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!

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.