More than a Mug

When I first moved to Ghana, I brought the necessities to begin life in a far off land, not knowing what would be available. Plus, I brought a few things that would provide comfort. One of those things is a coffee mug. It isn't anything special to most people. But, when I was looking for a mug to match a plate, my sister bought it for me. Whenever I use it, I think of Debbie, of the great time we have had, of the blessings and the love that is shared.

As my time in Lawra stretched on, I started buying coffee mugs when I traveled. One from Chang Mai, where The Mission Society had a Conference some years ago, reminds me of colleagues and fun times we had together in a place where I never thought I would visit. Then, there was Leahy,a Peace Corps volunteer, who brought me a mug from New York City. I think of her every time I use it to drink hot chocolate, with a spoon. Sarah, a VSO volunteer from England and now works for Action Through Enterprise, brought me an England mug. She also surprised me with a Christmas mug! What memories, old and new!

Again I went to the US. And, when I returned to Ghana, I brought back more mugs...one from St. Simon's Island, GA, where I spent a week with my good friend, Tula. There is also my "hand warmer" mug from Mt. Airy. Ellen brought me a mug from the Lawrenceville Diner. Since it has lots of "bling" on it, I use it when I want to accessorize.

                                      

Then, there is my good friend, Nancy. We have been friends since high school. She is a funeral director, hence the funeral home mug. But, she also gave me mugs from Ohio and Florida. I used the funeral home mug yesterday and sent her a picture. She used the exact same mug yesterday! God is good. I use the mugs when I need some comfort (like the one from Memphis and the Sunday School Class at Cordova UMV), or I am missing a particular friend and want to "spend the day" with them, or as a reminder to pray for them.

Of course, there are times when I use the mugs just because. Olaf here is my main squeeze. When I used this mug this morning, I thought of my nephew's wedding in Florida, of the good times I had with my sister-in-law, Anita, while we were shopping and of the cool weather we are having today.

Coffee mugs are so much more than something to use when you drink coffee, tea or hot chocolate. They are reminders to pray, a way to feel close to someone far away, a way to celebrate an ordinary day, a reminder to be grateful for all the people God has placed in my life and opportunities God has given me.