Displaced

My original three month stay in the United States has turned out to be a six month stay due to doctor and dentist appointments, specifically, a dental implant. I have had the opportunity to visit and spend time with friends and family. I have truly enjoyed those times. God has blessed me through the love and the friendship of all these wonderful people. They have opened up their homes to me, let me use their cars, cooked for me and provided for me in numerous ways. And, I am very grateful. But, there is this feeling within me, a feeling that tells me I am a displaced person. I don't belong here.

There is a yearning in my heart and soul. I yearn for home. I long to sleep in my own bed, to have my clothes put away where they belong - in my closet, not in a suitcase. I want to mosey into my own kitchen, where pots and pans and utensils that are familiar are and cook a meal. I want to be able to take my basket of Bibles and devotional books out on the veranda in the morning. I want to sit by candle light and read a book when the electricity goes off. I miss riding my bicycle into town to buy bread or phone units or Internet time. And, I actually miss hand washing my clothes and the sense of accomplishment I have when they are hanging on the line to dry. I long to worship in my church, sitting amongst the children. I actually miss going to market and then washing everything before I can eat it. I miss my colleagues in Lawra. I wonder how the special needs kids are doing. I wonder about my friends and their families...were they able to farm enough to provide food until the next farming season? How is the new pastor doing? Does he feel a sense of home in Lawra? And, how is my beloved bishop doing?

So many of these questions won't be answered until I return. My return to home won't be soon enough. Four weeks from today, I will be in Ghana. I'm not sure when I will return to Lawra. I need to do some grocery shopping in Accra first. I know, when I return, I won't be traveling until I have to attend Synod in May. I long for home. I need home, and by God's grace, I'll be returning home soon!

God is Watching Over Me

 

This past Wednesday, I flew home to Erie from Huntsville, AL. I was scheduled on Delta. Unfortunately, I was rerouted due to my first flight being cancelled for maintenance. So, I flew to Atlanta. And waited. I flew to Cleveland. And waited. I ate supper. And waited. I read. And waited. The last leg of my trip was with United. Because of a delay four flights earlier, the flights using that plane were delayed at each airport. So, we waited. We finally left Cleveland between 11:30 PM and midnight. The flight was OK, not much excitement...until we were closing in on Erie. We were informed that some of the landing gear did not come down properly. The captain was going to fly over Erie and try using alternate ways to bring the landing gear down. So, we flew over Erie for 15 to 20 minutes. A couple of times, the flight attendant would speak with the captain, then check to see if everyone had their seatbelts on. I could hear people praying, and I know I was! Eventually, we landed safely and very grateful passengers were ready to disembark. The captain had a few things to tell us first. The landing gear was not the only problem, although he did not expand on the additional issues. We were flying in emergency mode and he had spoken to Logan airport in Boston, ready to land there, if needed. As I gathered my belongings and exited the plane, I didn't notice the cold weather. I was too busy thanking God for arriving safely. He was watching over me!

Gandy's Cove Visit, Part 2

The snow and ice finally melted, the outside temperatures were high enough that people could safely drive, so I was back on "schedule," a revised schedule! Friday evening, a dinner was held at the Gandy's Cove Church so people could meet me and I could meet them. After a delicious meal, which included Dairy Delight chicken, I presented a program sharing stories of my special needs kids and some of the beliefs of the Traditional religion practiced in the area. The pastor and his family had lived in Ghana for five years and I was so happy to reconnect with them again!
 

 

Saturday began our scheduled R & R...a visit to Alabama's Gulf Shores! Carol was kind enough to be the hostess for a "Wild Women Weekend" and four of us left bright and early for warmer temperatures. It was so good to be with these women again! What a blessing! We made a stop or two along the way, then had dinner at the Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Afterwards, we went down to the beach to watch the sunset. I was amazed at all the colors in the sky. It was beautiful! 

 

Sunday, I woke up early and made coffee, taking it to the beach with me. I watched the sunrise. I thanked God for all the blessings He has given me, especially this week. The sky was gorgeous! The day was filled with worship, walking along the beach, relaxing in the hot tub and enjoying the company of wonderful friends. Monday came way too soon and we headed back north!

 



 

Tuesday was filled with some of the things that were cancelled the week before...typhoid meds, lunch at Gibson's Bar B Que and a few hours at the United Cerebral Palsy Center. I met some therapists there who answered all my questions and who will be great resources for the future. And, the parents I met with their children...what a blessing to have had our lives cross for even a short time.Such love and commitment. These families love their children and work so hard with them, day in and day out, with no break. May God bless them!

 

Late Tuesday afternoon, I attended a basketball game (Go, Wildcats!) and had dinner at Cricket's, a favorite place to eat. I had heard so much about it. And, it was good! Everything I heard about it was true. I was able to share with Dr. Danny some ideas for his upcoming mission trip, ideas of things that worked or didn't work on trips I had been on previously. Then, in the parking lot, Dr. Danny, his wife and son all prayed for me. It was hard saying, "Good bye."

 

Then, it was time to go "home" and pack. Wednesday morning, I would leave for Erie. To my Alabama family, I say, "God be with you 'til we meet again."

Gandys Cove Visit, Part 1

Last week, I had the privilege to visit a great group of people in Gandy's Cove, Alabama. (Roll Tide!) I arrived in Huntsville on Tuesday morning and was met by my friend and soul mate, Karen and her husband, Larry. Although it was raining, the temperatures were balmy...in the 40s. Ahhh! Lunch was in Huntsville with Dr. Danny and his wife, Rosario. I feel as if I have know them forever. Dr. Danny even prescribed my typhoid meds for me so I wouldn't have to track down the health department in Erie to get them. I found out at lunch that the basketball game I was to attend was cancelled because of ice on the roads. (Go Wildcats!) When we arrived at Karen's house, my room had fresh cut flowers and a bath set with soap and lotion and lots of fun stuff to pamper myself while there.

 

 

My schedule was set for the week. On Wednesday, I would just hang out and relax. So, we visited the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. We saw lots of space capsules and even a space shuttle. I crawled into the mercury capsule. (It was not a pretty sight, me getting in and out. Karen likes me enough that she didn't take a picture of that!) An IMAX movie of the Hubble telescope and a visit to Miss Baker's grave (the first Monkeynaut) completed our excursion. Wednesday evening, I was able to celebrate Isaac's birthday with his family. It was really good to see these co-workers for the Kingdom in a relaxed setting and to share stories of ministry.

Thursday, I was to pick up my typhoid meds and spend a few hours at the Cerebral Palsy Center in Huntsville. And, Friday was a Bible study breakfast with some women from Gandy's Cove UMC. Instead, there was four inches of snow and everything was cancelled and / or closed down. It was nice sitting in front of the wood stove watching Celtic Thunder, but I was anxious to do the things that were scheduled. I guess God had other plans, R & R!

 

I sometimes don't take time for myself. Don't take time for friends, to really develop those relationships. This was the perfect time to do that. It took me a little while, but, I was able to be grateful to God for the down time, for the BEAUTIFUL scenery and for getting everyone home safe! Lessons learned or reinforced...take time for me, relationships and gratefulness.

Gratefulness

This morning as I was taking my shower, I realized I was grateful to God for so many simple things that I used to take for granted. They are the numerous things that I don't have while living in Lawra, Ghana. Oh, many are available in Ghana, just not where I live.   While in the United States, I have been grateful for:

 

~ hot and cold running water

~ stable electricity

~ drinking water from the tap

~ rocking chairs and recliners

~ very nice roads on which to drive

~ nice, clean rest areas while traveling

~ heath care that is easy accessible

~ no bugs at night while I am reading in bed

~ meat

~ worship in my heart language

~ grocery stores filled with familiar foods

~ Christian book stores

~ television

~ Christian radio stations

~ home delivery of mail

~ consistent telephone service

~ bacon

~ a variety of vegetables

~ easy banking without long lines

~ excellent Internet access

~ shampoo and conditioner

~ pump hand soap

~ decaf hazelnut coffee and hazelnut creamer

~ seasonal decorations

~ the ability to flush toilet paper down the toilet

~ garbage and recycling pick-up

~ Bible study books

~ wooden snack tables

~ fun dishes and coffee mugs

~ stamping/card making supplies

~ heat when it is cold

~ a/c when it is hot

~ machines that wash your clothes...no hand washing needed!

~ lack of okra

 

 

Stressed Out

Yesterday I was driving on Interstate 79 South. I was on my way to the dental specialist in Robinson Township. I was thanking God that the directions were simple and the office would be easy to find. I was listening to KLove radio, a really nice Christian station. The closer I got to Robinson, the more uptight I felt. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. And, the heavier the traffic got, the more stressed I felt. And, all at once all the stress of the last few months hit me. I wanted to pull over and just sit and cry. I kept thinking about all the driving I had done during the last few months, in all kinds of weather and how many times I spoke in churches and other venues and how long I have been here and not in Ghana and how long it takes a dental implant from start to finish and how hard waiting is and now I have to go to a voice specialist and I have to drive fron Erie to Pittsburgh to see the voice specialist and what about changing my tickets and I miss my kids and I miss my home and did I ever mention that it is COLD and SNOWY here and...

 

So, I finally arrived at the dental office. I was early, so, I checked email, etc. Then, when I had my appointment, I found out my implant is healing nicely. THANK YOU, JESUS! So, I call the travel service to change my tickets and the tickets that were previously available weren't anymore. My choices were for a flight a few days before the crown will be placed in my mouth or March 3rd. Now, I am leaving for Ghana even later than planned, March 3rd! I could hardly stand the ache in my heart. I want to go home. I want to see my kids. I want to sleep in my own bed. I want to...

 

Notice anything wrong here? It's all I and my and me and mine. And, in reality, it's not about I and my and me and mine. It's all about God and living a life that reflects Him and glorifies Him and leads people to Jesus. My mindset yesterday failed in many ways. I know that God has plans for my time here. Five years ago, I needed to take voice lessons to strengthen my vocal chords. Maybe that has to happen again. Maybe there is something else He wants me to do. Who knows? Not me. Obviously, I am not in charge here, He is.

 

Lord, forgive me for not placing my trust in You. Forgive me for getting stressed out and not turning to You right from the beginning. Help me to accept these things that I cannot change. Thank You, that I am in a place where specialised medical care is available. Thank You for a vehicle to drive. Thank You for providing for me while I am in "Your Waiting Room." Help me to see You in all circumstances. May I glorify You in all things. Lord, Just like I prayed four days ago..."I am no longer my own but Thine..." In Your Son,Jesus' name I pray, amen and amen!

 



A New Year, An Old Prayer



Covenant Prayer

From John Wesley's Covenant Service , 1780

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things

to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

A Year of Blessings, A Year of Growth

 

It would probably be safe to say that a lot of people are looking back at 2012, reviewing what took place in their lives these past twelve months. I am, too. It is good to look back and see where we have been and look forward to where we are going.

 

What I consider to be highlights of 2012 are vastly different from what Facebook says. As I look past over this year, these thoughts come to mind:

 

I celebrated my first year in Ghana, where I live, where I work and where I play. I thank God for the Ghanaian friends I have made. It has been a blessing to hang out together, share food and just enjoy each other's company. They have been there for me in good times and in bad. It has been a privilege to share in some of their deepest joys and sorrows over the last year. SNAP (Special Needs Awareness Program) was born in 2012. It is an avenue of ministering to the least of the least in this culture. God has amazing plans for SNAP in 2013! God has blessed me with the opportunity to share His word in some of the villages around Lawra. This, too, will expand in 2013. I wonder what God has in mind. In June, an amazing group of people came from Alabama to work in the villages of the Upper West. These people have become like family to me, especially my sister, Ama. I look forward to seeing them again. I thank God for the children at the Lawra Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Centre. It is an honor to be "Mama Sue" to them, to be a part of their lives, to watch them grow in body, mind and spirit. And, in 2012, I came to know, at least a little bit, the village of Kasalgri, where I will be working during the upcoming year. I pray that I may shine God's light in a dark world.

 

The year brought sadness, too. My dear friend and neighbor died this past year. I wasn't able to attend her funeral. I know we will meet again on "the other side." I have seen children die of preventable diseases. I have seen unauthorized use of money, and mismanagement in many areas. I have seen people lie and cheat and argue...I have seen that people (including me) need the Lord. More now than ever! I, along with many, many others, have experienced malaria. Sickness is rampant in my area.

 

Don't let me end here, though. CHIPs, Childrens Health Insurance Program, is providing health care for the children in the Lawra area. Funds have been raised for water filters for Kasalgri. The word has been sent out about what is happening in my area of Ghana. And, people have responded most graciously. Many, many children and adults will benefit because of their generosity. I have been able to visit family and friends. I've taken a class that has challenged me in more ways than one. Plus, there were trainings, too. Lots of travel took place in 2012. God provided me with transportation, a place to stay and took care of all the details! And, it has all been good.

 

God has blessed me so much in 2012. It was a year of trust and watching God work. A year of growth in my spiritual life and in my personal life. I am not the person I was a year ago. Praise God! Good-Bye 2012, Hello 2013!

I'll Be Home for Christmas

 

When I realized I would be in the United States to celebrate Christmas, I was so excited. I called my sister and said, "You know that song, I'll be Home for Christmas ? Pretend I am singing it to you."We were both pretty excited. But, now, I miss my home in Ghana. I miss my kids. So, this is for them...

 

I'll be home for Christmas.

You can count on me.

 

 

Please have snow and mistletoe,

And presents on the tree.

 

 

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the lovelight gleams,

I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams.

  

There won't be snow. There won't be mistletoe. There won't be a Christmas tree. There won't be presents. But, there will be love of family and friends, celebrating Christ's birth. Merry Christmas to my "family" in Ghana. I miss you. I will be there with you...in my dreams!

Hope for the Future

 

Last Thursday, my close friend, Cathy, received her Master's Degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. (Cathy is one of those very creative geek types. I wish I could do even a fraction of what she can do.) There were hundreds of people receiving their diplomas, each had earned a Bachelor, Master or Doctorate Degree. And, I sat there and thought about all the opportunities that lay in the future for these men and women. The possibilities are endless. They all have such hope for their futures.

 

I couldn't help but think of the people I know in Ghana, people who struggle to receive even a secondary education. It is costly for them. Many families cannot afford it. Then, on to a post secondary education...it is hard for most people, it is hard for everyone I know. It seems as if people who live in my area, if they want further education, go to school on weekends, working during the week. That way, they can support their family while pursuing an education. Only 5% of Ghana's population has a post secondary education. Again, in my area, most people can look forward to farming the rest of their lives, trying to eek out a living by selling whatever they might have extra. Possibilities for the future? Not for many. Hope for a better life? Not much. Opportunities for a job? Nope. They just aren't available.

 

I am so happy for Cathy. Excited about her future. But, my heart breaks for those in Lawra who struggle just to feed their families. Cathy is sharing in the work of God in Ghana and in other places in the world, providing some hope for those who are hopeless about their future. What about you?



Waiting

 

Waiting...Ugh! I really don't like to wait. In Ghana, my whole life seems to be waiting. I once facilitated a Sunday School teacher training. It was SUPPOSED to start at 9 am. Two people were there. By 11 am there were twelve. When I travel, I walk to the tro tro station and wait. The tro tro won't leave until it is full (except for the 7 am one.) I sometimes wait 15 minutes. Most times, though, I wait more than an hour. When taking the bus to Tamale, I am always told the reporting time is 4:30 in the morning. The bus rarely leaves before 6:00! Banking can be difficult. When inside the bank, I join the queue. Hopefully, I won't be in a hurry! The plumber says he will arrive at 7:00 in the morning. He arrives closer to 8:00. Even on March 8, Independence Day, when the programs are to start at 9:00 am, I have waited hours for the festivities to begin because the Chief has not yet arrived. Then, there is always waiting for the internet to connect or the electricity to come back on. It seems that after awhile, I've gotten used to waiting in Ghana.

 

Now, to the present day...I am in the USA. I have been with my beloved family and friends. I have seen doctors and dentists. I have traveled, visiting all four time zones. And, I have waited. This time, it is a different kind of wait. Waiting to go through security at the airport. Waiting for a movie to start. Waiting in line at the store. Waiting for church to begin. Waiting for my name to be called at the doctor's office. Waiting to see my sister again.

 

There is one kind of waiting I am having a terrible time dealing with. It is waiting to return to Ghana. And, that return timing is not easy to nail down. My return depends on the healing of my jaw/gums/mouth from a dental implant. Then, after I am discharged from that dental specialist (ideally 10 weeks after the implant), I have to go to my dentist to have a crown made and place in my mouth (About three weeks of more waiting.) What if things don't go by the "ideal" timeline? When do I return home? I miss my own bed. I miss having coffee or tea with God on the veranda. I miss my friends. I miss my kids.

 

There is a reason I am here other than dental work. What it is, I don't know. God does. Maybe He is teaching me patience. Maybe He is protecting me from something or preparing me for something. All I know is waiting is hard to do.

With Hope

In the words of Steven Curtis Chapman:

 

This was not how we thought it was supposed to be.

We had so many plans for you, we had so many dreams.

And now you’ve gone away and left us with the memories of your smile.
And nothing we can say and nothing we can do
Can take away the pain, the pain of losing you, but…

 We cry with hope, we say good-bye with hope,

‘Cause we know that our good bye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope, ‘cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again, we’ll see your face again.

And never have I know anything so hard to understand,

And never have I questioned more the wisdom of God’s plan.
But through the cloud of tears, I see the Father’s smile and say well done.
And I imagine you where you most wanted to be,
Seeing all your dreams come true,
‘Cause now your home, and now your free and…

We cry with hope, we say good-bye with hope,

‘Cause we know that our good bye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope, ‘cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again, we’ll see your face again.

 We have this hope as an anchor

‘Cause we believe that everything God promised is true, so…

We cry with hope, we say good-bye with hope,

‘Cause we know that our good bye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope, ‘cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again, we’ll see your face again.

We wait with hope…
And we ache with hope…
We hold on with hope…
We let go with hope…

                                                                  ~With Hope by Steven Curtis Chapman

People Need the Lord

 

Today the whole country is in shock and grief due to a horrific event yesterday. A lone gunman, only 20 years old, went into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT and opened fire on children, very young children, ages 6 and 7, cutting short 20 of their already short lives. News programs have focused on this for more than the past 24 hours and is still continuing coverage. There are a lot of questions that are still unanswered. Some will be answered, many will not. Parents are grieving. The child they kissed good bye yesterday morning never came home again. Other parents are in tears because their child had been spared and is home safe in loving arms.

 

Even now, as I write this, the newscaster is talking about how can this be avoided in the future? Mental health issues and gun control seem to be at the forefront. But, I think the answer goes a lot deeper. As years have gone by, as generations have passed on before us, our nation which was founded on Christian principles, has become more and more lenient, accepting of behaviors that even 50 years ago were not acceptable and we have left Christ out of our lives.

 

I wonder if anyone has done a study of the decline of good, solid Christian lives being actively lived out versus the increase of horrendous crimes. I would bet the result would be amazing. America has been trying to get God out of the schools, the courts, the community (for example - Nativity sets on government property) and even in individual lives. People are bullied because they are Christian. Some people loose their jobs because of their faith in God. Just a few days ago, I heard of a company that said they would choose to close its doors instead of being forced into health insurance for its employees that pays for abortions.

 

People, we need the Lord. We should be sobbing because of what our world has come to be. We need to pray for our government officials. God has blessed America. He trusted us. And, we blew it. Is it too late to turn to Him? I will. Will you?