A very up and down week. After my amazing weekend with friends I really thought I was refreshed and ready to go. But it seems Monday came and I was all lead in my feet. I went out, but I was not happy about it. I forced myself after every lame conversation to just try for the next one. I came home with tears, thankfully hidden by a very dark pair of sunglasses.
The next days were much better, I mean, it could not get worse than Monday. On Wednesday this one new woman I met just last week, had a group of men next to her. She sells rice so they were buying. I met one of them previously and he speaks English to me. They all were greeting me and asking me questions. To be funny, I said that my husbands are fine. They were like what? I said that I have 4 husbands just like men have many wives here. The one English speaking one was like no way, women can't do that, blah, blah, blah. I said to him that he doesn't think I am his equal? He said No. Men are higher than women. I said so my brain and your brain are different? My heart and your heart are different? My blood and your blood are different? And I was so angry I got up and said something like well I cannot sit here and talk with you since were are not equal and I laughed (to make it seem like I was fine) and walked away. Sad, because I enjoyed sitting with this woman and will no longer. Also, unbelievably angry at the men here. I may have stomped off as I looked back on it. As I walked off I sensed the Spirit say I was to love them. He brought to mind the Good Samaritan. I was so on fire with anger! I did not want to hear this! But I have done nothing to earn this love that has been given me. So, as I walked I prayed. And I prayed I would love them. And I praised God in the midst of it all.
Not easy. But so much better than stewing in my wrath.
I met some new ladies this week. One told me to come to her house and read the Bible for her. Really??! I hope I understood her because Imma-coming!
I came back to Tamale on Thursday. I went to the market on Friday to buy food because it was my turn to host our team meeting. I made chili over rice and a cucumber salad with pineapple crisp. I never know how to estimate for a crowd and I think if Damary would have been there she would have told me to cook more rice. I barely had enough. Live and learn. (And, I still miss Damary.) We had a time of prayer with the team and heard answers to prayers. All so encouraging. Love 'em.
Love you too! Thanks for praying!