Refreshment

 

Friday, during our LONG meeting, I kept wanting to fall asleep. I could feel myself ready to "nod off." That wouldn't look good - me falling off my chair because I was sleeping! I still haven't had time to deal with jet lag, unpacking and all the other stuff involved with being gone for six months. Now, I had to be the "proper" missionary and behave appropriately. It was so hard to keep my eyes open and my head upright!

 

Then, yesterday, we had a "day off." A whole day with nothing scheduled. So, I called my friends, Bob and Nancy Schaffer, who live in Tamale, and spent the day with them. Bob picked me up at 8 am. At the house, Nancy had baked some wonderful breakfast rolls which we had with coffee. Then, it was off to do a couple of errands. First, airtel to get a new modem for my computer. It is supposed to work well in Lawra. Next, to the craft area to buy a dress. Then, to another shop to buy a dress (oh, did I already do that? I bought another one, anyway.) Returning to the house for the rest of the day was next on the agenda. We had a St. Patrick's Day type lunch with corned beef hash and Africa Cola FLOATS to end the meal. Mmmmmm!

 

I sat on the porch swing and read. I did some computer work. I took a nap. I visited with Bob and Nancy. Then, it was time for PORK CHOPS for dinner. Yum! Afterwards, Bob took me back "home" to the Bishop's house. God had blessed me with an unhurried day of both getting some work done and some relaxing. Thank You, Father, for friends, for fellowship, for food, for refreshment of body and spirit!

Ahhhh!

Lately life in Lawra has been stressful. Just every day living can cause someone to have a meltdown (don't worry, that didn't happen.) Add to that the differences in culture in the work place. I was needing to get away. And, a workshop in Sunyani provided that for me. After that, I traveled to Accra to get my eyes checked, go to the dentist, do some shopping, etc. before I meet up with a team from Gandy's Cove, AL. on Saturday.

The best thing that happened to me here in Accra was attending worship at Asbury Dunwell Church. Ahhhh! It was balm to my soul, a refreshment to my spirit. Sometimes I just don't realize how much I need a worship service in English or in a familiar style. Being able to worship, to praise God without having any other responsibilities was just what I needed. And, the banner on the wall had an important message for me...to break through the barriers and build on the Rock.

There are times in my work where the barriers seem insurmountable, that nothing will ever change. Then, when I am so close to giving up, I see a glimmer of hope or God reminds me why I am doing what I am doing and I see a chink in the barrier. Oh, I know things will not change overnight. I also know God is with me, just like He was with Gideon when Gideon faced things that seemed too much for him to handle.God did tell Gideon that He was sending him. God also told Gideon, "You can do it because I will help you." I can do it, because God will help me.

Getaway!

Life has been crazy lately. I have been working on a report for the Manageress of Lawra Integrated Health Project for three days. Evidently, there are people who know less about the computer than me! So, I was "elected" to type it, format the charts, etc. Then, there's the monthly reports for the Christian Health Assoiciation of Ghana. I'm in charge of making sure the children's statistics are gathered, reported and accurate. So, I devised this little book (not a little black book) to record all the info. My mistake was working on it last week, Saturday & even at 5:30 Sunday morning. I didn't even want to cook yesterday & I had plenty of good food in the house. If Rose didn't come, I would have never cooked. (She was worried about me working so much, so she came to mop my floors!) I have been doing too much. It has been hot, in the low 100's, and I am no longer young. Plus, my baby toe still hurts. (Whine.) I think I broke it about ten days ago. So, today I decided to call my team leader to tell her I was running away to Wa for the day & possibly the night. She said to spend the night, too. The above picture is the outside of my room. By American standards, it is ok. By Upper West Standards, it is the best...a/c, hot water. a towel AND soap! I think I will go and relax now, maybe even have some time with God while I drink a cold Coke! Tomorrow afternoon - back to reality, but refreshed with a renewed spirit within me. 

Lord, Refresh This Place

Last Sunday, my prayer was, "Lord, come and revive this dry and thirsty land." The temperature had reached 100 degrees by 9:00 AM. The ground was so dry, hard and dusty. Dry weeds and plants were everywhere. The animals that roam around, looking for food were having a hard time finding any. The thermometer reached 106 in the afternoon. Then, it came! A storm! The temperature dropped 31 degrees. The winds were high. The rain pelted the earth, buildings, people. Hail came. The sound on the metal roof was deafening. Afterwards, the earth looked refreshed, people felt refreshed, renewed. Even since then, some small grasses and weeds have sprouted up for the goats and sheep to munch on. Everything looks a bit greener.

And, I prayed, "Lord, refresh not only this land, but this people. Send Your Spirit to refresh and renew them. Open their eyes. Open their hearts, Open their minds. Let them embrace You and your grace and mercy. Let them be a light for You." Pray for the Spirit of God to fall afresh on this place.

Bonwire

There is this amazing town in Ghana named Bonwire (pronounced "bone weary") that is known for its Kente cloth. Visitors from all over come to watch as the artisans hand weave the cloth into narrows strips of colorful and most times, very intricate patterns. Each pattern symbolizes something, it has its own story to tell.

I had the opportunity to visit Bonwire in 2008. The main Kente cloth shop was closed. But, the owner was found and graciously opened his shop, invited us in, showed us how the weavings were done, showed us his wares and answered all our questions. We each ended up buying some cloth from him...I bought some in Steeler colors to give to friends. It was such a relaxing day.

Today is not so relaxing. I feel "bone weary." I feel tired straight down to the center of my bones. I struggle to stay awake and focused. I wonder if I should give up and take a nap. Yet, I continue...because isn't that what I'm "supposed" to do? I was taught to gather up all my strength and keep on keeping on until every last item on my list was finished. Then, do a few more things for good measure. That's the way to do it!

Many countries have an afternoon rest or "siesta" time. I wonder if they just might have the right idea. Stop for awhile. Rest. Get renewed. Then, continue the work of the day. I like the idea of renewal, of refreshing the spirit. Oftentimes, a nap isn't needed, only the refreshing of the Spirit. I know today I need that type of refreshment for my weary bones. How about you?