Faithful One

 

I find no hope within to call my own,

For I am frail of heart, my strength is gone,

But deep within my soul is rising up a song,

Here in the comfort of the Faithful One.

 

I walk a narrow road through valleys deep,

In search of higher ground, on mountains steep,

And, though, with feet unsure, I still keep pressing on,

For I am guided by the Faithful One.

 

Faithful, faithful to the end,

My true and precious Friend,

You have been faithful,

Faithful, so faithful to me.

 

I see Your wounded hands, I touch Your side,

With thorns upon Your brow, You bled and died.

But there's an empty tomb, a love for all who come

And give their hearts to You, the Faithful One.

 

Faithful, faithful to the end,

My true and precious Friend,

You have been faithful,

Faithful, so faithful to me.

 

 

And when the day is dawned and when the race is run,

I will bow down before God's only Son,

And I will lift my hands in praise for all You've done,

And I will worship You, my Faithful One.

 

 ~ Faithful One by Selah

Still Learning....

 

Today is market day in Lawra. So, in Kalsagri, we have our worship service at 7:00 am so people will have plenty of time to buy and sell. Several times, even many times over the last two weeks, we have announced this fact. I even told the congregation on Wednesday, Sunday, when it gets light outside, get up, bath, get dressed, eat fast and come to church. I had hopes that people would do so...it happened in the past.

 

I left my house around 6:35 am. The air was crisp. I almost expected to see frost on the ground. My arms were cold as I zipped (did I really "zip"?) along the road to Kalsagri. The sun was low and beautiful. What a lovely drive! Yet, when I arrived in Kalsagri, "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." No one was at church. It was locked. No benches were set out. The drum was still locked inside. No one was around. 7:00 came and went. No one. 7:10 came and went. No one. 7:20 came and went. Still, nada. 7:30 came and went...should I go home? The first person arrived at 7:33. Then, another person, a cripples man, walking on his hands, arrived. By 8:00, there were seven (7) of us. So, we started the service.

 

Little by little people did come. It was cold outside. The sun does not come up as early this time of year. Some people were out late last night. Whatever the reason, they did not come at 7:00 am, but they did come. By 9:00, there were 80 people there. And, by the time the service was over, there were over one hundred in attendance.

 

During the testimony time, I stood up to speak. I asked for forgiveness for thinking like an American. I am living in a country, in an area, where people do not have clocks. They do not have watches. They do not have cell phones on which the time is displayed. What they do have is the sun. When a person wakes up, they look at the position of the sun. And, that is how time is marked...by the sun. So, when the sun rises late during this time of year, I need to be sensitive to that fact. People did come to church. But, they came according to the clock in the sky, not the one on my wrist. I hope I learned this lesson today. The lesson? It would be that I am not living in America. The lesson that telling time by the sun is not wrong only different. And, the lesson that God calls people to His house, not me!

Christmas in Lawra

 

Christmas is a magical time, no matter where one might live. Customs my be different, social and economic may be different, but to me, it is all magical, especially when you see the joys and blessings of Christmas through the eyes of a child. Above is Raymond, the son of a friend of mine. He and his brothers LOVED playing with the nativity set. It didn't matter that the angel was missing, good ol' Joe stepped in to fill the part. The Christmas story was told and retold and acted out numerous times. And, the fact that there was music and lights didn't seem to bother them at all, even after the 57th time!

 

 

Christmas in Lawra is celebrated with family and friends. Big shopping, as people do in the USA, isn't done. Most people cannot afford to shop. They will scrimp and save and try to get the best deals on special food for the day, possibly chicken and rice, and new clothing that will be worn the whole year through. The main part of my Christmas shopping was buying three LIVE chickens, one each for three of my friends, including the pastor.

 

 

Christmas Eve Service in Kalsagri was at 9:30 in the morning. (This old white lady does not drive a motorcycle at night.) Over 100 people showed up to worship, sing, dance and hear the Word of God. After the service, a Christmas surprise...clothing left for the people by the Bishop and dresses for the girls made by my sister-in-law, Anita, and her friends.

 

 

Everyone had a good time going through the clothes and choosing some for their family...and just trying on stuff for the fun of it!

 

After church, Sydney and Leahy, two of my Peace Corps friends, came over and we "settled in for a long winter's nap."...we ate, made cookies, drank hot chocolate with marshmallows and watched Christmas movies (in Christmas jammies)! And, we went to sleep hoping Santa would find us!

 

 

Christmas Day found us in Church again. Dancing, singing, praising God. Numbers were down on Christmas Day..."only" 95! Leahy came to Kalsagri to see the church and to hear me preach. She is such a good sport...as I posted on Facebook: "White Jewish woman dances in black Methodist Church on Christmas Day!" Next, came the making of the feast and the savoring of it. Thanks to people back in the USA, we had the fixings for a wonderful meal!

 

Friday, I showed "The Nativity Story" at Kalsagri Church. Fifty six people squeezed into a small room, to watch the movie on a computer screen, with only two little speakers. And, they were ALL attentive...except for the two who fell asleep!

 

I did exchange gifts with Sydney and Leahy, I had something (a chicken) for the pastor, Mr. Gandaa and Fortune, and I had gifts for Razak, Dora, Kataali, Habib, and Hassan...but, I did not expect this...my fist LIVE Christmas chicken. It was from Razak and his family. The first thing the chicken did when I put it down was poop on my veranda! He was going to be dead meat, which, actually, he is...in my refrigerator. He will be cooked today!

 

Depending on where you live, your life's circumstances, your Christmas may have looked a bit different than mine. The truth of the matter is, Christmas isn't in the celebrations, it isn't in the gift giving/receiving, it isn't even in the food or family customs, Christmas is the celebration of our Saviour's birth. Jesus Christ left the glory of heaven to be born as a tiny baby. He experienced all those feelings and emotions that we do, and yet, in all circumstances, He trusted His Father...even all the way to the cross. He came to save me...He came to save you...Have you invited Him to live in your heart?

 

Come into my heart, come into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus,

Come in today, come in to stay,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus!

Kindred Spirits

 

Two of the best words I have heard since living in Ghana were spoken by my good friend, Tula. She said to me, "We're coming!" She said more, of course, but those words...so sweet! I have had some visitors while living in Lawra, but, they were visitors who were making "the rounds," visiting other projects and missionaries here in Ghana. But, now, Tula was coming. YAY! (Her husband Gary came, too.) I am still amazed that they traveled for almost three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

 

Tula had so many roadblocks while preparing to come, including her passport getting "lost" after she mailed it for her visa. She ended up having to get a new passport and had to do her paperwork for her visa several times because it got lost or misplaced. She ended up in the emergency room three days before she was to fly here...seeing a surgeon was suggested. But, she packed her meds in her carry on and came anyway. I wondered what God had in store for her because of all she had to go through to get here. The day for her arrival came and I met her and Gary at the airport.

 

Oh, I cannot tell you how good it was to see her here. We relaxed in Accra, then, I took the bus home while she and Gary rode with another friend, taking it easy until she felt better. By the time she arrived in Lawra, she was exhausted, but happy.

 

During the next two weeks, I was able to show both Gary and Tula, life in Lawra, Kalsagri, and introduce them to my Ghanaian family. Gary went out & about with John Gandaa, doing his agriculture thing. Tula and I visited Kalsagri by way of motorcycle! We visited the tea shop, ate tilapia, talked about ministry and about life. We played with the kids (with Gary) and watched Christmas movies. Gary cooked okra! (It was good. Who knew?) We talked about the possibilities of ministry for future trips. We dreamt. We laughed. And, when I saw them walking into the airport to leave, there were tears in my eyes. Having Tula here was such an encouragement. Such a balm to my entire being. I thank God for friends like Tula and Gary.

 

God has given me many friends with whom I can share my life and they can share theirs. But, it is not often you come across a "kindred spirit." When that gift is given to you, treasure her/treasure him. For they are truly a gift from God!

Entering a New Decade

 

Another decade has come and gone. "What?" you may ask, thinking it is still 2013; the calendar has not changed to a new year, let alone a new decade. But, in my life, the pages of the calendar have turned. I am now 60 years old...old enough to retire in Ghana! (But, I am not a Ghanaian citizen. Plus, what would I do if I retire now?) I have experienced many emotions as I have reached this milestone of life. People congratulate me...but, it isn't anything I have done. God is the One who numbers out days. So, I am grateful for the time He has given me. And, I am grateful for the many experiences in which He has allowed me to participate.

 

I often pray like King David did in 2 Samuel 7:18..."Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?" Far can mean so many things...distance, as I am very far from my blood family...experiences, I have been in the Andes mountains and bathed in the river below, I have walked where Paul the apostle walked, I have been in the company of some very important people, in the world's eyes, and numerous important people in God's eyes...I have learned how to ride a motorcycle at the age of 59...I live and work among some of the most amazing people I have ever met. But, more importantly, He has brought me far in my walk with Him. Life has not always been easy, has not always been care-free. But, through the years, I have learned that I can trust in my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He will always be here for me, only a breath away - not even that far!!! And, with Him, I can be thankful in all things, rejoice always and live a grateful life.

 

I pray I have more new decades to enter. I pray that God will continue to sustain me. I pray that I will continue to grow in love and knowledge of Him. I pray people will see Him in me. I pray that as I live out this new decade of life, it will glorify Him, for He is the Author and Giver of Life. Thank You, Lord!

A Most Welcome Visitor



Friday, 13 December 2013, was an historic day in the life of Kalsagri Methodist Church. The Right Reverend Emmanuel MacLord Alfriyie, Bishop of the Northern Diocese of The Methodist Church Ghana came to visit. What a wonderful time! Surely God was in this place.

But, an hour or so earlier, this American woman was wondering if anyone would come! I arrived at the church an hour or so before the scheduled visit. There was one person at the church! Yes, you read that right, ONE! Oh, I know that most Ghanaians come late. They are on their own time schedule. And, my people even more since they do not have cell phones (on which they can check the time) or wrist watches.

Little by little, people came...

And as they came, they read Scripture...

 

Drummed...

 

And danced...

 

And, the people did come! I should know better. People come, even when I think no one will show up. By the time the bishop arrived, there were over 175 people in attendance, including five representatives from the Kalsagri Chief's Palace!

 

The Bishop was once a teacher and an evangelist...and still is! He spoke on Christmas, the celebration of Christ's birth. No one fell asleep. I think it is impossible to sleep while this bishop preaches. He is very engaging when he preaches.

 

The Word of God was preached...seeds were planted...challenges given...now, responses have to be made. Pray for these people...the people of Kalsagri who never saw a bishop in their church until last Friday...the people who live in extreme conditions, but who still have hope...pray for those who have not yet made a decision for Christ...pray for their Christmas celebration...may they experience Christ's love as we celebrate His birth!



The Many Faces of Wonder



 

Today, I visited the village of Kondokpie, a community of Kalsagri. It is the village where Naamal was living with her grandmother. Since Rev. Job, who has taken so much time with the care of Naamal while she was in the hospital and after, was in Lawra, I asked him to go with me to visit Naamal's grandmother. Friends of mine, Tula and Gary Crumpton, came along with us. When we arrived at the house, we asked for Naamal's Maakum (Grandmother.) We were told that her grandmother traveled south to Techiman to see Naamal! Amazing! This is the woman who pleaded with me to help her grandchild because no one else would help her.



 

Instead of leaving, we greeted the chief of this small community. Then, we showed him the before and after pictures of Naamal. Words cannot express the look on his face...awe, astonishment, wonder...and then, the photos were passed around. Naamal's uncle, who cannot hear or speak, was jumping up and down with joy, showing the pictures to extended family. People kept coming from their homes and from "out of nowhere" to see...male and female, young and old, all wanted to see the difference in Naamal. Unbelief...realizing a miracle had taken place. Everyone was so happy and so grateful. At least twenty people came all at once and shook our hands to thank us. I responded, "Barka Naangmen!" (Thank God!) Naamal's uncle went to the family house and came out with a bag of groundnuts from his family farm. He just didn't know what to say. Those were holy moments...moments when God was present and experienced by all. Even as we walked back to the truck, more people came to see the photos. They could not believe that this was possible! Our God is so good...to take a five year old girl who was seen as worthless to her parents, and He gave he a new life...a new face...her family back. Praise God for all of His wonderful deeds!

 

Naamal...Seeing Light at the End of the Tunnel

I saw Rev. Job yesterday. He has been instrumental in Naamal's physical and spiritual health. When I saw him, he gave me this picture. It is Naamal, two days after surgery. It looks like there is a "spacer" in her mouth, to help keep it's shape. I really don't know what it is called or what the reasons are for it's use. But, it does help shape her face. Rev. Job saw Naamal last week. He said that he almost did not recognize her. She can close her mouth! Her face looks so fine! And, her parents are so happy. More to come as I receive information and pictures. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Baptism

 

Sunday, 24 November 2013 was an historic day in the life of Kalsagri Methodist Church. The Very Rev. Ernest K. Baiden preached and then baptized 38 people, confirmed 18 people and then administered the sacrament of Communion. Many people  received communion for the first time!

 

 

There were several children under 16 years that were baptized. It was kind of funny...Rev. Baiden told the kids that they would all have to recite a Bible verse before being baptized. Many were cramming before the service! As you can see, Rev. Baiden does NOT use water sparingly!

 





 

Those that were 16 years old and above were also confirmed. They had to answer the baptism/confirmation questions individually and not as a group. First, baptism, then, confirmation.

  

 

I love the look on Comfort's face. You can see the joy! That is what makes life here in the Upper West worth it! Thank You, Jesus!

 



The gentleman above is Ko. He "walks" to church every Sunday. He is one of those people, who, if there were no church in the community, probably would not attend worship service. I don't want to say he is "cripple," it is just that he walks differently than you and I. I am inspired by his determination to get around and go places himself. It seems as if he does not give up! He is always one of the first people at church each week.

 

Communion was also part of the day. For those who were confirmed, it was the first time they were able to take communion. Surely, the LORD was in this place! I was privileged to be a part of these holy moments!

 



End of the Farming Season Work Day

 

Saturday, 23 November, was a work day at Kalsagri Church. Baptism was scheduled for the next day and everyone wanted the church grounds to look fine for the Superintendent Minister. There were plenty of leaves and papers on the ground. I thought we would gather them up and burn them. But, the congregation had other ideas!

 

Rainy season, farming season, is now over. There may be a few odds and ends to harvest, but, for the most part, farming is done. So, how do you get rid of the tall grasses and weeds that have grown during the rainy season? You burn them, of course! But, they are not cut down first. There is a plan...a controlled burn.

 

Someone would take a handful of dried grass and light it with fire. Then, they would "draw a line" with it, indicating the area to be burnt. The crackling of the fire could be heard everywhere! The "fire marshals" were ready with green boughs freshly cut from trees, to beat the flames if they got out of control.

 

And, edge work was done, too! All in all, it was a very safe burn. There were plenty of people around to help keep things in control. I was most impressed.

 

Next came the chopping of tree branches to use while making the Traditional fence. So, the older boys (in their 20s) went to a patch of some near bye trees to cut branches. While there, they saw an idol up in one of the trees. What to do? They left it & later asked the chief. He said to leave it there. I guess we will have to find out if those trees are on church property or not!

 

Branches were cleaned and fences were put around the mango trees that have survived. The fence will keep the sheep, goats and cattle from "chopping" (eating) the baby trees. The final product looked very nice. AND, the pastor was most impressed when he came the next day!

A Morning Prayer

Lord, I don't know what to say. Patrick is dead. David is dead. Another set of two, one younger, one older than me. So many have died since I have been here in Ghana. Where do I fit into all of this? I know it is only You who gives numbers to our days. But, Lord, how are our days numbered? Or, are they just random numbers picked by You? Do we really live long enough to complete the mission You have given us? What if we are too fast or too slow? Does that lengthen or shorten our lives? If we live fully for You, do we earn extra days on earth to continue Your work or are the number of our days shortened because we are fulfilling the task You have given us? Who can truly know Your mind? Who can know the reason's for the length of a person's life? No one, Lord. Only You. Therefore, I will put my trust in You. My life is in Your hands. Grant me the number of days You see fit and I will rejoice in them and praise Your holy Name.

Patrick

 

My friend, Patrick died early Monday morning. He was admitted to the hospital on a Sunday afternoon, about a month ago. He had been very week, not eating, elevated temperature.He was diagnosed with acute malaria. He also had open wounds. You see, Patrick also had leprosy. When I first saw him, he looked as if he would fall over (if he were standing or sitting up) if someone breathed on him. I visited him on Thursday again. I had heard that he wasn't eating, so I took him some red grape juice, hoping he would drink some. Two family members had to support him as they held him up in a sitting position. He drank one big cupful. And then, he drank another. As he drank the third, I shared with him the words of Jesus as He drank the words of Scripture: "27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." Matt 26:27-29 (NRSV) When I left Patrick that day, I really did not expect to see him again in this life. But, he started getting stronger. I took more juice to him. And, again I visited.

 

Patrick did get stronger. But, not strong enough. He was released from the hospital after a few weeks. But, he died shortly thereafter. The pastor was called on the morning Patrick died. Patrick had been buried already. In the words of the pastor, "They buried him just as if he were a fowl." Here in the Upper West, even if a person is buried the same day they die, the body is "staged" so people can come to view the body and grieve with the family.

 

The burial was done as soon as a grave could be dug, without delay. The men who buried Patrick took great caution while touching his body and bathed immediately after Patrick's burial. It is believed that whoever touches Patrick's body would be struck with the same illnesses that had taken up residence in Patrick's body. They believe that concerning certain illnesses and if the person is a witch or a wizard. So, great pains are taken to avoid contact with the corpse.

 

Patrick was a believer, although most of his family is Traditional. A memorial service will be held for him, planned by the pastor and church members. I have learned so much from Patrick, just by observing him and visiting with him. I pray he has been made whole in the Saviour's arms.

 

 

Blessings



 

Recently, I was invited to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for a "Get Away" sponsored by the Christian Hospitality Network (CHN). Of course, I accepted the invitation. I have always wanted to see Victoria Falls. And, being single, I don't travel alone for a holiday, so this was perfect for me!

 

I arrived in Victoria Falls on 4 November with a driver waiting to take me to the Elephant Hills Resort Hotel. Even the entrance was gorgeous! I was greeted by the hospitality team of CHN and given a towel to freshen up and a flute of juice (with a sugared rim) to quench my thirst. Cathy, a member of the hospitality team, walked me through registration and gave me a gift bag, which we all received. It included new, soft wash cloths, knitted dish rags, memo pads, pens, chocolate, a screwdriver set, some "instant" side dishes, a watch, and oh, so much more. What a blessing. (I was so excited about the wash cloths!!!) Next, a visit to my room. Oh...this was NOT my life! I don't typically live in such luxury!

 

 

The rest of the day was "free," to do whatever I wanted...except that every night at 6:00, we would gather for worship in ENGLISH! So, I had a hot stone massage. Ahhh...need I say more? At 6:00, I went upstairs with over 200 other missionaries to sing and praise God in our own heart language. I was almost a puddle by the end of the first line! It was salve to my spirit!

 

That night and the next two days were filled with real food and so many surprises and blessings. I don't want to tell you all about them, because I want others who are yet to attend a Get Away to be as surprised as I was. I will say that the Lord blessed me so much, that I was teary eyed more than once!

 

 

I did have the opportunity to be a tourist, visiting Victoria falls,

going on a river cruise where I saw elephants and hippos and even a baby alligator,

 

 

AND I had the chance to ride and feed an elephant and to see giraffes and zebras!

 

Oh, it was all relaxing and amazing and fun. But, the very best part was getting to know some of the CHN people, to meet and talk with others who are on the field and to worship in English and to know that there ARE people who do realize what it means to say, "Yes, Lord, I will go wherever You send me and I will do whatever it takes to bring Your love to the least, the last and the lost of this world." Thank you, CHN!

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Choices



 



Lately, I have been VERY aware of the choices I have to make. Not the big choices, like what do I make for dinner or do I FINALLY work on that report that is almost due or even the bigger choices of should I marry, but the smaller, every day choices. (Don't worry, I am NOT considering marriage since their is no man in the picture!) The choices I am talking about are:

~ Do I get get angry because the telephone service often switches over to the Burkina Faso service so I can't use it OR do I choose to be grateful that I have telephone service at all?

~ Do I get upset because my luggage did not make it on my flight to Tamale OR do I choose to be thankful that I have luggage and have been blessed by so many people on my trip?

~ Do I get nervous that I still hear bats at night OR do I choose to relax and be comforted with the thought that they don't sound like there are many in my roof?

~ Do I get an impatient because the Internet is slow and not a 3G connection OR do I choose to be grateful and be satisfied with the connection I have here where I live?

~ Do I get cranky because the tro tro (a very crowded van held together with duct tape) is not very clean, OR do I choose to be grateful that the tro tro is working and will get me safely to Wa?

~ Do I get troubled that my Visa card didn't work in Lawra for 6 months OR do I choose to be thankful because I have money in my account that I can withdraw? 

~ Do I get upset because the electricity went off at a most inopportune time OR do I choose to be grateful that I have electricity?

~ Do I place myself in a cocoon so I have very little interaction with co-workers and friends, OR do I choose to embrace life in a new country and her people?

~ Do I get offended because people cannot speak their national language, English, OR do I embrace the beauty of the sounds of their language and try to learn it?

~ Do I get discouraged because not many people come to Lawra for the sole purpose of visiting me OR do I choose to be refreshed by the people who write letters and emails to me and even send me packages!

~ Do I get distressed because the bus broke down and I arrived home four hours later than planned OR do I choose to be grateful that the bus was able to be fixed and I arrived home safely on the day that I first entered the bus? Do I choose to be grateful that it was not raining during the four hours it took to get the bus fixed?
~ Do I get nervous and panic when so many people come to the Kalsagri church OR do I choose to pray and thank God that so many people want to worship Him? Do I ask Him for His words to say?

I love this quote from Charles Swindoll, “We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” 

We all have choices. What will yours be today?

 

 

A Bend in the Road...the Journey Continues

 

This past Wednesday, I traveled to Kumasi. I was hoping to see Naamal at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The last I heard was that she needed surgery for an additional benign tumor and her father was "dragging his feet" to return her to KATH. Plenty of people here in Ghana and throughout the world we praying that he would bring her back for the needed surgery. Well, Dad did bring her to the hospital this week. I, along with Rev. Job, went to see her and her father.

 

We were able to talk with Naamal's father and to see Naamal. She is looking fine except for that huge tumor in her mouth. It was cute to see her wave & smile at Rev. Job. She has gotten to know him during her visits to KATH.

 

While we were at KATH, we were able to talk with one of Naamal's doctors. This is what he said, "Naamal's tumor is NOT benign. It is malignant. This type does not respond to chemotherapy. Naamal will have to have surgery. They will open her up, from her bottom lip down and remove as much of the tumor as possible. And, since her jaw has been destroyed by the growing of this tumor, the jaw will have to be removed. Either a mesh or a plate will be inserted to keep her face from caving in. Either now, or later, a plate will be put in that will be permanent. Then reconstructive surgery will have to be done when she has finished growing. A feeding tube will have to be inserted for awhile. But, the doctors won't know until the surgery if it will be able to be inserted through the mouth or not. They may have to make an incision in the throat and insert it that way. When it is all over and done, the only deformity she will have is that her mouth will be a bit wider than normal." The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 October 2013.

Prior to surgery, Naamal's father, Joseph, has to find at least two people to donate blood for use during surgery. Plus, any tubes, mesh, plates etc, that will be needed for surgery will have to be bought since the health insurance does not cover these costs.

 

As I left the hospital, I was about to cry. I knew that Naamal would need extensive work done. But, hearing it made it so much more real. My heart was crying, even if my eyes weren't. "O, LORD. please be with Naamal as she travels this road. My heart hurts for her as I think of removing the jaw. I pray that Joseph, her father, will still agree to the surgery when he realises what it involves. Father God, watch over this small one of Yours, give her peace. Somehow, let her know that she is safe in Your hands. And, when it is over and done, may Naamal and Joseph praise Your name and give You thanks for Naamal's health. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

A New Appreciation

 

I have another new appreciation. "Of what?" you may ask. "Of groundnuts (peanuts), of course!" Groundnuts are a major crop here in the Lawra area. They are a good source of protein. I buy small bags of them for 20 pesewas (about 10 cents.) But, if you knew the work that goes into making those little bundles of groundnuts, you may never sell them because you are definitely not getting anywhere near what you put into them.

 

First, comes the planting, growing, weeding and harvesting...all by hand with hand hewn tools. next, comes drying the groundnuts. That is what I am doing in the above picture - drying the groundnuts that have been given to me. After 6 or 7 days, I can shell them. And then, boil the nut in very salty water. Next is another time of drying. The last step is frying or roasting. Finally, eating! That is the way I like them, roasted,salted, out of the shell. It can take weeks.But, it is worth every step, every minute of preparation...YUM! I will have to wait before I eat. I am grateful for the Kalsagri church members who have blessed me with portions of their groundnut crop...Peanuts, anyone?