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