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?

Kobine Festival 2013

 

The Kobine Festival takes place in Lawra every October. It marks the end of the Traditional Calendar which is based on the "farming seasons." (Harmatan, which is dry and windy, preparing the land for farming, planting season, weeding season, harvest season.) The Festival is a time to give thanks to God, the gods and the ancestors for a successful harvest. 

 

The week before the Festival, most people are very busy. Houses and places of business are painted. New clothes are being made. Cooking is done for the many family members and friends who will be back in Lawra for the Festival. Women get their hair done. And, booths are set up to protect the vendors from the bright sun. Of course, I can't forget the many, many football (Soccer) matches played throughout the week. The final match will take place on the first day of the Festival, with a puppy given to the winning team. (He will be a sacrifice to the gods for success in the matches.) The first day is arrival day for the numerous out of town guests and visitors.

 

The second day starts at 6 am with a bicycle race from Lawra to the village of Babali, about 1/2 hour away by tro tro. The sellers set up their wares and pray for a good day. Everything that is sold at a typical weekly market is sold during festival...tons of tomatoes and okra, as well as dishes and kitchen ware, bags,





 

Traditional smocks,

 

and, my personal favorite, batik cloth!

 

 

The official opening of the Kobine Festival starts with the parade of Chiefs, or Naas, walking under big, red, umbrellas...very regal! They are preceded by men doing the Dance of the hunters. The men are dressed as if they are going out for the hunt. The man in the front, waves two dried elephant ears. 

 

 

Another man carries antelope antlers. The dance is complete with many gunshots!

 

 

After the Chiefs are settled in their places of honor, the speeches begin. Speeches are given by all the dignitaries...the Paramount Chief of Lawra, the Regional Minister, The district Assembly Minister...Next, comes the Traditional dancing! The dances are done to the music of the traditional wooden xylophone and each dance team is in traditional costume. There are many, many dance teams, several of which will compete during the next day of the festival.

 



 

Some people would say the Festival lasts four days. But, the arrival and departure days are included in those four days. The main part of the festival takes place during two days. There is plenty of dancing and drinking of pito, the local fermented drink. All night drumming, xylophone playing and general partying takes place. But, this old woman was not awake to witness it!

 

Kobine Festival s a great time to enjoy the culture f the area, be with friends, shop and give thanks to God for all the good things He has done! Thank You, Lord!

 

 

 

Today

 

Nostalgia has set in. I don't think it is all bad. But, I can't help but think about all those in my life who have left this world and have gone to "the other side," the side where they will see Jesus face to face. Why am I feeling this way? Well, just in the past few days, two people who I have known back in Pennsylvania have died. One, a few years younger than me; the other, a few years older than me. And, the anniversary of my mother's death is approaching. On top of that, next month, I will celebrate my 60th birthday. Mom died when she was 60.

 

So, today, I am remembering...mom, dad, Dee Dee, Ava, Albert, Bura-Ang, little Paul, Nancy, Rory, Sergei, Bob, Dave, Fran, and oh, so many others. I am grateful for the place they have held in my heart...and still do. And, I know that because of Jesus, after I go the distance, we will again be together...on the other side.

Regina's Story

 

This past week, I attended the World Mission Conference held in Kasoa, Ghana. The venue was the Pentecostal Conference Center (which is a work in progress, but very nice!) While there, I met a sweet woman who works in the building where I slept. One day, she came to my room to bring me something, and I greeted her and asked her name. (I know very little Twi and she knew very little English.) When I asked her name, she showed me the inner part of her left arm. There, tattooed, was her name and the name of her village. Immediately, my heart broke for her. I have discovered that there are still a few clans that tattoo there arms with name and village as a means of identification, especially if the person is in an accident. Ghana has many languages, people move, they wander...it is a way of knowing where a person belongs.

 

Then, I looked at the inside of her right arm. She told me that she received that tattoo before she became a Christian. It was a tattoo of a Ghanaian proverb, that when a dog bites, he bares his teeth. Then, as we were talking, I was looking at her beautiful face, her lovely smile...and, the markings by her right eye...initiation into the occult when she was young. What does a person say? "Our God is a loving God, a forgiving God, a God who makes us new..." You could see how she loves the Lord.

 

In the southern part of Ghana, there is the Sankofa symbol. It reminds people to "remember where you have come from." Regina doesn't need that symbol to remember...she can see every day, several times a day, what the Lord has done for her. And, she rejoices, for, in Him, she has been made new!

 

 

Shades of Purple

 

Ten days ago, I was walking home with my friend, Leahy. We were talking, just enjoying each other's company. Earlier that day, we had our Special Needs Awareness Program. My knee hurt a little bit all day, just enough to let me know it was there (arthritis pain.) As we were walking, all of a sudden, I slipped and fell. Yes, on my hurting knee, but I tried to break the fall with my right hand. It was not a pretty sight! (We were walking on uneven ground that was covered with gravel.) The good news is that I was no longer aware of the arthritis pain in my knee! The bad news is that my right wrist was REALLY in pain!

 

I sat there for a moment. Leahy wanted to help me up. But, with bad knees and a very sore wrist, my big question was, "How will I ever be able to get up off the ground?" Again, it was not a pretty sight! After a couple of minutes, I did manage to get vertical once again and we finished the short walk to my house. Leahy was such a sweetheart, getting me ice and later putting an Ace Bandage on me. She even cooked dinner for me! I was planning on going to Wa the next day, so I put "get wrist x-rayed" on my Wa list.

 

The next morning, my wrist still hurt and was swollen quite a bit...did I really have a wrist in there someplace? I took the tro tro to Wa and a taxi to the hospital. I had to get a patient folder, so first, I had to pay for it and the consultation. Then, my vital signs were taken. I was instructed to go to Exam Room 6. Good! There were only 2 people ahead of me. But, ten minutes later, the physician left to go to surgery! Now what? A nurse took pity on me and took me directly into Exam Room 3. The doctor wrote an order for x-rays. I went to the x-ray department, showed them my folder. Then, I was given a slip of paper. I had to go and pay for the x-rays first. So, back to the Cashier. I paid for the x-rays, returned to the x-ray department and waited. Eventually, I was called and the x-rays taken. After they were developed, I asked the technician if he saw anything. He said everything looked fine. So, I took my folder and the x-rays to see the doctor again. This time there were twenty (20) people ahead of me. After fifteen (15) minutes and seeing that no one in the line moved, I returned my folder to where it belongs. My wrist wasn't broken. I would be waiting for hours to hear, "Take it easy. Put ice on it. Use an Ace Bandage. Elevate it. It will take anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks to completely heal." I didn't want to wait. So, I left.

 

For the most part, at least for the first few days, I followed that advice. My wrist, thumb, palm of my hand was very colorful for awhile. Now, not so much. It still hurts, but I can now brush my teeth with my right hand, with some pain. There are plenty of things that still hurt when I try to do them with my right hand. The pain is less each day. I am VERY grateful for all of Leahy's help and that my wrist did not break. I am not young anymore!!!! God is watching over me, in spite of myself!

Dee Dee

 

One of the hardest things for me here in Ghana, is hearing of the death of someone to whom I have been close and not being able to be with the family and others I have grown to love. Last night, I heard of the death of my dear friend, Dee Dee. When I moved to Munhall, PA, a very long time ago, Dee Dee took me "under her wing" and said she would be my "mother away from home." Dee Dee was much more than that.

 

Dee Dee was a woman of deep faith, prayer, and hope. She saw me through many good times. And, yes, many, many difficult times. Yet, she always believed, always hoped, never gave up. She always encouraged me to find God in each day, in each situation, no matter how much despair I was feeling. It was Dee Dee's prayers that got me through many days. And, it was Dee Dee who connected me with another woman of faith, Ava Steiner. Dee Dee and her husband, Jim, drove from Johnstown to Beaver Falls to be with me and celebrate with me when I was commissioned as a full time missionary. The day would not have been complete without them.

 

Many times, Dee Dee welcomed me into her house, made me feel at home. Sipping tea, and just talking...it brings back many memories. In her, I saw examples of such a Godly woman, mother, wife, grandmother...Christian. The last time I saw Dee Dee, she was just a shell of the woman I knew. The Parkinson's had taken its toll. Dementia was in residence. The love that her husband showed her was amazing...and, I cried all the way home - two hours!

 

I will remember Dee Dee for so many things. Part of her lives within me. And, one day, I will see her "on the other side." I love you, Dee Dee...for always! 

The Journey Continues...



 

The journey continues for Naamal. (Her given name is Gloria!) I visited her yesterday. She is still a patient in Comfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The biopsy was on Friday. Her father told Rev. Job that they remover two of her teeth when in reality the took two small samples of her tumor. That , in a way, tells you her mouth is very mis-shaped! The results won't be back until the 30th of this month.

 

Naamal will be treated as if she has Burkitt's Lymphoma because the doctors are 99% sure of it. The biopsy was to confirm it. So, she will not have surgery, only chemo therapy. Her first chemo treatment was on Monday. Tuesday, when I saw her, she was doing quite well...probably a bit bored because there is nothing to do. Her mother came to Kumasi to be with her for a few days while her father went home for a few days. As soon as her mother left the room, Naamal changed her clothes & started playing with the items in her backpack. Plus, my sister sent her a coloring book and crayons that kept her busy for quite a while.

 

One of the many blessings has been Rev. Job, a friend (really, he has been part of my Ghanaian family) of mine who lives in Kumasi. Rev. Job Chewogo has kept in touch with Naamal and her parents. He speaks to them on the phone every day and visits every time he is in the area...about four times a week! He has also agreed to be the person to help deal with the financial aspects of her treatment, since I live so far away. I thank God for everything he has done for us!

 

Naamal will probably be discharged sometime this week, but I don't know for sure. Please pray that her parents will follow through with the chemo treatments. That is the only way she will get well...in addition to the prayers that are being lifted up world wide for her.

 

The next update will probably be in a few weeks. Stay tuned!

Komfo Anokye Bound

For Naamal, the journey to health via Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) began in the wee hours of the morning on Monday, August 12, 20013. I met her and her father, Joseph in "downtown" Lawra at 4:00 AM! Naamal had her best dress on, complete with holes. But, she was dressed in her best! We waited for the bus to Kumasi where we would find Komfo Anokye. We waited. And talked. And waited. Did I mention that we waited? Finally, a bus came. YAY! Oh, it was full. Now what? We took a tro tro to Wa. Then, from Wa, we took a tro tro to Kumasi. At leat the tro tro to Kumasi had more room in it. Naamal was able to sleep. We covered her with a piece of cloth (that is what people use here instead of blankets) so she wouldn't get cold in the cool morning air.

 

We arrived at Komfo Anokye around 3 PM. I tried to call Rev. Job, one of my Ghanaian family, but I wasn't able to reach him. He had told us to go to his house first & he would go to KATH with us. Since I could not connect with him, we went straight to KATH. KATH has very tight security...no one is allowed in unless it is visiting hours or an emergency. The taxi stopped at the gate. The guard leaned in to ask why we were there and he saw Naamal. "That is serious!" he said. So, without any of us saying anything, we were allowed in.

 

First, we went to Emergency. Naamal's vital signs were taken, and basic questions were asked before we were sent to pediatric emergency. There, more medical history was taken and blood work was done. Everyone was so kind! Naamal would be admitted since she lived so far away. The diagnosis from the start was Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Now, "investigations" (tests) would be done to confirm it. 

 

Joseph would stay at the hospital with Naamal since the parent is expected to care for their child. Food for Naamal would be provided by the hospital. This is very rare in Ghana. Usually the family has to provide the food, too. The investigations would begin on Tuesday.

 

The tests that were done this week were a massive amount of bloodwork, chest x-ray, bone marrow test, ultra sound on her liver since it was enlarged and a biopsy of her tumor. She was given a unit of blood on Thursday because her blood counts were low.

 

The hardest day for me was Thursday. And, up to that point, it was probably the hardest day for Naamal. I arrived early in the morning with a backpack filled with new underwear, a dress, shorts & a top and a pair of flip flops. She was thrilled! Every once in a while, she would unzip the backpack, take out the clothes and try them on herself or on her baby elephant I gave her when she was admitted. But, the fun did not last. The nurse came to take Naamal for the bone marrow test. When her father carried her back into the room, she looked so small, she was very tired and went to sleep. Joseph was asked by the nurses to go and get something, so I stayed with Naamal. As she slept, she was whimperong. And, my heart broke into a million pieces. I tried to comfort her. She wouldn't let me. So, I held her hand and sang to her..."Jesus loves you..." At the same time, she was receiving the unit of blood. Later in the day, she was herself again. I left for Lawra early Friday morning. Rev. Job called me Friday night. Naamal had the biopsy. When he visited her, she was crying. Oh! How I wish I could help her so she wouldn't hurt. But, it is bound to hurt more before it gets better.

 

Naamal will be treated for Burkitt's even before the lab results are in because doctors are 99% sure that is what her tumor is, it has to be varified. Her treatment will consist of chemo therapy, no surgery! That is amazing to me. The nurses said that they have seen worse. The chemo will shrink the tumor! Once discharged, Naamal will have to return to KATH evry three weeks for treatment. Joseph was STRONGLY encouraged to stay in the Kumasi area as a precaution. Naamal would not be able to travel to Lawra and back every three weeks. Plus, she needs to be closer to the hospital just in case she gets sick, has a bad reaction, etc...This trip was a cultural lesson for me. The hospital is different than what I am used to in the USA. Plus, the insurance does not cover blood work, x-rays, bone marrow tests, lab reports, pathology reports, gauze, bandages, etc. Right now, to start, the chemo itself will be free because the hospital has it in stock and it was donated. But, we don't know how many times it will be available at no charge. No one would even give me an estimate for the cost, but I will keep on trying.

 

When I look back on the past week, I can see God's fingerprints all over it. He has been so good to us, caring for us all the way, protecting us and providing for us. And, I know He will continue! Thank You, Lord God Almighty, healer of our bodies and everything else we would ever want or need!

 

 

 

 

 



Sakawa - Get Rich Quick, for a Price

 

Sakawa is from the Hausa word, "sakaawa," meaning deception, as in Internet scams to get rich quick. But, it has taken on a new meaning in recent years. It now used in blood money rituals in Ghana. It is believed if you go through with the ritual, you will become rich very quickly.

 

The "sakawa" ritual involves traditional priests who demand blood from those who go to them for financial assistance. The kind of blood that is demanded depends on what kind of financial rewards that you want to reap and how quickly you want to acquire the money. The priest can demand the blood of a child, boy, girl, woman or man. This means that the "client" has to kill one of these people to get the blood demanded. I have heard stories of this in the area where I live. It is very real!

 

I know of only One Person whose blood really made a difference in the lives of men, women, boys and girls. That person would be Jesus Christ, the Son of the Almighty God. What good does it do if a man (or woman, boy or girl) has all the riches in the world but looses their soul? A person's relationship with God is the only thing that matters as one is on their death bed. Where do you have your riches hidden? In heaven or on earth? Are you ready to see Jesus?

Me? A Basket Case...Yep!

Today was one of those days...a day that as time went on, I became overwhelmed by the next "big" task that is on the horizon. I felt the fear creep in. I was ready to cry...This is the story:

 

Monday, I will be traveling with Naamal (5 years old) and her father to Kumasi. We will be going to a teaching hospital where Naamal can receive treatment for the tumor that has been growing in her mouth for three years. Today, it hit me...I have no idea where we are going, where we will stay and, I have a limited amount of money for travel and treatment. What will I do? Up to this point, Naamal's parents were not involved. No relative would travel with her. So, I didn't have to think about these things. But, now, her father is here. So, we made plans to travel on Monday. Everyone that I tried to contact in Kumasi was unavailable or didn't answer their phone. Ugh! What would we do? I am not Ghanaian enough to just travel and see what happens when I arrive. I have two other people to think about. What to do?

 

I called Razak. He would know what to do. He said, "I am on my way coming." An hour and a half later, I called him again. "Oh, Mama Sue, I forgot. I am on my way..." He showed up in five minutes. He called Rev. Job. who lives in Kumasi and could help us. No answer. He called Rev. Lawrence...he is in a meeting, will call back later. He called Rev. Dery...he will call back later.... (They are all related.) I was almost in tears because of the uncertainty of it all. What to do?

 

Rev. Lawrence did call back. He called Rev. Job in Kumasi. Rev. Job will take care of us. Either himself or his daughter, Grace will go to the hospital with us and help us through the process. Grace...God's grace...I didn't have to be a basket case...God heard the cries of my heart...and He ANSWERED!

A Rainy Day

 

When I left home last week, to travel to Wa, the sky over my house was a little gray. The temperature was cool...a nice day for sitting in a crowded tro tro! By the time I walked into town, the sky had turned black! There were not many people at the tro tro station yet, so Habib and I went to have bread and egg at the Tea Shop. As we were eating, the Metro Mass Transit bus arrived. It is not comfortable, but much better than a tro tro. So, we grabbed our uneaten food and ran...Habib ran, I walked fast, to the bus. We were able to get seats and before long, we were on our way!

 

 

A few minutes after getting on the bus, the heavens opened up and it started pouring! I was grateful we were on the bus as most of the tro tros leak, if they have windows that actually close, and would have gotten very wet, even before getting to Wa. By the time we arrived, the rain had reduced and only coming down small (only raining a little.)

 

Now, I know that everything in Lawra closes when it rains, but, Wa is a "big" city. I really did not expect everything to be closed. Everything wasn't closed, but almost! We went to the Post Office to buy stamps. We waited an hour and ten minutes for someone to show up with a key so stamps could be sold to us! The stamp person did not go to work because of the rain! Next, we walked down to the store that sells REAL butter. Of course, that was closed, too! I knew market would be closed because it is outside, so no fresh veggies! But, now we were going to buy the drum that was ordered the week before. It was the purpose for the trip!

 

As Abu drove us to the other end of town, I was amazed...99% of the businesses were closed! A person could walk down the middle of the street and not get hit by a moving vehicle! I couldn't believe my eyes. Like I said, I expected this in Lawra, but not in Wa! We finally arrived at the "drum" store...the drum did not arrive yet. This was the reason we went to Wa! So, we called Yaro to find out where he was. We planned on  traveling back to Lawra in his tro tro. We did get back to Lawra, stamps in hand, a little damp and grateful for the much needed rain!