Pros & Cons

My holiday in Wisconsin is almost finished. I fly back on January 8th. It has been...(insert pause and sigh) something I needed. It was just this past Thursday when I was sitting in the recliner and I thought something felt funny. I asked myself, "what is this feeling?" and then laughed and realized it was a feeling of rest. A feeling of being relaxed. No pressures. No strain. No guilt. Do you ever get to that point?! It is a beautiful state to be in!

Let me tell you about the pros and cons about this past vacation. (Are there really any cons for the family I am in or the place I am from?)Let's start with Pros:

breathing thru your nose and the cold air burns

quietness of being in the country

climbing into bed with lots of blankets

exercising with my brother Michael

worshiping with my home church

borrowing sweaters from my auntie and jewelry from my mom

being driven around

seeing my best friend and many other old friends

gasping at the maturity of my growing nieces and nephews

ham

my dad having a handicapped sticker and can park close to all the doors

crazy warm...relatively warm, for Wisconsin temps

frozen custard ice cream

Cons:

Having to bundle up just to walk out to the car.

Hats ruining my hair :)

Layers of clothes (shirts) take forever to retuck in after going to the bathroom

Do you see how wonderful my time home has been?

Another good thing: Knowing my time has finished and being ok with going back to Ghana.

I know I can't be on holiday forever. I know I need to get back. But I think I am a bit fearful...I know how hard last year was and I know what is in store for me this year. More language learning. But God is still merciful and full of grace. He is bigger than I can imagine and can handle my fears and doubts. I have to just leave it with him. I think I just need to get past the starting and be in the midst of it.

Be praying!

Home-Home-Home 2018

I cannot even talk about all the things I have doing. My normally short blogs would be way-over-the-top long. But, let me say, it has been wonderful to be home. It has been wonderful to be away from hard things. It has been wonderful to be with family and friends who I can understand. It has been wonderful to be at my home church. It has been wonderful to watch Hallmark movies :).

I have one week left to soak myself in cold and quiet. All our visitors have left. I will just visit family and friends who I want to. I will do some last shopping (CHEESE!!!) and I will make some new goals for 2019. 2019 people!! Whoa.

Love you. Thanks for praying.

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Holiday Time 2018

It is cold. Food is sugary and abundant. Sweaters are pretty. Family is nearby. Life is so different here. I am appreciating everything. Time goes fast here too! People do not know how to sit still and I find myself running along with everyone else.

I forgot my US drivers license in Ghana so I went to the DVLA...what do they call it here??? Oh, yeah, DMV, and I told them I lost mine and they issued me a new one, in 15 minutes, $14.00, and a week later it came in the mail. My lost Ghana driver's license took me over 6 months to get. The convenience of this culture is so nice and efficient.

I had an amazing weekend with my mom and sister in Chicago. We stayed with friends and took the train into downtown. We saw Christmas lights, huge Christmas trees, Christmas markets. We ate at yummy places and talked until exhaustion. It will be something I will remember for a long time.

I was able to go to my home church. They were talking about building a new church when I left and then finished it this past year. So, it was my first time to see it and worship inside it. I have to admit, my thoughts were so distracted with everything and seeing old and new people that I barely caught the message! Oops!

I say all this to just remind myself of God's presence in my life. How his grace drowns me and his love soaks into me. It is a very beautiful experience to add to my list of "Over and Above from God". I still have two weeks left! Woo hoooooo!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In Wisconsin

And another week passes...

I had a few short days to get things settled and say goodbye to my neighbors and friends because I AM GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!! Remember, that ridiculous incident when my mom could not come in October? Well, she was able to get her ticket refunded and SHE GAVE IT TO ME!!! I was beyond thrilled and went about packing and thinking about buying Christmas gifts.

I headed down to Accra on Wednesday and then did shopping on Thursday and visited friends on Friday. On Saturday I sat at a pool side soaking in the heat and then got ready and was off to the airport. I went with Delta and had an 11 hour flight to JFK airport. Very uneventful. I watched movies and slept on and off. The next flight I had to get to was less than 2 hours! Boy, did that stress me out. First off, I had to get thru customs. Second, I had to find my suitcase and after waiting for it I found out they already pulled the bags off and had them sitting on the side. Third, I had to go thru security, which the sign said would take 35 minutes. Every minute was precious! I ended up running to my boarding gate and heard them say, "last call for Minneapolis flight". AHHHHH!! I sat down in my assigned seat and 2 minutes later they shut the doors. Is that not crazy?! Wow. I am so thankful!!! Beyond thankful. And a few hours later, I saw my mom and dad. Talk about amazing. I can't believe this is real. Well, the cold reminds me I am back in Wisconsin.

God is beyond good. I was thinking how his good things for me just pour over and pour over me and I should be drowning, but I am not. I kept asking him, "why are you so good to me? Why do you give me so much?" I have stopped asking. I just accept it.

Praising God!

Thanksgiving 2018 and More

I usually write up my blog on Saturdays but last Saturday I was on a bus with 5 of my teammates heading to Accra for meetings. I thought maybe since there were a bunch of us the trip would go faster...nope. Still took about 13 hours and I kept feeling carsick.

Later that night and into the morning I had bouts of diarrhea. I also had a fever. Not such a nice welcome to Accra but thankfully I have not had this kind of sickness for awhile.

BUT before we left for Accra, we had a team meeting at our house with our Northern Region team. And since it was the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, why not celebrate the right way?! It was my turn to cook anyways so I did it up big! The Ethiopians have never had one so I had to do it right. We had all the trimmings. It was fantastic! I think there were about 15 people and I was the only American. I love how food makes me people slow down and talk and sit and enjoy.

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So, then, the next morning, we were on the bus by 6 am...maybe I had way too much stuffing? Or desserts? I don't know where that sickness could have come from. But anyways, Sunday evening we had a fellowship night in Accra with the teammates who are there and then Monday started off the Executive Meetings, which I was a part of.

Usually, I run from meetings. I am the person who says, "You guys, sit around, discuss and make decisions. Then tell me and I will carry them out." Maybe since I have been in Ghana so long I had an understanding of terms, projects, personnel, etc, etc. I also love my team and felt I could share any ideas without feeling stupid. By Wednesday afternoon I was wiped out but that was ok since I was taking the bus up on Thursday and knew I could sleep the whole time if I needed to. (And, by this time, I was feeling better.)

But don't think I just sat in meetings (notice sat in meetings or sitting in meetings can be abbreviated SIM? connection? I think so:)) Charity and I ran to the mall one afternoon to watch a movie. I saw one a few months ago while I was in Accra but she has not been to a theater for 2 years. AND it was free popcorn and drink day. Bonus for us! We thought we would be the only ones in the place but right before it started a couple people came in.

Don't we look thrilled? LOL

Another night I went out with my friends Avi and Jules, who again, always seem to know where things are happening. We went to a Afri-folk concert, a man named Kunle. It was excellent. The place was super air conditioned :) and the music had energy but still had a smooth vibe. And it was not so loud that I couldn't talk to my friends. Such a nice outing.

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I came back up to Tamale on Thursday and was at a youth program on Friday (that was supposed to start at 6pm but did not start until 8pm AHHHH!!!!). 

It's December people!!! WHOA!!! Where did this year go?

Love ya.

Not Easy, But Still Going

I don't really want to write about my week. On paper it looks like I did not do much. But in reality, I was busy.

For example, I went to help the Ethiopians get a plumber and electrician to hook up their water tank and pump. But when I get there and when the workers get there is totally different. Then, the pump we bought is not strong enough and the shop we bought it from will not take it back! And the water was shut off for them already and they had none! OOOOOO! So, Damary and I the next day went to the bank to pull out more money to get a new pump. And it finally got put in and they all have water! But that was two days of waiting and running around. And this is just one example.

It has been unusually hot this time of year. When I hear Ghanaians complaining, then I know it is bad :) But something is wrong on our part of town. When I was in Accra, Damary told me the light was off for 2 days. Then this past week we had light off from Sunday night to Monday afternoon and then they shut us off again for another night and some afternoon. I just had to stop and collect myself so I would not break down. i slept on the tile floor because it was just too hot in the bed. I know, whine-whine-whine but it is hard to work the next day when you are so exhausted. The end of the week got better. We have not been out of power. But, myyyyy goodness, this heat has not let up.

My language is so running away without me. Where is it going? Probably to some deep, dark abyss in my subconscious, where it will hide until for some reason I need medical attention and they will do shock therapy on me and it will pour out. OOOOOOO always the drama queen :)  I did have some good times with Rafia and then I was at a wedding and the Dagbani was all around me. Since I brought up this wedding, there were 2 cute things that I liked. 1--the pastor in his message said, " Research has shown that a woman appreciates the man being around more than his money." 2--a song had lyrics that said, "The tongue and the teeth work together and they don't get annoyed." I love the perspective people have here. It makes my world more larger and more colorful.

Back In Tamale

I did get my phone. And it was not my first choice but I love it and am so thankful this one became my destiny :) I hopped on the bus with a load of downloaded Netflix and preceded to sleep and watch the next 12 hours. It is definitely the way to go. Damary had dinner waiting for me. Do I have the most amazing roomie or what??!!!I went around the next day greeting a few people, doing food shopping, and finally taking a rest. The weather is really hot. Nearly 100 degrees. It should start drying out with the Harmattan moving in and hopefully the mornings and evenings will be cooler. But, it hasn't come yet.On Thursday, I woke up and had a call from Yvonne asking me if I would take 2 Ethiopian visitors, who were at a conference in Tamale, to Buipe to see Mesfin and Dawit where they are out with their Fulani friends and learning language. I agreed. The visitors knew Mesfin and Dawit and come from their church.I went to sew for a bit in the morning and then I came home to pack another bag and pick up the visitors. One man's name was Yosie and the other was Seitotaw. The time in the car went fast for that hour and twenty minutes. They were busy telling me about themselves and asking me questions about myself. They were very encouraging. When we reached Buipe, Mesfin met us and then the Amharic flowed freely! I know it was wonderful for Mesfin and Dawit to have other people to speak their heart language to. I did not mind. I was glad they could all connect. These two men took videos and pictures of everything because they want to take it back to the church and show them and hopefully raise prayer awareness and funding for the work the familes are doing among the Fulani.One of the guys was single so there was a little tension about coming to Ethiopia and finding ministry there...getting married??? There were lots of laughs and eye rolls too. I did appreciate them and was so glad I could drive them. I know how encouraged I am when people from home show interest in the work that is going on here.We came back on Friday and I immediately dropped them off at the Tamale airport. They have a few days in Accra before they fly back to Ethiopia.Who knew I would be surrounded by Ethiopians this week? Who knew I would drive to Buipe? Who knew I would sweat so much this week too? Ok, maybe I knew that one.Auntie Ruby is back in the USA. Mom was able to get a refund on her ticket. God is sooo good! Do you think if you tried to imagine what a god should be like you would have come up with the God we serve? I don't think so. He is so beyond all that we could ever hope or imagine. He is so faithful and loving. I just can't believe I get to call him Father.Thanks God!Thanks all for praying! Gotta get back in the language mode again.

In Accra

My week in Accra has been fine. It, of course, was not what I was expecting, but it has not been a waste. I thought about things I wanted to do and buy and have slowly been checking them off my list. It has not felt fast paced and that is good since Accra usually wears me out! (Always my own fault)I went to the market where they sell used clothes and took Pam, who is a colleague of mine. It must have been beginners buy because she got loads of great things. I found a belt and a shirt but was really hoping for a pair of jeans. OOOO trying on jeans, in hot sun, with people standing around, trying to pull them up under your dress-- not an easy thing! I went to a movie in the theater and was one of 4 people. I love going when there are few people. It was also free popcorn and drink day! WooHoo!! I stayed a couple days with my friends Baaba and Amponsah. Such, Great.Talks. They allow me to share and they share back and we pray together and Baabs and I did some shopping together and bummed around a bit. I went out with my friends Avi and Jules. They always know the new and good places to hang out in Accra. I feel so, so, so...trendy with them :) Afterwards, Jules had a cousin's party to go to and so I tagged along. I had no idea places like this existed in Accra. Totally gated community. HUGE mansions, like, I thought they were apartment buildings! The party was extravagant. The best of the best food, music, decorations, etc, etc. I felt very out of place. I met some Ghanaians, who have lived in the USA their whole lives. It was so interesting hearing their American accents. I kept laughing. I also had meals with other friends. I never pushed myself to keep doing things. I never exhausted myself (that is a miracle). I have enjoyed the Wi-fi. If anything, that has kept me up at night watching Youtube videos or downloading Netflix. :)I will be ready by Tuesday to head back north. I have one thing left to do. I was hoping to buy a phone. I narrowed it down to two. The one I decided to go with was cheaper. So, I go to the shop and found out they are all sold out. So, the salesgirl calls the other shops and they are all out too! If I have to go with the other one, that is ok, it just means I need to go and get more money. But, you know, when you make a decision and then it does not work out you find out how much you really did want it LOL...OOOOOOO!!! :)Love ya. Thanks for praying.

Big Disappointment

My last post talked about my visitors coming. It turned into A visitor coming. Grab a cup of whatever and let me tell you what happened.A week before my mom and Auntie Ruby were to come to visit me in Ghana, Mom called the Ghana Embassy to see where her passport and visa were. She sent it in 5 weeks previous. They told her she did not send the correct envelope for them to return it. That very day she FedExed the correct envelope and they confirmed that they got it. That was a week before her departure. She called the office almost everyday because they were able to track the envelope through the post office to see where it was and the tracking did not start. She said some days she was on the phone on hold for 40 minutes and then was disconnected. She said people told her they would send it. The few days before she was supposed to leave she was so anxious and frustrated.This was one of those experiences where you have no control. There is nothing you can do but pray. I had many people praying on this side of the world and of course on Mom and Auntie Ruby's side too. And then...the time was gone. They saw that the day she was supposed to leave, the tracking number on the envelope still had not moved. That was a Thursday.It.was.heartbreaking. We have been planning for this for about 6 months. She had her suitcases packed and was ready to go. She took off time from work. She told everyone she would be going to Ghana.And then this. How do you cope with such disappointment? And granted, this is not like a life or death issue, but still. It was important to us. We cried on the phone. I was so angry at Ghana. Auntie Ruby, having lived in Ghana for more than 30 years, said immigration issues have always been difficult. You never know how they deal with paperwork or administration things. It was really like a punch in the gut. A couple teammates of mine who were really praying felt so assured that Mom would get her passport and she would be here. We were all shocked. Saddened.The next morning, I woke up and had peace. But, can I be honest and say, I did not want peace? I still wanted to be angry. I still wanted to be dramatic over the whole thing. My mom suffered with all the stress. And yet, God knew better. We may never know why this happened. But God says all things work together for the good of those who love God. We all love God. So, I guess we hold onto this. My mom also said a couple days later that her disappointment is healing. I thought that was a very lovely phrase.She canceled everything and is hoping with her travel insurance she can get a refund on her flight ticket. Sadness still remains. I was saving time to go on holiday with her. I wanted her to see my house and Tamale and meet my friends. I wanted to just be able to touch her and be in the same room! (sigh)...another time, I guess.BUT BUT BUT---Auntie Ruby was still able to come. She flew up to Tamale (that is a whole other story) and we had some fast paced days! She used to live even more north of me so we took a whirlwind trip for her to see her old friends. We were able to talk in the car, and actually we talked so much, we never bought water. We kept saying, "the next town, the next town we will buy" and then we would be laughing or deeply discussing and we would forget. Not the best thing in hot Africa but we are still alive :) She had a list of people to see and she caught every one! We made it to a missionary's home for dinner and a good rest by nightfall, but by 7am we were greeting someone else and heading back on the road for Tamale. Did I mention Auntie Ruby is 71 years old??? She runs circles around me and I thought I was pretty tough.We ate fufu, she met my friends, she had Rafia sew her a dress, we took yellow-yellow, we laughed, we prayed, we sweated (looks like rainy season is over), and we just had a ball. We called Mom to let her know we wished she was with us.Auntie Ruby was only able to stay a week, but a great week it was! Mom was supposed to have stayed another week and we were to hang out in Accra together. I am in Accra now...I almost want to hop a bus back to Tamale. But, I do need rest. There are a lot of friends I can visit and Accra is fine. It is just that, I had other ideas of what Accra was supposed to be like. (sigh)...I guess, another time.Through it all, I am thankful. I rest in God's goodness. People go through disappointments all the time, such is life. What a reminder to keep looking to our future hope. This time on earth is just a blink. Let us keep looking up.Love you.

Just A Little Bit More

My colleague apologized this week if she has been irritable to me or bitter. She has been struggling with living here in Tamale. And I told her I was on the other emotional side-- tears and whines living here in Tamale. For what?  For anything someone says to me. If the power goes out, I want to cry. If someone advises me in a way I would not prefer, I want to cry. When I think of how NOT far I have come in language, I want to cry. When I am sweaty and have to take another shower I want to cry. A bit ridiculous, eh? But I am on the verge of exhaustion. Or maybe I am already exhausted and just cannot push it any more but know that I have to.I have to just push it one more week. I will get a long break starting Saturday when some special visitors arrive!! I am so excited!! My mantra has been, "just keep swimming" like in Finding Nemo when Dora sing-songs it.Again, though, I cannot tell you how God is so so so so so next to me. My quiet times are full of his encouragement and steadfast love. I have been so tired, yet, I go to bed excited to be with Him in the morning. HOW COOL IS THAT??! I was even thinking I need to make my time in the morning longer because it goes too fast and I have to hurry it up towards the end. I never thought this would be me!! Maybe it is worth struggling and being exhausted if God is so loud and clear. If it was a trade off, I think I would have to go with God!At our team meeting. I was looking around at the crazy multicultural-ness of it all. We are from so many different places and speak so many different languages. Yet, we all love God. We all have been called here by God. I was thinking about how each one of us has a gift that will help our team thrive and accomplish God's mission here in the Northern Region. It made me giggle a bit that God delights in this colorful-crazyness of His plan that He wants me a part of. Like, billion-gazillion years ago He was like, "ok...as for Sherri, I am going to put her here and she will do this and this. Oh, yes, what a great plan for her." And it is a great plan. Though, the problems with being so diverse rival the positives of being so diverse! Ahhh!! But there is just a better sense of what eternity will be like one day. And aren't we supposed to keep our eyes on eternity? I tell you, sometimes that is the only thing that gets me thru the day :)I have a week to go. Then my visitors. And with them some holiday time. And then some retreat time. Keep on Praying. Love you.

Time With Martha

I have posted a couple blogs about getting my hair done by Martha. She is a christian woman with two kids who lives relatively near me. I think she may be the only christian helping me with Dagbani on a regular basis.A few weeks ago Martha told me she wished she could write like me. I told her I would like to braid like her but it would take practice. I said if you will practice you will be able to write well. She said she would practice. In town, I found some basic copy and tracing books. She is doing so well! Her Ms were kind of funny, and we laughed at it, but she is determined. I told her I wished I could speak Dagbani as well as she can write. Maybe one day.As we were talking she was telling me how she loves fufu and how she just could eat it at any time even if she is full. I told her I really like it too. So we made a plan. I would go to market and buy the ingredients and she would cook it.I love going to market and buying things! It is just organized chaos. But, since it was the beginning of the month I had to visit an ATM machine first so I could get some money. I do not know what the problem was but either the machines around town were not working or they would only give out small amounts. The small amounts are irritating because they charge my bank with fees. So, I would hope to just do two transactions a month to keep the fees low. But, this day...hmph. I could only take out something small. But, at least, I got some, right?I got all my ingredients and took a yellow yellow back to Martha's place where she had already started cooking with what she had. She was so great with speaking to me in Dagbani the whole time, even though her English is ok. She tried explaining each step. I think I caught most of it :) Well, as she was doing it I could figure out what she was saying.For the fufu pounding, they asked me if I wanted to do it but usually what happens is I do a few pounds and then they tell me that is good enough and let me sit and watch. I don't mind because it is definitely an arm workout! These women cook hard for their food!I was also able to buy some soft drinks and juice and fruit for dessert. What a bounty! Her two children enjoyed along with other people in her compound. It was such a great time. The children kept saying, "God bless you Sister Wunizooya!"Anyways, I went home with a full belly, a mind too full of Dagbani, and a heart full of thankfulness for Martha and her family.

 

Children's Day and Fire Festival

I have an amazing roomie. We have lived together for over 2 years and we still love each other :) She is from India. From a totally different culture than me. She had to learn English. She is the oldest in her family and has 4 brothers. Her personality is different than mine. I am extroverted and she is introverted. I like to keep peace and she would rather say it like it is (I really wish I was had that). But, because of God, we are united together into one family. I am so proud to call her my sister. I am so happy I have someone to go to when I need to talk, or am angry, or hot, or just want to chill and watch a movie. I am very thankful for her.She will be leaving Ghana next year. She only had to learn Dagbani up to level 2 and she completed that and has started ministry. She has really enjoyed working with children. At one church they had a Children's Day. It was soooo great!! She works with two other Ghanaians every Sunday teaching the kids. The program they put on was God honoring, fun, and awesome to see kids worshipping God, and leading us to do it too! Damary, along with the other teachers, worked hard to get them to come to practice and help them decide what to put on the program. The following Sunday after the Children's Day, there were about 10 new kids who wanted to be a part of the Sunday school class! Yay!

Keep on praying for me! Love you!

My Porridge Selling Friend

I do walking...lots of walking. This is some of the stuff I have seen this week.

My friends and their babies.I did lots of language this week. Again, I do not see progress. It has to come. It has to. I am dying out here (insert overdramatic sigh).One of my first neighbor friends I had is Rashida. She is right over the wall from me. She sells a porridge that people like to drink in the morning and evening. Sometimes I will sit next to her. A couple weeks ago she was limping. I looked at her foot. She had this huge volcano on the top of her foot. Like, really, a volcano. Very gross, very scabbed up and eww. I asked her if she was taking medicine. She showed me. She told me to buy some for her. It just so happened a medicine seller was walking by and had what she was taking. I did buy some for her. When I got home I called my nurse friend and told her about Rashida's foot. I told her I have antibiotics I could give her. She said the ones I have would not be the best but told me what to go and buy. So, I bought some.The next morning in my quiet time it asked me to do something kind for someone that could possibly be used to make a bridge to share the gospel. I thought, "this is it!" I also sensed the Spirit tell me to pray for her in the name of Jesus. That morning, I went with the medicine. I tried as best as I could to show how to take the medicine (in Dagbani). Then I said I want to pray for you. I had to pray in English but I know she understands the name of Jesus.A couple days ago I was with her. Her foot was not so swollen. I couldn't see the wound itself because it was bandaged. Whatever happens she knows I care about her. She knows I believe Jesus heals. And I pray one day she would know Jesus loves her.

No Balance

At this time of writing, I have half of a battery left on my computer and no electricity in sight. I am pretty sure we will be out until tomorrow morning or afternoon. Our power shuts off a lot here. 95% of the time there is no warning, just off. It is so frustrating. I know in the Upper East Region their off time is even worse so I guess I should be thankful. I get so ANGRY!!!! AHHHHH!!!Okie, switching gears-- language. It was not too bad this week. I did mostly well. Still, I don't sense progress. Someone asked if I would do my level 3 evaluation by December and I was like, "no.way." I still cannot figure out sentence structure. I am not immersed enough to be forced to make normal, everyday sentences. I did meet some new people and that was encouraging, in that, I am getting good and introducing myself and talking about my family, though, I think that should have been set in stone last year. I did do some sewing at Rafia's. And she did try to get me talking. But I just could not understand. She is so patient with me. I walked away, though, determined not to down myself or whine. I just praised God. With every step home, I thanked God.Another problem I have...(another one???) is that I cannot find a balance. I am all or none. Either I do language and nothing else or I do admin/errands/other SIM team stuff/cooking. I cannot do both. Last week I did not get a day off. So, I decided that this week I would take Friday AND Saturday. But Friday was really not restful. There was just so much stuff I needed to catch up on. And then, Saturday I cooked all day. Like, seriously, until about 4pm. So, at least I don't have to cook this week...and possible next week too!But I just cannot find a balance. I am overwhelmed with people I should call and emails I need to answer and a bunch of other stuff. I need to be doing language, and with that I should really be doing 8 hours a day and not 6. But living here is so hard. So different from anything I have ever experienced. I am usually a great multi tasker. But I cannot do it here. Why?Anyways, tomorrow is Monday. I am determined to do my best. And to be obedient in what is before me.But as I go to bed with no electricity and fans I am so tempted to focus on what is not getting done and what I cannot do and how tired this makes me and...oh boy...I just really need your prayers.

Joy?

I had another good week. I was talking to someone on the phone about my week and I did not even think, I just said, "I had joy." JOY!!? I shocked myself when that came out. Joy in language!!!???? WHAT A MIRACLE!!!I really sensed God say to me that this is His will. His will is for me to learn this. I need to obey. So, I got all uppity and was like, "Okie, God, if you want this to happen, you gotta do it, because I got nothing in me. I got no new ideas, no new people, no nothing." And then, I was like,  wait a sec..."I got nothing anyways!" So, each morning I commited myself to going out and following it thru. There were a couple times and places each afternoon I just wanted to say, "Nahhhhh" or "tomorrow" and go back home but I remembered telling God in the morning I would obey and I did. And there was joy. John 15 has been in my quiet times a lot. Abide in me is repeated many times. And Friday, Abide in my love and fullness of joy. There was no day this week that I regretted. There was no day this week where I said, "I'm such a failure" because, I did all that I can do. Do I see improvements? No, not really. But I do not care. I was faithful and God was directing everything. I had perseverance and God was steadfast. I. had. joy.I learned how to say the story of when the man followed me. I have said it to a few people so far. My goal is to say it 15 more times. I hope by number 15 it will just roll off my tongue. But already, I noticed me saying phrases from that dialogue in normal conversation. So, I guess I do see an improvement.That. Is. God.Thank you for praying. I pray for another week of obedience and just putting one foot in front of the other.

Do Not Freak Out

I like Ghana. I can't imagine staying here for this long and not liking it. In August, I celebrated 13 years here! 11 in Accra and 2 in Tamale. I do not know if in the beginning I thought I would still be here after 13 years. I knew I was called to missions for my whole life but where was the question I did not have an answer to. I do not know how long I will stay in Ghana. But, I have told people that if I am killing myself (over dramatic again:)) in learning this language I better stay here forever to keep using it!Speaking of language...don't shield your eyes over what I am about to tell you. It is good news! I made some small-small goals for the week. One was that I would spend 6 hours for four days this week studying, going out and listening to Dagbani. The second goal was that I wanted to share the Bible stories 3 times as I was out. The first goal I did not quite get. One of my days was running around and helping some other missionaries. But I got 3.5 good days in. I said my stories about 5 times this week. When I thought my 3 was enough I just sensed that nudge from the Spirit to try again. And I obeyed!!!! How many times does it take for me to know obedience always brings joy?! I still need God to push me out the door. And yet, every time, something good happened. Not always easy things but good things like building relationships with my neighbors, giving high fives to kids, and just being able to "hear" what they have said to me. Progress people, small-small progress. But progress, nonetheless!I did have one experience that I will chalk up to being negative. (And, Mom, do not freak out.) As I was walking this guy yelled "white, white!" I tried to ignore him but he came towards me. Then he started greeting and I usually just roll my eyes because he thinks he will get my phone number or money or something. He kept talking and I just cut him off, politely, and started walking. He followed me and kept talking. He kept saying, "O, please try" meaning give me money. I refused. I went to my friend's place and she wasn't there. I went to another friend's place and she wasn't there. There was a girl who knows me but I could see she did not know what to do with this guy following me. I went and sat with an older woman and she was confused. The guy sat with us! This was very unGhanaian! I then got harsh and yelled that he needs to go over and over. I mean, it was almost an hour of following me! He was all kind and friendly as if I wanted him to be my friend! I called Pastor Andrew and through the phone he told the guy to leave and again the guy was so polite and calm. UGH!!! Andrew told me to come to a conference center where he was having a meeting. So, I walked to the main road and the guy kept following and talking! Let me say, I never felt threatened. He never tried to touch me. I was not really scared until I kept walking to the road and realized this guy is probably crazy. I had a bad experience when I first came to Ghana with a crazy man. You just never know what they will do. Sooo, worry-ness kicked in. But, we were outside and I knew if it got bad I could take him (that is the farm girl in me haha) or I could run into someone's shop. Usually people are sitting outside but, because of the cooler weather and previous rain, people were not out and about like normal. Well, I get a yellow yellow and got in and the guy gets in next to me!! I kept saying to him how disrespectful he is and how he is insulting me and "GO!!" When we got to the center Pastor Andrew was waiting at the gate. Now, if you recall things I have told you about Pastor, you will know he is theeeeee most fun loving, laughing man you will ever meet. But on that day I saw a side I had never seen. He looked into the yellow yellow as I got out and started yelling at the guy in Dagbani. He told me to go inside so I waited past the gate. There was a tough security woman standing at the gate too. But, this guy tried coming in to the center!! Pastor had to push him and grab his shirt so that he would not enter. I know he wanted to hit him (but didn't). The security woman told me to go inside. By now, people inside and outside were gathering. It took a long 5-10 minutes for this guy to realize it would be a good idea to leave. As I sat down in the reception area I was thinking that it did affect me more than I thought. I was able to gather my thoughts, thank God and sit. When Pastor finished his meeting he took me part way home. Near the area where the guy met me I saw 2 men sitting. I went and asked them if they know that guy. One said he did. I asked if the guy was crazy. He said sometimes he is and sometimes he is not. They think he probably takes drugs. As I shared the story with my neighbor, she also said it is drugs- Tramadol, which is becoming popular.But I am fine! And I never felt like I could not handle this. I never felt trapped or like this guy was going to hurt me. And I do not worry about meeting him again. So, do not freak out. These things can happen in any country.  I am fine. Let's praise God!I should probably start thinking of some goals for next week. Do you make goals?Love you. Thanks for praying!

People, People

It is a good thing I like people. I am with them all the time. I have had different people come thru my life this past week. I had a short termer named Eleana from UK. She is interested in missions and was going to come out with a team but they all backed out. She still came and went around with some of us to see what life is like here and if this is a place where God could use her. I really tried to be all excited about what life is like here but I know I was more on the "let's be real" sort of level. She took it all in a stride and was thankful for the time we missionaries spent with her.When Eleana left, I had Charity at my house. Char is a hoot. She actually was a short termer around 2009 and has come back as a long termer. She is from Canada and behind her back Damary and I call her perfect. She just does everything well. And when she is frustrated or something she complains for one second and then talks about God and how good He is. AHHHH!! I need to be around her more :) We love her. She came thru and stayed with me a few days. We pray every couple weeks over the phone or internet so it was good to have a face to face time of prayer. Damary has been in Gushegu these past couple weeks so having people pop through was really nice. But we had a team meeting in Gushegu so I took some of the Ethiopian families (someone else took the other some) and we stayed for a few days.I know I have talked about the NE Indian missionaries I work with and the Ethiopian missionaries but in Gushegu there are also another group of missionaries with a different agency and they are from Holland.Fela and Puii's daughter, Grace celebrated her 4th birthday and they had a party for her after our meeting. What a party. Talk about people! There were 28 of us. And so many different cultures represented. And we all love Jesus. And there was amazing food! And it was fun! It was a lovely-lovely weekend.

Puii would not let me help her so I had ample time to rest. I feel ready for this week. We do not have any people staying with us this week. I told my team they need to really be tough on me and keep me accountable in using my time for language. I have no excuse this week. I am already thinking of where I will walk and who I will visit.BE PRAYING!!! May I get back on track with Dagbani!! It is almost September!! (Gasp!)

Day by Day

So, after last weekend I took Monday to rest. That was much needed and also I had a bug friend get into my belly causing me some discomfort every time I ate. Not Nice.On Tuesday, I picked up Mesfin and Dawit and we headed back to Buipe. We were really hoping to find some accommodation for them so they can get started with language learning and meeting people. It was not meant to be. We saw a couple places. One was too big. Another one, the toilet and bath were outside. Another one, we had to wait for the landlord to come but we saw the outside of the place and the men were ok with that. We waited an hour and then found a spot that serves drinks and we chilled down there. I taught them how to play Sparkle (dice game) and I was the loser! Right when we finished the man helping us told us the landlord said the place was just rented out. (sigh) We did stay the night at a guesthouse and we were also able to meet Diallo again. He thinks that he may have two leads for language helpers for the men. So, all was not lost. We headed back on Wednesday.Random story- I decided to go for a walk/run at the guesthouse we stayed at in the morning. It has a long, dirt road so I thought I would be alone. HA! The flies were my companions, and not nice companions :) I had to run at some point with my arms flailing around my head just to keep those nasty things off me. Gross. I felt like I was running like Phoebe from  the FRIENDS TV show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fS5wJKiwR4On Thursday, I went to the airport to pick up Yvonne!! Yay!! She was in the UK for 6 weeks and we really missed her. I cooked up a lunch and we got to her place and caught up from both sides of the world. It is so nice to have her back! In the afternoon, I found out Rafia, my seamstress Madam, had a baby boy. I saw her on Monday and she told me the baby came on Tuesday. When I saw her on Thursday, it was as if she never had a baby at all. She was walking around, laughing like she did not just deliver an 8 lb baby boy. Oy, the woman is strong. I forgot a lot of Dagbani but with all the people coming and going I could grasp some things. In the evening, I went to sit with some other ladies who I have not really seen (waving out my car window does not count) since I came back from Accra. I really have lovely ladies around me. I am thankful.On Friday, I went back to see Rafia. She now has 1 girl and 3 boys. Women were coming around to greet her and say congratulations. Sahada, the other apprentice, has been helping with cooking and washing. After spending some time with her I went to town. I did lots of shopping because I wanted to cook up a lot of meals for the next couple weeks. As I was finishing, I was like, "dude, where is all my money??" but then realized the month of August is half over and phewww I am ok. But August Is Half Over People!! Time goes so fast here. Then I think, "what do I have to show for it?" Nothing...(sigh)The best part of my week was Friday night talking to my sister and then able to do a 3 way call with my mom. They had a family reunion last weekend and I loved hearing all about it. And just hearing about summertime in Wisconsin is wonderful. And just hearing us laugh together is wonderful...I won't tell you if I cried when we hung up :)Saturday, I was ready to have a nice quiet day at home...and the morning was lovely because a nice rain was falling down. Things were cool, animals were quiet. It was perfect. But then...the men right over the wall from my bedroom window started putting on a zinc roof...O Ghana, Ghana, Ghana. There is always something.But, that is ok. I had to do lots of cooking. I made chickpea and chicken, orange-carrot chicken (and the oranges here are a different sweet, so this one will prob not taste so nice), tomato sauce, bread, and a beef roast. I was able to freeze them and now, I don't have to worry about food this week or even next week! Yay!I have a couple people coming thru this week. Need to do some Dagbani, of course. Keep praying. Never know what the week will bring.Thanks for praying! Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Yendi and Dinyogu

Thanks for praying for my weekend in Yendi, Dinyogu and Gushegu. We left Friday morning. We had safety in all the driving whether it was on a smooth paved road, a pothole-y road, or thru a corn field. About one hour away in Yendi, Pastor Andrew spoke to a group of young people from the district about giving and supporting the work of church and their pastors (who do not get paid). There were more than 200 people!

 Then the next part of the time was about evangelism. It was quite short because the other topic took extra long with all the questions but they said next year they will make the conference longer to have more time :)We then headed to Gushegu to stay with Fela and Pui. They gave us amazing hospitality and then I slept right as my head hit the pillow. The next morning we went to church in Gushegu and I was so encouraged by the Word. People, the Word changes us and transforms us. LOVE ME SOME WORD!! Then we hung out a bit longer but knew eventually we would have to get back home to Tamale. We got home around 6pm.Again, thanks for praying for me!  

Catching Up. Distractions.

Catching up. Distractions.I got a lot of things done last week so I could spend this week in language learning. Lots of admin, visiting the Ethiopians, random to-do list items, etc, etc. Then, I had a group of Ghanaians from Accra come up to stay with us on Friday morning because a church member, who now lives in Tamale, was married. It was a lovely engagement and wedding and thanksgiving service. As comfortable as I am living here in Ghana, I noticed I was more nervous about hosting Ghanaians. Maybe because my food is different from theirs, and it took me some time to like theirs, maybe they won't like mine? Or maybe because they are sooooo soooooo soooo hosptitable and serving while American culture is more "do whatever you want" "make yourself at home" "you do it". It is different. All the people just left yesterday.So, I was hoping to have a good language week starting Monday but I don't think that will happen. Another distraction that has come up and I need to deal with is my computer. Randomly, it will not turn on. I know I should have looked at this problem sooner but...as a middle child...we don't like confronting problems :) so, I keep hoping it will just go away. Well, yesterday I tried turning my computer on and it would just flash. Ei!!! I don't know what to do. I have a friend in Accra I can call but that is not much help. Thankfully, this morning it has turned on but I need to back everything up because who knows what will happen! OOOOOOO!!! I am so clueless and helpless in this area (sigh). "God, please heal my computer!" :)While our team leader is away, I am our Tamale treasurer. When I did a personality test, one thing that I found out was "not good at finances". YEP. SPOT ON. So, how did I get stuck with being the treasurer? I was the only one around at the time. I feel so bad for my teammates. I have been doing this role over a year now and I think I have two months where I did not mess up. It is so awful and really stresses me out and that has popped in this week too. Gotta love life! Oi!!I did listen to my recordings to say I did some language.I have also been preparing for giving a talk this weekend. You can be praying for that too. I have been trying to figure out what to say. I will be talking on "relationships". I will focus on having a strong relationship with the Lord, date only other believers, and remain pure. There will be a question and answer time but I told Pastor Andrew he may have to step in at that point. I don't know all about the "what is ok/not ok" in terms of dating and stuff. I guess I will learn this weekend!It's all about flexibility! Not always easy. Thanks for praying.