No Picture Necessary

Little by little I have been realizing my life has changed. I do things and wonder about things that I wouldn't do or wonder about while living in Pennsylvania. I hope to "enlighten" you about some of those things.
~About two months ago, a roll of toilet paper fell into the toilet. It was a new roll & the toilet water was clean, so I let it dry and then I used it!
~When traveling, rest stops are few & far between. Oh, and there are usually no "facilities." I have peed behind bushes, out in the open along side of the road, in between buses in a parking lot, behind a building, and a few other places I'd rather not think about!
~There is no place for toilet paper when you stop at the above mentioned rest stops.
~When I buy meat, it is in small hunks. So, when I bring it home, I look them over & bag them to freeze. And I wonder...is this tongue? What is this? Hmmm...I don't want to know. Some pieces never get eaten. They get frozen only to be burned in the rubbish! (Like the chicken head & feet.)
~I have left my luggage at "the bus station" while going shopping. Nothing was stolen!
~I have accepted rides from people I had just met.
~When I see something black on the floor I wonder if it is or ever had been alive. Or maybe it is left behind by something that was alive. Or maybe it is just dirt.
~Last night, I wanted to cook rice for dinner. The rice was teeming with ants. So, I rinsed it about six times & then cooked it. Yum!
~Every time the power goes out, I can hear my mother telling me not to refreeze meat. I have no control over these things. Prayer before meals and thanking God for food eaten is very important!
~After being away from Lawra for almost 2 weeks, I have been told that my skin is very white and that I have "grown fat." I guess I better put walking into my schedule when I return to Accra.
~While washing clothes by hand, I have noticed how quickly the rinse water becomes dirty. Do you ever wonder about the rinse water in your washing machine? Look at it...do you want to wear clothes that have been in that?
~Ghanaian dresses don't have pockets. So, when traveling or even just walking around, the best place to put a cell phone or money is in your bra.

On the Road

This past month I have done a lot of traveling. I have come to the realization that I am way too American when it comes to travel. I want to know the answers to all the questions: When? How? with Whom? Where? How much? How long? Will there be a bathroom stop? All those important kinds of things. Well, here is what I have learned:

• If your bus of choice is full, take a tro tro.
• When wanting a specific Metro bus, be at the station by 4 AM, no matter what time the bus is scheduled to leave.
• It is acceptable to show up at a friend's house at 3:30 AM to spend "the rest of the night."
• Shopping at road side stands can be done along the way
• My idea of a bathroom stop is quite different than reality, but, when in Ghana, do as the Ghanaians do!
• There are no pockets in typical Ghanaian women's clothing. Your cell phone can tucked into your bra.
• On a Metro bus, there is no such thing as a center isle. It fills up quickly with everything!
• When traveling through the night on an OA bus, try not to get a seat directly below the speaker.
• Most people are quite friendly and very helpful.

Dirty Feet

In case you were wondering, yes, these are my feet. Pretty disgusting, aren't they? I had walked to market and back home before I took this picture. All the dirt and dust of the market, animals walking around, rubbish everywhere and, of course, animal droppings. I couldn't wait to wash my feet. As I washed them, I couldn't help but think of Jesus' taking the role of a servant, washing the feet of the disciples. I can't imagine someone else washing my feet when they are this dirty. When we have a foot washing service, peoples' feet are pretty clean. But, here, in everyday life, clean feet isn't always reality. What a humbling experience it must have been to have the Lord of Lords wash your feet. Imagine the humility of Jesus as He did this act of love.

Lord, give me Your humble spirit.

Gifty

This is Gifty. Isn't she cute? I have her picture on my computer desktop. She is one of the children who live at the Lawra Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children Centre. She is here because her grandmother is one of the HIV patients. Her grandmother has no one to take care of her, so, Matilda, Gifty's mother takes care of the grandmother. And, of course, Gifty goes where mom goes. The father isn't part of their lives right now. When Gifty arrived at the Centre, she was moderately malnourished. As you can see, she is doing much better now. Her sister also lives at the center.

The reason why I have Gifty's picture on my desktop is to remind me to pray for her. Do you see the beads and amulets around Gifty? Those are signs that someone in her family practices the Traditional Religion that is in the area. They are to protect her from the evil spirits. Someone in Gifty's family has claimed her for evil. I have claimed her for Jesus Christ! As I hold her, I tell her, "Jesus loves you." I pray against the enemy. I pray that one day Gifty will claim Christ for her own. I pray that one day Gifty's family will know Christ as their Savior. Won't you join me in praying for Gifty and her family?

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.

Words of Wisdom

This morning after church and after the church meeting, I had the opportunity to talk with two different people. It has been a difficult time for both of these people, both facing hard to deal with issues. The thought that kept coming to mind was one that a dear friend, Ava Steiner, always gave when I was in similiar situations. When you pray for a situation pray: 1. That Truth will arise 2. Pray blessing on the person/situation 3. Pay that God's will will be done. This is the way I have been praying for years. I thank God for these words of wisdom!

God Knows and God Cares

Last week, I was really feeling the lack of women friends. I prayed that God would fill this void in my life. I know I've only been in Lawra a short time, but, women need women friends! Oh, I know some women here - Gifty, Edith, Marjorie...but most of the people who spend time with are guys...Dery my language teacher and Razak, who works at the clinic.

God heard my prayer. This past weekend the annual Methodist Women's Fellowship Conference for the Wa Circuit was held in Lawra. Although I only spent a relatively short time there because of other committments, God filled a void. Sophia, a pastor's wife from Boro and I were "kindred spirits." Then, there was Matillia, who was walking behind the rest because of her bad knees. I walked and talked with her as I pushed my bicycle. She lives in Lawra near the market. I will visit her this week. And, there were others, all very welcoming. I cried out to God and He answered me. Barka Naangmen!

A Touch of Home

Last week I received two packages from "home." I received a delivery slip in my post office box. I took it inside to the postal worker who filled out some forms for me to sign. Then, I paid 3 Ghana cedis to pick up my package. Next, I got on my bicycle and took the packages to the district office where customs is located. There I had to open the packages. More writing was done on the forms. I left one form there and took the other one back to the post office and left it with the postal worker. Then, I rode home on my bicycle, one package in my basket, one package in my small backpack.

One box was from a friend in Erie who sent some Tupperware that I could not pack, an extra hose for my CPAP machine, zip lock bags, my shower curtain and kitchen towels. The other was an envelope from a friend who lives in Wexford...Twizzlers, Crystal Lite and chicken soup. Both packages were welcomed with open arms and greatly appreciated!

When I use the towels, the Tupperware and even the edible stuff, I get a smile on my face and remember with loving gratefulness those back in the USA. We may be miles apart physically, but as Michael W. Smith wrote...we are "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them..." Thank you, friends, for thinking of me and praying for me and watching over me, even from thousands of miles away!

A Different Way of Banking

Banking, like everything else here in Lawra, is a lot different than at home. When most people enter the bank, they give the man who is at the computer closest to the door their account number and name on a small piece of paper so they can check their balance. After their name is called and their balance is written down, then, if they have to make a withdrawal, they enter the queue. If the person already knows there is money in their account, then this step is skipped.

Last week, when I was waiting my turn at the bank, I watched as an older gentleman "played" with an ink pad. I thought, "Doesn't he realize that he is getting ink all over his fingers?" Then, I saw it. The bank teller had done his part in the transaction and it was the man's turn to sign a check. Except the man could not write. So, he carefully "signed" his check with his fingerprints. I was in awe...How many times do I take writing for granted? How many times do I take the privilege of banking for granted? These are gifts given to me, gifts given to me by the grace of God.

Father, I pray that you continue to open my eyes and let me see how self absorbed I have been. May I never take the "simple privileges" of life for granted.

Ebeneezer

This is Ebeneezer. He lives at the Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children Center in Lawra. He is here with his mother, Yaa, and his sister, Noella. Ebeneezer is at the center because he is, what the Dagaaba people call, a "snake." Ebeneezer was born without any muscle control. As an infant, he could not hold up his head, kick his legs, fling his arms or grasp a finger. The Dagaaba people believe that children like Ebeneezer should live in the woods where the snakes live and would allow these children to die. This happens today, in 2011. So, Ebeneezer's life is a miracle. He is almost four years old. As you can see, he can lift his head. He can pull himself around on his stomach. And, if you stand him up , holding his hands, he struggles to take a few steps. With care, with "therapy," with prayer, Ebeneezer will walk one day. May God give him the help and the strength he needs.

The Warrior is a Child

Today is the first day that I have felt as if a good cry will make it all better. Oh, nothing drastic is wrong, just different. My phone card I bought in Accra wasn't registered even though they took all the information. So, I haven't been able to use it. The phone I bought in Wa won't charge, so I need to go back to Wa and see about replacing it. The man that put the curtain rails (rods) up, took a chunk of cement out of the wall. The cover for the trap door in the storage room ceiling is nowhere to be found. There is dust & spiders & spider webs everywhere. I'm not sleeping well because of the heat...and so goes my story of "woe." But, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I feel like the person who Twila Paris describes in her song, "The Warrior is a Child." Read on...

Lately I've been winning battles left and right.
But even winners can get wounded in the fight.
People say that I'm amazing,
Strong beyond my years.
But they don't see inside of me,
I'm hiding all the tears

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down.
They don't know Who picks me up when no one is around.
I drop my sword and cry for just a while.
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child.

Unafraid because His armor is the best.
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest.
People say that I'm amazing,
Never face retreat.
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet.

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down.
They don't know Who picks me up when no one is around.
I drop my sword and cry for just a while,
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child.

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down.
They don't know Who picks me up when no one is around.
I drop my sword and look up for a smile,
'Cause deep inside this armor,
Deep inside this armor,
Deep inside this armor,
The Warrior is a Child.

Observations on a Sunday Morning

When attending church in Lawra, a variety of things can be seen...the people of God worshipping with their whole being, prayers said from the depths of hearts, mothers nursing babies, children roaming around, music played with passion, dancing done in praise...Here are a few images from this morning's service. I hope you enjoy them.

Looking through God's Word

Is the Sermon Over Yet?

A Frequent Attender - Praying for Life!

The Church Parking Lot

Lord, Refresh This Place

Last Sunday, my prayer was, "Lord, come and revive this dry and thirsty land." The temperature had reached 100 degrees by 9:00 AM. The ground was so dry, hard and dusty. Dry weeds and plants were everywhere. The animals that roam around, looking for food were having a hard time finding any. The thermometer reached 106 in the afternoon. Then, it came! A storm! The temperature dropped 31 degrees. The winds were high. The rain pelted the earth, buildings, people. Hail came. The sound on the metal roof was deafening. Afterwards, the earth looked refreshed, people felt refreshed, renewed. Even since then, some small grasses and weeds have sprouted up for the goats and sheep to munch on. Everything looks a bit greener.

And, I prayed, "Lord, refresh not only this land, but this people. Send Your Spirit to refresh and renew them. Open their eyes. Open their hearts, Open their minds. Let them embrace You and your grace and mercy. Let them be a light for You." Pray for the Spirit of God to fall afresh on this place.