Why?

"Why?" It's such a great question, always looking to learning more. "Why?" It can drive a mother crazy when her young one asks the question 1,000 times. "Why?" is a question I have asked God not too long ago. I  had traveled to Albania to attend the Regional Gathering that The Mission Society sponsored for its workers in Europe, Asia and Africa. (It is a time for personal and professional development. And, a time of fellowship and worship.) 

I left my home in Lawra on September 30 to begin the trek to Albania. I was excited about the pre-gathering training that I would attend, a class on Team Leadership. And, excited to see all those friends and colleagues that I haven't seen for ages. And, excited to attend the sessions ranging from Inductive Bible Study to sessions on the Shame and Honor Cultures. Life was good! The flights were close, but, hassle free. I signed in. I took the Team Leadership class. For three days life was really good. 

Then, a day to rest. Hmmm...I wasn't very hungry and there was real, recognizable food! I was cold, I felt as if it might snow. Maybe I was tired. So, I napped. The next day, the official opening of the Gathering, I fought with myself to stay awake. At the first break, I spoke with my Field Leader. I had a fever. I went to bed. I was freezing. Then, I was sweating. Ugh! Malaria! I started the malaria meds and went to bed. For two days I couldn't eat. I drank as much as I could, but, it wasn't much. One of the doctors would check on me. People brought me tea and other good stuff to drink. I crawled further under the blankets. After missing two full days, I cried, "Why? Why, Lord? Why did I travel all this way just to stay in my room? I want to go home (to Lawra)." I felt awful.

Then, a still, small Voice reminded me that even though I live alone in Lawra, I am not alone. I have the God of the Universe looking after me. I have a family that is made up of all kinds of people who watch over me and take care of me. Yes, malaria was not what I had planned for this trip. But, God showed me I am far from being alone!

Family



OK, I have to admit, so many times and in so many ways, I feel like  I am all alone in Lawra. Sure, there are friends (live, in person!), there is connecting to family and friends by phone or Internet, but, sometimes I wonder, "Does anyone REALLY know and understand how I live? What I do? And, even, how hard it can be at times?"

Well, I have left my home in Lawra early Monday morning to arrive at The Mission Society's Global Gathering in Florida on Thursday afternoon. I registered, moved in, rested, ate supper. Then, the most amazing thing happened to me. A person who I have met through Facebook, came up to me and introduced himself. He is here accompanying his mother. The family has been part of The Mission Society since the beginning. They stopped me to tell me that they pray for me daily. Enrique follows my comings and goings on Facebook and prays specifically for things I am doing/things that have happened. And, the words of encouragement...what can I say?

Then, Friday, Carol spoke to me. I met her overseas several years ago. We spoke for awhile and the love and encouragement I received from her... Friday night, I watched a video from the Christian Hospitality Network Getaway that I attended. I was in it - reading the letter that Jim (from The Mission Society) wrote to me. And, it was the same thing...and I knew, as I always did deep down, The Mission Society is more than just a mission sending organization. It is family...a laughing, loving, encouraging, praying, playing, training, worshipping, hoping, helping, rejoicing kind of family. And, when I am  5079.07 miles away from blood family, I KNOW I am blessed to be part of a much bigger global family, united by the same loving Father. I am so grateful!

Yuoŋ Pala



"Yuoŋ Pala" is the Dagaare New Year's greeting. It literally means, "new year." New Year's is not that much different here, in some ways. People get together with family and friends. They eat special foods (sometimes, too much.) They drink (sometimes too much.) There is one thing that is very different. Many churches have a "Watch Night" or "Cross Over" service, beginning around 8 or 9 pm and lasting throughout the night, into the morning. They pray the New Year in, thanking God for His blessings, mercy and grace and asking for blessings, mercy and grace in the coming year. Since this white woman does not drive her motorcycle at night, the Kalsagri church had their service at 9:30 in the morning. Many people give gifts for New Year's Day instead of Christmas. This grandmother from Kalsagri gave me a bag of shelled groundnuts.

How did I spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day? Well, New Year's Eve, I went to visit my grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some are Ghanaian. Some are American. Some are even from the UK! We visited and ate. Habib tried to teach me to dance. He said , "OK. Maakum, you did fine!" That didn't last long! Then, I drove home and "watched" Mary Poppins. I think I fell asleep while they were laughing on the ceiling. New Year's Day didn't get any more exciting! Then, Sunday, I talked about John Wesley's Covenant Prayer. I love that prayer! I was given yams for a New Year's gift from Alex, one of the leader's of the church. All in all, this holiday was filled with love and laughter and gratefulness. What a blessing to have the opportunity to celebrate in Lawra/Kalsagri.

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.