A Little Trip...

Eight days ago, I traveled to Wa which is about two hours away.. I haven't been there for a while and I was looking forward to doing some shopping that I couldn't do in Lawra. I went to Vodafone, to Foka, to the bank, to Melcom (YAY!) and to the market. As I was leaving the market, a big wind and rainstorm started. I quickened my pace because of the rain. If I got to the place where I would meet the tro tro (a run down van used for public transportation) for the ride back to Lawra, I would be able to sit out of the rain. I was almost to my destination, next door to it as a matter of fact. Then, it happened. I slipped on the wet cement and I fell, turning my body, my heavy backpack taking the lead. Immediately, I knew something was wrong with my left arm and shoulder. I was in excruciating pain, pain worse than I had ever felt before. I couldn't move my arm because it hurt too much. I fell in front of a hair dresser's shop. The women came out and helped me up off of the cement and out of the rain. I begged them to find me a ride to the hospital. They wanted me to wait for the driver of the tro tro that would go back to Lawra. I told the no, I needed to go to the hospital NOW! (I was in pain.) So, one of the girls ran out in the rain and got me a ride.

A few minutes later, I arrived at Wa Regional Hospital. The nurses took me and put me in a wheelchair. My only thought was, "Give me something for this pain." They tried to get basic intake information from me before taking me to see the doctor. A five minute wait seemed like five hours. Finally, the doctor sent me to x-ray. I had someone pushing the wheelchair and someone supporting my arm. I hurt so much! The x-ray technician wanted me to stand in a certain position in order to get a proper picture of my shoulder. Oh, I could hardly stand it. I grabbed onto the nurses arm and squeezed it instead of crying out in pain. I am sure he still has marks on his arms from me.

Then, back to the examination room. When we arrived, NO Doctor was there. And, I still didn't receive anything for the pain. I sat down in an upholstered chair and put my feet up and maneuvered my arm to a less painful position. After some time, someone came in to check my x-ray. Praise God, nothing was broken, but my left shoulder was dislocated. (Later I was told the part that was to be in the joint was in my armpit.) Now, I was to be admitted to a ward, then I would be taken to the Theater so my shoulder could be put back in place. On the way to the ward, we stopped to pay for the x-ray. When we arrived, there was more waiting. And then, there was the "trying to get an IV port into a vein" process. After five tries, it still didn't work. They would do it when I got to the Theater.  I was asked several times who had come with me and everyone was surprised that I was by myself. I didn't plan on going to the Regional Hospital when I left home that morning!

We proceeded to the Theater. We were in an entrance-way, sitting, waiting. I was in pain. I asked about pain meds. "they will give you some." Right! Then, I asked if I could lie down. In my mind, that would ease the pain. The medical people agreed to this. YAY! It didn't help much. But, they did get the IV port in. As I was talking to one of the nurses, I fell asleep since the anesthetic was added to the IV. The next thing I knew, I was in another room, without excruciating pain. My shoulder was back in place. I had pain, but it was bearable. There was some numbness, too. I was told that it would eventually go away.

The plan was to admit me so I would stay overnight. Ghanaian hospitals are different from American hospitals. The family provides the food, medicines, sheet/blanket, etc. I was wearing wet clothing because of the rain. I had no one in Wa to take care of me. So, I pleaded with the doctors to allow me to go back to Lawra where there were people who would care for me. They agreed. And, the anesthesiologist even drove me home! 

I thank God for all he blessings that took place on this day. I was in Wa, not Lawra. It was my left shoulder, not my right. It was put back in place. I had a ride home...All things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

Grateful for Six Years

In February, I celebrated six years in Ghana! Six years. In some ways it seems like I just got here. Other ways it seems as if I have been here forever! When I came, I had in my mind that I would be here for at least ten years. IF I decide to leave after ten years, I have passed the halfway mark. I have only four more years! But, I don't sit around and count the days. What good is that?

Today I choose to be grateful for the time and the opportunities that God has given me. I came to Ghana thinking I would be working with children who were AIDS orphans. And I did for a while. But, God had other ideas.

I have had the privilege of: working with disabled children; being a "home away from home" for volunteers from the US and beyond; working in a clinic; being grandmother to a bunch of local children; and facilitating trainings for church leaders and Sunday school teachers. 

The last four years (has it been four years already?) I have been the equivalent of a lay pastor in two village churches, Kalsagri and Kunyukuo. I am so glad God put me in Kalsagri first because if it had been the other was around, I don't know if I could have done it. In Kalsagri, the congregation is made up of a variety of ages. The children and youth WANT to learn and many of them have attended Bible studies, English classes and trainings that  have been available. Even those in Junior High School are helping to lead the church. Kunyukuo is mainly made up of widows, a couple of young mothers and LOTS of young children. So far, I haven't seen the interest in growth among the people of this church. It is as if they are sleeping and need to be awaken. Both churches have a large percentage of illiterate people in their congregation. Both churches have welcomed and accepted me, for which I am grateful.  

It hasn't been easy. God has stretched me beyond what I could imagine. I drive a motorcycle! I prepare a sermon most weeks. I have seen the needless and preventable deaths of both adults and children. I've attended more funerals in the last six years than I have in my entire life before I moved here. I have seen people who are oppressed and need the peace of the Lord. I have seen people who try to feed their families and don't have the means to do so. I have known young men and women who want an education and can't afford it. I have had illnesses that I never thought I would have to worry about. I have seen way too many flying insects up close! And, now that we are entering the hot season...Ugh! 105 degrees and higher is NOT fun.

But,the blessings, oh, the blessings...a Ghanaian family... Being part of someone's life, watching them grow in their faith and be baptized and confirmed. Listening to testimony after testimony of how God has worked in lives. Being a part of a church where the blind, lame and disfigured worship and praise God side by side of others - and witnessing their confession of faith and baptism.Seeing people who have been outcasts become accepted. Watching boys and girls try their best both in school and at church, leading the worship services. Hearing children of all ages call out, "Maakum!" to me. It makes me smile and know I am blessed beyond measure.

Six years down...only God knows how many are in my future.

The Blessings of Lost Luggage

After I got over the initial, "What? My suitcase didn't arrive? How could one come and the other stay?" I decided to look at the blessings of lost luggage. The first blessing was the opportunity to spend time with Jesse and Jessica and their mother, Gifty.

The next blessing was seeing Steve and Suzanne and having dinner with them at their house. Steve is a grill master!

Suzanne made perfect tortillas! I am most impressed. Mine are far from perfect.

Project Heal, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, comes to work in Lawra every year. This year I nearly missed them. We were able to meet for coffee in Accra.

And, my bag arrived, unharmed, bearing gifts for me since it went on holiday in Portugal without me.

When this happens to you, what do you choose? To get upset? Or to see the blessings in the situation? I chose blessing.

More than a Mug

When I first moved to Ghana, I brought the necessities to begin life in a far off land, not knowing what would be available. Plus, I brought a few things that would provide comfort. One of those things is a coffee mug. It isn't anything special to most people. But, when I was looking for a mug to match a plate, my sister bought it for me. Whenever I use it, I think of Debbie, of the great time we have had, of the blessings and the love that is shared.

As my time in Lawra stretched on, I started buying coffee mugs when I traveled. One from Chang Mai, where The Mission Society had a Conference some years ago, reminds me of colleagues and fun times we had together in a place where I never thought I would visit. Then, there was Leahy,a Peace Corps volunteer, who brought me a mug from New York City. I think of her every time I use it to drink hot chocolate, with a spoon. Sarah, a VSO volunteer from England and now works for Action Through Enterprise, brought me an England mug. She also surprised me with a Christmas mug! What memories, old and new!

Again I went to the US. And, when I returned to Ghana, I brought back more mugs...one from St. Simon's Island, GA, where I spent a week with my good friend, Tula. There is also my "hand warmer" mug from Mt. Airy. Ellen brought me a mug from the Lawrenceville Diner. Since it has lots of "bling" on it, I use it when I want to accessorize.

                                      

Then, there is my good friend, Nancy. We have been friends since high school. She is a funeral director, hence the funeral home mug. But, she also gave me mugs from Ohio and Florida. I used the funeral home mug yesterday and sent her a picture. She used the exact same mug yesterday! God is good. I use the mugs when I need some comfort (like the one from Memphis and the Sunday School Class at Cordova UMV), or I am missing a particular friend and want to "spend the day" with them, or as a reminder to pray for them.

Of course, there are times when I use the mugs just because. Olaf here is my main squeeze. When I used this mug this morning, I thought of my nephew's wedding in Florida, of the good times I had with my sister-in-law, Anita, while we were shopping and of the cool weather we are having today.

Coffee mugs are so much more than something to use when you drink coffee, tea or hot chocolate. They are reminders to pray, a way to feel close to someone far away, a way to celebrate an ordinary day, a reminder to be grateful for all the people God has placed in my life and opportunities God has given me. 

Home Again

 

I arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. But, I didn't arrive home until Friday, the 20th. Jasper picked me up at the airport. Then, I exchanged money and went meat and cheese shopping before going to the Jackson's house to spend two nights. When we arrived, I discovered one of my suitcases was broken and in a matter of minutes, I dropped my phone which was now beyond repair! I was thankful for the phone that was given me while in the US. I put my stuff in the freezer. Later that night, the electricity went out. (Accra is on a schedule 12 hours on, 24 hours off.) I prayed my food would survive!

 

Wednesday, Charlie took me to Vodafone to buy a new one. (The phone from the US does not support the apps I use. The operating system could not be updated. But, it works great as a second phone!) I also prepared for my trip north. We decided to take two days, not pushing a 14+ hour drive in one day. Jasper and I left Sunyani on Thursday, and on to Lawra, Friday. We stayed with the Methodist bishop in Sunyani. His deep freeze was working fine and the electricity was on, so everything of mine was solid before we left on Friday. On Friday, we stopped in Wa so I could buy vegetables at the market. Lettuce was available! We arrived in Lawra around 1:00 in the afternoon. There were things to be done before going to my house...greet the pastor, drop off donations to the Lawra Methodist Children's Centre and buy fuel.

 

Finally, home! Sydney was there to greet me and unlock the door. The truck was unloaded and Jasper was on his way back to Accra. I was greeted with dust...EVERYWHERE! I had to clean as I started to unpack and put things away. Even so, it was good to be home!

 

Since Friday, I have had my motorcycle serviced, twice. Once for an oil change and a new battery and once for a flat tire. The tube was spoiled. The plumber is here for the second time. Yesterday, he fixed the kitchen sink. Today, he is fixing the wash sink. The clothes line was spoiled and needed replaced. Monday, the laundry was done and floors were well cleaned. I also found out that I needed to buy a new SIM card for my internet. the one I had was too old! I have worshipped in Kalsagri, visited the pastor, the Lawra Methodist Primary School, and the Tea Shop. I visited daily market and saw some of the ladies from Kalsagri selling their shea butter. (See above picture.) Now, I am trying to catch up on church work, emails, etc. Even though the pastor told me to rest this week, it hasn't happened much. I am just so glad to be home! I thank God for bringing me back safely. 

Welcome, 2014!

The year 2013 is finished. It was a year of experiencing God's blessings and His mercy and grace. New experiences and some familiar ones were part of life. Unexpected opportunities were part of the year, too. I never thought I'd be preaching most Sundays or driving a motorcycle or have a chance to travel to Victoria Falls or be "Maakum" to so many people. This reinforces the fact that when I trust God with my life, He can open windows and doors that I never imagined. Thank You, Jesus! And, it reinforces my desire to pray:

 

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 for 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

~ John Wesley's Covenant Prayer

 



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!

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!

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

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!

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...

Blessed are the Poor

"Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God." Luke 6:20

Lord, I never really noticed before today that this verse doesn't say "poor in spirit." The poor, those who live in poverty, are about 90% of the world's population.You included them in Your Word.They are important to You, their lives matter, they mean some thing to You. What are You saying to me, Lord? Do I need to become "poor"? Here, in Lawra, Ghana, I am considered as and looked at as being "rich." Back in Pennsylvania, I live a very simple life. It isn't easy to going from having whatever I need and want to not being able to fill my needs and wants, at least not being able to fill them with any measure of ease. Does that mean I need to trust You more fully? Does that mean I should be satisfied with what I have? Lord, I want sheets for my beds, yet, most people here don't even have beds. What does that say about me? Am I a spoiled American? Or does that say that I want to have a comfortable resting place for a weary traveler? I hope it is the latter. I know that the food items I miss are definitely wants. There is no question whether or not I can live without chicken breast meat or cheese or crystal lite or even marshmallow peeps. You have blessed me with those things from time to time, and I am grateful for those times. But, Lord, the people here are living in poverty. They have no one but You. Those who believe have such a strong faith, they depend on You for everything. Bless them and keep them close to You. Show me what my part is to be in their lives.

I am so Blessed!

Monday, as I was driving home from the Home Group I belong to, my mind began to wander as it often does on an open road. Since my computer was not working, I had checked my email at my friends house before I departed. My messages included one from a church in central Pennsylvania which wants to support my ministry at $100 a month and this was the message to confirm that commitment. I was also asked to speak to the congregation in January.

As I drove, I thought about the lack of "stuff" I'll have. I was thinking about cooking over a fire some of the time, and not having water some of the time, and having very little in belongings with me. And, I was so excited. I was excited because my dream is slowly becoming reality. "I am the luckiest person in the world" was the thought that crossed my mind. Then, I corrected myself, "No, I am the most BLESSED person in the world." The Bible doesn't mention luck, not even the "Luck of the Irish!" All good things come from God.

And, I see living among the Dagaaba people group a good thing coming from God. How else can I see this situation? The Dagaaba people group are an under evangelised people group. Most still believe in traditional or animistic religions. They don't know the love and hope of Jesus Christ. And, many times, when one accepts Christ into their life, the new beliefs are mixed with the old ones.

In Genesis it is written that we are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. The blessing spoken about is not an American way of life, or a certain monetary income, but the blessing of salvation. And, to share that blessing with others who don't have the opportunities to hear about it as we do in the USA...well, it doesn't get any better than that!

The Blessing of Family

The holiday season always brings the thought of family to mind. I have been blessed with two brothers, a sister, their spouses, their children and grandchildren. They mean so much to me. I have such wonderful memories of times spent together.

This year I celebrated Thanksgiving with my sister, her son and daughter in law in Texas City, Texas. It was wonderful! So relaxing and warm! I was able to visit and reconnect with my nephew and his wife. I don't see them very often. This trip has been another of the great blessings of our God.