ghana vs. brasil!

Well...it's over for ghana black stars. It was an interesting time for me as I learned all about "football." A group of us went down to a Champs, a local hang out (did i just say hang out...wow that sounds old!) Anyway, there was a mixture of Ghanians and internationals watching Brasil make some impresive moves and get some "lucky" breaks. Now, since I just learned all about football I'm no expert. But based on the crowds reactions and the people I was with...there was some bad calls...:( However, the experience of being here during the game....AMAZING. So today was a good day. I went price shopping for a bed and some other furniture for my apartment! I drove my car (around the block) for the first time today. It was ok I didn't die but I wasn't in major traffic either!! We're about to eat spagehetti...Bec I know you wish you were here to eat it!!!

day two in ghana

It's my second full day in Ghana and I'm at an internet cafe down the road from one of the other missionaries houses. It's about twenty minutes from my house. Sorry no pics yet...So far everything is going great though. I had one thing lost on the airplane, but it can be replaced. Culture shock hasn't hit, yet. I've gotten two good nights rests in an interim bed until I can buy mine. I'm going to a house today to look at a bed and some furntiture for my apartment.(they're moving so hopefully it'll be CHEAP) Sorry to disappoint ... I"m not living in a mud hut! The family I live with Kirk and Nicole, Claire Mozley and her two daughters were at the airport to pick me up. It was nice and comforting to have them as a welcoming crew. Nicole, dressed appropriately, was in one of those funny Dr. Suess looking hats designed as the Ghanian flag...there's a football (soccer) game tomorrow at 1pm. Go Ghana...hopefully someone will teach me the rules to "football!" I'm going to another missionarie's house to watch the game. They host a "youth" group for Ghanians/Americans so it should be pretty fun!

This weeks' plans are to get my apartment kind of settled in to, meet the Bishop of the Methodist Church and go to our team meeting this weekend.

I'll attach some pics of my apartment...as soon as I can get them. The Mission Society has a great realationship with the MCG (Methodist Church Ghana) and it's culturally appropriate to meet the Bishop upon arrival. I'll also probably start applying for my work visa. Our team meeting this weekend is designed to keep our team in touch and build spiritually and emotionally. I'm looking forward to this. I have learned a couple more phrases in Twi. Not that I would know how to spell them, but when someone asks "how are you doing?" I know how to respond! Hey it's the little victories I'm celebrating.

We went to a Ghanian service Sunday morning. Culturally people dance and sing a lot, especially during offering. They sing out of hymnals sometimes, which I'm not sure if they even 'really' like it? and then sing memorized chanting songs which someone told me is the more "contemporary way to attract young people." Honestly I found myself judging the culture during the service. Bet you didn't think I would say that! Just being honest. I found myself wondering after two hours when I was tired and ready for a nap if some of them felt the same way? I am going to have to adjust to the lengthy services. Plus it's hard to stay attentive when you don't know ONE word they're saying. But then again, I knew I would probably think that, it's new and foreign. I'm just trying to appreicate it and know that God is here. And even when I'm thinking "such and such way" is this or that, I've got plenty of things to worship God for.... (i just ended that sentence with a preposition, my pr teacher would die if he saw that!)

leaving today

I'm sitting in Marley's house for the last time as a "roomate," and I know Daddy is here. So far the past two years in preparation to being a foriegn missionary have been a great journey with many ups and downs. I'm sure by moving to Ghana those ups and downs will remain and there will be great experiences, relationships and opportunities. I have to say this morning and last night went very smoothly with packing and I know God's prayer warriors for this mission are being faithful. I'm not nervous one bit...well yet..of course we're not at the airport! My back is hurting a little from packing but besides that I'm good to go. I read my Utmost for His Highest this morning and it was talking about living outside of ourselves. I'm praying that today.

I told someone the other day that I know the timeline of leaving is God's. It's taken two years to get to today and I'm ready.

It has been an exciting and exhausting three weeks. I am very appreciate of the going away parties and gifts everyone has given. I have gotten to hear some of my friends pray outloud, something very much out of their comfort zone. I've gotten to read letters from people who feel God might be calling them overseas. I've gotten to love and be loved on on a way that echo's Gods amazing love for us. It reminds me that God's plan for this mission has way more to do than with just me. . I leave Memphis at 7:25 tonight, get to Amsterdam at 11:15a their time and Accra at 6:35p on Saturday, their time. I'll write when I can. Thanks and keep praying I can already feel the prayers.