Exhausted

 

 

Exhausted. That's how I've been feeling. Once I arrived home, I wanted to unpack. But, that wasn't possible, at least for a short time. When I turned on the lights, I heard a sizzle and a crackling noise. So, I shut them off and flipped all the switches off and tried again. The same thing happened. This wasn't good. I called Donatus, the electrician. He said he would come in the morning. I said, "No, you need to come tonight. I just arrived from America. I have to unpack and I need to put meat in the freezer." So, he came. And, he fixed. I put the meat away, and started unpacking. I worked until 1 am. But, since my driver was leaving by 4 am (my alarm was set for 3:30), I didn't see any reason to go to bed. I was afraid I would over-sleep and Anokye wouldn't get on the road in time for his next commitment. Saturday, I went to the Methodist Church to meet the new pastor, the Very Rev. Ernest. He believes he is in Lawra because that is where God wants him. We are blessed to have him. As we were talking, he told me about a meeting in Tamale this week. He said, "We will leave for Wa on Tuesday and for Tamale on Wednesday."

 

What? Didn't I just get home? I want to sleep in my own bed. I want to finish unpacking. I want to get rid of some of the dust. I want to get organized. I want internet that works for more than 15 minutes. (Notice a theme here? I want...) Needless to say, Tuesday, I left for Wa, Wednesday, I left for Tamale, where I am right now. The unpacking will get finished. The cleaning will get done. Rest and renewal will come. Now is time to attend to the business of the Church and to enjoy fellowship with the bishop, clergy and laity of the Diocese. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity,

Home at Last!

 

Monday evening, March 4, after three uneventful flights, I finally arrived in Ghana. All my luggage arrived safe and sound, and I am grateful that I did not have to open my cases as I went through customs. If I had, I don't know if I would have been able to close them again! At the airport, a colleague of mine, Charlie Jackson, met me and graciously took me to his family's home where I would spend the next few days. The Jacksons had moved since I left for the US, and they carefully moved ALL of the stuff I left at their house along with their own things. I spent Tuesday shopping for meat, trying to get Internet and applying for and receiving my non-citizen Ghanaian ID card. Wednesday was a holiday, so a few of us went to Independence Square for the festivities. It was a lot of fun, so the resulting sunburn didn't seem to matter. Thursday, I finished my shopping...including buying a Ghanaian rocking chair! God is so good! Then, Friday, at 5:15 am, I began my trip north. Anokye, my driver, packed the truck, we "settled in", and drove straight through stopping only for gas. We arrived in Lawra around 7 pm. One of the blessings was that we did not have to drive through Accra. That would have added a bit of time to our trip!

 

I enjoyed my time in the US. But, as Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home!" I am grateful for each and every one of you who have made my home-coming a reality. God bless you!



Going Home

Today I begin my journey home.I have been in the US for six months, two months longer than I had planned. I am anxious to go home, to sleep in my own bed. But, going home is costly, too. Costly not in monetary value, but in other ways. When I am home, it costs me the opportunity to be with family and those friends that I have know for so long. It costs me the opportunity to worship in my heart language. It costs me the "comforts" I have gotten used to...grocery stores, easy access to medical services, fast internet. It costs me family get-togethers for celebrations and grieving. I could go on, but I won't. I pay the cost joyfully.

In exchange, I live among the world's most amazing people! And, the most beautiful children! I have the privilege of learning a language that most people never heard of, and I am exposed to a whole new cuisine. I am given the opportunity to work with and love, the least, last and lost in the Upper West Region of Ghana. I work along side some very gifted people. And, I LOVE it! The cost isn't so much if I take time to count the blessings. 

Thank you, Lord, for this next chapter of my Great Adventure with You.

Just in Time

Have you ever read Corrie Ten Boom's book, The Hiding Place? In it there is a story from when she was a young girl. She was concerned that she didn't have the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ, if need be. Read the story below:

"When I was a little girl, " I said, "I went to my father and said, "Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ." "Tell me," said Father, "When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?"  "No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train." "That is right," my father said, "and so it is with God's strength.  Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.  He will supply all you need just in time."

Now, I don't think I am currently in a position to wonder if I will be a martyr for my faith. Although, I pray, if I am, I will be found faithful. But, I was reminded of that story today when I was at the dentist. I have been stressing about the crown for my dental implant. My appointment to have it put in my mouth last week was cancelled because the parts weren't shipped yet. So, it was rescheduled for today. I am to leave for Ghana on Sunday, that didn't leave me much of a cushion, time wise. I went to the dentist today to have the crown put in. Yes, all is well. But, the amazing thing is that the crown and everything else needed to put it on the implant arrived at the dentist office THIS MORNING! 

He will supply all you need just in time.

Tired, Exhausted, Weary

It is Monday, only six days before I board the first of three planes to start my trip home to Lawra. I have about a million things to do, including 2 dentist appointments and two medical appointments. This afternoon, I drove to Chippewa and Ellwood City. I am staying in Ellwood tonight. (Thank you Janice and Pastor John!) I brought work to do, some thank you notes to my supporters that I should write. But, I can hardly see straight. My mind and body are on auto pilot. I can't think straight. This morning, in Erie, I did a few errands and had an early lunch with my sister. I made her tired just talking about my schedule. I'm tired of packing, unpacking, repacking, laundry, packing boxes to be mailed sooner or later, deciding which clothes to leave at whose house and more packing. I can't take much more of this. Maybe tired isn't the right word. Maybe it should be exhausted. Maybe the word is weary. Maybe it is all three. Sleep, rest...I need both!

I'll refresh tired bodies;

I'll restore tired souls.

Jeremiah 31:25, The Message

Blessed or Spoiled?

These past few weeks, I have had some moments that have shown me how blessed and how spoiled I am, just because I was born and "live" in the USA. The first time this thought came to me was kinda fun. I was shopping with my sister, Debbie. We had gone to not one, but, three craft store on the same day. I gave into my obsession of card making supplies, buying some new stamps. This would never happen in Ghana. The best part, other than being with Debbie, was everything I bought that day was 40% off! Love it. My purchases are returning to Ghana with me. I wonder how many of you will receive a hand made card from me....

 

This next story took place in Saint Vincent Health Center on the short stay/same day floor. Again, I was with Debbie. She was having a heart cath done on this particular day. She checked in and we sat down to wait. When her name was called, we went to the 2nd floor. As we were waiting to hear Debbie's room assignment, I looked around in the hall. And, my eyes got filled up with tears. There were all kinds of medical personnel, a line of IVs ready to be used, wheel chairs waiting...and, when we got into her room, all the monitors and machines. Oh, in Lawra, they can only dream about such equipment. We  are so blessed!

Later in the month, just last week, I was in a Christian book store. There were shelves and shelves of Bibles in KJV, NKJV, NIV, NCV, Amplifies, ASV, The Living Bible, The Message, The One Year Bible, the Chronological Bible, and more...The people group with whom I live don't even have one Bible in their own language. How many Bibles do I own? Several. I am a spoiled American. My prayer is that I will use these Bibles to tell of God's love to many, many people over the years I am in Ghana. I pray they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I pray that they will lead others within their people group to the Lord. I pray that some day, before the Throne of God, there will be a people group with a very large representation singing "Holy, ho;y, holy" to the Lamb.

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.