Ridiculous

I had a full week. It was tiring but good. I sent out a prayer letter and could tell people responded with praying for me. I really can't explain it but I just know it was not in my own strength that I was able to keep learning and still smile. I sensed it as I walked and just kept going, I knew the Lord's power kept me concentrating while people were speaking, I found two new sets of women to sit with who don't speak any English, and I prepared a message to speak at the church on Sunday.

I am reading thru the Bible this year and am always, always amazed at the ridiculousness of the Israelites and how at every turn they complained or sinned. I always like to speak on lessons that I am learning in my own life and I find it uncanny (and unfortunate) that I too am like an Israelite! I spoke on Caleb and Joshua and how they were so ready to go and take the land that God had promised and the people were talking about going back to Egypt! Ahhh! God reminded me of how I too, have longed to go back to Accra. I have forgotten God's goodness and power. He has never let me down, why should I complain and turn back? Ooo the ridiculousness of it all! While I was sharing at church, I had to tell myself not to cry because the message spoke so loudly to me. Afterwards, people also said they were encouraged by the message.

So, as I think about my next week coming, I don't dread it. But neither am I excited for it. It is more like, "really? I have to do it again?" Haha. But if I was to be like Caleb, I would be like, "let's do this! God can over take this!" And He will. He does.

Wherever you are He is present. Even if you cannot find anything to be thankful for or praise Him for He still gives us His promises. Promises like: He will never leave us or forsake us. When we ask He will give us wisdom. When we believe in the name of Jesus Christ we will be saved. When we confess our sins He will forgive us. God will meet all of our needs.

He always goes beyond all that we can ask or imagine! He is soooo ridiculous! I love God! I can't even make this up!

Thanks for praying. Praise God for the power of His Word and his promises to us. Love you.

First Week

My first week in Gushegu. Now that I am writing on the close of the week it would easy for me to just say, "it was great." I usually forget the hard parts. I think that is mostly good in life. Unless, of course, you go back to the same tailor who messed your dress up the first time and took him 2 months to finish it...I digress.

It was not great. It was hard. And hot. And mind exhausting. But it was good. Does that make sense? I started my mornings off with a walk. It was so peaceful and cool. The moon was about to be outshined by the sun and would reflect off those African trees that we all know from pictures. Whether listening to praise music or reciting Bible verses I would prepare my mind for the day.

Then I come home and read my Bible and eat breakfast. There the goodness ended-sometimes. Most days I had to talk out loud to myself to get out the door. I knew it would be good, I knew it, but I just didn't wanna go! But somehow, every morning, I went. And most often, I had really good experiences. One dialogue I wanted to share with people was about my family. I wanted to use more words like oldest and youngest. But this particular morning of going out was so hard. I kept finding things to do in the house. All excuses. Finally, I went and the first new house I visited, the old man greeted me and then asked me about my father! I inwardly praised God because I did not even have to try to work up to sharing about my family! I was like, "ok, God, you care about this too." So encouraging.

I have met lots of people young and old. I have spoke more than in Tamale. I have been confused more than in Tamale too:)

But not all hunky dory once I'm out the door. (Does anyone say hunky dory anymore? It just came out.) People always ask why I don't have children or why I don't have a husband and none of my answers satisfy them. Also, it has been over 100 degrees everyday and I feel physically beaten by the sun and people will sometimes ask me why am I walking around in the heat. (Yeah, why am I doing this again? Oh yes, the love of Christ compels me!:)) One day I came home for lunch after a morning where I couldn't really understand what they were saying, and I was annoyed. The house I am staying in is not the newest building in the world. I have killed 3 mice this week and the sink keeps leaking. And if you hold the faucet the right way it will do more than leak. I got so angry because I couldn't stop it so I smacked it. Ploof! I knocked the faucet flat off! Water was running everywhere! This is so Sherri (sigh).

Long story short, I found a knob outside to shut the water off and called Fela in Accra who then called someone in Gushegu who then sent a plumber to the house. He was able to stop the flow and told me there are no places to buy sink, pipes, and faucets in Gushegu. Wow, just great. Ugh... But at least he stopped the water.

Then I had the lovely job of cleaning everything up and getting that water outside or soaked up with a mop...And remember it's hot and remember all the mice? Mouse poopie floating around too. Ugh. I-love-my-life-I-love-my-life-I-love-my-life.

I can laugh now. I took the bus to Tamale on Saturday for a team meeting and as I was walking around, it really made me love all that Tamale has. What a metropolis! Also, I could tell I was much more confident in my speaking Dagbani as I was shopping or going around. YAY! Small progress! (And I did buy plumbing parts.)

I go back on today and plan to stay 3 weeks. I know I can do it but it will be hard. I thought one week was long! Oh boy! But already seeing God's hand on me and his everfilling-always-dumping-on-us grace, pushes me on.

Keep praying!

Pics of Gushegu. Town, market, the mouse I caught on a sticky trap, kitchen and wet floors, and the bus to Tamale. What a week! (While without a faucet, I filled a bucket of water and left it at the sink and then scooped some out for washing or whatever.)

Back to Gushegu

I had a nice to do list every day this week. One thing was to call our electrician, plumber, and tailor for various work. I called every day and on Thursday the electrician and tailor came. We are still waiting on the plumber. He tells me everyday he will come. It is not a serious problem but I can’t get him crossed off my list and so that is MY problem :)
I arrived in Gushegu yesterday. Thankfully, the house had light and water. It was dusty but today a woman was able to come and clean. A little boy that Fela and Puii know well has come over and has done some errands for me, helped me arrange things, and has kept me company.
I had my oil changed before I left for Gushegu. As I was waiting, I had time to think. I went over this past week. I was tempted in so many ways. I wanted to give in to empty thoughts or actions that would make me happy, even though, only temporary. However, for some reason, ok, I know the reason, GOD’s GRACE and the prayers of his people, I said no, or sometimes I just cried out, or ignored them, or just kept reminding myself how I would feel afterwards if I gave in.
As I was sitting, I was thinking of heading to Gushegu. I had some feelings of trepidation. I know that is from the enemy. “I will not fear, God is with me” is on loop in my mind :) Then I thought about all these temptations bombarding me and how God’s power was so alive and active and He got me thru it—really, by God’s power only.
It dawned on me that evil does not want me to go to Gushegu. Evil does not want me to find joy in hardship. Evil does not want me praising God in the midst of trials and language learning. Evil does not want me to continue this and keeps throwing fiery arrows at me to disable me. He knows if I fall for his lies there would be a weight of condemnation and guilt that would encircle me and that would distract me from language and loving the people around me.
I prayed often for my spiritual armor and God put it on me so that I would resist and stand firm. Amazing to see I am standing firm!! Really amazing to look back on the week and see it.
Yet, just because I am here in Gushegu does not mean I am all finished with the enemy. I will hold on to my Jesus. Psalm 34 has been really powerful to help me remember and make me smile.
I am so thankful God has done all that I could not do. I am thankful for the Spirit to open my eyes to the battle that is around me. I am thankful that I can continue protected and holding on to His promises!
What a good God we have!!
Keep praying!

  • The inside of the home I'm staying at.

Waffles and Orality

This week was out and around Tamale. I had lots of interesting things happen. One neighbor was pounding cassava and I gave her a break while she was eating. They will take it to a grinding mill to get it fine like flour. They use the flour in their foods. And it was so interesting because in a healthy food magazine I got for Christmas, there was a recipe for cassava flour waffles! Who knew? And yes, I made them. And yes, they are good. Tastes the same, mostly.

I also spent some time with Rafia, my dear, patient, seamstress friend, who must always roll her eyes at me. But I do make her laugh. This week's story: There was a goat bleating around us all morning. I said to her, in Dagbani, that I don't like animals. She said maybe I did not have animals around me when I was young. I said that I had lots of animals. And I said that my father had many cows...or I thought I said cows...and I said "milk" (because I don't know what the verb would be for to milk haha) and then I made the gesture of milking with my hands. She started laughing. I was like what is so funny? And she repeated to me that I milk...and used the word I used... hens. She repeated hen again...and it dawned on me. I said I milk hens! Now I was laughing. Good times.

Then on Thursday, Damary and I, along with two ladies, drove to Gushegu where they had a conference on Orality. It was so good! It was very practical. It taught us how to share a story and the ask questions about it in a very non threatening way. Half the group was made up of women and I know many of them cannot read. I have never been at a conference where I have seen women get involved, and some of these women did. It was exciting. It will be great to see what could happen if people take this teaching to their communities.

It was a great week. While I know people who live around my parents were in a polar vortex, we were in...I can't find a name clever like that, so let me be boring and just say we were in a deep heat of 100 degrees daily. For a few days the humidity was so high too. I felt like my feet were just dragging I was so drained and exhausted. But towards the end of the week, during the conference, the humidity went way down. For me, I like the dry heat. So yay!

Love you. Thanks for praying.

Excited??!

I got back to Tamale and a few days later drove to Gushegu. I arrived on Wednesday and came back on Saturday. Fela and Puii are so hospitable and they are excited for me to learn. I have to admit, I did whine going out the door of, " ...I don't want to doooo this". They lovingly laughed and shoved me out, telling me it will be great. Always nice to have friends like that! I had all Thursday and Friday to do language. And...it went better than I expected. I went around the house just greeting people first and then one home I stayed at a bit longer and moved on to another and then I found a school. A teacher said the kids were on break so I could talk to them. He brought the girls around me and I was able to tell them about my family. Then I asked some of them about theirs. The teacher said I could come by any time. Yay.

I met an older woman on the road who told me to come to her house. She has a compound full of families and women of all ages were sitting or cooking or whatever. JACKPOT! She told me to come back the next day. Which I did.

It was different experiences like that that came to me. I did not have to go looking. And everything was Dagbani...ok, so I met some men who talked to me in English and of course want to marry me...ugh...but the women were very kind and did not speak English pushing me to learn harder.

You guys, I was almost excited. HAAAA...almost. I mean, how can anyone be excited about language!? And, before, I did not like Gushegu and now, it may be growing on me.

My two days went really well. Puii mentioned that I should just stay for weeks at a time instead of going back and forth every week. I have been praying about that. I have come to the decision that yes, I will stay. I am going to try doing 3 weeks in Gushegu and then come back to Tamale. It does mean I will not be able to do my girls Bible study. That was what held me back. But, if I want to be able to really do Bible studies without a translator, then, I need to prioritize this.

Thanks so much for praying. Again, I feel encouraged and ready to go. I have not had that feeling for awhile.

I have about 2 weeks before I will do my first "stay" in Gushegu so Tamale is still my base and my neighbors are still my language field. (With my seamstress friend Rafia, I think I have forgotten how to sew a straight line! Ei!!!)

Love you.


Before Tamale

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.

The little girl in the pink was the one to beat.

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.


All Over The Place

My thoughts are so torn and scattered. I am working my way to settling back in.

At one airport I am excited, ready to see what will happen this next year. How will God stand in for me? The next airport, I found myself asking why God would want someone like me. Someone so UN-ambitious and even lazy. Someone who needs accountability and only has bursts of discipline.

Sometimes I just want to do what I know. Other times I was to do something that is crazy and unusual.

I think I may miss knowing why something is the way it is in the US like why the roads are so straight and buildings are organized. On the other hand the landscape can be kind of boring with soggy, snow covered cornfields.

Sometimes I wonder if I am supposed to be in Tamale. Other times I love that I am not in Accra and get to experience life in a new way. Sometimes I doubt if God wants me in Tamale. Was it my own idea to move here? Did I just waste 2 years of my life in a place I was not supposed to be?

Now other random thoughts during my travels:

I enjoy being able to understand other people conversations. Like, just walking by, I know what they are saying. Not that I stick around to listen :) But in Tamale I can't understand what people are saying and always wonder.

I like hearing different accents. Whether it is a Wisconsin one or a European one or a Ghanaian one. Whatever.

Back in Ghana I was aware of the needs that are here. In the US I can see why people do not want God. They do not see their need for Him. They have all that they want. In Ghana, people have so many needs. One woman was struggling just to give birth and there are no hospitals around. She lost her baby. Prayer here means so much more. And, please, I do not want to belittle the US and say everyone is healthy and rich but the West definitely has abundance.

Also, in Ghana I laughed when on the radio they were talking about soccer. While home everything was American football, football. And here everything is soccer, soccer (or to them football).

Love you. Thanks for Praying!

Pros & Cons

My holiday in Wisconsin is almost finished. I fly back on January 8th. It has been...(insert pause and sigh) something I needed. It was just this past Thursday when I was sitting in the recliner and I thought something felt funny. I asked myself, "what is this feeling?" and then laughed and realized it was a feeling of rest. A feeling of being relaxed. No pressures. No strain. No guilt. Do you ever get to that point?! It is a beautiful state to be in!

Let me tell you about the pros and cons about this past vacation. (Are there really any cons for the family I am in or the place I am from?)Let's start with Pros:

breathing thru your nose and the cold air burns

quietness of being in the country

climbing into bed with lots of blankets

exercising with my brother Michael

worshiping with my home church

borrowing sweaters from my auntie and jewelry from my mom

being driven around

seeing my best friend and many other old friends

gasping at the maturity of my growing nieces and nephews

ham

my dad having a handicapped sticker and can park close to all the doors

crazy warm...relatively warm, for Wisconsin temps

frozen custard ice cream

Cons:

Having to bundle up just to walk out to the car.

Hats ruining my hair :)

Layers of clothes (shirts) take forever to retuck in after going to the bathroom

Do you see how wonderful my time home has been?

Another good thing: Knowing my time has finished and being ok with going back to Ghana.

I know I can't be on holiday forever. I know I need to get back. But I think I am a bit fearful...I know how hard last year was and I know what is in store for me this year. More language learning. But God is still merciful and full of grace. He is bigger than I can imagine and can handle my fears and doubts. I have to just leave it with him. I think I just need to get past the starting and be in the midst of it.

Be praying!



Home-Home-Home 2018

I cannot even talk about all the things I have doing. My normally short blogs would be way-over-the-top long. But, let me say, it has been wonderful to be home. It has been wonderful to be away from hard things. It has been wonderful to be with family and friends who I can understand. It has been wonderful to be at my home church. It has been wonderful to watch Hallmark movies :).

I have one week left to soak myself in cold and quiet. All our visitors have left. I will just visit family and friends who I want to. I will do some last shopping (CHEESE!!!) and I will make some new goals for 2019. 2019 people!! Whoa.

Love you. Thanks for praying.

Holiday Time 2018

It is cold. Food is sugary and abundant. Sweaters are pretty. Family is nearby. Life is so different here. I am appreciating everything. Time goes fast here too! People do not know how to sit still and I find myself running along with everyone else.

I forgot my US drivers license in Ghana so I went to the DVLA...what do they call it here??? Oh, yeah, DMV, and I told them I lost mine and they issued me a new one, in 15 minutes, $14.00, and a week later it came in the mail. My lost Ghana driver's license took me over 6 months to get. The convenience of this culture is so nice and efficient.

I had an amazing weekend with my mom and sister in Chicago. We stayed with friends and took the train into downtown. We saw Christmas lights, huge Christmas trees, Christmas markets. We ate at yummy places and talked until exhaustion. It will be something I will remember for a long time.

I was able to go to my home church. They were talking about building a new church when I left and then finished it this past year. So, it was my first time to see it and worship inside it. I have to admit, my thoughts were so distracted with everything and seeing old and new people that I barely caught the message! Oops!

I say all this to just remind myself of God's presence in my life. How his grace drowns me and his love soaks into me. It is a very beautiful experience to add to my list of "Over and Above from God". I still have two weeks left! Woo hoooooo!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In Wisconsin

And another week passes...

I had a few short days to get things settled and say goodbye to my neighbors and friends because I AM GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!! Remember, that ridiculous incident when my mom could not come in October? Well, she was able to get her ticket refunded and SHE GAVE IT TO ME!!! I was beyond thrilled and went about packing and thinking about buying Christmas gifts.

I headed down to Accra on Wednesday and then did shopping on Thursday and visited friends on Friday. On Saturday I sat at a pool side soaking in the heat and then got ready and was off to the airport. I went with Delta and had an 11 hour flight to JFK airport. Very uneventful. I watched movies and slept on and off. The next flight I had to get to was less than 2 hours! Boy, did that stress me out. First off, I had to get thru customs. Second, I had to find my suitcase and after waiting for it I found out they already pulled the bags off and had them sitting on the side. Third, I had to go thru security, which the sign said would take 35 minutes. Every minute was precious! I ended up running to my boarding gate and heard them say, "last call for Minneapolis flight". AHHHHH!! I sat down in my assigned seat and 2 minutes later they shut the doors. Is that not crazy?! Wow. I am so thankful!!! Beyond thankful. And a few hours later, I saw my mom and dad. Talk about amazing. I can't believe this is real. Well, the cold reminds me I am back in Wisconsin.

God is beyond good. I was thinking how his good things for me just pour over and pour over me and I should be drowning, but I am not. I kept asking him, "why are you so good to me? Why do you give me so much?" I have stopped asking. I just accept it.

Praising God!

Thanksgiving 2018 and More

I usually write up my blog on Saturdays but last Saturday I was on a bus with 5 of my teammates heading to Accra for meetings. I thought maybe since there were a bunch of us the trip would go faster...nope. Still took about 13 hours and I kept feeling carsick.

Later that night and into the morning I had bouts of diarrhea. I also had a fever. Not such a nice welcome to Accra but thankfully I have not had this kind of sickness for awhile.

BUT before we left for Accra, we had a team meeting at our house with our Northern Region team. And since it was the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, why not celebrate the right way?! It was my turn to cook anyways so I did it up big! The Ethiopians have never had one so I had to do it right. We had all the trimmings. It was fantastic! I think there were about 15 people and I was the only American. I love how food makes me people slow down and talk and sit and enjoy.

So, then, the next morning, we were on the bus by 6 am...maybe I had way too much stuffing? Or desserts? I don't know where that sickness could have come from. But anyways, Sunday evening we had a fellowship night in Accra with the teammates who are there and then Monday started off the Executive Meetings, which I was a part of.

Usually, I run from meetings. I am the person who says, "You guys, sit around, discuss and make decisions. Then tell me and I will carry them out." Maybe since I have been in Ghana so long I had an understanding of terms, projects, personnel, etc, etc. I also love my team and felt I could share any ideas without feeling stupid. By Wednesday afternoon I was wiped out but that was ok since I was taking the bus up on Thursday and knew I could sleep the whole time if I needed to. (And, by this time, I was feeling better.)

But don't think I just sat in meetings (notice sat in meetings or sitting in meetings can be abbreviated SIM? connection? I think so:)) Charity and I ran to the mall one afternoon to watch a movie. I saw one a few months ago while I was in Accra but she has not been to a theater for 2 years. AND it was free popcorn and drink day. Bonus for us! We thought we would be the only ones in the place but right before it started a couple people came in.

Don't we look thrilled? LOL

Another night I went out with my friends Avi and Jules, who again, always seem to know where things are happening. We went to a Afri-folk concert, a man named Kunle. It was excellent. The place was super air conditioned :) and the music had energy but still had a smooth vibe. And it was not so loud that I couldn't talk to my friends. Such a nice outing.

I came back up to Tamale on Thursday and was at a youth program on Friday (that was supposed to start at 6pm but did not start until 8pm AHHHH!!!!). 

It's December people!!! WHOA!!! Where did this year go?

Love ya.




Not Easy, But Still Going

I don't really want to write about my week. On paper it looks like I did not do much. But in reality, I was busy.

For example, I went to help the Ethiopians get a plumber and electrician to hook up their water tank and pump. But when I get there and when the workers get there is totally different. Then, the pump we bought is not strong enough and the shop we bought it from will not take it back! And the water was shut off for them already and they had none! OOOOOO! So, Damary and I the next day went to the bank to pull out more money to get a new pump. And it finally got put in and they all have water! But that was two days of waiting and running around. And this is just one example.


It has been unusually hot this time of year. When I hear Ghanaians complaining, then I know it is bad :) But something is wrong on our part of town. When I was in Accra, Damary told me the light was off for 2 days. Then this past week we had light off from Sunday night to Monday afternoon and then they shut us off again for another night and some afternoon. I just had to stop and collect myself so I would not break down. i slept on the tile floor because it was just too hot in the bed. I know, whine-whine-whine but it is hard to work the next day when you are so exhausted. The end of the week got better. We have not been out of power. But, myyyyy goodness, this heat has not let up.

My language is so running away without me. Where is it going? Probably to some deep, dark abyss in my subconscious, where it will hide until for some reason I need medical attention and they will do shock therapy on me and it will pour out. OOOOOOO always the drama queen :)  I did have some good times with Rafia and then I was at a wedding and the Dagbani was all around me. Since I brought up this wedding, there were 2 cute things that I liked. 1--the pastor in his message said, " Research has shown that a woman appreciates the man being around more than his money." 2--a song had lyrics that said, "The tongue and the teeth work together and they don't get annoyed." I love the perspective people have here. It makes my world more larger and more colorful.

Back In Tamale

I did get my phone. And it was not my first choice but I love it and am so thankful this one became my destiny :) I hopped on the bus with a load of downloaded Netflix and preceded to sleep and watch the next 12 hours. It is definitely the way to go. Damary had dinner waiting for me. Do I have the most amazing roomie or what??!!!I went around the next day greeting a few people, doing food shopping, and finally taking a rest. The weather is really hot. Nearly 100 degrees. It should start drying out with the Harmattan moving in and hopefully the mornings and evenings will be cooler. But, it hasn't come yet.On Thursday, I woke up and had a call from Yvonne asking me if I would take 2 Ethiopian visitors, who were at a conference in Tamale, to Buipe to see Mesfin and Dawit where they are out with their Fulani friends and learning language. I agreed. The visitors knew Mesfin and Dawit and come from their church.I went to sew for a bit in the morning and then I came home to pack another bag and pick up the visitors. One man's name was Yosie and the other was Seitotaw. The time in the car went fast for that hour and twenty minutes. They were busy telling me about themselves and asking me questions about myself. They were very encouraging. When we reached Buipe, Mesfin met us and then the Amharic flowed freely! I know it was wonderful for Mesfin and Dawit to have other people to speak their heart language to. I did not mind. I was glad they could all connect. These two men took videos and pictures of everything because they want to take it back to the church and show them and hopefully raise prayer awareness and funding for the work the familes are doing among the Fulani.One of the guys was single so there was a little tension about coming to Ethiopia and finding ministry there...getting married??? There were lots of laughs and eye rolls too. I did appreciate them and was so glad I could drive them. I know how encouraged I am when people from home show interest in the work that is going on here.We came back on Friday and I immediately dropped them off at the Tamale airport. They have a few days in Accra before they fly back to Ethiopia.Who knew I would be surrounded by Ethiopians this week? Who knew I would drive to Buipe? Who knew I would sweat so much this week too? Ok, maybe I knew that one.Auntie Ruby is back in the USA. Mom was able to get a refund on her ticket. God is sooo good! Do you think if you tried to imagine what a god should be like you would have come up with the God we serve? I don't think so. He is so beyond all that we could ever hope or imagine. He is so faithful and loving. I just can't believe I get to call him Father.Thanks God!Thanks all for praying! Gotta get back in the language mode again.

In Accra

My week in Accra has been fine. It, of course, was not what I was expecting, but it has not been a waste. I thought about things I wanted to do and buy and have slowly been checking them off my list. It has not felt fast paced and that is good since Accra usually wears me out! (Always my own fault)I went to the market where they sell used clothes and took Pam, who is a colleague of mine. It must have been beginners buy because she got loads of great things. I found a belt and a shirt but was really hoping for a pair of jeans. OOOO trying on jeans, in hot sun, with people standing around, trying to pull them up under your dress-- not an easy thing! I went to a movie in the theater and was one of 4 people. I love going when there are few people. It was also free popcorn and drink day! WooHoo!! I stayed a couple days with my friends Baaba and Amponsah. Such, Great.Talks. They allow me to share and they share back and we pray together and Baabs and I did some shopping together and bummed around a bit. I went out with my friends Avi and Jules. They always know the new and good places to hang out in Accra. I feel so, so, so...trendy with them :) Afterwards, Jules had a cousin's party to go to and so I tagged along. I had no idea places like this existed in Accra. Totally gated community. HUGE mansions, like, I thought they were apartment buildings! The party was extravagant. The best of the best food, music, decorations, etc, etc. I felt very out of place. I met some Ghanaians, who have lived in the USA their whole lives. It was so interesting hearing their American accents. I kept laughing. I also had meals with other friends. I never pushed myself to keep doing things. I never exhausted myself (that is a miracle). I have enjoyed the Wi-fi. If anything, that has kept me up at night watching Youtube videos or downloading Netflix. :)I will be ready by Tuesday to head back north. I have one thing left to do. I was hoping to buy a phone. I narrowed it down to two. The one I decided to go with was cheaper. So, I go to the shop and found out they are all sold out. So, the salesgirl calls the other shops and they are all out too! If I have to go with the other one, that is ok, it just means I need to go and get more money. But, you know, when you make a decision and then it does not work out you find out how much you really did want it LOL...OOOOOOO!!! :)Love ya. Thanks for praying.

Big Disappointment

My last post talked about my visitors coming. It turned into A visitor coming. Grab a cup of whatever and let me tell you what happened.A week before my mom and Auntie Ruby were to come to visit me in Ghana, Mom called the Ghana Embassy to see where her passport and visa were. She sent it in 5 weeks previous. They told her she did not send the correct envelope for them to return it. That very day she FedExed the correct envelope and they confirmed that they got it. That was a week before her departure. She called the office almost everyday because they were able to track the envelope through the post office to see where it was and the tracking did not start. She said some days she was on the phone on hold for 40 minutes and then was disconnected. She said people told her they would send it. The few days before she was supposed to leave she was so anxious and frustrated.This was one of those experiences where you have no control. There is nothing you can do but pray. I had many people praying on this side of the world and of course on Mom and Auntie Ruby's side too. And then...the time was gone. They saw that the day she was supposed to leave, the tracking number on the envelope still had not moved. That was a Thursday.It.was.heartbreaking. We have been planning for this for about 6 months. She had her suitcases packed and was ready to go. She took off time from work. She told everyone she would be going to Ghana.And then this. How do you cope with such disappointment? And granted, this is not like a life or death issue, but still. It was important to us. We cried on the phone. I was so angry at Ghana. Auntie Ruby, having lived in Ghana for more than 30 years, said immigration issues have always been difficult. You never know how they deal with paperwork or administration things. It was really like a punch in the gut. A couple teammates of mine who were really praying felt so assured that Mom would get her passport and she would be here. We were all shocked. Saddened.The next morning, I woke up and had peace. But, can I be honest and say, I did not want peace? I still wanted to be angry. I still wanted to be dramatic over the whole thing. My mom suffered with all the stress. And yet, God knew better. We may never know why this happened. But God says all things work together for the good of those who love God. We all love God. So, I guess we hold onto this. My mom also said a couple days later that her disappointment is healing. I thought that was a very lovely phrase.She canceled everything and is hoping with her travel insurance she can get a refund on her flight ticket. Sadness still remains. I was saving time to go on holiday with her. I wanted her to see my house and Tamale and meet my friends. I wanted to just be able to touch her and be in the same room! (sigh)...another time, I guess.BUT BUT BUT---Auntie Ruby was still able to come. She flew up to Tamale (that is a whole other story) and we had some fast paced days! She used to live even more north of me so we took a whirlwind trip for her to see her old friends. We were able to talk in the car, and actually we talked so much, we never bought water. We kept saying, "the next town, the next town we will buy" and then we would be laughing or deeply discussing and we would forget. Not the best thing in hot Africa but we are still alive :) She had a list of people to see and she caught every one! We made it to a missionary's home for dinner and a good rest by nightfall, but by 7am we were greeting someone else and heading back on the road for Tamale. Did I mention Auntie Ruby is 71 years old??? She runs circles around me and I thought I was pretty tough.We ate fufu, she met my friends, she had Rafia sew her a dress, we took yellow-yellow, we laughed, we prayed, we sweated (looks like rainy season is over), and we just had a ball. We called Mom to let her know we wished she was with us.Auntie Ruby was only able to stay a week, but a great week it was! Mom was supposed to have stayed another week and we were to hang out in Accra together. I am in Accra now...I almost want to hop a bus back to Tamale. But, I do need rest. There are a lot of friends I can visit and Accra is fine. It is just that, I had other ideas of what Accra was supposed to be like. (sigh)...I guess, another time.Through it all, I am thankful. I rest in God's goodness. People go through disappointments all the time, such is life. What a reminder to keep looking to our future hope. This time on earth is just a blink. Let us keep looking up.Love you.

Just A Little Bit More

My colleague apologized this week if she has been irritable to me or bitter. She has been struggling with living here in Tamale. And I told her I was on the other emotional side-- tears and whines living here in Tamale. For what?  For anything someone says to me. If the power goes out, I want to cry. If someone advises me in a way I would not prefer, I want to cry. When I think of how NOT far I have come in language, I want to cry. When I am sweaty and have to take another shower I want to cry. A bit ridiculous, eh? But I am on the verge of exhaustion. Or maybe I am already exhausted and just cannot push it any more but know that I have to.I have to just push it one more week. I will get a long break starting Saturday when some special visitors arrive!! I am so excited!! My mantra has been, "just keep swimming" like in Finding Nemo when Dora sing-songs it.Again, though, I cannot tell you how God is so so so so so next to me. My quiet times are full of his encouragement and steadfast love. I have been so tired, yet, I go to bed excited to be with Him in the morning. HOW COOL IS THAT??! I was even thinking I need to make my time in the morning longer because it goes too fast and I have to hurry it up towards the end. I never thought this would be me!! Maybe it is worth struggling and being exhausted if God is so loud and clear. If it was a trade off, I think I would have to go with God!At our team meeting. I was looking around at the crazy multicultural-ness of it all. We are from so many different places and speak so many different languages. Yet, we all love God. We all have been called here by God. I was thinking about how each one of us has a gift that will help our team thrive and accomplish God's mission here in the Northern Region. It made me giggle a bit that God delights in this colorful-crazyness of His plan that He wants me a part of. Like, billion-gazillion years ago He was like, "ok...as for Sherri, I am going to put her here and she will do this and this. Oh, yes, what a great plan for her." And it is a great plan. Though, the problems with being so diverse rival the positives of being so diverse! Ahhh!! But there is just a better sense of what eternity will be like one day. And aren't we supposed to keep our eyes on eternity? I tell you, sometimes that is the only thing that gets me thru the day :)I have a week to go. Then my visitors. And with them some holiday time. And then some retreat time. Keep on Praying. Love you.

Time With Martha

I have posted a couple blogs about getting my hair done by Martha. She is a christian woman with two kids who lives relatively near me. I think she may be the only christian helping me with Dagbani on a regular basis.A few weeks ago Martha told me she wished she could write like me. I told her I would like to braid like her but it would take practice. I said if you will practice you will be able to write well. She said she would practice. In town, I found some basic copy and tracing books. She is doing so well! Her Ms were kind of funny, and we laughed at it, but she is determined. I told her I wished I could speak Dagbani as well as she can write. Maybe one day.As we were talking she was telling me how she loves fufu and how she just could eat it at any time even if she is full. I told her I really like it too. So we made a plan. I would go to market and buy the ingredients and she would cook it.I love going to market and buying things! It is just organized chaos. But, since it was the beginning of the month I had to visit an ATM machine first so I could get some money. I do not know what the problem was but either the machines around town were not working or they would only give out small amounts. The small amounts are irritating because they charge my bank with fees. So, I would hope to just do two transactions a month to keep the fees low. But, this day...hmph. I could only take out something small. But, at least, I got some, right?I got all my ingredients and took a yellow yellow back to Martha's place where she had already started cooking with what she had. She was so great with speaking to me in Dagbani the whole time, even though her English is ok. She tried explaining each step. I think I caught most of it :) Well, as she was doing it I could figure out what she was saying.For the fufu pounding, they asked me if I wanted to do it but usually what happens is I do a few pounds and then they tell me that is good enough and let me sit and watch. I don't mind because it is definitely an arm workout! These women cook hard for their food!I was also able to buy some soft drinks and juice and fruit for dessert. What a bounty! Her two children enjoyed along with other people in her compound. It was such a great time. The children kept saying, "God bless you Sister Wunizooya!"Anyways, I went home with a full belly, a mind too full of Dagbani, and a heart full of thankfulness for Martha and her family.
 

Children's Day and Fire Festival

I have an amazing roomie. We have lived together for over 2 years and we still love each other :) She is from India. From a totally different culture than me. She had to learn English. She is the oldest in her family and has 4 brothers. Her personality is different than mine. I am extroverted and she is introverted. I like to keep peace and she would rather say it like it is (I really wish I was had that). But, because of God, we are united together into one family. I am so proud to call her my sister. I am so happy I have someone to go to when I need to talk, or am angry, or hot, or just want to chill and watch a movie. I am very thankful for her.She will be leaving Ghana next year. She only had to learn Dagbani up to level 2 and she completed that and has started ministry. She has really enjoyed working with children. At one church they had a Children's Day. It was soooo great!! She works with two other Ghanaians every Sunday teaching the kids. The program they put on was God honoring, fun, and awesome to see kids worshipping God, and leading us to do it too! Damary, along with the other teachers, worked hard to get them to come to practice and help them decide what to put on the program. The following Sunday after the Children's Day, there were about 10 new kids who wanted to be a part of the Sunday school class! Yay!
Keep on praying for me! Love you!

My Porridge Selling Friend

I do walking...lots of walking. This is some of the stuff I have seen this week.
My friends and their babies.I did lots of language this week. Again, I do not see progress. It has to come. It has to. I am dying out here (insert overdramatic sigh).One of my first neighbor friends I had is Rashida. She is right over the wall from me. She sells a porridge that people like to drink in the morning and evening. Sometimes I will sit next to her. A couple weeks ago she was limping. I looked at her foot. She had this huge volcano on the top of her foot. Like, really, a volcano. Very gross, very scabbed up and eww. I asked her if she was taking medicine. She showed me. She told me to buy some for her. It just so happened a medicine seller was walking by and had what she was taking. I did buy some for her. When I got home I called my nurse friend and told her about Rashida's foot. I told her I have antibiotics I could give her. She said the ones I have would not be the best but told me what to go and buy. So, I bought some.The next morning in my quiet time it asked me to do something kind for someone that could possibly be used to make a bridge to share the gospel. I thought, "this is it!" I also sensed the Spirit tell me to pray for her in the name of Jesus. That morning, I went with the medicine. I tried as best as I could to show how to take the medicine (in Dagbani). Then I said I want to pray for you. I had to pray in English but I know she understands the name of Jesus.A couple days ago I was with her. Her foot was not so swollen. I couldn't see the wound itself because it was bandaged. Whatever happens she knows I care about her. She knows I believe Jesus heals. And I pray one day she would know Jesus loves her.