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.
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