What I Want

Some days are easier than others, aren't they? No matter what stage of life you are in, no matter what the circumstances, most people have good days and bad days. Even in the midst of crisis there can be a good day or maybe a good hour. And even on bad days, if we ask ourselves, "Where is God in this?" we can find an answer...eventually.

I have been in my new apartment for a month. It has been relaxing, at times and crazy at times. I am unpacked and have hung most of my pictures on the walls. I finally feel as if I have reached the place where I can work on renewal and refreshment and eventually a new start. Ghana took a lot out of me. I didn't realize that at first. During the last 14-18 months there, I was sick once a month. It was my new normal. I wasn't sick enough to be in bed, but, something wasn't quite right. Now I know most of my problems were sinus related. This past year, those issues have been addressed and hopefully resolved. 

This past weekend, I drove to Carolina Beach to visit my niece and her husband. It was a GREAT visit, once I got there. Let's just say that Interstate 40 is not my favorite road. I haven't been up to Erie to visit family and friends since last November, although some have  come to visit me. I feel that I should drive up to western PA before the snow falls and I feel guilty because I don't want to. I feel as if I should, but I don't want to. Why? That question is not real easy to answer. I'd love to see my family and friends before the snow comes. In the past year, I wanted to take care of myself. I wanted to develop some healthier habits, physically and spiritually. And, the emotional roller coaster of being back in the US after being in Ghana for so long. It is a HUGE drain on a person.

 There are parts of life in general that I don't like. For example, driving all over God's creation. I like staying home. I don't like driving. I drove all over because I had to for my jobs. That trip to NC? I was almost a basket case when I arrived. I took the "Old Lady Going for a Sunday Afternoon Drive" route on the way back home. That was much more relaxing. I wanted to do something special for myself for my retirement. It didn't happen because the challenges of life happened instead. I wanted to go to The Martha Inn to celebrate my birthday and Christmas and to the Barter Theater to see all four of their Christmas plays. That didn't happen. The challenges of life got in the way again.Ghana took its toll on me. and I am finally in a place where I don'have to even think about moving. I can take time to recover. I loved it there. I love it here. I want to see my friends and family there. I want to see my friends and family here. But, I need to take care of myself first. I'm tired. I'm weary. 

So, today starts a new month. I have a person who will "coach" me on my physical health and keep me accountable, too. I'm planning on going to The Martha Inn and the Barter Theater to celebrate my birthday and Christmas. It will be the farthest I will drive for months. I used to follow a daily Scripture writing plan but haven't done in for several months or more. I started back today. The theme for the month is, "God is My Comforter." There was only one verse to write today: 1 Peter 5:10. The second half of that verse says, "After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation." THAT'S what I want!

Rest...A Much Needed Commodity!

 

I'm not very good at taking time for myself, to rest, renew, to be refreshed. After a hectic three weeks, I FINALLY was able to do this. My sister and I loaded up her car and headed to Meadows of Dan, VA. We drove all day and we were so grateful when we saw the sign, "Welcome to the Mountains." Yes, we have been driving in the mountains, but this particular mountain was our destination!

 

My morning starts with the above scene. Who can doubt the existence of God when they see this? I grab a cup of coffee and my Bible and head outside to the porch swing.

 

I did take a day to be a tourist in Mt. Airy, NC, sometimes referred to "Mayberry." This is the home of Andy Griffith. I visited the sheriff's office, the jail, the Darling's still (no moonshine was in it) and even rode in Barney's car. This was the day I was introduced to a rib eye steak sandwich.

 

Since then, I've mainly loved just "chilling out" at my friends house in the mountains. They are such wonderful hosts. Every need/want has been met, even before voiced.

 

The flowers are still beautiful. The leaves are turning colors. The birds are singing. And, a hawk or two was spotted, too. I'm loving this.

 



 

Pumpkins have arrived by the truckload, there is a crispness in the air, ahhh...

 

A fire on a cool evening. Sitting, talking, warming my feet. I wonder, "Lord, what have I done to deserve a break like this?" Refreshment, renewal. And when I leave, I'll be ready for what is next in my schedule!

 

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. 

Rejoice, Rest, Renew, Revive, Research, Restock

I have spent the last 2 ½ weeks in Accra. I had some things to do here and my friends needed someone to stay at their house. So, it was a match made in Heaven! Although I miss my home in Lawra, I feel that I have been blessed by God because of the many things I have been able to do while here.

I was able to REJOICE with Raymond Dery (my language teacher) and his family as he was commissioned as a pastor with Methodist Church Ghana. Dery has a burden for his people and it is the desire of his heart to see these people have a day to day, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Any congregation he will serve will be blessed!

I have also been able to REST while here. When I left Lawra, I had malaria. So, rest wasn’t an option. I didn’t feel like doing anything! I had made reservations for a night at Hilburi for a 24 hour vacation & I wasn’t going to cancel that. I had started to feel better. Hilburi was just what I needed! The scenery was beautiful! The bed was comfy. The food was delicious. Since I left Hilburi, I continue to pace myself, trying not to go overboard with “stuff to do” in a day, but making sure that I’m not a “slug.”

RENEWAL should be a part of every day. (That is my opinion!) I enjoy having my morning coffee or tea on the veranda with GOD. I have been using the book, Praying the Attributes of God by Rosemary Jensen, along with my Bible & journal. I am always amazed at what GOD has to say to me, if only I would listen!

REVIVAL has come in a variety of ways. But, I think the one I noticed the most was attending church (or churches) this past Sunday. I didn’t realize how much I needed to worship with the body of Christ without having any expectations or responsibilities laid on me. I felt a release as we sung the first song and the tears started forming in my eyes with gratitude to the Father. That service, along with the online service of First UMC, Corry really revived my soul, my spirit.

Since I have been in Accra, the internet connection has been so much better than the connection I have in Lawra. I have been able to RESEARCH a variety of topics related to birth defects, developmental delays and prenatal care. I’ve been in touch with some people in the medical field who might be able to help out the children and families that I work with. I have also been working on my Dagaare dictionary & have called Dery on the phone to ask him how something is translated into the local language.

Last, but not least, I have been able to RESTOCK. Food choices in Lawra are slim. Even fresh fruit & vegetable choices are slim. So, I have enjoyed being able to go grocery shopping and buying canned goods and cheese to take up north with me. Fruits, veggies, jelly and a variety of other things will be stocked on my shelves when I return.

It seems as if I have been in Accra for a long time. But, it has been necessary. Along with the other things that I have been able to accomplish, I am still waiting on my passport. I need to take it with me to Lawra to present it to the immigration officials there. So, I wait, I call about it, and I wait some more. All the while I know that God has had plans for me while in Accra. This has NOT been wasted time. To God be the glory!

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?