Praying for What I Want

So many times I am not happy with the person I am…on the outside. I weigh too much. I have CPAP mask lines on my face. I wear glasses. I definitely don’t like to wear shoes (and shoes make the outfit, right?) My hair didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to today.

Today when I read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, I could see that God isn’t concerned about any of that. Paul is thanking God for the Thessalonians, not because as a group they lost a ton of weight or because they are wearing the latest styles. He is thanking God because of their faith in Christ! (How many times have you or I done that?) He prays for them, that God would encourage their hearts and strengthen them, not to make them rich, powerful or beautiful. 

It’s my prayer for myself, too. “ God, encourage me when I get frustrated and lose the “umph” to go on. Strengthen me in mind, body and spirit to live the life that You intended for me, to do your good works. And, may You receive all the glory. Amen and amen.”
 

A Cooking Adventure

I rarely cook “real food.” That’s the term I use when cooking something that has more ingredients than a grilled cheese sandwich or a meal that needs more than one piece of flatware to eat it. This week, I had a “hankering” for real food. I actually went grocery shopping and bought some things that I had never in my life bought….sesame seed oil and an avocado. No, they were not used in the same recipe. I can’t even imagine that! Sunday was my first meal I made using the sesame seed oil. I made chicken fried rice. I made fried rice all the time when I lived in Ghana, throwing whatever veggies I had into the pan. I never used a recipe. This time I used a recipe, thus, the sesame seed oil. I have to admit, it turned out pretty good. I will make it again, probably in the near future. 

 Today a friend was coming over to help me fix a wall and for lunch. I have been wanting to make a caprese salad for a couple of weeks now. So, this morning I got out my recipe and made the dressing first because I wanted to refrigerate it. I actually used fresh garlic and honey in it, along with other fresh ingredients. Then, it was time to chop up the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, cut fresh basil, and the avocado.  I used a recipe and I  went out of my comfort zone into my learning zone. Anyway, the last ingredient was the fresh mozzarella cheese. I put the dressing on it right before I served it. Oh, it was delicious. Tonight I will eat some leftovers with chicken in it. 

During my quiet time/coffee with God this morning, one of the things I thanked God for was the food choices that I have by living in the United States. In the area of Ghana where I lived, this salad would have been impossible to make because the ingredients were not available. I’m thinking that I might go out of my comfort zone and try a few more recipes sometime. Meanwhile, I’m going to enjoy my leftovers! 

Have a blessed day. 

It's Not about the Turkey

Today is Thanksgiving. I have been seeing pictures on Facebook of Families, Pies and Pilgrims, Table Settings and all kinds of things connected with today's holiday...even Parades and football. It's a sweet day to be with family and friends.

For many Cross Cultural Witnesses, Thanksgiving will be a day quite different than what they were used to celebrating in the United States. Some may live in or close to large cities where the traditional American food for today's feast can be purchased. For others, who live in the middle of nowhere, they may have to kill their own chicken if they want a fowl for dinner. Some may settle with canned chicken breast meat that someone was kind enough to send in the mail ahead of time. (Been there, done that.) Today, in Lawra, I will be eating a "soft chicken" leg quarter (imported and you won't break a tooth trying to eat it), canned green beans...not green bean casserole, the other ingredients aren't available, my favorite Jello that a dear friend brought for me when I was in South Africa, and a pasta side dish that my sister-in-law sent me. So, that's my meal. I most likely will eat alone as my Ghanaian counterparts are all working today. My plans for this evening got canceled, so I will try to meet up with some Ghanaian friends after work. I won't have my family with which to share my meal. Colleagues live too far away from me, so sharing with them isn't possible. 

This is the reality of a Cross Cultural Worker. At least, it's my reality. Everyone is different. I do miss my brothers and sister and their families. I miss my church family at Concord UMC, Wesley UMC and Cornwall UMC especially. Even though they are not with me in body, they are with me in Spirit. I thank God for all of them.

For me, and numerous people like me, Thanksgiving isn't about the turkey. It isn't about the pies. Or about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Or Football. And, when you come down to it, even though family is important, it isn't about family. It's about giving thanks to God. Thanking God for another year. Thanking Him for another year of life. Thanking him for another year with family and friends. Thanking Him for His Salvation, for His provision. And, even when the past year has been tough, thanking Him for Him walking with you, beside you, guiding you and holding you in His arms.

Today is Thanksgiving. Yes, I wish I were going to eat the white meat of the turkey today, along with all the traditional side dishes. It's a wish that will be granted in a few years. In the meantime, I will let all that is within me give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

The Pennsylvania Tour

I'm on a Pennsylvania tour - five cities in seven days! No, I am NOT a rock star. I am not a politician running for office. I am a missionary on Home Assignment, trying to connect with those who partner with me and encourage me. And, trying to raise support so I can stay in Lawra, Ghana for another five years, discipling people who live in the villages surrounding Lawra. So, I am on the road.

People wonder what I do while I am in the US. Is it good to be "home?" (Well, for this time of my life, "home" is in Lawra, Ghana. So, it is What are you doing while you are here? Well, let me tell you what I have been doing...less than 24 hours in country, I drove two hours so I could meet with the pastor of my home church. (He is new at the church since I was last here.) Then, I spent time with my "web and design goddess" to update, design and print some things for my display table. In addition to that, my friendly Geeks updated my laptop and tablet. Now, I am ready!

I have spoken with people on either a Sunday at church or in a less formal setting at least seven times. And, now, I am on a seven day road trip during which I will be sleeping in five different cities! Talk about being busy and tired. Homeland Assignment is NOT for the weak of heart. 

In the midst of it all, I am so grateful to the LORD. I have met many people who love God and want to see His Kingdom established in all the corners of the world. I have seen lakes and rivers and mountains and corn fields and lots of paved road. I an thankful for the people who have given me their cars to drive for miles and miles and days. I am appreciative of all those who gave me a place to lay my head at night, who have fed me and spoiled me.

Yes, I am on The Pennsylvania Tour. It will continue for weeks. But, connecting with God's people on His mission makes it all worth it. Why don't you come along and join God in His mission, too?

Packing for Home

I leave “home” tomorrow to return to my “home.” Which one is my REALLY REAL home is a topic for another blog. Today’s topic is packing.What do I pack when I live in an area where there is so little available and I am traveling from an area where so much is available. Well, here is a list of things that I’d like to pack, but can’t:

• my sister, brothers and extended family
• friends
• worship in English
• hot and cold running water
• snow, for those really, really hot days
• dependable electricity
• a bathtub
• Tula’s pool
• nice, clean rest stops
• home delivery of mail
• the privilege of having a toilet in which I can flush used TP
• home pick up of garbage and recycling
• a/c when it is hot and heat when it is cold
• a washer and drier
• my bed at Nancy’s lake house
• easily accessible doctors
• the ability to shop for whatever I would ever need or want

I will be satisfied with packing some new clothes, Yankee candles, Smith’s hot dogs and tons of other stuff And, I will thank God for providing me the means to acquire all these things for myself and others. May I bless others as I have been blessed.

A Time to Heal

Three months ago, I was in Lawra, Ghana, enjoying life and the work God has given me...all except for one minor detail. I was in constant pain. My right knee had been bothering me for years, and, little by little, it became worse. So bad, that, after arriving back in Lawra after attending a meeting in Tamale, I called my doctor to set a date for a total knee replacement. I had one on my left knee six years ago, so I knew what I was getting myself into, right?

So, I flew back to Erie, PA. I had all the needed lab work and pre-surgery stuff done. Then, on October 17, I went to UPMC Hamot for surgery. Three days later, I was back at my sisters' house in PAIN! I don't remember the last surgery being this painful. But, then, I am a bit older! A CPM machine (to keep my knee moving at increasing angles, six hours a day) was sent home with me. It seems as if all I do is try to get comfortable, do some exercises and get on "the rack."

This time of healing has been hard on me. When I am on pain meds, I can't concentrate. Reading is difficult, if I want to remember what I read. Even watching a DVD gets old real quick. Sleep does not come easy. And, trying to get comfortable in bed...forget it! Keeping a good attitude is the hardest thing of all. Because of the pain, tightness around the knee and lack of range of motion, getting around isn't real easy.

I had therapy at home for two weeks. Holly, my therapist, was such an encouragement. Now, I am going to out patient therapy. In the 2 1/2 weeks since surgery, a lot has been accomplished. Yet, I want to be 100% healed yesterday! It takes time. A small step here, an increase of a degree in the bend or straightening of the knee - they are all major accomplishments for me. It is difficult to "sit back" and let the healing happen. Yes, I have things to do to aid in the healing, some painful, some, not so painful. I guess what it all boils down to, is do I sit around and mope and think, "Woe is me!" Or, do I thank God for the opportunity to have this surgery, this time to take life a bit slower and enjoy His love and His creation? Honestly, I have done both. But, as time goes on, I hope my attitude would be more positive and show my thankfulness to God and would reflect Him instead of feeling sorry for myself.

For everything there is a season. And, for me, now is a season of healing.

Why SNAP?

A mother wakes up in the middle of the night and cries. She wonders, "Why did God give me a child like this?" There is no place for a special needs child in this culture. Parents are urged to take their children to the Fetish priest for a "mercy killing." Yet, this same mother, who cried at night a year ago, now says, "When I came to SNAP, I found out that I wasn't alone.That there are other children like mine. SNAP helps me know what to do with my child."

 

June 6, 2013, was the first anniversary of SNAP, our Special Needs Awareness Program. We will celebrate on July 3, so that one of our founding members, Sarah Gardner, could be here for the festivities. An activity that we had for the parents was to trace the hand of their child and write something that they appreciated about their child on each finger. And, if  they could not think of something, they were to write their hopes/dreams for their child. Now, most of these people can't read or write, so, others wrote the words the parents said. Parents who were full of despair a year ago now write: 

 

"My child has a nice smile. He is very interested. He knows how to read. I THANK GOD He made him for me. He makes me happy."

 

Another parent writes about their child, "He thanks God. He is always happy. I am HAPPY that God made him. He will get a blessing. I am happy to come here to SNAP."

 



Still another parent writes, "She tries hard. She is happy. She is a good sister. She is helpful. She is beautiful."

 

I thank God for SNAP. A year ago, these parents had no hope. Who knows if some of these children would have survived if the parent did not attend SNAP. SNAP give them encouragement, praise, education, health screenings, and the knowledge that their child is a unique, unrepeatable miracle of God! Celebrate our first year with us!  And, thank God for the lives of these lovely children.

 



A Broken Front Tooth and Thankfulness

Early this afternoon, my front tooth felt a little weird...something wasn't right. So, I called my dentist and made an appointment for Wednesday afternoon. No problem. Then, I sat down to watch numb3rs. As I was watching, I was eating pretzel Combos with cheddar cheese. Mmmmm...until I felt a filling in my mouth instead of a pretzel. Now what? I called my dentist again, pleaded with the receptionist, called another doctor and rescheduled that appointment and finally made an appointment with my dentist at 1:30 Monday afternoon, and put the broken filling back in place. That leaves me with a loose filling in my front tooth that can come out again at any time. Agh! My Sunday School class is having breakfast for me on Sunday! I am with a compromised tooth for four days! Ugh!

 

Yet, I am thankful to God. I am thankful that I was able to replace the filling. I am thankful that I can see my dentist on Monday afternoon. I am thankful that I was able to call my friend, Tula, and whine for awhile. I am thankful that I don't have to travel 18 hours to a dentist. I am thankful that I was able to reschedule my other doctor appointment. Things didn't work out the way I wanted them to, they rarely do. But, I have a choice. Do I let the circumstances drag me down, or do I say, "Thank You, Jesus for this opportunity to trust You." and go on with my life. I choose to say, "Thank You!" in the midst of circumstances that I don't necessarily like. How about you? 

A Thanksgiving Feast

 

Thanksgiving...just the word spoken at this time of year brings visions of turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce and pies to mind. Oh, and don't forget the sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top! I can almost taste it now.

 



 

Where I live, most people are farmers. They barely raise enough crops to feed their families. The soil is rocky and full of clay. The sun beats down on it. There is no rain for six months. Most people don't even eat meat because they can't afford it. Maize flour and yam (similar to cassava) flour are the main ingredients in their local dish.

 

 

As you eat way too much food today, remember to thank God for your blessings...of being able to have today's feast...the blessing of food and clean water...the blessing of gathering in a place with family and friends...the blessing of His love, His grace and His mercy. And, pray for those who are struggling to find food to feed their families. Then, do something for them...

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,  for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;

5 who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;

6 who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;

7 who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

16 who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

18 and killed famous kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;

21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;

22 a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;

25 who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endure s forever.

Psalms 136:1-26 (NRSV)

 

Drainers and Gainers

 

"Drainers and Gainers." Have you ever thought about them? If you are like most people, there are ever present in your life. I know they are in mine. "Drainers"...those things in my life that drain the energy from me, they sap away my strength. It seems as if I have a lot of those lately...a VERY hectic speaking schedule, constantly packing and unpacking, doctor's appointments, travel, a cluttered table, piles of stuff to pack for Ghana, homework...and there is always the stuff I should do, but haven't, like my newsletter and weekly team updates.

 

Praise God, there are also "Gainers" in my life...things that energize me. Things like worship in my heart language, lunch with a friend, quiet time with God, being with my sister, seeing the hand of God work in my life and in the lives of others, clearing a pile of "stuff' and finding a place for all of it, being able to sleep in "my own" bed, being thankful, making a card or scrap booking, a good Bible study, taking a Sabbath rest, walking...those things help me get motivated to do more, they revitalize my life.

 

But, what do we do when the drainers outnumber the gainers? I try to reduce my drainers by one or two each week. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Other times, I have to "just say 'no!'" to whatever is being asked of me. I also try to increase the gainers. I NEED to have my quiet time with the Lord. I NEED to thank God for my many blessings. I NEED to sleep! I NEED to be with my sister, in person, or on the phone. I NEED to make progress in de-cluttering my life.

 

In the end, the gainers have to outnumber the drainers. If not, exhaustion takes place. Then, what good am I? I thank God that He has given me the wisdom to discern what drains me and what doesn't. And, I am grateful to Him for those who help me see, when I am blind to the stresses in my life. I need to remain in Him and remember, He gave us the Sabbath for a reason!

Back in the USA



I am back in the USA. Life has been really busy for the last three weeks, REALLY busy. Good friends of mine, Cathy and Chuck, and their son, Joe, picked me up from the airport and delivered me to what will be my "home base" for the next three months. After "mosey-ing" around, I fell exhausted into bed around 2AM. The next morning, Pastor Tom picked me up to take me to Erie so I could pick up a few necessary items...clothes, insurance card, driver's license and a car. (Thank You, Jesus! That is another story!)

 

I was so excited about my trip to Erie. There would be two whole hours of nice roads and three, count them, THREE, nice rest stops. I told Pastor Tom that I was so excited to know that there were flush toilets along the way and asked if we could stop at them. His reply, "We are NOT stopping at all of them. We can stop if you REALLY need to go!"

 

So, we hit the road, stopping at the golden arches for breakfast to go. And, as nature took it's course, I eventually "really had to go." We stopped at the rest stop with well marked parking spots, a nice, green, well manicured lawn, a BUILDING with electricity AND running water that worked! It looked clean and smelled clean. I entered the Ladies Room slowly, relishing the fact that I was actually there. I stood inside, gazing at the row of sparkling toilet stalls and sinks and....

 

I got tears in my eyes!

 

As an American, I take so much for granted. This rest stop is something that I grew to expect. But, after living in Ghana for 19 months, I am truly grateful for it! I thank God that I live in a country where I don't have to worry about toilet facilities while on the road! =-)

Metro Mass Transit, LTD. - Moving the Nation

Yesterday I began my travels to Ho, which is in the Volta Region of Ghana. I am VERY grateful that I was able to catch a Metro bus in Lawra, instead of having to spend the night in Wa to get a bus at 4:00 AM. I was told to be at the Lawra station by 5:00AM. So, I was able to sleep in my own bed & avoid the extra cost of staying in Wa.

I arrived at the station shortly before 5:00. After being asked where I was going, I was told by several people that the bus had already passed through Lawra. They wanted me to travel in their tro-tro, a van that squishes 20+ people in it. Hmmm...that didn't sound right. Just a few days ago the Hamile-Kumasi bus passed through Lawra at 6:00 AM. No, I told them, I will wait small.

The tro-tro was being packed and I was praying. More than one person had told me that the bus comes somewhere around 6:00 AM. And, if they left Hamile at 4:30, there was NO WAY it would have reached Lawra this early. So, I waited. And, continued to pray!

At 5:50 AM, the most beautiful orange bus came into view. It was the bus I was waiting for, the Hamile-Kumasi bus. I would be able to ride this bus to Wenchi in relative comfort. (Comfort being 90% attitude.)

I ended up in seat number 3, with no one in seat number 2, so Julia, my seat mate & I had plenty of room. The motor was right in front of me & I was able to stretch my legs out on top of it. =-) The ride to Wa was truly a blessing. I was so thankful. 

Our "quick" stop in Wa ended up to be two hours long. Evidently, there was a problem with one of the tires & it needed fixed or changed. I would rather sit in Wa for two hours than on the side of the road for four. Again, it is all a matter of attitude & gratefulness!

All went well after that. I couldn't help wondering why people pay to ride at amusement parks when they can ride the Metro at a much smaller cost & have the same experience! There is no preaching or selling on the bus, so when we have our "rest stop" people preach and sell right outside of the bus doors. Trust me, the facilities at the rest stops don't even come close to American facilities!

Even with the two hour stop, I alighted in Wenchi before 1:30 PM. Metro Mass Transit does it again...I arrived safe, in a timely manner and at a great price! Thank You, Lord, for keeping me safe on this trip!

A Heart Warming Moment

Last Sunday I worshipped at the Bethel Methodist Society in Lawra. I sat near my friends Lydia and her 7 month old son, Albert. I wanted to hold Albert and, when I reached out for him, he reached out for me. The two of us spent most of the service together.

At one point in the service, worship songs were sung in Dagaare. And, when that happens, people begin to dance, praising God with their whole being. (After all, this is Africa!) Lydia was one of the women who went forward to dance. And, at that moment I was awe struck. Here is a woman who is HIV positive, a single mother, who chooses to praise God instead of cursing Him because of her life circumstance. This is what faith is all about. My heart was warmed at the sight and I was praising and thanking God.

Later in the service, the Pastor asked if anyone wanted more from God in their life  to come forward. He asked for people to come forward if they wanted to make a commitment to Jesus Christ. And, during this time, Lydia went forward. She prayed. And, she repeated the "Sinner's Prayer." Whether or not Lydia understood what was going on, I don't know. God does. And He will work in her as she makes herself open to His voice.

I am trusting that seeds have been planted and sown. I am grateful for what has taken place. And, I pray that God will use me to help Lydia grow in her faith. It is another opportunity for reaching out to expand the Kingdom of God. May He find me faithful.   

A Dental "Emergency"

Last Wednesday evening, I was munching on some cocoa almonds...mmm, good! All of a sudden, I realized there was a gaping hole where my top front tooth should have been. So, I spit everything out and found the culprit. It was an old filing, rather large, that had come out. I looked in the mirror. I don't even want to think about how I looked. What to do? I tried putting the filling back in. After several attempts, it worked, much like a jig saw puzzle. Thank You, Jesus! I finally fell asleep.

The next morning (Thursday), I called my dentist, in Accra. I was able to schedule an appointment with her for Saturday morning. So, I called friends in Wa, and asked them to purchase a bus ticket to Accra for me. (I wanted to leave Thursday just in case there would be any trouble as we traveled. I didn't want to take the chance of missing my appointment.) I went home (I was at the workplace) and quickly packed. Then, headed off to the lorrie station. After an hour wait, we started the two hour trip to Wa. While in Wa, I visited with my friends until it was time to catch the bus, which left at 5:30 PM. I arrived in Accra around 6:20 Friday morning. Then, off to a colleague's house. I "hung out," went grocery shopping, read & napped. It was a wonderful break from the stress of the past few weeks. Then, Saturday morning, I went to see Dr. Nadia. She fixed my tooth. Praise God! I paid about $50 to get a huge filling replaced. Then, off to the bus station to buy a ticket for home. I left Accra around 8:30 PM Saturday and arrived in Wa 8:15 AM Sunday. I finally made it home at 11:30 Sunday morning. So, my dental "emergency" took about 72 hours from departing from home to arriving back again.

There was a lot to be thankful for in this situation: my tooth did not hurt, I was able to put the filling back in until it was replaced, I was able to schedule a dentist appointment, there was a seat available on the bus, someone was able to pick me up from the bus station, I had a relaxing day in Accra, I was able to buy meat in a store and not "off the hoof," the dentist is really nice, the filling was replaced painlessly, the cost of the dental visit was much less than I would pay in the US, the traveling was uneventful...God is so Good!



Simple Things

I tend to take the simple things of life for granted. Many of my friends have provided me with some of these “simple things” since I have been here in Ghana. I am VERY appreciative of all they send. But, I don’t appreciate it as much as those mentioned below:

Razak’s mother had been in the District Hospital for almost two weeks. She had been complaining that her lips were sore. So, I gave Razak a package of Chap Stick for his mother. Later, after she had been home for a while, I spoke with her on the phone. I understood her Dagaare (by the grace of God) until she began to thank me for something. I had no idea what I had done that would cause her to thank me so much. So, I gave the phone to Razak. She was thanking me for the Chap Stick. Her lips were healed and she was doing well.

Dery had a sore on his hand. It wasn’t healing. And, his children were getting sick. The only thing he could think of was the water they were drinking wasn’t clean. So, I made arrangements for his family to have a water filter. He called me a week later to thank me. His hand was healing and his family was enjoying better health…all because of clean water.

Patrick goes to the Bethel Methodist Society in Lawra. He has leprosy. His feet are about half the size of the feet of someone without leprosy. His shoes were worn out. So, he mentioned it to someone at church who gave him funds for a new pair. He also said that he is cold at night because he had no blanket. Later that day, we took him a blanket to use during these colder nights of Harmatan season. Patrick was so touched that he wanted to pray for us before we left.

Chap Stick, water, shoes, a blanket…when have I done without? When have you done without? Yet, do I ever think to thank God for these “simple things” in life? Father, forgive me and thank You!

Weights and Measures

Shopping at market in Lawra can be a learning experience. It is the same in much of Ghana. In America, when I shop for fruits and vegetables, they are priced according to weight. I can buy a pound of bananas for a certain price. The same for tomatoes, onions, potatoes, etc. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. A watermelon isn't usually priced by the pound. Neither is corn on the cob. But, I'm sure you understand what I mean.

Here, in Ghana, I buy a pile of tomatoes for a certain price, a stack of onions for a certain price or an apple for a certain price. There are no scales at the market, it's all by the number of items and their size. Buying rice and maize and soy beans is a little different. Those are sold by the "bowl". A bowl holds a tad more than 10 cups...I know because I measured my bowl today. Usually, the seller will pile the grains so there is a little pyramid of grain over the top of the bowl. This is how I bought maize, guri and beans for the children. I was grateful that the rice was already bagged!

Next, I had to bag the various items for each family living at the centre as well as the rice for the staff Christmas gifts. I'm not real adept at that. I won't say how much rice ended up on my living room floor! I was instructed to make the bowls "water full" so that everyone received the same. It all was bagged and some handed out. Today I will give the rest so that the mothers will have their items to cook for their Christmas dinners. Rice and maize and special spices and canned mackerel for Christmas dinner. It's something that these people rarely have, it is a feast for them. Makes me stop and thank God for the many blessings He has given me.

The Night Fires

Last night, I was watching a movie and I heard a noise. It sounded as if great, big, fat drops of rain were hitting the ground. I thought, "Praise God, it's raining." We haven't had rain for six weeks. I went out on the veranda and looked closely - I almost held out my hand to feel the drops. Then, I saw it. The fires. To the left of my house & behind it, the fires were eating up the dry grasses. They were making a popping and crackling sound. The sky was lit with orange. And, when the wind started blowing, it urged the fires on towards the front of the house. After 15 or 20 minutes, it was over. The flames had died down and the fire department hosed the ashes with water. Now, there are large black areas where just 2 months ago, grasses, flowers and other plants grew. It is just a way of life here. The rainy/growing season, then after harvest the drier seasons and time to allow the gifts of the harvest to see us through the rest of the year. I wonder if it is like going up to the mountain top and then returning to the valley to put into use what God has taught me. A time to remember what God has done in the past and will continue to do. For He is faithful and I am thankful!