I stayed in Accra for a few days before flying up to Tamale. I went to Prayer night at church and caught up with some of my peeps. A couple friends invited me for a meeting at their house. So, the next day, I hopped a trotro and went. I really had no idea what I was coming to. I didn't know if it would be a prayer time, a free for all time, or if there would be 2 people or 20 people. I did not know if I was dressed well enough...Accra people are soooo well dressed. They taught me some things :)
It ended up being a small group from the church that meet once a month at different people's homes. They take turns leading and cooking food. All the kids come. I was so happy to see this happening. The women were out back pounding fufu and finishing up the jollof rice while the men were watching football (soccer) and talking. The kids were playing and I love watching them play Ampe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampe_(game) which I have tried so many times over the years but just can't get that right jump-step thing they have going on.
After we finished playing and eating we sat around and someone shared a Word. As they were speaking, I looked at that group of people and for almost every one I could name an experience I had with them. Isn't that cool? I felt so full. Full of friendship, full of satisfaction, full of love, full of being loved so far away from my family. I am really blessed. The speaker asked that each one of us share a short encouragement for the group. When it came to my turn I said, "I know I am supposed to encourage you. But I actually need you to encourage me. I would like you to adopt me as your own missionary. You would have to pray for me and hold me up. I had a difficult year last year and I just need people to come along side me. Would you be willing to be there for me?" And of course, they all agreed. They have added me to their Whatsapp platform where they share updates, prayer requests, funny jokes or whatever. They even agreed to try and memorize John 15 with me! This is the Body of Christ, people! This is all members working together. So. Very. Cool.
Of course, that made me wonder thoughts about staying in Accra and how I could be part of this and what could I do to help this etc, etc...but in reality, they are doing just fine. I am needed in other places.
Also, before I left I went to a farewell of a long ago colleague of mine, Professor Allison Howell. She is one of the most incredible people I have ever met. There should be whole blog posts written about her. In a nutshell, she worked in the Upper East region as a missionary-anthropologist. She wrote a book on the Kasena people. She was able to help missionaries understand culture better. She wrote language books on how to learn a language. I use her book! She left SIM Ghana in 2006 and taught at a Seminary in Accra. I could go on. After 37 years here, she will go back to Australia. A church did a farewell ceremony for her.
And the next day, I bussed up to Tamale. Good things have been happening. Will talk about it next week. Keep praying! I feel like my old self again--joyful, free, and going with the flow. YAY!! Home was a great time for refreshment. I see the results! Love you.