 pastors CFCI has under the association. So, it was with some uncertainty that Ron and I attended the "End Of Month" meeting on March 3rd. I had no idea what to expect, with the meeting starting at 9 AM. I jokingly told Sara I would be home by 4 PM, which turned out to be close...

The meeting started with the pastors giving monthly reports detailing weekly attendance, visitors, offering and tithe contributions, church expenses, and any conversions and visitors to the church. For example, the church in Adeiso had 2 new converts for the month with an average offering of about 6 cedis. That may not seem like much, but I challenge you to find more cheerful givers then the people in Ghana. The way they sing as they all walk up front and put their offering in the basket is a testimony in itself, and a reminder about the way our hearts should be for our giving. Once that was done, Ron extended the official welcome to me, followed by a very special time of prayer as they laid hands on me and prayed for Sara and I. We then were led by Pastor Joseph in a time of worship. I wish I could show you the way these men worship. No instruments, no projector, just pure, unashamed worship with hands and voices raised to the Lord. We then had a time of discussion as we had several items to discuss. We closed the meeting with prayer, and "enjoyed" a meal of banku and fish. It really wasn't bad, but it takes some time to be able to put a lot down! The fish was really quite good. Suffice it to say, I bought some FanIce on the way home.

Pastor Isaac with a new Bible

It was at that meeting where they invited me to their "Mid-month" meeting on the 10th. So, I picked up Pastor John at the Media junction, stopped at the land site for Pastor Isaac and some Bibles, and proceeded to the church in Adesio for our meeting. We were 15 minutes early, which is not the way it is done in Ghana. Pastor John and Isaac attempted to teach me how to drum properly, then started singing and drumming at the top of their lungs. Pastor Isaac took over the snare drum within a few moments, as the Western influence didn't sound right at all. By 9:30, all but Pastor Ema had arrived. The meeting started with us sitting in a circle, with the elected "officials" sitting to the front. Pastor Steven is the chairmen, with Pastor Foster Vice, and Pastor Joseph being the secretary. If you wonder why I call them "Pastor so and so", it's because it is a sign of respect and I need to train myself to always address them accordingly. We had a time of worship, again very sincere and pure, and then talked about several issues that they were facing with their local congregations. Pastor Steven was distracted a bit, as his wife was due to have a baby any minute. We did find out the next day that she had a successful delivery of a baby girl, their first child! I handed out 5 English Bibles to each pastor to hand out at their church. We have plenty English Bibles to hand out, the problem is that many in their congregation cannot read and understand English very well, which is why we are starting a sponsorship program to raise money for Bibles in their local dialects of Twi, Ewe, or Ga. We adjourned at noon. This time we purchased lunch along the street in Nsawam, the bread capital of Ghana.

I know I will enjoy getting to know these pastors better. These are men who are very sincere in their walk with God, who can quote more scripture than I, & want to spread the truth of God to their congregations. They get along well, and the discussions are quite lively. But they are young in their faith, and need support and encouragement along the way. They need more teaching in many areas, from leadership to teaching the hard truths Jesus taught. Attempting to understand their culture and all it entails is a large process, but one that I can spend several years learning. My mind returned home as the Encourage Men sessions wrapped up in Ephrata PA today, and I am hoping we can use some of that teaching to build up these men.
Many of these men have amazing testimonies. The team here in October got to hear Pastor Isaac share his testimony in person, which we tried to video (until our memory cards got full). I have attached a shortened version he provided for me to put on the website here. I hope to put all of them up there in the near future. It is the testimonies of people like Pastor Isaac that encourages us to press on, for the fields are white for the harvest.

Be Still

Be still before the Lord
& wait patiently for Him. (Ps 37:7)

As we have gone through the fifth week since leaving one coast for another, I am learning to be still before the Lord. In my previous life, this was a schedule challenge. I had to purposefully sit still, & mostly only my spirit was actually sitting still.
A whole new challenge is added since now I am often physically sitting still. I'm still caring for my children, still helping in the kitchen, still reorganizing box contents. But mostly, my mind is still. I'm not planning Audrey's grocery list, I haven't been able to start school with Max yet & Jon is often around spending time with the children. That lenghty Word document of lists for Ghana, a source of both calm and anxiety (all you list lovers understand!), remains closed.
The challenge in sitting still is forcing my mind join the seating arrangment. It is off in the land of frustration, impatience, remember when, I wonder when.......
Ah, how the Deceiver enjoys tempting me with these!
She watches over her household and does not eat the bread of idleness (Prov. 31:27)
I am working to choose to watch over my household. For now, the physical chores are less, but the mental battle has just begun. I am chooseing today to tutor my idle mind in that beautiful peace that passes understanding & to grow in the knowledge of Jesus through His Word.I hope you'll join me!
Here is a glimpse into our week. Humble though it was, we are grateful for continued good health & great hosts here in Pokuase.

Elle is enjoying a juice box from the cold store down the street from our house. A little bit of happiness for 80 pesawas isn't a bad deal. :) The owner, Isaac, also sells provisions so I'll be able to buy basic things like oil, tomato paste, rice & of course, minerals.

I'm thinking my dear Elle isn't the only little girl on the planet who likes to snack. But she is one of the most persistant. One night this week, we couldn't find her. Anywhere. In a gated yard, that makes you wonder if she got outside the gate and wondered down the street. That would be very unlike her, but she was no where to be found. She was found behind the closed pantry door deep in a bag of strawberry rice krispies. Her first words to me were" Look, Mom, they're pink!" Further escapades into the Bontrager's treat stash in the pantry has earned her quite a reputation!The boy brigade has barred the pantry door to keep Elle out. This ingenious work includes a strap, a stick that will fall if she touched the handle, a stick propping the door shut and several stools. Their success was limited since they were soon off to another adventure, leaving the pantry-guarding to the cooks. :)

A walk down the block to a certain yellow & red house, shows this almost done, very cool staircase. The welding equipment is there, where is the welder? :)
These stairs are in our bedroom. They lead to our only upstairs room. It is small, but perfect for the boys. They especially like having their own small balcony.

Through the doorway is our bathroom. It is a bright white...awaiting many dirty feet. ;)
The other side of the bathroom leads into Elle's room.
I am waiting to give a complete tour until we move in...or until you come & visit. :)
Our favorites about the new house: high, high ceilings, large closets & huge windows.
And tile! Everywhere!
The challenges: Americans like curtains (even if they are just for pretty more than privacy)! The windows are so big, I'm thinking of giving up before I start. The louvers are mirrored, so privacy isn't an issue. Also, the two bathrooms with showers are mainly glossy white. Fine for magazines, but in real life....

I am standing to take this picture at edge of the highway that passes our street. A sharp right over the big pothole at the sign for District Court, Pokuase brings you down our street. Jon is just leaving the provisions shop on the right. The first street right, just past the stack of blocks, is Ron & Audrey's street. Our house is on the left, look for the red roof just in front of the two story building under construction.



Last night we enjoyed an evening at home while the Bontragers went out with friends. We played whiffle ball til almost dark, made dinner & were enjoying it when the power went off. When all goes pitch black & silent, the little ones still cry, Max hollers for a flashlight & Jon feels his way to get the matches & flashlights.
Dishes by candlelight are not such a bad thing. It gave me a few moments care for my household and be still before the Lord. The quiet, in this noisy house, was welcome.

Till's Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Measures of Blessing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magistrate Court, Pokuase

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

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

Jet lag and shopping wore Rory out.

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

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

Arrival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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