Sunday is coming!

Well, it seems that it has been quite some time since there was new information posted here on this blog! It's not that nothing is happen; quite the opposite. And I find myself here blogging for Sara, part of some negotiation we made long ago of which the details I can't remember.
People often ask us how church is going for us. There are certainly a lot of adjustments we have made as far as church goes. It seems so long ago that we spent our last Sunday at NCMF, and some of the things we encounter now almost seem normal...
Our dedicated director made a nice schedule for us, detailing what Sundays we have free and what Sundays we go to the village churches. Usually we go to a village church 2 times a month, visit the children's home Kinder Paradise once a month, and have a free Sunday once a month. We as a mission want to support our churches in every area that we can, from regular church visits, Jesus film showings, and the medical clinics and crusades, which by the way are scheduled for November 1-13 this year. Most times I am prepared to bring the Word, but we don't always let them know we are coming, and enjoy listening to them preach. The worship time is amazing, and you can feel the presence of the Lord in the place! I wish you could all see them worship, from the small, intimate worship at our pastor's meetings, to the large worship services during the crusades, where the dust rises to the heavens from the joyful dancing. For some reason, we think of David and the Psalms as we see them making such a joyful noise. They will ask us to participate in the front, and although we feel out of place with our irregular movements & lack of rhythm, we join them and enjoy it.
However, this has not come without some needed adjustments for the children regarding church. First, there isn't any Sunday School, except when we visit the International Church on our free Sunday. Secondly, there are a lot of distractions for little people. Most of our churches have a canopy with a dirt or sand floor, making it almost impossible for the little people NOT start digging or driving their toy or pencil through it. Also, it is not uncommon for animals to wander past the church, even passing through on a regular basis.
Last week at Kotoku, there was a large group of goats wandering around the church. There was an obviously amorous billy goat that was attempting to win the affections of a small female, who was running around baying at the top of her lungs. After several trips around the church and surrounding buildings, she was able to duck under the one guide rail at the front of the church at a high rate of speed; however, the lovestruck male tripped and crashed into the service after his lady, prompting the preacher to stop as he yelled and chased them out of the church.
But every part of their service is an act of worship, from the opening prayers to the offering. They are an example for us. When we were doing the baptism at Asamankese, we entered a village where a man was begging for the Word of God and to be baptised. Pastor Joseph and his church now are in the midst of a 7 day fast, where they are praying as to how they can best reach this village for Jesus.
Pram Pram is a great children's home where we visit the 3rd Sunday of the month. There are probably 150 children, and after the very sincere and happy worship time, the ladies take the smaller ones out and Ron or I will share with the older ones. This place is close to Tema, so it takes us about an hour and a half to get there, so afterwords we go to Comme Ci beach for a picnic and the children swim in the ocean. It is a relaxing time where we can talk, fly kites, and just rest before the long drive home, during which we hope the children can rest for a few moments.
And then our free Sunday; we usually try to go to the International Church in Accra, where they have a regular (for us) worship time and preach in English. The children enjoy Sunday School and meeting other expats.
We also enjoy listening to messages from NCMF online, which the tech team has so graciously provided for us. There are times when we don't want to fight traffic or be hassled by the police, and just stay home on a Sunday morning. The children love singing, and we listen to a service online or even can call in and listen live, which keeps us in touch with what is happening back home.
We were privileged to have senior pastor Dave Myer reside with us this past week. His son Adrian will be living with us, helping out with youth ministry, tract distribution, and even taking in some classes at the Bible Institute. Dave generously packed light so he could bring items over for us. Sometimes it's the little things in life that helps get us through. Max is examining the Lancaster Intelligencer Sunday Comics. "Thanks, Grandma!" Max's only comment was, "Boy, I wish I could read all these!"

Because Dave also wanted to visit the pioneering Groff family, we traveled out on Friday for a visit. I met another brother, Conrad, in Saltpond to explain the process of the S.A.L.T. micro loan program, which we are praying as to whether we could incorporate this into CFCI.

We then traveled back to the Groff's, where we went out to this Keke's beach resort for an evening meal, provided by Dave. The cassava fish, even though it took an hour and a half to come, was terrific. We ended up leaving Dave at the Groff's Friday night and drove up to Conrad's in Elmina for the night. We arrived after 10 PM planning to leave the next morning. Events led us to change our plans & stay until Sunday. We hand washed Friday's clothes for Sunday & took advantage of Conrad & Katie's hospitality.

We enjoyed meeting some of the people in the village, and even tried our hand at shore fishing. There is a reason they call it fishing, not catching. Anyway, I was able to sit and talk with Conrad for several hours regarding the details of this type of program, and I really appreciate him as a friend and brother. We visited the Deeper Life Fellowship Sunday morning, which was streamed from Nigeria, which was a good service except for the fact that it started at 7:30 AM. The Groff's and Dave came up for lunch, and then we traveled home to our abode here in Pokuase. We have started the "big pour" up at the land, where 100 yards of concrete need to be mixed in the mixer and handed up to the second floor in head pans where it is then dumped into wheelbarrows. We are excited to see this happening, and to be able to use the first floor rooms once the concrete is poured. Pray for safety as they work on this big project in such a hot sun.
So, pray for Adrian as he settles into this crazy house. Pray for us as we look at ways to expand the Pastor Association here in Ghana. Pray for Sara as she makes this house a home. Pray for the children, as they learn to live in a new culture, and Max as he does school.

We are grateful to the Father that He has given Sara and I 10 years together today. Sara had a plan to leave the continent for our 10th. Goal accomplished! Although we didn't get to spend the day relaxing or doing something special, we are taking a moment to realize we made it to Ghana in the service of Jesus, and that makes every day an exciting adventure.
Thanks so much,
Jon

Nsawam Central Market

Every mother of young children knows the sweet delight of a shopping trip without her little helpers. Audrey & I traveled north a few miles & walked the streets of the Nsawam Central Market blissfully without small responsibilities. Already a spectacle, we talked & laughed our way through many purchases. It is a practical place, streets are lined sections of fruits, vegetables, staples, meats, fabric & household things. Open Mondays & Thursdays, it was teeming with people, carts & vehicles. The picture below looks peaceful. But when large trucks, taxis & pedestrians all enter at once, we were careful to keep out of the mayhem of horns & shouting. This delightful lady was more than happy to cut two lengths of fabric for me. Elle & I are feeling drab & are excited for some skirts & dresses in Ghana fabric. She is laughing because she said it made her nervous that she was cutting while I took her picture. And, just so you know, you all are blamed for this! I say, " I just want to show my family & friends in America how you do this!" She was a good sport. The women just behind her was not so happy with me. :) She is selling wooden paddles, basically a giant wooden spoon, & I think I need one. The folks here use them to made banku. The fermented corn dough that is mixed with water &, while it is cooking, beat with the paddles til it is sticky. I was thinking I could find other uses for it. :)

The fabric shop below was set in a row of seamstress shops tucked under a tin roof and entered by a single file path. I don't consider myself shy or tentative, but my fellow Ghanaian shoppers were passing me by constantly. It was often a tight squeeze, but they rubbed hips if needed, kept walking, never stopping loud chatter with their friends. These ladies would do just fine with a Walmart cart on a Friday night. :)

The fabric I bought here can't be scene in the picture, but, never mind, take a look at the little guy at work with momma! She took full advantage of her little salesman & sold me some green print for GHc 4 per yard.
The ladies in the background are fitting on clothes. Sans dressing rooms, shoppers wear bike shorts under their skirts and fit on items wherever there is space. Audrey & I each bought a few items of clothing at a different stand. We opted for the old fashioned hold-it-up-&-ask-your-friend method. It worked out just fine & we were very pleased to find skirts for a few GHc. A seamstress apprentice at work. Apprentice's work under supervision, paying their teacher for the learning. At the end of the training, they often contract to work for them as a paid employee, but only after about 6 months of unpaid time. She rolled her eyes at me when I asked if I could take her picture. I loved watching her spin the hand wheel while managing the fabric and thread.

Oh, snails. Audrey & I are drawn to them out of disgust & horror. They wiggle, they stink & they belong in the backyard. And yet here they are very much for sale. At GHc 1 or 2 each, they are a treat purchase for the buyer. We watched a sale, as the woman dug out the snail with a skewer and squirted the juice, a crazy blue-white color, & the body into a bag. We soon realized our interest was making a scene and we moved on to more appetizing things. I believe our next purchases at a dry goods store were t-roll (toilet paper), crackers and oatmeal.

Last, but just as interesting, is a new way to flavor the soup. These tasty roll ups are cow & goat hide. Why would you need those tiny squares of boullion when you can get all the flavor you need from those chunks of hide? And have a chewy morsel at the bottom of the pot!

I was so fascinated, the woman was annoyed. Margaret, my teenage friend, says it is very tasty & very healthy. I'll believe it when I read the nutrition details printed on the label. Hah. :) :)

Thanks to Audrey's promptings, I am an adequate barter-er. I rather enjoy it & will have to train " Is that your best price?!" out of my vocabulary someday when I enter America again. Less things here are able to bargained for than I expected. Many prices are set. So, no, I'm not haggling over every banana. :)

It is, honestly, a relief to laugh so much, spend a little on our families, & sweat over our heavy bags & just what alley we parked in. I even drove us home, stopping for yam with pepper sauce & Nsawam's famous ( in Ghana, anyway) sugar bread from a street hawker. Her only disappointment was we didn't buy the mystery meat that went with the yam!

Dentophobia

April 18-23
Our week remained in the steady routine of visits of neighbors, of kindergarten, heaps of laundry & finding final homes for our things. You'd think by now I'd have it all settled. But, friends, this is Ghana. :) As Jon sees shelves, baskets or pantry items along the street, he stops for them. It different having my things picking things out & delivered! Choices are few here, & he's making all the right ones.:)

It makes me miss all the bargain places I used to haunt. And, of course, all the yard sale finds & laughter of sister-friends that went so well with the cool mornings & hot coffee cups. As my control over just what is filling my home decreases, I'm finding my lack of choice matters less. At moments I feel wistful for my old house, my old (literally !) things, but I'm finding contentment in having needs met. Unlike making a home in Pennsylvania, there just isn't so many ways to meet those needs. ;)

Goals this week include artwork hung, family photos unearthed & creativity brought forth! I've got the glue gun in sight & I'm about to google making decoupage glue. Results will be posted soon..:)

Dear Dr. Richards of Lititz Pa, kindly patched a tiny cavity on Max's left first molar in January. Max struggled to survive the ordeal. ;0 Jon shared the chair and the procedure was completed. That equally tiny filling managed to fall out recently. We took the recomendation of friends & left for Osu, Accra & Spaes Dental Clinic. We thought we were home free when we found the clinic and it had a parking lot...er, well, a large driveway. It even had air conditioning in the waiting room & tp in the bathroom. All signs of a respectable business, folks! :)

We were 20m late and ended up waiting another hour to be seen. Sure enough, for GHc 65 that filling would be replaced. We were happy it was not worse. Happy ended just about then. I heard a few squeals from the back room, but was confident Jon was handling it. The assistant came out & ushered me back into the room. While I had been waiting, the power went out, leaving the dental work area steaming hot. Max was sweating, gagging, wiggling & crying while 2 hygienists & one female dentist tried to calm him so she could finish the filling.

Now, let's be clear. I did feel compassion for my dentaphobic son. But as they were almost finished I was certain he could tough it out. It wasn't pain, but panic in his tears, heightened by instuments being poked into his mouth. "Hey,Max, " They called & coaxed. "Hey, you stop. Oh. Oh, you stop, little boy!"There was tongue clicking & head shaking at him and now at me (not at Jon :) ). Elle was backed against the wall shrieking & hollering "NO, I don't want a shot! Mommy!" She was sure those ladies in white dresses were nurses. She didn't relax til we were in the car! Rory, thankfully, stood by watching. I heard him say, "Max, are you okay?" I hope he forgets what he saw when it's his turn for the chair!

In Ghana, too often,obedient children result from switching or beating. ( "Hey,I will beat you" is a commonly heard threat.)It is accepted and doled out by the nearest adult, not just the parents. They were tisk-tisking at me because American children are thought to be spoiled & American mothers to be pushovers. I would give this defense on their behalf. The children, for their own safety, need to be obedient. Unsafe conditions and lack of access to emergency medical care mean their little lives depend on being obedient. Their obedience is also needed around the house & caring for siblings. The young girls are expected to clean, & prepare food. The boys & girls sell food or kerosene along the highway after school, steps away from mad tro tro drivers.

Anyway, thoughts of the mall & some motherly comfort got Max through the rest. That filling is one rough lump of cement! We are praying it holds. ;0

It had been a successful day in Accra. We left the house at 8am, visited the dentist, Shoprite, the mall food court, Melcom (Ghana Walmart), & Sarlinesta (Ghana discount grocery) & were home by 5pm. That is why the list is never done in one day. I miss being Pennsylvania effcient.

Below is Max enjoying Pringles from Shoprite. Real Pringles. He even shared them and saved a few for the next day.

This is Akus & Obed. They have enjoyed playing on our porch a few times this week with their big brothers Daniel & Oliver. Akus and Elle love to giggle together and look at books. Daniel (in picture background) is 4 & loves to kick ball with Max. Oliver is 10 years old & in charge of all of them. He takes good care of the little ones as they come & go. They often giggle to each other in Twi, laughing at the obruni Mommy. Although this week, it feels a little more as if they are laughing with us, not at us. I like the way it feels. :)

Rain clouds are easily spotted in the bright, hot African sky. Max loves to announce the coming rain & when the first rain drop comes, the children begin to beg to go out. They cannot resist the cool feeling of being soaked in the rain. I am usually not far behind them. It makes me feel young & silly, to be out in the rain. But trading sweat for comfortable coolness makes it well worth it.

A voice is calling me away, back to reality. Young Oliver is at my door again. He comes craving attention & our football. More than once I have found him listening at the porch door while we are eating or doing school. Boys here have so few men of God as role models. Our prayer is that Jesus will put a thirst in him, not just to haunt the obruni house, but to seek the Jesus we serve.

Palm Sunday

As we catch the rhythm and routines of life in Ghana, at moments we are startled to see ourselves relaxing , even finding our place here. I was able to visit the arts & crafts street with Audrey and her guest this week. A purchase was to be ready to pick up in an hour. When we returned, we spent another hour talking with the artist, Jabril. When is the last time you chatted with the clerk at Walmart about if they've visited Boston, or Tennessee? He proudly showed off his knowledge of American geography. ;0) The best part was, in between discussing Bush/Obama, Republican/Democrats, we talked about Jesus. That, my friends, is the Ghana advantage. They love to sit and talk and that buys us time to turn the conversation. By the way, I was the one purchasing artwork for my walls. One would think the visitor with us would have, but I have a special weakness for acrylic beauties. ;) Pictures soon. We have also become accustomed to surprises all around. Lizards in the house, ants in the towels & bedsheets (Elle's bed, of course! She is still talking about it.), worms in the veggies. We were able to spend the day with Jonathan & Juanita on Friday. Ron & Audrey dropped us off on their way to Cape Coast, returning for us on their way home. The ladies & children enjoyed the local beach, while the men worked on irrigation tubing on the farm. Sounds fair to me! Jon enjoyed a chance to see the farm, & the farmer, in action. It is always encouraging to see my friend making her way in Ghana. She is making a home for her family, making relationships all around her. In a land of so much words-only Christianity, she is being the hands of Jesus! Palm Sunday took us to the Dobro church & Pastor Isaac. He was delighted we came, & we were delighted to join in. Jon was asked to share "small", & he did. He & Jon are friends and share a joke about being ready in season and out of season to share a word. He was extra delighted to be the one to ask Jon to share this morning. The camaraderie they share is wonderful. What a glorious hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hope is what shines from the eyes of these village church attendees. We cannot cure their illness or make them millionaires, but Jesus has given them hope. It is a beautiful thing. One man testified in the service to recently accepting Jesus Christ. Joy shone from his face. He is making relationships in this small fellowship & is assisting with the work on the CFC school buildings. Pray for Steven as he continues to seek Jesus & make changes in his life. A large group of children have a sort of Sunday school under the mango trees while the adults have church. Many come from the local village without their parents. They are pictured below with their palm branches. They are easy to find here! The little lady I am holding came with her big sister to the service. She was so sweet! Pastor Isaac has a large children's ministry. He has a passion for ministering to youth and children. When Adrian Myer joins us in May, this is an area God has ready for him to minister in as well.

Before I could post this, we received a few Sunday night visitors. I tend to post in too much of an overview style, so here is a specific look at our evening!

Margaret, another young lady Audrey has introduced me to, stopped by. She sells kerosene along the highway. Our houses are on her 2 mile walk home. She is 15 years old & determined to do well in the next 5 years of her schooling so she can attend university to be a doctor. She is interested in all things American & will try any food we give her. :) She just lectured me last night about not letting strangers in my gate. She told a local robbery story, but , thankfully, in her opinion, my neighbors are trustworthy. :)

"Are you having bread," is the question. In other words, I would like a chunk of bread with much margarine. I was happy to give it to her, along with a chunk of banana bread. No pieces of bread here, they want a chunk. She came with a gift for Elle. She had crocheted her a little yellow purse! It was so sweet. She gave her a big hug. Elle likes Margaret and comes running when she sees her. Since I explained to her Elle's story of adoption, she is extra sweet to her. I should say this is so special because many Ghanaian youth care for younger siblings, little ones are a job, not playmates. That makes it extra sweet to see her sharing the bread I give her with Elle and taking the time to play with her.

Abigail and Mary arrived next to get water. These young neighbor ladies come for water, saving them a long walk for dirty water. I don't mind. The water is well worth the friendship we are working on. They are thankful we don't charge them. The landlord had been charging them 10 pesewas a bucket. The like many Ghanaian, they are Christians, but struggling with living it out. They have many questions & I don't have many answers. I hope to get her a study Bible and encourage her seek out a sincere local church.

Tonight we stood in my concrete backyard over full tubs of water waiting to be carried. Margaret was with the children in the kitchen, doing my dishes and enjoying herself, so I stayed & talked. Their questions were about my veiling. "Why?", followed by " If it shows submission & simplicity, then you wouldn't wear it to church, right?" :) Understand, Americans, that here, on a Sunday morning, the best, brightest dress comes out, the fanciest hair and the sparkliest jewels are put on. For one morning, they put aside work & put on beauty. She could hardly believe I would desire simplicity for attending church! It is a small picture of what can happen here, how the focus of worship and fellowship can get misdirected. Any church of any culture falls to this trap of Satan. I am thankful the CFCI Bible School is working hard to keep it's pastors, students & churches focused on honoring God !

The big questions passed & they wanted to see my kitchen. They oohed and ahhed over the cooker, the fridge & full pantry. Without power or running water, they plan & cook day to day. And if she had my pantry, her house would be full of hungry friends and relatives wanting fed. Abigail & Mary were anxious to try the banana bread. "Oh", they said, " It is too sweet!" But they both wanted chunks in rubbers (thin plastic bags) to take with them.

They had made three trips, filling all the buckets and head pans they had. They left with the last load of water, bread and a mango. And, I pray, a good dose of true friendship.

Margaret & Max were still playing a racing game on the iPod (a ministry tool! ;) ). She needed to get home before it got too dark. She had to chase Elle down, since she had taken off in her slippers (flip flops), & pry out her little feet. This little girl loves any sandals she can find!

After dinner, a storm knocked off the power. The power company does this because the wind can blow and swing the lines, causing them to touch and cause more problems. The wind and rain was so cold on the front porch, Max & I were imagining ourselves in sweatshirts, home in Pennsylvania! Not long ago we all would have ran out into the rain to cool off. Yes, we have done that! We've even taken along the soap and washed the children under the roof runoff! This time it felt too cold! Rory was shivering and Elle wouldn't even come out! I think our thermostats have been adjusted. :)

This weekend we will join three of the CFCI churches as they have a evenings of services on the CFCI campus.

May Easter be on your mind this week. The death & resurrection of Christ are a message too life changing to keep quiet. The Ghanaian way is to turn the speakers to top volume, so the message is difficult to ignore. May your life show the resurrection power of Jesus Christ at top volume this week!!

Baptism, Ghana style

The CFCI staff was invited to be part of a joint baptism being held for members from Pastor Frank (Adawukwao) and Pastor Foster's (Bawjaise) churches. It was an honor to be included. The service began at 10 AM with a time of worship and prayer. Pastor Foster led the singing. Ferverant singing and prayer left that wooden slatted building as men, women, and children worshiped. Joyful participation was given by all and we do our best to feel the Ghanaian beat. It is infectious! God has given them a gift of expressive worship, one song, one prayer after another. When the leader calls out a time to pray, all the congregation lifts up their voices at one time to the Father. No hesitation here! Think Moses begging God to once again forgive the straying Hebrews. They cry, they beg, they wave hands and Bibles to call Heavenly attention to their requests.

Jon is learning first hand as he works with these young pastors, that their congregations face struggles remarkably similar to our American congregations. Their culture calls at the young men and women to work or party, to take purity lightly, to leave church to the older women who "need it". Our American pews may have more place holders, but these attitudes are the same! Being present and involved takes financial and social sacrifice for these young people. Whether their families are Muslim or Christian, sincere commitment is scoffed at. Megachurches here make Holy Spirit promises and fortell prosperity. When they don't deliver, it's no wonder families become skeptical. Like anywhere, a sincer believer shines.

We walked quite a ways to the baptism location, through tall grass and crossed a small stream. It was very hot, and we often stopped to talk to people along the way who wondered what these "obruni" were doing walking through their villages.

.

The area where we held the baptism was a place where the river had a hard bend, so the water pooled up and only slowly flowed through. The water was a traditional, "Conestoga creek" brown with a sandy bottom. Pastor Foster, Pastor Frank, and Pastor John (senior pastor from Griner Mennonite here for a visit) waded into the chocolatety water and proceeded to baptize 35 individuals who were publicly announcing their decision to follow Christ. More pictures are up on the CFCI website for your browsing (http://www.cfcint.com/), and we are planning another baptism for the Asamankese congregation (Pastor Joseph) the first Sunday in May!

Pastor John Yoder (left), Pastor Foster (center), and Pastor Frank (right).

This woman had a difficult time getting out of the water, and collapsed once she reached the bank. Ron thought perhaps it was spiritual oppression, and asked if she wanted him to annoint her with oil. It then appeared she was disoriented from the submersion and quickly recovered.

Of course, the children "HAD" to be carried both ways, which made the stream crossing somewhat difficult, along with another sweaty body pressed up against you.

The baptism participants each received a certificate, and we wanted to get a group photo but most of Pastor Foster's church had left at this point. This is some of Pastor Frank's church, but instead of just the baptism participants, many just wanted on to get their picture taken. So, some of these are participants of baptism, and some just wanted to say "Jesus!". Since they don't really eat much cheese here, the common smiley face pose is to say "Jesus" instead of "cheese". Seems like a good idea, inasmuch as I love dairy foods.

This unfortunate critter was chased into our compound by some men who were looking for a meal. It went into our garage and then they were able to corner it and kill it. They were quite proud of their accomplishment, and sold it for quite a bit! They said they sold it for a reasonable price of 15 cedis. A full days wage for a carpenter is 15 Ghcd. They made a dandy profit! They told us they sold it to a man who wanted it for the magical powers of the animal.

We were able to continue to sort through our boxes (seems like an unending task) and we found some valentine's sent from Nanny and Pawpaw, which just delighted Elle. She carried hers around for quite some time, and it is still beside her bed. The children are slowing realizing that it may be some time before they see their Grandparents. This morning on the way to church, Rory asked "Are we going to Pawpaw's place? I miss Pawpaw." It hurts to see them struggle with the loneliness along with us. But it makes these things so much more special. On Saturday, with Sara shopping, Max and I made some cookies while listening to the "Kid's Cookie Break" on WJTL. We had good memories as we heard songs like "Tractor, Tractor", "The Fruit of the Spirit", and "The Muffin Man".

Hot season continues (actually dry season...but I prefer hot. Hot and sticky is much more descriptive than dry!). In many ways have adjusted to the weather. It's not the first thing we think of anymore! However, the power has been on and off this week. Sleeping and cooking with out fans make one feel American. Meaning Americans feel compeled to comment on and complain about the weather. Yes, call me one of them!

I took this picture as evidence. Even my lovely pottery mug shows perspiration. ;)

This week hold special challenges for us. I've got a giant yam on the back porch that needs the bark hacked off so I can fry or boil it, 25 oranges from the trees in our yard need juiced, convincing Max his bat-swinging, ball-catching hand really is not too tired to write a few more number 3s and inspiring young Rory to dash for the toilet just a few seconds earlier, before...well, you know. :)

We are taking comfort in knowing a few things these days. Not all things come as a surprise to us, we know how to get more than a few places and have made more than a few friends. We know the Ghana clap & the worship song that every village church sings, every Sunday. God is good & we testify again to His goodness having so little to do with circumstances!

Seek to experience His goodness this week!

Beginning

We have begun this task of making a home in Ghana. We are no longer homeless, we joke, but neither do we feel really at home! We have taken tiny, beginning steps and know there is likely to be steps backward (Flee, thou homesickness!). Our week was routine & as varied as the pictures I'm posting. I'm still holding out for the street view to be more finished before I give you the big pictures. So, for now, here is the close up of our week.

This lovely cockroach was helping himself to our snacks. He skittered off the shelf right in front of my face as I was reaching onto a high shelf. My fearless husband played exterminator. And yes, they crunch quite loudly! We see more of the smaller ones. So many, in fact, the children enjoy squashing them before they jump in the shower!

The next two pictures are of work that did get done here. These two guys have been working on our pavers. They have finished this area, but still are not done in front at the main gate. They are quiet and respectful. And they even use my washline. ;) They arrive in nice button downs and dress pants or jeans. They hang them on the line and change into work clothes and shoes. When they are done for the day, they strip to their boxers, use the faucet at my back door to wash up, redress and tro tro home. Seems like a good plan to me!

Jon & Ron altered the drain of the washer for gravity drainage. The concrete gutter they made and open drain hole prove too much of a temptation for little hands, so Jon took it on himself to mix a little mud and patch it up. He and Max had a good time doing it.

A glimpse into what is on my mind in an early,quite house. I mean these words deeply. As a mother my discouragement falls on everyone else, if I allow it to flow in my words & attitudes. In this place of the cheap, the unreliable and the unpredictable, we are learning quickly the necessity of an honest time alone with God. How often He changes my spirit, how rarely He changes my circumstances! ;0)

This is Mercy.

Audrey introduced Mercy and I a few weeks ago. She is a quiet 16 year old who stops in to play with my children, & volunteers to help clean up and do laundry. She has a beautiful spirit of gentleness and love for Jesus. She says she is going to teach me Twi. :) Hmm, maybe I'll pass that on to all of you sometime. Cool stuff like having three names. A home name, a school name and a day of the week name based on the day of the week you were born. I'm Akusia (Sunday), by the way. I'm enjoying the learning!

So, while I post about the mundane, I am gathering some great pictures from the CFC churches for the next post. Baptizing in the jungle, folks! It is exciting!

I also would like to pass on some exciting reading. Kristi and Nikki are working at a hospital in Saboba, up north. They give honest and heart wrenching views of rural life. Check them out!

kristi-lifeisajourney.blogspot.com

goinggoing-ghana.blogspot.com

Moving Part I

After 7 weeks of enjoying the Bontrager Hotel & Spa, we have packed our bags, loaded our boxes & ventured off down the street!

Many times we stood in "our" new house, wondering just when the time would come. And when it came how would we ever do all the details of daily living on our own!? We need the Ghana version of What-To-Do-When....:) Ron & Audrey are that guidebook for us. We are thankful!

We began moving Thursday. Many van & truckloads later, our furniture & things were unloaded at the correct address. Audrey can see floor tile again. :) She began preparations for two guests, Griner senior pastor John Yoder & Alfie Shrock, who are here to teach the pastors for 2 weeks. I know they will feel as welcome as we did.

A break between van loads. The children kept asking where we were going! This made our fourth "move" in 10 weeks. Whew!..enough for us.
Elle & Rory enjoying cinnamon toast & bananas for a first breakfast on the back porch of house #5. They were watching all the action outside. Friday & Saturday, workers doing concrete work, painting and driveway pavers arrive as early as 6:30 am & work til dark. Kofi the carpenter, John the painter, & Osei & Martha (home owners) were part of our moving in.
My back porch is an extension of my kitchen. I convinced the workers to leave this table for me...they thought I was slightly crazy. But I like it. I'm that predictable, folks. This table looks quite like one I owned in Pa. :)
While moving in, Carter, Max & Sirvanyos (sp?) enjoyed playing hide & seek and tag. Sirvanyos is Martha's son. He wanted to help me clean the pantry shelves. He did a good job, until he spied the biscuits. His eyes got big over jelly & drink mixes. All treats to a small Ghanaian.

Audrey, Arielle & Joy helped wipe windows, walls, kitchen cupboards & floors of concrete dust. Unlike American moving, we were unable to scrub until spotless & then unpack. Our goal was to leave it cleaner than when we started. There is still concrete dust being made, so clean is matter of perspective.
View from my kitchen window. Two guys were patching areas on top of the wall, Kofi was working in the kitchen til dark & Martha still had laundry on the line. :) That is the washline in the bottom right of the window.
Exploring the tree house bedroom! Boxes and bags aside, we are loving the view!
This is our Sunday morning breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes, pineapple & mango. Due to sickness, it took this long for us all to be present at the table for a meal. And, I'm pleased to say, I did not clean any of it off the floor. A good thing. :)
On the 27th Rory turned 3 years old. My little sweet baby turned rough & tough little man...:) We are going to have a party with Jonathan & Juanita & others Friday night to listen to the Phillies opener. His cake is in the freezer til then.

We love that he isn't too big (or too hot!) to snuggle up.

He is pretty sure by wearing undies Mom means they go on top of his diaper! (Yes, training him is next. Elle is doing really well. One at a time. )

He is the one still asking the questions.

"Mom, when are we getting in the airplane to go to Ghana?"

"Rory, we are in Ghana."

" No, Mom, this is Audrey's house!"

Max says this is the best house we've ever had. Hmm, skateboarding in the house may have something to do with that.

I'm excited to post pictures from the front gate the whole way through the house. But it will have to wait. Like you, I'm starting my Monday with quite a list. Love to all of you!