Do Not Freak Out

I like Ghana. I can't imagine staying here for this long and not liking it. In August, I celebrated 13 years here! 11 in Accra and 2 in Tamale. I do not know if in the beginning I thought I would still be here after 13 years. I knew I was called to missions for my whole life but where was the question I did not have an answer to. I do not know how long I will stay in Ghana. But, I have told people that if I am killing myself (over dramatic again:)) in learning this language I better stay here forever to keep using it!Speaking of language...don't shield your eyes over what I am about to tell you. It is good news! I made some small-small goals for the week. One was that I would spend 6 hours for four days this week studying, going out and listening to Dagbani. The second goal was that I wanted to share the Bible stories 3 times as I was out. The first goal I did not quite get. One of my days was running around and helping some other missionaries. But I got 3.5 good days in. I said my stories about 5 times this week. When I thought my 3 was enough I just sensed that nudge from the Spirit to try again. And I obeyed!!!! How many times does it take for me to know obedience always brings joy?! I still need God to push me out the door. And yet, every time, something good happened. Not always easy things but good things like building relationships with my neighbors, giving high fives to kids, and just being able to "hear" what they have said to me. Progress people, small-small progress. But progress, nonetheless!I did have one experience that I will chalk up to being negative. (And, Mom, do not freak out.) As I was walking this guy yelled "white, white!" I tried to ignore him but he came towards me. Then he started greeting and I usually just roll my eyes because he thinks he will get my phone number or money or something. He kept talking and I just cut him off, politely, and started walking. He followed me and kept talking. He kept saying, "O, please try" meaning give me money. I refused. I went to my friend's place and she wasn't there. I went to another friend's place and she wasn't there. There was a girl who knows me but I could see she did not know what to do with this guy following me. I went and sat with an older woman and she was confused. The guy sat with us! This was very unGhanaian! I then got harsh and yelled that he needs to go over and over. I mean, it was almost an hour of following me! He was all kind and friendly as if I wanted him to be my friend! I called Pastor Andrew and through the phone he told the guy to leave and again the guy was so polite and calm. UGH!!! Andrew told me to come to a conference center where he was having a meeting. So, I walked to the main road and the guy kept following and talking! Let me say, I never felt threatened. He never tried to touch me. I was not really scared until I kept walking to the road and realized this guy is probably crazy. I had a bad experience when I first came to Ghana with a crazy man. You just never know what they will do. Sooo, worry-ness kicked in. But, we were outside and I knew if it got bad I could take him (that is the farm girl in me haha) or I could run into someone's shop. Usually people are sitting outside but, because of the cooler weather and previous rain, people were not out and about like normal. Well, I get a yellow yellow and got in and the guy gets in next to me!! I kept saying to him how disrespectful he is and how he is insulting me and "GO!!" When we got to the center Pastor Andrew was waiting at the gate. Now, if you recall things I have told you about Pastor, you will know he is theeeeee most fun loving, laughing man you will ever meet. But on that day I saw a side I had never seen. He looked into the yellow yellow as I got out and started yelling at the guy in Dagbani. He told me to go inside so I waited past the gate. There was a tough security woman standing at the gate too. But, this guy tried coming in to the center!! Pastor had to push him and grab his shirt so that he would not enter. I know he wanted to hit him (but didn't). The security woman told me to go inside. By now, people inside and outside were gathering. It took a long 5-10 minutes for this guy to realize it would be a good idea to leave. As I sat down in the reception area I was thinking that it did affect me more than I thought. I was able to gather my thoughts, thank God and sit. When Pastor finished his meeting he took me part way home. Near the area where the guy met me I saw 2 men sitting. I went and asked them if they know that guy. One said he did. I asked if the guy was crazy. He said sometimes he is and sometimes he is not. They think he probably takes drugs. As I shared the story with my neighbor, she also said it is drugs- Tramadol, which is becoming popular.But I am fine! And I never felt like I could not handle this. I never felt trapped or like this guy was going to hurt me. And I do not worry about meeting him again. So, do not freak out. These things can happen in any country.  I am fine. Let's praise God!I should probably start thinking of some goals for next week. Do you make goals?Love you. Thanks for praying!