Day 14: Relaxation and Schwarmas

I started the day off with some fresh fruit and sunbathing! We really haven't had a lot of time to spend in the sun because it comes up at 6:00 am and goes down at 6:00 pm. Today was African Union day, so schools were not in session, which meant a free day for us! I spent about 45 minutes on the roof of the Baptist Guest House where we are staying. It was quiet and close to the sun. We could see the planes flying low overhead and I just enjoyed some music time. The leaders had to take a bit of time to prepare for our 3 services tomorrow at Anyaa, Medina and the Lutheran Seminary. As a group, we ate Schwarmas at a place in downtown Accra. They were amazing!  I also tried my first falafel! Loved it! I hope to make both of these Lebanese treats back in the states!  Since we didn't eat out for dinner last night, we had the money to go grab some goodies from the grocery store. I haven't been feeling well because of the lack of veggies, so I stopped at a stand and bought carrots and cucumbers there. I also got Digestives (which are like graham crackers), peanut candy and a chocolate ice bar. It tasted awesome in this grossly humid weather!  We spent much of the afternoon practicing skits and songs for tomorrow while Heather went to see how much money and time it would take to get her hair plated. It is $100 cedis for 2 hours of plating. CRAZY. I took a short cat nap before dinner. Adaline is our house cook and she is AMAZING.  I spent some time talking to her today. She enjoys her job and she used to cook 3 meals a day for the house, but that was overwhelming for her, so now she just cooks breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is $10Gh which is the equivalent of $3.34USD per person. Dinner here is $12Gh which equals $4USD. I am continually surprised by how inexpensive everything is here, especially food. They say that you can get a box of beans and rice from a street vendor for $.50Gh which is basically $0.17USD!!  Her favorite dish to make is okra soup and rice. I tried this both at Southern Fried Chicken and yesterday at the Cape Coast restaurant. I can definitely see why she loves it!!  Our day concluded with playing with Tyra, Adaline's daughter. She is 5 and is the size of an 8 year old. She has the cutest laugh and toothless smile! She showed up in a Supergirl outfit and we played and laughed. She tried to walk up Thomas to flip, that didn't end too well for Thomas.... Oops!!  The day was wonderful and exhausting.  

Day 13/14: Cape Coast Adventure

This weekend was a blast! We took the time to go into the Kakum National Park and go on the rainforest canopy walk there! 

It was crazy walking along the ropes that held boards that held you as you walked about 400 feet in the air. I got a little moton sick and it was SO humid, but completely worth it!  On Saturday night, we spent a long time in the ocean jumping waves and catching some sun. This was definitely a highlight because I love being in the sea much!  But, because Africa has garbage EVERYWHERE, LITERALLY, the water was filled with trash and locating items. That was pretty gross, but it was still amazing. For lunch, we went to Hans Cottage where I got fresh lobster with rice for $8USD. It was incredible!  Our night concluded with "milkshakes" which was really just strawberry milk. Milk here is powdered, so it was nice to have a different kind of milk. The students and I stayed up playing BS and Thumbs which is actually just Spoons minus spoons. It was amazing that our chalets all had air conditioning.... If only our had worked! 😁. Our next morning started with quite a few sick friends. Sarah had to miss out on village church because of hers. The church was in Odeswa and was four stone walls with a tin roof. As we walked in, we heard drums and voices and saw singing and dancing. It was an exciting environment!  We donated our offering to the church to be able to afford electricity. The people were very thankful because an average offering was about 5 cedis which is the equivalent of $1.67 USD. It was very heartwarming to be able to help a group of very poor followers achieve something that they might not have on their own! We also introduced ourselves using our Twi name. I am Afua. As I said that, an older woman was very excited because she is also Afua!  She was so happy and thankful to be there!  As the service concluded, we posed for pictures with the congregation and hugged and shook their hands many times. We loaded up to go when we found that our car was not working.... That was a bummer but it gave us time to talk with the people there and get to know them a bit better. One girl was 17 and was going to school. Her English was pretty good and she was able to translate a bit for is. She went to school in the town with her 3 sisters and brother. She wants to be a math teacher when she grows up. We were able to pick up Sarah and Jennifer to continue onto the Slave Castle in Cape Coast. We grabbed lunch right next door and the Beach Harbor Restaurant. It was well priced and had good food.... Although I'm not convinced it was worth the 2.5 hour wait time. 😁. Malinda and I shared Red Red with chicken which is fried plantains, black eyed peas and spicy red palm oil sauce. YUM!  We also ordered calamari and spring rolls, but they didn't arrive in time. We entered into the huge castle to learn more of the history of the African slave trade. It was incredible intense and very sad. We were told of the stories of how the Anglican Church was holding services right above the holding cell of the men slaves. At one time, there could be up to 1,000 men and 500 women and children in the castle. Between the years 1600 and 1820, between 1.5-2 million people were traded. It was very eye opening and absurd to imagine that actually happening. We also had to stand in the small death cell where those who were acting out of line would be placed without food, water, light and very little air to die. The longest amount of time survived was 4 days. The people were left there until all inside had died, so if there was only one left, they had to stay with the dead bodies. We also saw the governer's quarters, the door of no return and the main quarters. It was incredible. We were really blessed to be able to see so many places over the weekend and spend some time relaxing. Kayla was sick again on the way home, so we were super excited to get home so that we could rest in peace. Later, I also got sick, but recovered by Monday morning. So, life is good!

Day 12: The Ragman

We shared the skit of the Ragman today with both groups. I felt like it really hit home to the students just how much Jesus takes on when he he takes our sin away. What an incredible message to be getting across!  We tried rice balls and ground nut soup- another name for peanuts. It was spicy and delicious. I love being able to taste the real Ghanaian foods here. We spent time with the kindergarten class- singing, dancing and coloring. It was so fun. I loved being around this age!

We also spent time with the 4th graders today. Our lesson was not the strongest, but we were able to discuss ways that water works throughout bible stories. I also had the chance to start talking more with a boy who is in the Primary 4 class but is older and has some difficulties. His name is Ema, short for Emmanuel. I love seeing him smile. The day concluded with us walking around the neighborhood to a man who makes his own kinte cloth. Delali is very talented. He makes 3 of these a day. It was very interesting to learn from him!

We are preparing for our trip to Cape Coast tomorrow for a canopy walk, slave trade jails and the BEACH. Praise The Lord!

Day 11: Jesus' Love is a'bubblin' Over!

Today was filled with frustration, love and laughter. We did get a bit more time to board the can because Ivan has found a quicker route to school! Fantastic news!!  Once we arrived at Tema we realized the power was out for the 3rd time this week and we had forgotten the projector that lists the songs. We had a bunch of new songs we were planning to teach and sing with them, so it was interesting... Our junior high message was intended to be a very powerful one with a girl being invited to do a few things with a friend but declining because she was spending time with Jesus. When her crush called to ask her out, she immediately agreed and left Jesus. As he asks her to come back and spend time with her, she ends up nailing him up on the cross "where he belongs". Moving stuff! The children missed out on the main point though because of endless talking. I am having a really hard time adjusting to some things here- the biggest being all of the hitting, fighting and physicality that happens here. Teachers hit students upside the head or squeeze them by their cheeks or ears and then children do it to each other. It's an awful cycle. Following that, we tried a gross porridge type breakfast that tasted like Cheerios. Bad, really bad. We were able to teach two grades- nursery and 3rd grade. The nursery grades were SO cute and loved sing Jesus' love is a bubblin over. We even videotaped a bit of it!

The third graders discussed being a fisher of men with us and decorated fish. They were really good!  Everyday we are so exhausted on our way home that we fall asleep on the ride home. 

Day 7: Church and Chicken

Today we were able to visit both of the churches that are connected to the two Lutheran schools that we are working with.  We began by going to the church in Tema.  It began at 9:00 and we showed up a bit early, which was awesome because then we were able to listen to two ladies signing hymns.  When I think of hymns, I think of very traditional music out of the organ.  NOT THIS.  This has rhythm and beat- heart and soul- praise and thanksgiving- more than I have ever heard.  It was incredible.  As church began, the congregation was of 10 people in addition to our group.  Over the next 45 minutes, it quadrupled in size.  We had to leave early to make it back to Accra to attend St. John's service, so we went up to sing then.  We sang You Are My All in All and In Christ Alone.  Many joined in for these songs and the emotion, praise, thanks and glory being shown was completely moving and brought me to tears.  I wish I could have taped it.  I still get goosebumps thinking about it!  We arrived at St. John's and were planning on coming to the end of the 8:00 service at 10:10.  I forgot that this is Africa time and the service was actually JUST starting at this point.  It was crazy.  We were able to attend the entire service- participate in both offerings (one for general use and one for a specific project) and see the wonderful choir lead us in songs that just wouldn't end because of celebrating until the pastor had to cut us off.  It was great, expect that it lasted over 2 1/2 hours in no air conditioning.  Praise the Lord for fans!  The first offering was common, passing around a basket.  But the second one was a dance offering where everyone danced their way to drop it off in the baskets at the front.  That was also entertaining!
Church was followed by Bishop Finn inviting us all to his restaurant, "Southern Fried Chicken", where we were served with the other visitors from all of the country of Ghana and further away!  It was amazing to hear stories and get to know them!  I sat with a woman from Wisconsin who has lived in Ghana off and on for the last 40 years.  Her name was Lois and she was doing mission work in another school nearby.  Another one of our group members got sick at the restaurant so we hurried home for her to rest.  We took this chance to hike 4KM to Global Mamas to shop a bit at the free trade store.  I purchased a recipe book filled with standard Ghanaian food- I'm sure Grant will love all the testing I'm going to do on him!  The day was exhausting, so we finished with dinner and devotions and went off to sleep!

Day 6: Sickness Strikes!

Vomit was was the sound I woke up to today. Kayla was ill for a majority of the day and I watched over her. Luckily, she felt much better by about 6:00 pm. 

In the middle of the day, another leader took over for a few hours so that we could visit the local markets. Having no idea what to expect, it was a bit overwhelming all of the shops and people! We visited so many shops!  In many, we were told that they made the items themselves and then saw the exact same ones hundreds of times over in other shops. I bought a few things, but was most excited about a painting that I bought from a local artist! He was incredibly kind and talented!!  There was a lot of wooden figures, games, jewelry and clothing. It was a great place to be and I had fun shopping around

 We came back to pick up Kayla. We went to the Accra Mall and ate at Chicken Inn. This is basically KFC but smaller portions and tasted awesome!  I've noticed a lot of portion differences between here and the states. Smaller plates, entrees, soda bottles, etc. Its been very interesting. Then we had ice cream at the Creamy Inn (these are the names of the restaurant). Apparently if there is a picture of something on the board behind the cashier you might as well assume they don’t have it, that’s what Jennifer told us. It came true all they had left was plain ice cream, large cones, dishes, and a few toppings (as in there was less than a spoonful left). It was really refreshing and creamy, loved it! We went into two different grocery stores: Games and Shoprite. It was cool seeing the different things they sell (unique fruits, pop cans are sold individually instead of in a pack).  I also had to visit the Borkenstock store because my ankle injury kept ripping open from fabrics and straps from the shoes I had brought- so I needed some backless options. The exchange rate is awesome right now, so I was able to get them for a lot cheaper than in the US!  The night finished with devotions focused around what we are called to do.... The few days I've spent in the classroom has really brought around a ginormous range of emotions- the main one being that I belong in a classroom. Through the week, I've gotten a high and many compliments on how natural and good I am. I needed this reminder. 

Thomas and I taught a few friends Pitch, but everyone was exhausted, so we hit the hay early. I've been staying up until after midnight almost every night and I think it finally caught up with me! 😁

I pray for health and healing for Kayla. I pray that all our other students also continue to keep healthy.  I pray a praise of thanksgiving for having this opportunity to come here and grow. Also, I pray for guidance as I think a lot of different options for my future.  I am thankful for this group of students- they have taught me a lot and made me laugh! Amen. 

Day 5: First Day of School

Starting at 5:15 this morning, we were busy. We had to board the van to leave at 6:00 for our hour ride to both schools. I led the day with a short devotions focusing on blessings- ones as simple as our life. We arrived and immediately had to prepare for our chapel services. First, we had junior high chapel. We were all a bit intimidated for this service because we are more comfortable with elementary school agers. It was great to have the 4/5  grade classes there because they were energetic and really enjoyed the songs. The older students enjoyed the service, but I think they felt a bit too old. I hope that we are able to gear it a bit more towards their interests. The message was focused off the story of Jesus calling the disciples. It was great to be able to spend time singing and laughing with them. The primary grade chapel followed with MUCH excitement and energy!  This age was easy to please and excite. They loved the songs, especially any that had actions!  As we flowed around the chapel following Jesus (Jordan), soon ALL of the students in the chapel were following Jesus. As chaotic as it was, it was also really moving to see all these kiddos so excited to follow Jesus. One of the teachers was funny as she tried to quiet the class and clanked two big sticks together. It worked! I need a set of those!

The final chapel was for the nursery program. Oh my goodness, so cute! They loved singing and dancing and just being loved on. As sweaty and gross as I was by 10:00 am, it didn't matter, I needed hugs and hands to hold, and there were MANY. 

Following chapel, we had a breakfast snack of omelet and butter sandwich. The matron of the kitchen prepared the good and her assistant delivered it, so we were able to talk to the assistant a bit. She likes her job, but says it gets SO hot in the kitchens and couldn't wait for the weekend. We couldn't agree with her more. 😁   It was an amazing meal of spicy rice, beef and cabbage, red stew and fried plantains. The stew was made of tomatoes, onions, salt, pepper and palm oil. 

The afternoon was filled with more joy than we could have imagined. We visited two junior high 2 classrooms making a fish craft. Both classes were wonderfully respectful and engaged. We discussed being fisher of men and how Christ works in our lives. We made a Christian fish out of two pipe cleaners. They represented us and Christ united in one life. In addition to that, we added three beads standing for being a disciple in Christ, a song for being a disciple and for a friend that we want to pray for to bring to Christ. We then had discussions with groups of prayer partners. I heard stories of children who came from families that didn't believe in God and still continued to attend church on their own. I also talked to a student who evangelizes with his friends door to door to pray with others and read them a bible verse. I was really impressed with the respect we were shown and the immediate fun we had together. Both groups also sang songs of their culture to us. It was fantastic!!

Our day with students was finished after out final lesson and we enjoyed air conditioning and plantain chips on our ride home. They tasted a lot like tortilla chips and came in a bag for 1 cedi. 

The night finished with a visit from Karen, the Rasch's friend from Ghana, here to discuss customs and traditions in Ghana. It was awesome to hear about her upcoming wedding, job and faith. Scattergories was the final entertainment before hitting the hay!  

1. Ivan discussed the opportunities for teachers from the US to come teach here. They are welcome to come teach, but you have to realize that you can't teach what we would teach there, but what would prepare them for their future here. After 9th grade, the students take an exam that essentially determines their life. It's extremely pressured and requires and entire year of preparing and studying. 

2. Education in Ghana is free and includes meals. Trinity and St. Paul's are private, so there is tuition required from private schools. 

3.  When discussing the Christian symbol for fish with the students- one student said that a fish is also like a lost soul because Christ is a fisher of men- meaning that he is fishing the fish-the lost souls. A really strong understanding and great point of view!

My prayer is for patience and to see the strengths that people possess and how they help. I also pray for continually being open to change and new knowledge. Praise The Lord for this experience. I have been blessed. Amen. 

Day 4

Exhausted. It was a long and crazy night after we finally arrived in Ghana. It took a total of 29 hours and then it took us 3 hours to finally get out of the Ghana airport. Once outside, we were immediately told not to allow strangers to help us, as they might take that an opportunity to make money. It was very busy and had small stores and restaurants. We took the short car ride back to the missionary house where we are staying. It is basically a large hotel type building where people come to as they are passing through. It's been a lot of learning for a new culture; no using your left to greet or shake hands with others, no crossing your legs, no slow thumbs up or no turn signals. 😁  After getting back to the house, we connected with out families and tried to go to bed. Of course, my internal clock was set to 5 hours before so I couldn't sleep!  For those that know me well, this is a big deal!  Five quick hours of sleep later, I was in a car going to St Pauls Lutheran School in Accra to set up the sound system and familiarize myself with the school. Soon we were joined by more of our teammates as we headed to view Trinity Lutheran School In Tema. We were introduced to every classroom there and met the teachers. All the teachers there were "the best teacher at the institution and managed the best classroom there". We saw so many students with 650 in Accra and over 600 in Tema. The day lasted until 4:45 pm with an hour and a half drive between the two schools. So that will be fun every day! Once we returned to our house, we had lots to do! We had yet to prepare for our 3 chapel services and 4 classroom visits for tomorrow. We spent time spreading out our supplies and coming up with ideas for a craft project to do with the junior high students. 

For dinner, we had hamburgers and pineapple and ICE CREAM. My day just improved immensely. 😁👍  

Music and dancing followed the meal. I learned a lot of new songs and motions!  My prayer partner is Jennifer Rasch, one of our leaders. She is a very strong, quiet, encouraging and compassionate role model for me. So far, I have already grown in a few ways and can't wait to continue! 

Our room was surprising when Kayla found 2 geckos scurrying about, so then Malinda went on a hunt....

 I pray that our first official day of chapel and activities goes well tomorrow and that the groups are able to work well together. Amen. 

We made it! #groupselfie

Day 2-3

We finally got out of the U.S. today! SUCCESS!  Thomas, Jordan and I spent a lot go time together bonding these past 24 hours. We were fortunate enough to have Jordan's brother take us back to the Omaha airport for our first leg if the trip to D.C.  All went well and we had the pleasure of changing airports on e we arrived. This way, I did have the opportunity to see the memorial and the White House on our shuttle ride to the Dulles airport. Luckily, we were able to find something to eat there and prepare for our 7 hour flight to London. Thank goodness, the attendant seemed to like us and upgraded us to World Class. More room and extra goodies; WOOHOO!  The sleeping didn't come as easily as we had all hoped, but we were able to get a few hours in. Once to London, we were reunited with Kayla and Malinda. The last of our group!  At this point, we are all tired, slightly smelly and ready to start our final leg of this journey!

Day 1: Extended

WeweWell, our day did not go as planned.... As I arrived at the airports with my 4 bags to check (3 filled with items for the missionaries), I had to figure out a way to occupy myself for 2 hours before Jordan and Thomas arrived so that I could check two of the bags with them. I made the rookie airport mistake of taking the escalator while pulling these bags. About halfway up, they started slipping and fell down to the bottom of the escalator, just bumping along at the bottom as I try to chase after them running down the escalator that goes up. Luckily, a nice man caught my bags and lifted ten to me. All the while, my foot was caught between the bag and the side of the running stairs and I ended up with a hefty cut on my ankle. It was a great first 20 minutes on my own and a bit of an omen for the rest of the day. 

The boys arrived and all checking and getting through security went very well!

We were excited to be on our way! As we arrived at our gate, we start hearing if delays and cancellations from other members of our group and of folks flying out of Omaha to Dallas. Slowly, we start to develop more and more delays. Finally, we are allowed to board only to unload because of weather in Chicago. We are told another 2 hour delay, then another 2 hours and another hour. The flight was finally cancelled and all had to rebook flights. Tomorrow, we will be flying from Omaha to DC to London to Accra. Only 24 hours behind and a memorable 8.5 hours in the Omaha airport. Luckily, Brooke was willing to pick us up and let us crash at her house. Being weary travelers, we all fell asleep quickly, praying for better luck tomorrow! Omaha Airport- 594. Jordan/Alicia/Thomas-0. 

Day 1: Travel Day

Today, we prepare to embark on our 3 week trip to Tema, Ghana to work with 2 elementary schools in the area. Throughout Hesse past few weeks, our group has done many things to prepare. We have worked at the Concordia athletics concessions, held a fabulous rummage sale and have been holding weekly devotions/discussions on what to expect, what we worry about and what is most exciting to us. We heard a lot of meeting a new culture, meeting new people, honing our personal skill set and traveling to this area to see if this is something we want to do with our lives. I'm excited to grow. I think that travel broadens the mind and strengthens the heart. I can't wait to celebrate our resurrected Christ with another culture and to grow in my gifts. One lovely "gift" I've been given is the gift of impatience. I hope to learn to control this a bit and also become knowledgeable in my understanding of the scriptures and more comfortable in discussing this understanding. My prayer for today is everyone arrives safely to our destination and gets enough sleep throughout these next 24 hours of travel to be prepared for this exciting experience. I also pray they have coffee there. :). Amen.