On the Road to Lawra

On Wednesday, February 16, the truck was loaded with refrigerator, stove, all the household stuff I bought and my cases that I brought with me.
Then, I left Accra with Mary Kay and our driver and started my journey north towards my final destination of Lawra in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

The roads, at times, were bumpy and dusty.
We stopped along the way in Ankaase, to spend the night. In the morning, after visiting Osofo Anderson and his wife, we visited another good friend, Maggie. Maggie formerly worked as house help for colleagues who worked in Ankaase. When I last saw Maggie two years ago, I asked her, “What will you do when they leave?” and she answered, “God will provide.” And, indeed He has! Maggie is now the headmistress of a nursery/preschool, Royal Christian Academy that meets in the house she and her husband, Richie had built. It has more than 200 students in attendance! When we were there, the children were still arriving and class had not yet started.
On the road again…although sometimes it was very narrow. We were trying to find the shortcut to a village where one of Mary Kay’s churches is building a girl’s dormitory. It was the correct road and we finally made it!

 Next, off to Wenchi to check on some bore hles that Mary Kay had drilled. That’s were we spent the night, due to the generosity of Wenchi Methodist Hospital who put us up in a guest house for the night.

In the morning, we left for Wa and eventually for Lawra. In Wa, we greeted the pastor and introduced ourselves. It turned out that there was a meeting at the church of the pastors in the circuit (32 “societies” or churches) and we gave greetings there, too. I saw my friend Rev. Salia there. What a blessing! Then, I bought a gas cylinder to connect to the stove. Propane is used. When we arrived at the gas site, there were more than 50 cylinders ahead of us! When we picked it up later in the evening, ours was filled and there were more than 100 people in line. There had been no cooking gas for months!

We arrived in Lawra, late afternoon. We greeted the people at the Lawra Integrated Health Centre. After that, we went to my house and unpacked the truck, met my neighbors and I received the keys to my new house.

I now have a HOME in GHANA! Praise God!

Top 18 List

One of the veggies that is plentiful and easy to find in the Upper West Region is okra. This was never part of our diet in Western Pennsylvania, so I don't have much experience eating it or cooking it. But, it is a vegatable that I will have to learn to like.

Evidently, like most veggies, it has good health benefits, too! Here are the major ones:

1.The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize the blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
2.Okra's mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver.
3.Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most individuals unlike over-the-counter drugs.
4.Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.
5.Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.
6.Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.
7.Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.
8.Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements.
9.Okra is good for summer heat treatment.
10.Okra is good for constipation.
11.Okra is good in normalizing the blood sugar and cholesterol level.
12.Okra is good for asthma. Okra's vitamin C is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which curtail the development of asthma symptoms.
13.Okra is good for atherosclerosis.
14.Okra is believed to protect some forms of cancer expansion, especially colorectal cancer.
15.Eating okra helps to support the structure of capillaries.
16.Some information shows that eating okra lowers the risk of cataracts.
17.Okra is good for preventing diabetes.
18.Okra protects you from pimples and maintains smooth and beautiful skin.

Are You Willing to Pay the Price?

A few days ago, I was reading the devotional for the day in the book, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. What I read had really challenged me. The topic for the day was the cost of sanctification. Am I willing to pay the price that is needed to be sanctified? I needed a definition for sanctification to fully understand the question, for in my mind I know what sanctification is, but could I explain it to someone else? Chambers defines sanctification as, "being one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us." He continues, "The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ and the freedom from everything which is not like Him." What a goal! I know that Christ was living with the nature of the Father controlling Him. He did everything so that the Father would be glorified. Do I want that for my life? Really? I have to answer with a resounding, "YES!" but so many times I do not allow myself to be controlled by or led by the nature of Abba Father. My life does not always reflect the family likeness of Christ's life. He spent time with the Father...Christ's mind was like the Father's mind. Scripture says, "The Father and I are One." Am I One with the Father? I know there are brief moments of life that I know I am. Those moments increase and become longer as I become more mature in my faith. And, then, there are other times when the family resemblance isn't so strong. I need to be wiling to be set aside for the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me so the Father may be glorified. And, I pray, that this desire is much deeper than mere words. "Holy Spirit, work in me."

....Take Off!

Yesterday was the day I left cold western Pennsylvania to fly to the tropical climate of Ghana. I had been waiting for this moment for so long, dreaming about it. My sister, brother, sister in law, niece and close friends were at the airport to spend time with me and to see me off. It was kind of strange looking back at them and waving, not knowing for sure when I would see them again. I got settled in on my flight to JFK and then on my flight to Accra. It seemed almost anti climatic. I don't know what I was expecting to feel, I was just thankful that there was not anything else I could do, and if there was, too bad, so sad...I'll get over it. What I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that God is faithful and He has been with me every step of the way!

Countdown: 15 hours!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

I praise God for being with me and holding me up while I've been preparing for this moment in my life. Thank you for all your encouragement, your prayers, your support. Keep watch on this blog to see and read about the adventures that will be taking place in Ghana! To God be the glory!

Countdown:10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...

Sunday School Class

Munchies for the airport!

Don's famous wedding soup!

Pastor Tom and children.

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

Countdown: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 ...

Today, friends of mine took the last few things out of my apartment. I have a folding chair left. Even that will be gone before the day is over. But, the hardest part is coming to realize that it will be a very long time before I see these friends again. Tears were filling my eyes. It was a happy/sad moment. Even though I am looking forward to what God has in store for me, it is hard. Saying "good Bye" isn't easy. And I am sure for those I am leaving behind, the "Good Bye" will also be difficult. I am so thankful that these people are a part of my life. What a blessing! They have encouraged & offered direction. And now, I am going to miss them. We come and go. There are seasons of life. Things change. People change. Circumstances change. God is Faithful. He never changes! Praise God!

Countdown: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

The theme for today seems to be "letting go." I packed up most of what was left in my apartment into my friend's van. She will store it for me in Erie. So, I let go of "stuff." I also "let go" of my car today, as I signed it over to someone else. It is their generosity that is allowing me to use the car until I move out of my apartment Sunday afternoon. I'm trying not to be a spoiled American. My apartment is pretty empty with piles of things here and there to give to a variety of people tomorrow. I'll be sleeping at my neighbor's house. And I'll be experiencing the bittersweetness of turning the pages to a new chapter of life. Sometimes it is a bit overwhelming, but that's OK, God will see me through.

Countdown: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

Iron sharpens iron,and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)

Did you ever notice that if you spend too much time alone your mind seems to get a little dull. The excitement of life seems to wan, and for me, I get tired & feel sleepy. This morning, I was reading in the book of Proverbs. Chapter 27 verse 17 says: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." I know when I am involved with others, I am more alert, I learn from them, and, I grow personally. Case in point: last night I was at a friend's house while they were working on my computer. I was wide awake, until about 11PM. That is so unlike me! Yet, friends were around, conversation was good and I was learning about my new computer.

The same works in our spiritual life, too. When I am actively involved in a small group, in worship, with other Christians with whom I am able to talk and be accountable, my spiritual walk improves. I am closer to God. I don't panic right away when things go wrong, I take time to breathe and assess the situation and ask the Lord to lead me. When I take time to be with Him in the morning, I have a better outlook all day. Even when I don't think I have time, when I take the time to be with Him, He helps me through the day. Right now, I need His sharpening. And, I am not spending as much time with Him as I know I need. There is so much to do before Sunday, yet, that is no excuse. "Lord, forgive me. Let's talk, even now."

Countdown: 10, 9, 8, 7...

Sunday I worshipped at a church that I refer to as my "second" home church. It was communion Sunday. The pastor spoke about the ordinary wheat and grapes that together make up this holy moment for us as Christians. What he talked about was what happens to the wheat, what happens to the grapes to prepare them for use as the bread and juice used as the communion elements. The wheat is pulled, chaffed, ground, sifts as it is made into flour. he grapes are picked, crushed, separated from the skin, they go through a process as they are made into grape juice. And, even during the communion service, the bread is broken. Christ did the same for us.

As I sat in the congregation and listened, I reflected on my life. The struggles, the heart aches, the abandonment, the rejection. The times when I never thought I would never be able to handle another day. Yet, God took those moments that seemed to crush me, that seemed to put me in despair, that seemed to be victorious in my life and He used them, He redeemed them, using them to glorify His name. That Is why I am moving to Ghana. Not because I am someone special or extraordinary, but because I have been broken and then redeemed. May I live up to the task that He has set before me!

Countdown: 10, 9, 8...

Up to this point in my life, whenever I went someplace, it was a round trip. I was always returning. I'd visit someone, then return home. I'd drive someplace, then return home. I'd go to a conference and return home. I'd go to Russia, Kaz, Peru, Ghana, Turkey, Costa Rica and I always had a return ticket. Now, I am flying to Ghana. But, this time it is different. I have a one way ticket. I am not returning home, I have no "home" to come back to. All my stuff is either sold or packed, I'm sleeping on an air mattress and using a borrowed chair and step stool.

When I fly out, I won't know if I'll ever see my family and friends again. I hope and pray I will, but that part of life is not as certain as if I were to stay in the USA. I may never worship at my home church again. Or go to the library or the local grocery store again. I may nervier see snow again, although right now, I'm ready to leave snow behind. There are a lot of people that I love to whom I will be saying "good bye" to. I know I plan to return in 2 years or so for a visit. But, things just seem a little more uncertain when you follow God's call in the way that I am following.

Am I hesitant? No. Scared? No. A bit apprehensive? Somewhat. But, I am ready to embrace what God has in store for me. Are you seeking Him and embracing what He has in store for you? I can guarantee your life will never be the same if you are!

Countdown: 10, 9...

The countdown is on...10, 9...only 9 days left before I fly out of the country on a one way ticket! Life has been pretty hectic for me recently. Errands, phone calls, travelling, collecting documents, packing, repacking, making choices on a variety of levels. I can't believe the time is actually near! I often have wondered if the time will ever come. And, now that it is so close...I am overwhelmed at the grace of God. He is so faithful! He knows what is best for His children, He knows what is best for me.

I spent the last 2 days in snow country, in Corry, PA, with friends that are like family to me. I worshipped with them, enjoyed their company, just "hung out" with them and was spoiled by them. The sermon was one that was perfect for the day, for my life and a reaffirmation of what God has been doing in my life. I was truly blessed while there, even in the -11 degree F weather. God has been so good to me.

Now, it is time to tie up some more loose ends. And I know God will be with me all of the way. He has already gone before me, finding me a house to make into a home that will glorify Him. It is so much more than I ever hoped for or dreamed of, yet He knew what I wanted, what I needed. I know that He will continue to be faithful and I pray that I will continue to be a faithful to Him.

Do Over

Have you ever played a new game with children? Or a game in which they aren't doing so well? Sometimes they ask for a "do over." Older kids and even adults ask for a "do over" from time to time, too. A bad mark on an exam, a child who got hurt, an illness, divorce...there are a lot of circumstances in life that happen that we wish would have never happened. It would be so nice to have a "do over," wouldn't it?

The good news is that we can have that "do over" whenever we want it. When we ask Jesus to live in our hearts and ask Him to be our Savior and Lord, we have new life, a "do over!" We make a bad choice and need to ask forgiveness, "do over!" We need peace in our lives instead of chaos, "do over!" Our lives have taken a turn for the worse because of choices and God redeems those lives and uses them for His glory, "do over!"

The Bible says in Psalm 30, "You have turned my mourning into dancing for me..." "Do over!" In Lamentations 3 it says, "His mercies never end, they are new every morning." "Do over!" We can have a "do over" whenever we need it, not just at New Year's with a New Year's Resolution. All we have to do is go to our Heavenly Father and talk with Him. He will hear and answer and He will give you that needed "do over."