September 10- fun things/pics

Picture of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah with us gals. I ran into him at this bank. I was trying to get money out of the atm and it wasn't working. So I asked the guy in front of me "do you know if this is working or not?" He replied no which stank because I really need to get some money out! But he asked how long I had been in Ghana, I'm sure it's because of my impecable Twi!!! ha And I told him two months, as a missionary and will be here for two years. He asked from what state, Mississippi, and he told me where all he had been (lots of states) Then I asked, "on business" which he replied, "i'm a movie star." After that I wasn't too sure about it so of course I asked what movie....and lo and behold... it's Emmanuel. I didn't really know who he was but had heard of this documentary. Then I got in the car and told Claire who I had just met and she jumped out of the car, shook his hand and got his telephone number! The Mozley's show his documentary all the time...actually we watched is Saturday night! So Emmanuel's a nice guy...and he get's his money out of the same atm as the rest of us :)

attitude & language

Well it's a good thing I didn't blog Tuesday. Why you ask? Well let's just say it was one of those days where you realize how incredibly ugly you are on the inside...and then you beg for Jesus to come in and take over, becuase you are being rotten...ever have those moments, days, years? Ok here's the scoop.

Now Monday was supposed to be the first day of language, but Ama, the teacher, had to reschedule for Tuesday. I called Tuesday and we had to reschedule for 3pm instead of 2:30, that was fine, except Tatum wasn't going to be able to come to the first day of training....well I got to the University at 3pm and waited at the designated spot and waited and waited and waited some more. All this time I was trying Ama's phone that kept saying "this handset has been shutoff and is not receiving calls...this handset has been .." I seriously dialed it 45 times and no that's not a Margaret exageration comment! So then the more I dialed the more mad I got. Then I started thinking of all the other things I could have been doing for the past two months not to mention the past hour, I was mad that I have been here that long and not started language training, then the anxiety ball inside my stomach increased until I left the "meeting place" an hour later absolutely frustrated and for lack of better words "pissed." I got in my car and drove to the gas station across the road. They have two for Tuesday pizza and I was picking it up for our family. Not exactly like Pizza Hut, but hey it's pretty darn good :) Since it's two for Tuesday, you can imagine....EXTREMELY busy. I was waiting in line and someone butted in front of me. I was already mad, it was like he was throwing gasoline on the fire inside....of course the cashier lady's shift was over right as I got to the counter, so then I had to wait for the new person to come on and count her money. By this time I had prayed a little in the car but not given it over... so I ordered and went outside to wait. That was when i really started begging for Jesus's mercy and strength. And of course He provided. As I drove home I kept thinking, man it's good to know that I'm broken and need Him. I can get so anxious, upset, mad then curse yell and scream in my car and He still loves me. I then was convicted of truly surrending earlier in the process so that it doesn't get to the point that I"m so mad I could spit nails....so of course The Spirits still got lots of shaping to do...

Then on Wednesday afternoon we met with some other missionaries and had lunch to send off part of the Ghana team, the Jernigans, to London. They're going for medical training and will be back in three months. After that Tatum, Mary Kay and Charlie and I all went to meet Ama, for the third try. I didn't have my hopes up by any means. Now here's the conviction part, I had gotten so mad Tuesday that Ama's phone was dead and i couldn't reach her, then Wednesday my phone went dead. Yeah, kind of helped me realize I shouldn't have let that make me quite as mad as it did. :) Thank God for grace :) Then we met with Ama and she was GREAT. She's very nice and really wants to help us learn. Today was another great meeting, unfortunately the Jacksons (Mary Kay and Charlie) won't be able to come because it's too far (sidenote, please pray for their language training....something to emerge) but Tatum and I met with Ama and we went over the alphabet and tones today...as well as some pronouns. Tatum picks it up great...and is one of those really organized note takers....so I have to look onto her sheet :) I do have a hard time learning ...I just don't pick it up well....but I'm really not worried about it..i know the Lord's going to lead me...hey He knows every language on earth...which by the way is absolutely amazing in itself!

Also, something that has started in preparation for dry season is twelve hour shifts of power outages. That's right my friends, we are out of power from either 6a-6p or 6p-6a. The 6p-6a shift isn't that bad right now because it's really been cool here. The hotter it gets though....the less fun that will me. It's so interesting to have been getting e-mails about how hot it is in Mississippi and here it's been so nice. Well...the table is turning....around Christmas time here wax candles start melting :) Anybody want to come for a holiday? :)

Here's the big request I have. Gifty Sebugah, she's in the picutres on the left, is going through some hard times right now. PLEASE be in prayer for her and her family and for reconilation among some of them. There are people here who are called "traditionalists" they believe in a type of vodoo and animistic beliefs. There are spells, curses, etc. Please be in prayer that people would see God's truth in these instances and have great discernment against the devils attacks whatever they might be. it's a good feeling when you know you are where God has designed you to be, even with the toughest days, He knows right when to show you how much He loves you and what that looks like through others. Nicole, Kirk and I sat with Gifty last night for hours just being family. What precious time.

We leave for a little get away tomorrow. I haven't really been here long enough to deserve this type of treatment...but I do love the beach. We're going about five hours west of here to relax a bit. Kirk, Nicole, the boys and Gifty haven't taken anytime in the past year to go off for a long weekend, so looks like I got here just in the nick of time :) We're going to spend time within our community growing it deeper, which will be good. Pray for safe travel and for those people we come in contact with on the way!!!!

love you all
margaret

august 28th update

It’s Monday! The past week has been good. Last Monday night I went with Gifty to youth. Youth is a lot different here it consists of people from age 18-30 and is really a time for young adults to hang out and worship together. It was good and I think Gifty had fun having a white girl there, trying to speak Twi! Everyone there laughed as I tried to speak their language. As the custom is here, if you’re a guest then they ask you to stand up and speak a little bit about yourself. With the British influence here, they have a President of the youth group and she asked for me to stand up and I thought she said, “sing” for us! I said, “Um…did you say sing? Because you really don’t want me to do that?” But she laughed and said no. She just wanted me to share about who I was and why I was there. It was a GREAT cultural experience. The night was beautiful. It’s the end of the rainy season and the breeze is cool at night and the stars were out, so we enjoyed the outside before we went into the church. You know how much I LOVE looking at stars!

The other reason I went with Gifty was to meet with Felix about a community Bible club. Nicole, Gifty and I have been praying about whether or not to start a Bible club for this community. There are a large number of Muslims here from the North and there are some churches in the area, but as far as we know, not a community club for kids. Gifty and Felix, both Ghanaian, are HIGHLY excited about teaching these youngsters more about a life with Jesus and what that looks like. Nicole and I don’t want this to be “An American” Bible Club, but we both feel like we can challenge and encourage the Ghanaian leadership. So we’re praying for three more leaders and I’m hoping when we have short term teams come over this will be one of the areas of outreach people can pour into. Please be in prayer about this, for leaders and for Felix and Gifty….. I NEVER thought God would be calling me to help start a Bible Club for Kids. But I’m thinking that’s precisely one of the reasons He had me in Ri-Zoo the past two years….and why I have great children ministry contacts back in the states that I can pick their brains J.

Also, I’m going to be traveling with a short term team that comes in October and videoing their trip. I’m very excited about this!!!

Yesterday was Ghana’s Annual Conference and I got some good footage. The Mozley’s and the Sims’ families were there so we got some good shots of the people they are pouring into and have been developing relationships with in the Methodist Church. It was a five hour long service, but I’m still praying that God continues to teach me how to love ALL of His creation and worship Him at ALL times. There are some ministers and lay people here that Love the Lord and want to do great things. I just have to remember their hearts are in the right place, but I still want to see the process challenged. Just because we do it one way, doesn’t mean we HAVE to do it the same way. I don’t think that’s an American thought…. is it?

Let’s see…also I’m continually thankful for Internet…I got to listen to the “we are gifted” series pod cast! Thanks for putting those on line Darrell/media team J

Friday was also a day where I felt a sense of accomplishment! Stephanie and Jimmy are married and arrived about three weeks ago. They’re here as teachers at a new school so I took them to a couple of places to start getting some things for their classroom. The AWESOME part was that we navigated around Accra, without getting too lost! HAHAHA J I did take one wrong turn that sent us on a motorway and we drove for about 30 kilometers without having a place we could turn around! Oops. But then we went and got carpet, blinds and more and put it all in my Golf! It’s amazing how much stuff that car will hold! Gosh, I just read the bit about carpet and blinds….you would think a foreign missionary does adventurous, dangerous things daily. I guess we all have days were we have to do the mundane ins and outs….but in everything we take refuge in Him.

I’m doing well emotionally. Still days with ups and downs, you will notice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were left out of the highlights in this update! That’s because it was full of things like cleaning, washing clothes, trying to get the girl who’s helping me, Lady, to understand if you don’t come to work in a week and a half and don’t call it’s not a good way to gain trust. I’m writing this Monday morning and she’s still not here…as of right now she’s an hour late. I’m trying to determine if I’m supposed to continue hiring her because she needs some people to speak Truth into her life, or if I should not rehire her. Be in prayer about this because it’s really hard because I know she needs the work and pay, but she’s also around all my personal information and things…so I’m still praying about what to do…

Oh and what a GREAT blessing…I got to see my mom, dad, sister and NEPHEW Saturday night. The Sims have a web cam and it was slow and distorted, but man was I happy to see their faces J I continue to miss everyone. It’s really hard right now because I just found out Brogan is starting soccer this year, so I will miss every game in his first year of playing sports. But I just have to hope that when I get back I will appreciate family even more than when I left and want to make the most of every game, even when it’s extremely hot and out of my way to go to….

Love to everyone who takes 20 minutes out of their busy day to read my thoughts and keep praying for this mission. God is my refuge daily and I’m learning more and more about the little ways in which this looks like. If you’re reading this then I probably have a relationship with you, unless you’re bored and perusing the internet looking for new people’s blog to read, and I’m so thankful for all the relationships God’s put in my pathway….

IM IN

I have officially moved into my apartment! Yeah! The Sims are letting me use their bed I was using in the guest bedroom until dry season. Then I'll buy a bed on the side of the road...when the mold isn't as prevelant!!!! This is my bedroom...more pics to follow on the rest of the house...

some pics

So this is the hill of rocks we went up in a 15 seat passenger van. I was holding a two year old in my lap...it was great fun. The man kept saying, "Use force...or you won't make it...use force...use force..."

August 20th update

What a great week. It's exciting to write that as much as it is for those to read it who have been praying for this mission! You ask...ok Margaret, "What was so GREAT about this past week?" For starters, I finished reading a great book that the friends who sent the birthday package included. God is Closer than You Think. Throughout this week God spoke to me through that book, the Pslams and through a new movie I watched, Shadowlands about CS Lewis' life during the time he met, married and fell in love with his wife. During the time his wife is terminally sick someone asks, "Have you been praying to God?" Lewis says, "yes I pray all the time, I can't stop it it flows out....it's not changing God, He's changing me." And through his wife's sickness and death (sorry I just spoiled the movie for those who haven't seen it) he starts to realize how much suffering causes us to love deeper and to grow in faith. So along with that movie and reading Ortberg's book, which quotes Lewis frequently, God really is working on my heart to have a heart of worship no matter the situation. And that is GREAT news.

Also, we went to Madina West. (the church that I've been struggling going to) There was a sweet spirit in that church this morning. It could have had to do a little bit with the fact that I got to experience a Ghanian tradition of marriage. The formal wedding was yesterday, but today was the vows before the church. Everyone was clapping and dancing as they said their vows and when it came time for the kiss, the groom politely kissed the bride on the cheek to which the preacher responded, "You didn't do it right." That sent the congregation into hoops and hollers. I still didn't understand but a couple words the preachers said, but God helped my heart be in the right shape this morning. One of the things Ortberg talks about in his book is how human creation is over all other creation. Including mountains, waters, sky the Grand Canyon...those HUGE creations that we marvel at, but yet we don't fall down in awe over each human. So I tried to remember that this morning and realized how thankful I am today that God is transforming my heart to look at these people with love. Wanting to know more and understand this culture more.

Another reason has to be that Nicole and I walked throughout the week. We had one day were we ventured off into an area that is very "typical" Africa. That meaning, run down shack housing with many people living out of one. No indoor plumbing, a bore head to get water. However I couldn't really tell you anything about the people because I don't know them. They were very polite and smiled at two white girls, who weren't really lost, just taken the off beaten path. You know it also makes you feel good when you pass by the stand you've been going to frequently and they wave real big and smile.

Another great part of this week was the fellowship. Tuesday night a group of five girls, including me, went out to dinner and started getting to know each other. You're thinking...out to dinner...hard life! Yes, there are restaurants here in Accra. Remember I live in a very busy, industrialized part of Ghana. It's not how a lot of people "picture" Africa. But we went to dinner and it's neat to see how God has put us in community to support and challenge each other...maybe even some accountablity partners immerging :)

To top it off yesterday was an adventure. I looked in the Bradt guide to find somewhere for an outing so we could see the countryside of Ghana. Well it worked. I'm going to upload a picture that we took as we were going up the mountain and were stopped when a bulldozer was shoveling rocks on the side of the mountain. The rocks were actually the road. And if we wanted to continue where we were heading then the 15 seat van was going to have to go over the rock hill. Keep in mind on the right side was a drop off....we were on a mountain. So one of the Ghanain guys tells Kirk, "you must use FORCE or you won't make it.." that being said Kirk revved the engine, put it in second and off we went. We dented in the bumper when we hit the slope, threw some rocks but Kirk kept in under control and we didn't roll off the mountain. I was holding a two year old in my lap, so I didn't get very many good pictures...(yeah kids don't have to ride in car seats here...it's kind of nice) So that trip was fun. We went to Aburi and checked out the botanical gardens there. It's about an hour north of where I live.

I know this is getting long, but also I went into the outskirts of the market all by myself Friday! I know, small celebration...but hey I was pumped. I have met a lady named Joyce who sells fabric for 20,000 cedis a yard. That's roughly $2usd. She's really nice so if you ever come visit and need some cloth....I know one place we can go :)

Also, I sat with Gifty and Nicole today and we talked about the possiblity of helping to start a children's bible club. It's in the prayer and talking phase right now. We want it to be Ghanain lead and owned by the people here, so be in prayer that we listen to what God wants us to do. Especially for Nicole and I as we don't want to make it an oboruni, Americanized club, but we also want to challenge the thought processes of the way to strategically help children here understand and apply Jesus' love.

And I called the women who has an orphanage not too far from here. She was out of town and is supposed to call me back...so we'll see!

love to all...thanks so much for the e-mails, the packages, the prayers...everything. I miss family and friends, but I'm SO thankful for internet!

God is Closer Than You Think

I'm reading this book by John Ortberg, God is Closer Than You Think, hence the title of this post, and I just finished chapter seven. Ortberg is talking about how we have different spiritual pathways, or ways in which we connect with God. Some come more naturally than others and it's good to have a mixture of all of these. At the end of the chapter he closes describing that one pathway is no better than the other and as we realize people are all different it helps with judging and learning how to love deeper. The quote from Lewis is made from a reflection on the book of Revelation as John writes we will each receive from God a name that remains a secret between him and us throughout eternity...here's the quote I like.... "What shall we take this secrecy to mean? Surely that each of the redeemed shall forever know and praise some one aspect of the Divine beauty better than any other creature can. Why else were indivduals created, but that God, loving all infinetly, should love each differently? If all experienced God in the same way and returned Him an identical worship, the song of the Church triumphant would have no symphony, it would be like an orchestra in which all the instruments played the same note."

i think i'm an oboe. definetly an odd sound.

august 16th update

branching out- ghana, west africa Let's see where to begin. Last week was full of editing. I blogged Wednesday about struggling with final cut pro and I think I've figured out it's editing using my external hard drive...but anyway. We'll figure that out! I spent Thursday, Friday and this Monday finishing the project, but praises...that one's finished. Yeah! I think Nicole and Kirk sent the dvd's out to their family today...so hopefully their relatives can enjoy seeing their grandbabies! I know i miss my nephew and it's only been a couple months. Their families haven't seen the grandbabies in a year I think. Also, pray for Gifty and Eli, they came down with some kind of sickness Saturday and are still not 100% yet. So needless to say Saturday and Sunday were pretty quite days around here. I can't remember when but Tatum and I also ran around town sometime this week. I think it was Monday? Uh oh..everything's running together. I'm going to have to start journaling better! So as far as ministry goes.... I called about volunteering at an orphanage today and am going to talk to the lady Friday and just keep praying about wether that's where God wants me...I start langauge training hopeufully on the 21st. I talked to my language teacher today and she's calling tomorrow to firm up a schedule. Nicole and I have been walking in the mornings and that's been really neat. We get some stares, I'm not sure if that's just because we're white women walking or what it is :)! We took a foot road today, one that doesn't really have car traffic on it, and there were many Muslims living and walking in that area. It reminds me constantly of the fact that there are many many people here who worship faithfully, but don't know Jesus. So be in prayer for the muslim communities here. I also, as you can see from the picture below have sawed the moldy bed in two and have realized there's A LOT of mold on the inside. So I'm back to square one with finding a bed and somewhere to store my clothes. I've been here since June 26, almost two months, still living out of a suitcase, but then i think of the blessing it was to have kind of bee being prepared for this the past three years. Never really settling long enough to unpack...seems to be a famaliar story in my life :) But all is well here, and HUGE praises I'm feeling a TON better. Thanks for the prayers on the sickness ... I can feel them. Don't have a whole lot to report. Still praying about what to get involved with...I'm excited about language training....de e yea (sleep well) margaret

the moldy bed

this is the bed after i sawed it in two. click on the flicker images to get a close up of the lucious mold on the inside. but hey it's all part of the experience right!

tiff and me

100_0494,
originally uploaded by mbuell_1979.

happy birthday to tiff! I'm experimenting with flicker...and this is the first pic! On the right there is a link where I will be adding more photos. check each month to see the ones that "make the cut."

august 9th.

It’s mid-week now…so I’m three days behind schedule on updating my blog! Oops J It’s neat as I sit down to type about last week, it’s almost hard to remember what happened. A week ago Sunday we went to Medina West, the church right down from where I live, and it was RAINING so there weren’t many people there that morning. It was the typical three-hour service with hymns from British influence, thoust saist the truth, knowenst that Thy lovest thee…I mean is that understandable? Sorry I need to be incarnational…but I just don’t think they even like it. I could be wrong. But when African style music is played the place comes ALIVE.

The good thing is that I’m constantly aware that worship isn’t about us, and I’ve been really praying God will teach me how to worship Him always. No matter the circumstances. And I know people have been praying with and for me. How do I know that? Well I believe one of the “desires of my heart” was given to me this past Sunday. I went to a service at a place called Asbury Dunwell and it was GREAT. Nice people, engaged in worship, smiling and friendly. It’s amazing how the worship of others is affecting my worship? I’m not sure it’s supposed to be like that? But that’s just being honest. It was a treat though and I was so thankful to be in and around people who truly wanted to be there and we ended up having a good time. I know church can be fun. It helps you through times of suffering to be connected to people who want to grow. But then I start to think, maybe that’s one of the reasons I’m here. Like Joel’s comment said, God will “mold” us and shape us in ways that we don’t necessarily enjoy, but the trial does strengthen us. I have been blessed since I started really living my life for Jesus to be surrounded by people who are looking for a deeper experience than just going somewhere because that’s where there parents went or it’s just what you do. So I think God’s stretching me to be able to understand what it means to worship Him everywhere no matter the circumstance. I am reading the Psalms and boy can I connect to what David is lamenting and rejoicing about! So that was last Sunday and this Sunday.

Now for in between…let’s see it rained and rained and rained and rained pretty much all of last week. So here’s the recap I’m sick again and stayed in bed all day Monday, the mold on the furniture GREW exponentially this week (because of the rain) even after I bleached it twice and I’m still not in my apartment. Tuesday was fun as Tatum and I spent the whole day running around in the car to check out what we needed to do about visas! (we got some good laugh time in…such a blessing she’s here…and no Tatum if you’re reading this I’m not just nice things because you said nice things about me on your blog…well ok…maybe just a little J just kidding) We had a new family, the Jackson’s, get here Thursday night. Can’t remember Wednesday? Eli turned two Saturday and we hosted everyone at our house for chili and a little fufu for Eli. He has lived half his life in Ghana, so he REALLY enjoys Ghanaian food! It’s cute. (By the way it was very cool here Friday/Saturday it felt like football season in the States…I mean it’s not 50 degrees or anything but it’s been pretty cool…nice compared to the 110 heat in Mississippi…hey my heats coming. September starts the dry season!) Then Sunday and Monday I was at the Jackson’s helping them move in and get settled! By the way…the group who sent my birthday box included a “stick the tail on the donkey” game, which I didn’t open my presents until late on my birthday, so everyone was gone. However, we used it for the kids at Eli’s party…it went over GREAT! So thanks again Sarah and the gang. Side note…Sarah has sent a couple packages and they seem to get here pretty fast, so if you have mailing questions…I would ask her about it…J

I taped Eli’s birthday all day Saturday and went to start editing yesterday and realized that my computer needed 16 software updates. The camera wasn’t registering with iMovie and something is messing up with the time code in Final Cut Pro…so if you want to pray for technological stuff (and the user) that would ROCK! Oh this technically goes into next week’s blog, but when the Jackson’s got here they got their dog, Ziker, who was living here until they arrived. SO, we got a puppy yesterday. He’s a cute Ghanaian mutt! I’ve been trying to upload pictures on the blog…but there just not wanting to go through L so I’ll keep trying. I want to show you guys what fufu looks like! Everything is well in Ghana…love to all
margaret

July 31

I have thought about many titles to give this week’s blog. Such as-Boy it’s a long one. Mold seems to be my friend. Nothing ever goes the way you plan it. Thank God He knows what He’s doing. Culture shock anyone? But I couldn’t decide on just one.

Monday was the last full day with the boys before Kirk and Nicole got home. I went to the Mozley’s and tried to do some Internet stuff. That of course was time consuming. After two hours I had not gotten anything accomplished, so I sat there and I prayed at their kitchen table. I know the Lord wants me to be patient and find Him in ever step, even waiting on the Internet. So I usually bring along my Bible or a book I’m reading and it provides more than enough time to get some of those readings done! Monday I was reading Tony Campolo’s Speaking My Mind. I really enjoy his insight into the mainline denominations hemorrhage of members. Tuesday the Sims returned home from Korea and so at 10:30am we got in the trotro (big white 15 passenger van, standard of course) and I drove us to meet mommy and daddy! We made Kirk and Nicole a welcome home sign crafted out of printer paper and crayons…. Eli and Aidan preciously designed it. When the parents walked out of the airport doors after only missing their children for 10 days, tears filled their eyes as both boys ran while screaming, “Mommy…Daddy!!!!” Writing this it makes me see more clearly how happily the prodigal son was received. It makes me wonder about the delight God has when one of His children come home.

Then Wednesday I left the house at 9 am. Sounds like as soon as the parents got home I was outta there huh! Well there’s some truth to that, but I actually was going into town with Claire and Tatum to get some household items. Broom, mop, and bucket. Nothing too fun. But I have to say I was really excited because I had planned to move into my new house this week. The bed and wardrobe are made and ready to be used. Gifty sowed my shower curtain so I can take a nice cold shower. So after Wednesdays all day, and I mean all day shopping adventure, I went home, ate supper and went to sleep excited about moving to my apartment the next day. Which was my birthday!

I had a terrible headache Wednesday night and got sick in the course of the night. Then on an empty stomach took some prescription headache medicine and then proceeded to have crazy dreams and feel like my heart was going to leap out of my chest at any moment. I won’t take that medicine again on an empty stomach. Which on a side note, I feel like I have been taking A LOT of medicine since I’ve been here. Seems like every day something new with physical ailments comes up. So you can be praying for and of the devils attempts at physical pain to be cast off…Anyway….

So I woke up at 7am July 27th with a knock on my bedroom door to find Gifty, Nicole and Eli entering with a water gun in tow! Yes, Gifty’s idea to come in and give me a couple of birthday squirts to get the day started off right. I love her personality. She’s really funny and hates to loose at Ludu, a Ghanaian game sort of like Sorry. (Side note…we’ve played a good bit the past week…she really hates to loose, almost as much as me. Actually maybe even more!) Since my previous nights sleep was less than restful, I stayed in bed until around 8 am. Then it was time to go to the market to get all the fixings for Fufu! Now nothing turns out the way you want or think it will. Isn’t that the story of our lives? We go to the market to buy a woma and a base. The woma is a piece of wood about 6 feet tall they hold in their hands and pound the mixture of cassava and plantain in the base to make fufu. It usually takes about an hour to pound. They were going to charge us way too much for the fufu pounder so we ended up borrowing it from our landlord. The fufu is like a doughy bread texture with a light film around it. It’s really not much of a tasty item as much as it is a filler to make the belly full. Then you pour a soup, over the fufu. We used my favorite Ghanaian soup groundnut or peanut butter soup with chicken. Now a Ghanaian can eat a bowl full of fufu with soup, I however had four bites and was satisfied with my fufu experience. You don’t chew fufu, you simply pick up some with your fingers, yes soup with fingers is much more fun than with a spoon, and put the fufu in and swallow. It’s not that it’s bad; it just doesn’t have a whole lot of taste. And it’s very time consuming to make. Gifty and Mathew (he’s our neighbor across from us who helps work in the yard) did the pounding. I gave a feeble attempt as a white girl trying to pound the fufu and after four of five pounds I realized yes, I am an obrouni and I’m really not that strong!

Back to the morning market experience I had the best phone call. My first international call coming in…from my Mom! It was only 9:15 am my time, so that means it was 4:15 am Mississippi time. She sang me happy birthday and said that dad was probably going to be upset for her calling without him since he was out at Camp meeting. But it was truly a great surprise!

We finished shopping around 11 am and headed home to realize we forgot the main ingredient, groundnut paste. As we were driving we went through a roadblock and Nicole didn’t have her license, but thankfully the police lady let us go since we were a block from the house. We didn’t even have to pay! Let’s just say there are some crooked cops, not all, but some. We got back in the trotro and headed back into market for groundnut paste and the blessing was we found a stand close to the road and didn’t have to try and find a place to park!

We headed home again and unpacked all of our fresh veggies from the market and I went over to my apartment to get ready to move in!!!! I started cleaning and there it was. Everywhere. Mold. Mold. Mold. And more mold. Not just a little but everywhere on every inch of my bamboo wardrobe and bed. I started thinking, “Did I make an unwise decision on purchasing this and now I’m living with the consequences?” Then I started thinking about the money I just wasted and felt very unsteward like. Then I called Tatum to tell her not to come over to help move in and she immediately looked online for a solution to the mold problem. She and the Mozley’s came over for fufu that night so she gave me the print out for a bleach solution. It was truly a great birthday despite the fact the mold was on the back of my mind. Nicole made a chocolate cake chocolate icing birthday cake and we played charades. I missed celebrating with my friends back home, but it’s neat how the Lord provided people here to celebrate with! By the way thanks to everyone who sent birthday happies! I’m still getting them so it makes for excitement when I go to the post office with the possibility of getting a package!

Friday I was going to work on the mold situation and ended up going with Kirk and Nicole to tape them speaking about mobilizing Ghanaians as foreign missionaries. And speaking of packages we stopped to pick up one that came in. Now to pick up package I have to go into downtown Accra. Very busy. The first time I did this I had no idea where to go. I think I blogged about it. Nicole and I went in and there was the same guy who helped me before. Mr. Molley. I’m starting to build up a rapport with him, so add him to your prayers. Each time I go there I will try and get to know him and Caroline, the lady who helps him a little better. Back to the Sims…They have a vision Ghana is strategically placed in West Africa and can be mobilizers to impact West Africa. They spoke to the Ghana Methodist Lay Conference about becoming mission minded. They used the key word in Acts 1:8 “and.” Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria AND to the ends of the earth. Ghana isn’t exempt from sending those called out…to the ends of the earth. This consumed all of Friday as we left the meeting Friday night we also got a little lost in Accra at night. It was a fun adventure. Everyone was very gracious trying to give three obrouni’s directions!

Saturday was a down day. It was great to relax in the morning. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and just right temperatures. Many people in Mississippi have told me it’s extremely warm there…really plain ole HOT. I don’t think I’ve blogged this yet, but since we’re in rainy season the temperature here is GREAT. It’s been in the 80’s during the day and 70’s at night. Later on Saturday afternoon I used the bleach concoction on my furniture and read a little outside on my porch. (Thanks Sarah/Pat/Anna/Russ Tiff/Alicia for my new book I don’t know which one gave it to me J… God is Closer than You think...I’m loving it!) I ended up crashing around 6ish that night and woke up at 6 am Sunday morning. Sunday was rainy all day. It brought truth to the rainy season. We went to church and this reminded me that yes, culture shock is setting in.

I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am of The Orchard, my home church. However it’s also one of the many issues I think God is brining to light. Sometimes I compare every worship experience to there. See I have realized that I like to do what I like to do. One of these comes out in the fact that I love worshiping God and I connected easily at The Orchard. I know we teach, while on staff I taught this too, that it’s not about us. This is God’s story and we’re not the main character. I’m quickly learning that I know that, but often I don’t really live that way.

I have some culture shock setting in that I dread going to church on Sunday. This is a 360-degree turn from when I left the States. Worshiping at The Orchard was wonderful, for me. I love the people, serving, and the small groups. Not to say we’re exempt from all problems, but I loved going to church there. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with loving where you go. I actually am glad to know there are places that’s it’s really fun. But I don’t want to constantly be comparing and thinking it’s the only way to do worship, because I know that’s not right either. I go to church here, not able to understand the language and it’s VERY hard to give all of me and worship Him. I’m quick to say I’m naïve about some things, but I knew it was going to be a challenge corporately worshiping here. I’m a Gen X, media savvy, get me engaged with the “new stuff” kind of person. So being in a place where traditional hymns, from the Colonial period no less, dressing your best on Sunday morning and screaming from the pulpit are not my idea of exciting worship. So here I am trying to figure out exactly what God wants me to learn. But if it’s not about me then maybe God’s saying learn that I love you and you can love me no matter where you are. Even when you do things you don’t want to do? I know it’s not about me and I really want that to ring true. I have to wonder how many people here are walking with their Best Friend and are growing deep. Then I think that’s really not my call. That’s between them and Jesus. But then I think I must have some responsibility because it wasn’t until God brought me to The Orchard I realized that walking with Him is exciting, creative, hard, fun and exhausting. And He also provided people to pour that into and teach me. So maybe I am here to help a couple of young women continue grow deep. I honestly yearn to see Jesus’ face in every day tasks here. It’s funny that right now it’s hard for me to see His face in the place where you would think it should be showing up the most … on Sunday morning.

the boys. 2 and 4. whew. July 23

Laughing, crying, dancing, shouting, tickling and lots of night night. That’s what last week consisted of plus changing diapers and cooking “substantial meals.” I have a new found respect for parenting after the past 9 days. I have known that parenting is quite an in-depth and exhausting yet invigorating task. But now I realize how much love and daily living outside of yourself it requires. Aidan and Eli are almost two and almost four respectively. They get up around 6am every morning and don’t stop until 7pm that night. I’ve been reflecting this week (after 7p when they go to sleep) about what it’s like for God and His children. I wonder if He gets so exhausted because He’s been trying to teach us the same thing but yet we continue on the wrong path. Choosing unwisely. But each day is new and it seems with each day comes the next bit of strength. Then just when you think…this is not going to matter a light goes off and someone actually listens to what you’re saying! This morning Eli and I spent 20 minutes on the floor learning about sharing. He has a Thomas the tank and another train that hook on to each other and he doesn’t like for Aidan to come and play with them. So after a snatching episode from Aidan we took twenty minutes of me holding him while he cried for his toys back and constantly saying, “You have to share.” After about twenty minutes Aidan came in and Eli let him play with the trains…I felt victorious. It worked. It seems like Eli really learned how to share!!!! But then an hour after that…repeat situation. I am amazed how God never gives up. If our parenting is just an echo of the amount of patience and love we have for our children, His love truly is boundless.

We have had tons of laughs and Gifty and I have really grown closer this past week. You know the saying “you become like a child when you have children.” I think there is some truth to that. I found myself looking forward to playing night night. That’s where you pretend to fall asleep and then wait for Aidan and Eli to come over and say WAKE UP. Then you scream real loud and throw them in the air! It’s great fun! We jumped on the bed every night after our neighborhood walk. They kids and parents here love Aidan and Eli. They constantly ask, “Are they twins?” We have cows that graze in front of our house so every morning and afternoon Eli runs outside side saying “MoooooooMoooo” Since he’s two and living in a foreign country his language development isn’t to where he’s speaking complete sentences since he has double the amount of words. My name is something like “gargar” and Gifty’s name is “gifee.” Going anywhere with these two if fun and they really enjoy car rides. On the hunt for bulldozers and dump trucks, which they call tippa trucks here because the tip out the contents inside.

Going to the Accra zoo was interesting. Since I was in the North a couple of weeks ago and saw elephants in their wild natural habitat I thought I couldn’t top that. Sure enough do you know that at the zoo in Africa there were no elephants! Wouldn’t have thought that huh. There were however tons of snakes. Not my favorite.

The other major God thing that has developed over this past week is the growing of Gifty’s and my relationship. We have laughed and prayed and talked about issues this week. We both like to be silly and loud. We got lost in Accra a couple of times and laughed about it together. Her closest relative lives six hours away so we both have those feelings associated with being away from family. We are both in the latter 20’s and have shared culturalisms from Ghana and America. God has put an awesome person in my path.

I also had a meeting last Sunday with a guy from Atlanta. He works with local Ghanaians discipling them so they can in turn disciple other nationals. I’m going to go up to Kumasi in the second week of August to shoot some video for them. Not going to edit it, just interviews and file footage. I really need to find a tutor and do language training. I’m calling a girl named Ama today I met at a print shop. I went with Claire because she’s involved in starting a new international school here and this girl was there looking for a job. I just asked how she was and what she was doing and that’s when she told us “looking for a job.” She got hired and Claire went back in the next week. Ama is taking Linguistics at University of Legon. So I think she might try and tutor us…I just got her number last night, so I’m going to call today. Oh and guess what’s in four days????? That’s right 27 on the 27th! Hooray. And I have to say I have the best friends in the whole world. Seriously. Thanks to Sarah for spear heading my “surprise birthday box.” We had talked how neither of us has ever had a surprise birthday party and weren’t going to get one the next two years. So she sent me a box with all the party supplies, hats, noisemakers and TIERRA (Marley would be proud) to make my birthday a celebration…THANKS SO MUCH!!!!! Also, I’ve gotten several letters and e-mails from everyone…it’s really a great encouragement! Love to all!

Margaret

The Golf

This is my car....picture me dying on the road a couple of times, it's a standard, but for the most part...Jesus has helped me pick up driving this thing pretty quick! I feel confident driving into Accra...where it's super busy! Thanks for the prayers for this...I know it sounds silly to be nervous about driving, but hey I hadn't driven a standard in SO long!

July 18 2006

It's Tuesday the 18th! I'm over at the Mozley's! Imagine that...using their free wireless internet! So last week was interesting. Monday started off and I went to try and find some information about getting into some language training. I went to Legon University, 10 minutes from my house, because it seemed like the doors were opening in that direction. I went there and I walked in to the tutor's office, that had just arrived 10 minutes earlier another door I thought was opening, then he wanted WAY too much per hour to learn TWI. Back to the drawing board! But, I believe the one of the reasons the non chance meeting was to occur was I met a single missionary girl named Sherri. She is taking Twi from this guy and in a matter of two minutes I seized the opportunity to ask her number and we ended up being at the same function Thursday night just three days after we met!!!! It's neat how God's providing some relationships here. However, the starting tinges of culture shock are hitting a little. I miss air conditioning, hot water, clean walls and nice toilets. Yes every one of those is material. I'm not ashamed to say it. I also miss my family. I'm so grateful because my sister and nephew are moving back home with my parents, but I'm also sad i won't be able to be there with them. All this to say, I am having the repeating thoughts of "What is my identity in Christ?" I went to church at an international church this past Sunday and the person teaching that morning said those words again!!! I think God's asking me to work on some things. Since I've arrived I've been to two church services. (The second Sunday I was so sick I stayed in bed...by the way I got sick in the North...and I finally got some antibiotics...so now I'm getting better!) Anyway- I knew before I left it was going to be a challenge connecting and giving all of me to God in a style of worship that is different than what I most easily connect. I have learned worshiping on Sundays, isn't about us, it isn't about if we like the music or not or if we get a lot out of a sermon. It's directly related to how much we give of ourselves. It's intended so that we may pour out love for a God who freely and constantly lavishes His love on us, but let me tell you this is a challenge for me right now. I compare everything I hear and see to what I'm comfortable with. I feel like God is saying, Margaret don't get comfortable....and even when you think you're not, you are? I hope that makes sense as a reader on this blog. I don't want to compare. But one thing i'm learning about Ghanian culture is that people lie. All the time. I was talking about language at Legon earlier. One of the reason's I'm not going there is the teacher flat out lied. Here you of course bargain for everything and always have to be thinking of how you will negotiate. Some days it's fun. Other times you want someone to say what they want for the price they want and be done with it! :) Hey that's how it is in America. That's what I'm used to....This is part of the culture shock training I have been taught. So the good thing is is that I realize this is part of living in a different culutre...now i'm asking God..."WHAT DO I DO????" So back to my identity in Christ...I think God's asking me to step outside of the normalcies and really rely on Him. It's definetly a daily activity. There are times in the car I think...ok Lord...I know you're here so let's go. I hate that it seems whereever I am I want to be somewhere else. Does that make sense? I keep looking and thinking about the next thing that will happen. When really I want to be able to just be and enjoy the moment I'm in. Knowing my identity in Christ. Nicole said she was reading Brother Andrew and he says "I feel just as close to God washing dishes as I do when I take Holy Communion." This is great! So today I'm again asking for the Lord to teach me how to love the moments. Today's Psalm is 23. One of the most used and well known verses in the Bible....He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ...This is what I'm meditating on today. As for the rest of last week...we picked up Tatum from the airport...she's a single missionary here for a year living with the Mozley's....and I'm thankful for that. Also, last week there was a get together as Camron, a teacher who was here for 5/6 months, as his going away party. I got to meet a lot of the missionaries here in Accra and thankfully so as my cold developed into a full blown sinus infection...I had met a nurse who told me what to get at the pharmacy! Yes, you go into the pharmacy and tell them what drugs you need...no prescription neccessary!!! :) This week until the 25th of July I'm helping take care of Adian and Eli. They're the two little guys who live at the house with me...they're too cute. Last night I was up at 3am with Adian. Their parents are in Seoul Korea for a five year meeting of the Methodist Conference....anyway. Everything here is good. Times of emotional ups and downs, just like in America, but God is ALWAYS here and I"m so thankful of having my Best friend here with me. I do miss family and friends...but it's truly a blessing to be here.

july 9th-update

I'm back in Accra. It's 10pm here and I'm Mike and Claire's house using their internet!!! The trip was a great experience for several reasons. There were five of us. Claire, Mike's wife, Anna their daughter and two of her friends from highschool back in the States. We traveled from the southern most part of Ghana to the northernmost. Total roundgtrip we're thinking around 1600 miles. The first day we drove to Kumasi and got there in time to see the Bible club that started when Mike and Claire lived in Kumasi. We drove through the eastern side of Ghana which is how I picture "Africa" to look like. Since it's the rainy season the bush, rural areas, are totally green. When I came in November we went North, but it was dry season. It was like I was seeing something completely new this time. We drove through several small towns and stopped at Linda Dor's on the way to Kumasi. After about six hours of driving we pulled over to Linda's and used the facilities. You pay 10,000 cedis or 10 US cents to purchase the toilet paper and can use the toilet there. Nice and clean actually. So on the way back to the car we ran into a couple of Oboroni's (white people). They are missionaries in Kumasi and were headed to Accra. We greeted them, in Ghanian culture you ALWAYS greet, and then headed back to our car. When Anna, Davis and Ryan came back to say..."we have a flat." But let me tell you God is GREAT! The family we had just been talking to pulled over to look at the car. He had left ALL his tools at home since their truck was full, but he had the ONE tool we needed. The thing that helps lower the tire from underneath the car...I have no idea what that's called. so. :) Then there was a place across the street called a vulcanizer where we aired up the tire and were on our way. What else is cool is that we had been in areas of NOTHING. Driving for HOURS and once we got to the place we were taken care of, and Claire got to see a friend she hadn't seen in a year. They had pulled up right as we were fininshing putting on the tire!!!

Then we arrived in Kumasi and went to the Bible Club. There are children there throughout the community. Afterwards we took some of the people home. We went to the home of ne of the little kids Nana, he's 12 I think. He lives behind a house that's being built with his mom and sister. By kerosene lantern we were invited for dinner but didn't eat as it was probably everything they had. Then we looked at how he was learning math. They wrote with chalk on the side of the kitchen hut and then they showed us some prized pictures of his deceased father. One of the most inspiringly unselfish parts during this is when Nana took out the twizzler that we had given out at Bible club. He saved it to give to his mother.

The next day Tuesday, we went to Obuasi orphanage. They have 94 kids there and do an amazing ministry. I e-mailed the prayer team earlier tonight to keep praying that my heart continues to be burdened by these kids. There are so many orphans here. This might sound bad, but I'm keeping a blog to be honest so...here it goes. In the states about a year ago I met a friend who has a HUGE heart for orphans and has worked with them overseas. She constantly and unknowingly challenged me to talk with God about taking care of orphans. Figurtavely and literally. So I started praying that God would increase the compassion in my heart. It's not something I'm naturally inclined to do. But I felt like God kept putting people in my path and orphans on my heart. The Bible talks about our fruits of the spirit and to pray for the ones we don't see as they would increase. Kindness, gentleness and self control. I'm a kind person, but I am not naturally compassionate to care for orphans. But through prayer God continues to work on my heart. The day at this orphanage helped me see that just holding a baby for two hours is precious. When you're hot and want to leave have self control to know that you really can stay a little longer. Now, I'm not saying that we're all called to start orphanages and I honestly know I'm not, but Jesus loves those children. If it's not natural that I have compassion then pray for it. He definetly is teaching me that He dwells and works. I held Aquia, 1 year old weighing about 15 pounds for about two hours or so. Every breathe she wheezed, but eventually she got to the point where she trusted me. Selfishly she made me feel good, but i think God gave me that moment to say, yeah I'm changing your heart. Sit tight.

That night we went over to some American's and celebrated the FOURTH of July!!! No fireworks, but we had hamburgers and potato salad...and CHIPS they were Pringles...but boy were they good! (no rootbeer...buy hey...can't have it all right!)

By the way I have to say to my nephew HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He turned four on the Third!!!!!

So on Wednesday the 5th we drove from Kumasi up North to Bolgatanga. We stayed in the middle of nowhere and ate rice and some kind of meat??? Not too sure what it was...but it makes for a nice inside joke here! We went to another orphanage in an area that is extremely Muslim. We arrived just in time to see them eat dinner. Of course they invited us, but we passed. The man who God gave the vision to start this orphanage is named Abraham. There are 47 kids at this orphanage and they all go to a Christian school there in that village. In Bolga, as they call it for short, Islam is highly prevalent. Abraham receives a lot of opposition, but the blessing is that people are seeing these kids learn, be cared for and I wonder how many are affected by this. I wasn't there for a lengthy amount of time, but you could see the kids have fun playing games together. It is inspiring to see someone like Abraham be selfless to start this place.

The next day we went to a game park, where lo and behold I saw some large animals native to Africa. You know in Southern Ghana we don't have elephants or lions like you picture Africa to have. So I was about fifty yards from elephants and it was neat. We also met some people on that trip. Chris, a guy working with the Peace Corps and his dad and grandad brought two boys from the village he was working with. It was exciting to see the two African kids get to venture out of their village and see something like this. Most of the times here people don't travel because of the expense, so I imagine it's a great opportunity for those boys.

We then drove to Nvrango and stayed there for the next two nights. We arrived in time Thursday night to eat dinner and then go to church in a village called Zwarungoo.(I think that's how you spell it) This Christian church sits in the middle of a traditional village. Meaning the people there, called FraFra's, worship ancestors. Being a Christian there is somewhat difficult. We met a young man who was thrown out of his compound for being a Christian and was cut with a knife by his father. They let him back in about a year ago, so there's no telling what God will do through him.

This particular church sits in an area that has alot of spiritual warfare. Please pray for this village called Zwarungoo. We went to church the second night and during prayer time realized that one of the girls, Lizzie 21, had passed out earlier in the day and was unconscious. The moon was so bright that night that we (the whole church) walked through the fields to the compound where she was. As we entered into the compound of huts people started praying aloud. Thankfully we had a car and the family decided we could take her to the hospital. Claire took her and some of the family members and Anna, Davis, Ryan and I started walking. There were five other Ghanians with us and we started heading towards town. Once Claire took Lizzie to the clinic she would come back for us. I can't tell you the experience and the vast amount of joy and sorrow during that walk. Lizzie and I had a great conversation earlier that day. She has been taken in by this family as her biological family doensn't care too much for her. She has a heart for the Lord. It is sad because no one knows what illness she has and the people in the village don't ask her about it when she comes to. The walk to the clinic though was joyous as we sang songs in Twi walking down the road as Oboroni's and Ghanians singing praises. I know this is kind of hard to understand. But picture a completely dark night, no street lights, no paved roads, dust everywhere, people standing outside. We had miles to walk and pray for Lizzie together. Amazing.

The thing that I have noticed this week in my thoughts is primarily I don't know why God has called me to a VERY traditional place. I rest in the fact that He knows BEST and I am committed to serving Him wherever but that doesn't mean I don't wonder why He's sent me to a place that puts on your Sunday best to go to church. I love a come as you are place. Appearance is very important in dress and in faith. I have been blessed to be in a community where we admit we're sinners and have problems, let's work on them together asking for God's guidance. Women cook, clean and wait on the man. You greet others when you pass through their town, even when you don't have time. Sometimes people stop to see each other just because you're going there, not that you REALLY want to see that person... I wonder with my personality and mindset if I will say or do something to offend someone. Then I think about how Pat was teaching the Sunday before I left the States. Do we speak with the fear of the Lord? I of course want to be incarnational and try to understand the culture here. But I also want to make sure I'm walking on the side of what is God's culture and not was is learned Ghanian/American culuture. I think this is a fine line we walk wherever we are as Christians. I'm just being stretched a little here. Which is great.

Well it's late here so I'm signing off...I'll blog more later. hopefully be able to add some pics too...

branching out- ghana, west africa

Well I have tried to update my blog three times this week. Let's see if this one works? I knew finding time to get online would be tough here, but getting the time right when the net actually works here is the biggest problem. It goes in and out all the time and nothings consistent. However with the World Cup going on our electricity hasn't gone out yet!!! Everyone here wants to see the screen.

I have sent out some e-mails tonight, don't know if those have gone through, so I'm going to let you know what to pray for and what's going on here.

This week has flown by. I've been shopping this week, and for those who know I don't really like to shop a whole lot anymore. It seems the older I get the less and less I like the whole thing. Well in Ghana, no price is ever final and usually to get what you need...you have to go several places. So I spent three days in a row shopping and looking and stopping on the side of the road for a bed, a wardrobe a chair, food, cleaning supplies and other basics to start a house. Seems like getting all this started could be a headache huh? Well it can. But the Lord really has shown me His grace. By this I mean, the people I live with know connections and I have gotten a fair price to get a bed made. Notice I said made. Everything here is custom order. Which means you have to negotiate a price. It's definetly a lot more relationship orientated.

So I have gotten the order in for my house furniture and tried to help stock the refrigerator in the main house, where I'm staying right now until everything in my little apartment is ready. I've spent time traveling the city and trying to learn where to go for what. It's really busy here, so traveling anywhere takes about an hour.

One thing I'm praying about right now is how God is leading me to "feed the poor." There are a ton of beggars and they come to your window when the car's stopped. I know we are to help feed the poor, so I think I might try and buy some food to have on hand in the car to give them instead of money. There are some who beg instead of work...so I don't want to continue the cycle, but also want to do what God's asking.

Also, this week I'm traveling into the North Region of Ghana. There are five of us going. We are going to many places. Hopefully I'll get to update once I get back next Sunday.

This weekend we had our Ghana team meeting retreat. It went great as we are trying to hammer out some Objectives we are trying to accomplish, under God's instruction of course. We also had some great fellowship and worship time together which was AWESOME. This morning we talked about God's Breathe from our inception and how He breathed up close and personal breathe into us to create us. Then we broke off into small groups for prayer. Bbeing in a small group praying whatever came to our hearts was very intimate time with Daddy.

I'm reading the Psalms with my dad and today was Psalm 8. I was standing and looking at the beach when I read it. God's timing is amazing isn't it.

By nephew's birthday is tomorrow...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROGAN. I love you.

All is well here. Culture shock hasn't set in yet. As we reflected on God's faitfulness today, someone said, "I'm dripping in His faithfulness and it's hard to pick out just a couple of the things He has done." That's how I feel right now. He is caring and watching and nurturing me right now and I am VERY thankful.

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.