A New Adventure, the Last Days

Here it was...my last full day in Ramsbury and parts beyond, all in England. It's been a lovely holiday, but I miss "my people." I'm ready to go back home. I'm not ready to pack! I started the day with a new friend, Susan, and her dog Maisey. We walked along the river and talked, getting to know each other. (She had visited Lawra whilst I was in the US.) 

We went to see The Manor of Ramsbury. It is a huge building, a private residence, not open to the public. But, it was nice to imagine what it must be like inside.In the river were swans...all belonging to the Queen. It seems as if this is something in the history of the nation and has been law for hundreds of years. It is considered an act of treason if you kill a swan.

After our walk, we had coffee with friends and I visited my favorite Cafe' for brunch. Then, I had to walk "home" to pack. How would it all fit? No worries, it did fit. Later in the day, I went to dinner with friends before going into London. I was blessed to have a ride direct to the door of the B&B. I had an early morning flight, so I was staying near the airport this night. After checking in, I walked around a bit, enjoying the sights and hoping to get a good night's sleep.

Check in was very smooth. After I found my gate, I watched the sunrise as I waited for my flight. (The sun rises much earlier here this time of year.) Both flights went well, no problems. I arrived in Accra on time and had friends waiting for me. There was only one small problem. One of my suitcases didn't arrive. It was in Lisbon. I am ashamed to admit, I was not real happy and probably was not the best Christian witness. But, I did apologize the next day when I picked my bag. The people at the airport made the process of filling out the forms and collecting the luggage very easy and painless. I thank God that He had brought me safely home again!

A New Adventure, The Bridge

Another low key day. I love those kind of days...things get done, but there is no pressure. Maybe it is those days are the days I trust the Lord more. If I put my day in His hands, what do I have to prove? I'm going off on a "bunny trail," sorry. I met Sarah, Sara and Kerry for a late breakfast at the Cafe Bella. Mmmm. Ali's bread and eggs are delicious. But, an English muffin with egg and bacon - it's hard to beat that! On top of all of that, today was the day I would share part of my story, my calling with a home group of Highworth Community Church, The group usually meets in the home of Stephen and Janet. Tonight they opened it up to anyone who wanted to come. So, it was held at their community Centre, The Bridge.

Janet picked me after she was finished teaching and took me to meet Matt, the main church leader, and his wife, Katherine. Matt and I shared our beliefs, what the Lord was doing in our lives. He asked about how I ended up in Lawra, which was a refreshing question to hear. After a bit, we walked to The Bridge to get the techy type stuff ready for the evening. Then, back to Stephen and Janet's house for dinner. I was real impressed - home made pizza - until Luke, their son, told me it wasn't! That, with a salad and a few other things made a wonderful meal. We all talked about how God was working in our lives. A nice time before going out.

When we arrived at The Bridge, chairs were being moved, coffee and tea were being made. I introduced myself to people as they arrived. Everyone was so welcoming. It was wonderful! The Spirit of the Living God was in this place. 

Matt introduced me, and it was time. My UK debut! I always seem to come alive when I talk about what the Lord has done in my life, especially when I talk to a group of believers. I gave them some information about my background...and how I thought life would be vs. the reality of it all. I am not a "super Christian." I have made myself available to be used by God. That's all it takes. I shared small about what God has done in Kalsagri and is doing in Kunyukuo. And, I invited them to come and see for themselves. 

All in all, it was a wonderful evening at The Bridge. We went back to Stephen and Janet's house afterwards to chill out a bit before returning to Ramsbury. I am so grateful that this opportunity was given to me. I pray seeds have been planted and more people will answer the call of God on their lives.

A New Adventure, the Sabbath

The Action Through Enterprise Film Premiere in Ramsbury last night was incredible! I woke up refreshed and was ready to worship with fellow believers. Luke and I ambled over to Holy Cross Anglican Church. It is a church with LOTS of history. We arrived a few minutes before the service was to start. There were four people up in the balcony ringing the bells, calling the community to church. Little by little, people straggled in just before the service began. The service was a bit different than what I am used to...first of all, it was in English and not Dagaare. And, we followed a Prayer service printed in a book. Everything was from a prayerbook or hymnal. There were no extemporaneous prayer or anything.

It was nice to visit a different church. It made me really concentrate on the words I was saying/praying. Since they were written down, did I really mean what I read them, or was I just reading words? Good questions!

After church, we walked around, reading the old tombstones before we returned home. Then, breakfast and a quiet afternoon of relaxing and reading and visiting with friends. Tomorrow will be another day to be a "tourist."

It was evening and it was morning. The Sabbath.

A New Adventure, Day 5

Today was a slower paced day, but a day filled with adventure. After breakfast that included homemade orange marmalade, we went into Highworth to see the sights: the Christian bookstore, which I loved; the farmers market , which had cauliflower and peaches! I remember those things. We went to The Bridge, an outreach of Highworth Community Church, for a cup of coffee/tea. We visited St. Michael's Church, too. What a beautiful place! Then, we were off to Bath to see the Roman Baths. When we arrived in Bath, we decided to have lunch since it was about that time. We had an exquisite lunch of a vendor hot dog, which I would say tasted more like an American sausage. Mmmm....good! I guess I've lived in Lawra too long because that hot dog tasted ALMOST good as the steak the other night.

The Roman Baths were amazing! Hundreds and hundreds of years old! It was rather interesting to learn the history of the baths and the systems and techniques that were used to bathe in this natural hot mineral water. On this cloudy/rainy day, it was nice to feel the heat from the water - to see the steam come off of it. Afterwards, I experienced cream tea. I am now a believer! I hope to have the experience again before I leave England.

Next, it was time to hustle back to Ramsbury for the Action Through Enterprise - ATE film premiere. When I arrived at the Community Centre, the place was filled. And, the screen on which the film was to be shown was very large. People were milling around, talking, until THE time arrived. Everyone got quiet. Introductions were made. The film was shown. It was very well received. I am sure ATE will greatly benefit from this film.

After a time of networking, many of us went to the local pub to celebrate. I had my long awaited fish and chips! Delicious! Once I finished eating, I was ready for bed. I said my "Good Nights" to all and walked home. 

It had been a fantastic day and I was ready to relax. My thoughts on today? "Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Lord!"

A New Adventure, Day 4

Friday started a bit late for me since we were in London so late last night. Sleep was good, very good! The morning was relaxing, writing blogs, talking with friends, drinking coffee and reading. In the afternoon, I went to Littlecote House in Hungerford to The Stables Leisure Club. This was my spa day! Yay! A massage and a pedicure, what could be better? Dinner with friends, of course!

Luke picked me at the spa and took me on a scenic drive to Highworth for the remainder of the day. Tea with Janet and Luke and catching up on each other's lives as we waited for Stephen to come home from work. Then, we got in the cars and went to an amazing Italian Restaurant for dinner, L'Artigiano, in Lechlade.

We had a relaxing evening both at the restaurant and back at home. It was a quiet day sandwiched in busier ones. Just what I needed! Time for sleep.

It was evening and it was morning, the fourth day.

A New Adventure, Day 3

The sun was shining. The birds were singing and the brook was babbling. God was, and still is, in His heaven and all was right with the world. Another day had begun. Today I would go with Sara to the Methodist Church of Ramsbury for their coffee hour. Sara goes once a month with her greeting card business. (Not to be confused with ATE's Sarah, although Sara is an ATE volunteer.)The church is a lovely one, small, with lots of character. I found out that there are only a handful or so people who attend worship services there. (Maybe I should be a missionary to Ramsbury!) Sara unpacked her cards, setting up a nice display. We sat and chatted with the ladies of the community and a few men, too. Plus, I went shopping! There were a few items of clothing and some household items, gently used, for sale. I ended up buying a bright pink sweater to wear in this cooler, damper weather. It cost me £1, a vet good investment! Afterwards, I walked to the Post to buy a couple of items before returning to Pip's house. 

Tonight was the big night, the London premiere of the Action Through Enterprise film. We wanted to get an early start to make sure everything was set up and ready with time to spare. As Pip drove into London, her and Sarah talked about last minute details and thought of a zillion little things that needed to be done once we arrived at the venue for the evening.

Chairs, clipboards and brochures were put in place. Luke was in charge of setting up the refreshment table! Refreshments were set out. Now, to wait! My job was to direct people to the room where the event was being held.

At 6:30, everything was a "go." People enjoyed refreshments, Sarah greeted people, Bex Burch played the traditional xylophone from the Lawra area and it was time for the film. Even though I had previewed the film, I got teary eyed watching it again. It is such a good portrayal of life in Lawra and the work Action Through Enterprise - ATE is doing there. The folks at Epiphany Productions filmed this in Lawra in January of this year, and did the entire project pro bono! What a gift! It was very well received.

After everything was over and done with, cleaned up, put away, we went out to celebrate at a pub that was named after me...The Angel!

We did eventually make it back to Ramsbury, after midnight! I was one tired person. But, it was a wonderful day and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I am grateful that I have had this opportunity!

A New Adventure, Day 2

I woke up. I was so comfortable. I didn't want to move. Where was I? Hmmm...Oh, I remember. I'm in Ramsbury, at Pip's house. I eventually dragged myself out of that little piece of heaven known as a bed and ambled downstairs. I greeted Pip, who had been awake for hours! We sat and chatted, enjoying a cup of tea. I spent the morning reading, writing my blog and enjoying the rain. I didn't realize how late it had gotten. I told Sarah that I would go to the ATE office and hang out with whoever was there and doing what needed to be done. So, I walked into town, in between the raindrops. When I arrived, Sarah was in the midst of trying to get lots done and wondering how she would get some other stuff done. I volunteered. She sent me to pick money from the ticket sales for the ATE movie premiere on Saturday...it was starting to rain, again. I went to the Post and picked the money. Then, she sent me to another place to pick money. Now, it was raining a bit harder. Fortunately for me, someone had left their umbrella there. Before I had a chance to return to the ATE office, it was POURING! I returned a bit damp. Since I am not a "fair weather friend," I didn't mind at all. We did plenty of things in the ATE office in the afternoon, stopping for a sandwich at The Bell. Mmm...

That evening, there was a barbeque to attend. Luke is a Master Grillist, grilling steaks, ribs, tuna, bratwurst and kebabs to perfection! Luke thought he was attending and cooking for a barbeque that was planned so I could see all my friends here in this part of the world. It was really to honor him. He had been working with Action Through Enterprise for over two years and had resigned in order to follow a different dream. Luke ended up cooking and doing dishes for his own party, but, he was in his element! It was a wonderful evening with plenty of food and laughter. Oh, such good memories!

It was evening and it was morning, the second day.

A New Adventure, Day 1

My day started with the pilot saying, "Ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. We are experiencing a slight problem. The engines won't start. They are working on fixing the problem. We will keep you updated." Hmmm. I prayed, "Lord, let us be safe." After about 15 minutes we were told the problem had been solved and we would be leaving the gate soon. The rest of the travel went smoothly. In Lisbon, I got in line to go through passport check. Ooops! Wrong line. I switched to the "correct line." After a few minutes, I found out since I was going to Gate 41A, I could skip this line and join the line "over there." It was MUCH shorter! I got through passport control, found my gate and waited. I eventually boarded the plane for London Gatwick.

The flight was uneventful, praise God! Going through Immigration was painless. I even gave the Immigration Officer a "commercial" for Action Through Enterprise-ATE, an NGO that is based in Ramsbury and works in Lawra. Well, he was asking questions, so I answered them. He was impressed with the detailed address in Ramsbury that I gave him. Sarah and her father, Charles, met me at the airport and bought me morning coffee. Then, we began our drive to Ramsbury. The countryside is gorgeous! Green and lush! Oh, the temperature was quite lovely, too. I didn't sweat at all! On the way to Sarah's house, Actually to where her mother lives, we stopped at the ATE office for a moment. Then, on to the house. It was so good to see Pip again. The view out the windows are amazing! I could be happy just staying in the garden the entire time...if it was warm enough and not raining! I settled in and had a laid back afternoon, enjoying the hot running water. Then, Sarah took me on a motor tour of the area, stopping near the Garden Center to get the car washed. We had coffee at the Garden Center and I bought a fleece to wear at half price. Nice! I don't have many cool/cold weather clothes in Lawra! On the way back home, we saw Sara. It was so nice to connect up with her again. We stopped at her house, then walked with the dogs up to The Bell at Ramsbury, a local Pub. We all went in. All of us. Three humans and two dogs. It was normal. No one batted an eyelash! That is where I saw the painting of American presidents playing cards. Anyway, after a spell, we walked Sara home and went back to Pip's house. Sara would join us for dinner. Dinner was later than I usually eat, but it stays light outside a lot longer here than in Ghana. Even after we were finished, I couldn't go to bed. It was too early. It was light outside! So, I colored. It  was nice, very nice. When I did finally go to bed, aaahhh! The bed was amazingly comfortable. And, it was morning and it was evening, the first day!

Fun in Lawra???

Last week, a friend of mine asked, "What do you do for fun in Lawra?" That questioned has bothered me all week. Hmmm. What do I do for fun in Lawra? Count flies when going out for a Coke. Watch a friend touch a bug zapper and get shocked. Take pictures of the goats and sheep in front of the house. Pray for rain. Typically, I am inside before dark because of the mosquitos. Once in a while, I make greeting cards. It relaxes me, and at times, energizes me. Other than that...there really isn't a "nice" place to go out to eat. There is no Y or movie theater or mall or...but, there are friends! Now, my friends, if they are expats are MUCH younger than I. And, most of my Ghanaian friends who happen to be male, are closer in age, but, only by 10 or 15 years. Ghanaian women are always busy with the house or family or laundry or cooking. In Lawra, the typical Ghanaian woman does not have "time to kill." If they are not busy with their immediate family, they are busy with extended family.

 

So, I decided to make my own "fun." I hosted a Memorial Day/Africa Day pool party and picnic. (It was nice that both holidays ended up being on the same day.) I got out the pool and got it ready for summer! Filled it. Brought out the beach (it is on the small table on the right of the picture.) Bought chicken and REAL potatoes. Made jello! Made baked beans. Sydney and Emily came over. We had such fun. I laughed more that day than I had laughed in quite awhile! We grilled the chicken and had a feast fit for a king.

 

So, in answer to your question, Steve, we have a pool party and a picnic. That is how we have fun in Lawra!

Dreams

In January, when I was back in the USA, I went on "holiday" with my friend, Tula. Tula has been on many cruises and to me is the "Cruise Queen." She wanted to introduce me to the joys of cruising! So, we signed up for a five night cruise on the Celebrity Constellation, leaving two days after our conference ended. We flew down to Fort Lauderdale and hung out until "the day" arrived.

 

When we arrived at the dock, our luggage was taken and magically appeared at our room. We went through the document checks and entered the ship...My eyes were as big as saucers... we walked through such beautiful rooms, with champagne in hand! We took the elevator up to our room. It was so nice, a lot nicer than I had expected. And, it had a balcony! Mr. Mooey and I hung out on the balcony for awhile and enjoyed the scenery. After a bit, we heard the alarm sounding. It was time for our emergency drill. Tula and I went to our appointed spots until all crew and passengers were accounted for. Now, it was time to just relax and enjoy.

 

First, Tula took me on a tour of the ship, stopping for an ice cream cone to eat on the way. There were so many restaurants and eating places, a spa, a casino, a theater, three pools, several hot tubs, and, of course, shopping! There would be all kinds of stuff to do!

 

First stop, Key West. We went ashore just to look around, be tourists, eat, shop and have a quiet day. We did make it to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Then, back on the ship to lay around one of the pools and to read. (I know, real party animals!) The next day was a full day on board. The scenery was beautiful, just water and sky. We attended some of the classes and fun stuff that was available. In the evening, we went to the theater to see a show...The Songs of Hollywood. Then, it was off to Cozumel, Mexico. After a relaxing breakfast, we set off to find a Starbucks Cozumel coffee mug. It wasn't to be found. So, again, the two of us just leisurely took in the sights before heading back to the ship. Oh, and we did a little shopping! We had scheduled time at the spa. It was almost heaven! The next day was a  full day at sea, so there were shopping specials, pool time and the officers vs. hotel staff water volleyball game. (Officers won.) And, of course, the food at the restaurants was always amazing. Unfortunately, packing had to be done, too.

 

I know this hasn't been a very exciting blog to read, but, what I wanted you to know that I never dreamed of being able to go on a cruise. God made it happen. In the past, I was afraid to dream because, it was my experience that dreams don't come true. This time, they did. God knows the desires of my heart. And, sometimes, those desires become realities. Thank You, Jesus!

 

 

Lake Bosomtwi

Holiday at Lake Bosomtwi...aaahhhh! The Lake is so beautiful! It is the only fresh water lake in Ghana. This lake, which is five miles across, is inside of an ancient meteorite crater. As I sit lakeside early in the morning, I listen to the lapping of the water. It is so relaxing. 



I watch the fishermen. They sit on wooden plank "boats" casting their nets. On their boat is a basket in which they place their catch. This is the only type of boat permitted. The Ashanti consider Bosumtwi a sacred lake. According to traditional belief, the souls of the dead come here to bid farewell to the god Twi. Because of this, it is considered permissible to fish in the lake only from wooden planks. It looks so easy...but, it takes great skill to maneuver these boats across the water.

I sit with my coffee and Bible and spend time with God while watching the sun rise. What a great way to start the day! It is just this side of heaven!

Then, after a time, my friends awake  and the activities of the day begin. We eate, laugh, swim, boat and have a wonderful time. Alas, the time is too short and it is time to leave. As I leave, I will be relaxed and refreshed! I praise God for days like this. It restores stregnth to my soul!