Where has the time gone? It all seems like such a blur- but yet it seemed so long to be away from my family. I don't even know how to process all that I experienced- but I'm sure that will come in time.
I find myself at a loss for words, and do not know what to say. So, what I will say is- if you feel God pulling you in a direction you are afraid to go- PRAY! I realize visiting Ghana is nothing compared to living there, but I never dreamt God would send me so far away to see and experience His glory. It was life changing!! I am honored to say I have new friends and cannot wait to continue to get to know them. We may not be able to see each other face-to-face, but we will stay in touch.
I pray I will never loose sight of the things I learned while on this trip! I feel blessed for what I have, and how easy life is here in the U.S. Just the joy of taking a shower and not worry about the water I am using is something many people in this world do not have.
As time passes I will better be able to find the words I lack at this moment. I look forward to sharing my stories and my pictures (I have plenty!) with family and friends. Please join me as I continue to pray for the McIntyres as they continue with their ministry even though things are not easy for them! Please pray that they will find a solution to their housing issue, their family will stay healthy, and that God would heal those precious little ones (and the precious little ones they will care for in the future). They are a wonderful family and are truly devoted to God!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Cape Coast
On Monday we traveled to Cape Coast (about a 3 1/2 hour drive) to visit a rain forest with a canopy walk, tour a slave castle, and swim in the ocean. What a day!
The rain forest we visited was breathtaking! It was wonderful to see so much green- we have been seeing a lot of brown dirt, so this was a welcomed change. There is a canopy walk in the rain forest which allowed us to walk through the trees on rope bridges. We could hear many things, but did not see any animals in the forest. Ruth and I enjoyed being so close to nature!!
After the canopy walk in the rain forest we toured a slave castle. It was heartbreaking to see where so many people were forced to live. The spaces were small and the ventilation was almost nonexistent. I am at a loss of words as to how to explain what this place was like.
We ended our day with a visit to the ocean. This was my first time seeing an ocean and I enjoyed it. The water was a perfect temperature, and we all enjoyed it. Ruth and I chose to wade and not swim, but it was still very refreshing. We ate dinner at an ocean side restaurant which was absolutely wonderful. The food was great and the view was spectacular! We all arrived back at the house tired and ready for bed.
The rain forest we visited was breathtaking! It was wonderful to see so much green- we have been seeing a lot of brown dirt, so this was a welcomed change. There is a canopy walk in the rain forest which allowed us to walk through the trees on rope bridges. We could hear many things, but did not see any animals in the forest. Ruth and I enjoyed being so close to nature!!
After the canopy walk in the rain forest we toured a slave castle. It was heartbreaking to see where so many people were forced to live. The spaces were small and the ventilation was almost nonexistent. I am at a loss of words as to how to explain what this place was like.
We ended our day with a visit to the ocean. This was my first time seeing an ocean and I enjoyed it. The water was a perfect temperature, and we all enjoyed it. Ruth and I chose to wade and not swim, but it was still very refreshing. We ate dinner at an ocean side restaurant which was absolutely wonderful. The food was great and the view was spectacular! We all arrived back at the house tired and ready for bed.
Last Day!
It is the last day, and I am excited to be going home. I will miss the McIntyres, and hate to leave them, but seeing my family again will be wonderful. This is the longest I have been away from my daughters and my husband.
We have seen so many things and experienced some wonderful, and not so wonderful, adventures. As we leave the McIntyres here in Ghana they are beginning a new adventure and need our prayers! Today they have been informed that the landlord of their home has decided to move in- which means they must move out! Moving here in Ghana is much more difficult than in the U.S. First of all there is the financial aspect- they must be able to pay 2 years worth of rent before moving in! They need to have moved out by November- this gives them September and October to raise at least $24,000!!!! That is a lot of money in a very short time. Second is the fact that they do not have U-Haul trucks here. They will need to put all their belongings on flat open trucks. This means that everyone can see what they own and can follow the trucks to find out where they are going. Please pray for God to keep them safe! Third- they need to find a place they can afford and have enough room to fill all their needs.
The McIntyres are confident God will provide for them, but it is still a very stressful time for them. They have three of their own children still at home, 2 new babies, and an intern due to arrive next month! That is a lot of weight to put on one family's shoulders. And, even though they may not complain and are relying on the Lord, I know they are hurting and wondering what will happen. I pray everything will get worked out quickly with as little hassle as possible. Please join me in praying for this family so devoted to God and His children.
We have seen so many things and experienced some wonderful, and not so wonderful, adventures. As we leave the McIntyres here in Ghana they are beginning a new adventure and need our prayers! Today they have been informed that the landlord of their home has decided to move in- which means they must move out! Moving here in Ghana is much more difficult than in the U.S. First of all there is the financial aspect- they must be able to pay 2 years worth of rent before moving in! They need to have moved out by November- this gives them September and October to raise at least $24,000!!!! That is a lot of money in a very short time. Second is the fact that they do not have U-Haul trucks here. They will need to put all their belongings on flat open trucks. This means that everyone can see what they own and can follow the trucks to find out where they are going. Please pray for God to keep them safe! Third- they need to find a place they can afford and have enough room to fill all their needs.
The McIntyres are confident God will provide for them, but it is still a very stressful time for them. They have three of their own children still at home, 2 new babies, and an intern due to arrive next month! That is a lot of weight to put on one family's shoulders. And, even though they may not complain and are relying on the Lord, I know they are hurting and wondering what will happen. I pray everything will get worked out quickly with as little hassle as possible. Please join me in praying for this family so devoted to God and His children.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Saturday and Sunday
It is late, but I thought I had better post an update about what we have been doing these past two days. On Saturday we visited a boys home- Haatcho (not sure about the spelling). This is a home where boys can live in a safe environment and receive an education- both academic and biblical. These boys' parents live on the street and are not able to provide for their basic needs. This home is run through an organization called Handi*Vangilism. We were able to meet two men who help run the home, and are very involved with these boys' lives. They are working on building a small apartment-like home on site for one of these men and his family, but have run out of funds, so they must wait. For now, the man continues his ministry both at the home and on the streets, while his wife and daughters must live with family about 2 hours away. I do not know where he is living at the moment, but I do know he does not let the lack of a home prevent him from spreading the Word of God.
Sunday morning we visited another church. This church was at the boys' home and was absolutely amazing! The energy the people put into their worship was both inspiring and energizing. Words cannot explain what this service was like. After church I was dropped off at the McIntyre's home while the rest of the team went to Echoing Hills for lunch. Here in Ghana tomatoes are a staple food! Due to the fact I am allergic to tomatoes, we thought it best that I eat food I know doesn't contain tomatoes. I was sad to miss the meal, but I am determined to stay healthy in order to come home in a few days!
After lunch the team came back for me and we then drove to what is known as the Yam Market. In fact, it is a refugee camp where yams are sold. There are 23,000 people in a small area, and the living conditions are nothing what we would consider to be acceptable. I was amazed how happy the children were even thought they had nothing. I was practically mobbed (okay- I was mobbed!) when handing out pencils! The children were so excited to receive anything they couldn't contain themselves.
We were able to take a tour of their homes and community. Everyone was so very friendly! I have never in my life walked with so many children clinging to me! Not only did I have one child holding each hand; I practically had one child holding each finger, and some hanging onto my arms. This made it difficult to follow the narrow path at times, but it was a wonderful experience. Never have I experienced so much love by so many people!
I pray God uses this experience to change me. I need to be thankful for the things I have, and the things I am able to provide for my family. I will be praying for all the people I have met on this trip.
Tomorrow will be another busy day- but it will be day of tourism. We will be going on the canopy walk- where I'm told there are rope bridges to cross at very high altitudes! We will then visit a slave castle where slaves were sold back "in the day". We will conclude our day with a visit to the beach. This will be the last planned experience for us here in Ghana. We leave for home Tuesday evening- and I have to admit I am very homesick.
Sunday morning we visited another church. This church was at the boys' home and was absolutely amazing! The energy the people put into their worship was both inspiring and energizing. Words cannot explain what this service was like. After church I was dropped off at the McIntyre's home while the rest of the team went to Echoing Hills for lunch. Here in Ghana tomatoes are a staple food! Due to the fact I am allergic to tomatoes, we thought it best that I eat food I know doesn't contain tomatoes. I was sad to miss the meal, but I am determined to stay healthy in order to come home in a few days!
After lunch the team came back for me and we then drove to what is known as the Yam Market. In fact, it is a refugee camp where yams are sold. There are 23,000 people in a small area, and the living conditions are nothing what we would consider to be acceptable. I was amazed how happy the children were even thought they had nothing. I was practically mobbed (okay- I was mobbed!) when handing out pencils! The children were so excited to receive anything they couldn't contain themselves.
We were able to take a tour of their homes and community. Everyone was so very friendly! I have never in my life walked with so many children clinging to me! Not only did I have one child holding each hand; I practically had one child holding each finger, and some hanging onto my arms. This made it difficult to follow the narrow path at times, but it was a wonderful experience. Never have I experienced so much love by so many people!
I pray God uses this experience to change me. I need to be thankful for the things I have, and the things I am able to provide for my family. I will be praying for all the people I have met on this trip.
Tomorrow will be another busy day- but it will be day of tourism. We will be going on the canopy walk- where I'm told there are rope bridges to cross at very high altitudes! We will then visit a slave castle where slaves were sold back "in the day". We will conclude our day with a visit to the beach. This will be the last planned experience for us here in Ghana. We leave for home Tuesday evening- and I have to admit I am very homesick.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Raffiki House
Today we needed two vehicles to take us all to the Rafiki House. This is a wonderful place for orphaned children, but it is not an orphanage. This is a place for children to grow up in a loving environment and be engulfed in the Word of God. The children are taught about Jesus and His love for us, as well as all the necessary academics. There are "mothers" who live on site in homes with the children allowing them to experience a family-like environment. I was very impressed with the love shown to and from the children. We were given a wonderful welcome and were also privileged enough to hear the younger children sing "To God Be the Glory". That song will forever tough my heart!
The children living in this facility remain there until they are old enough to be on there own. The first group of children are coming to that age, and the director is waiting on the Lord to guide her as to the next steps for their lives. It is their hope to send these adults out into Ghana to be examples to others to live the life God wants for them.
The rest of the day was spent getting to know each other a little and during the evening we sang worship songs. My favorite part of the entire day was watching the McIntyre's little boy dance and play the drums. He is only about 2, but he sure tries to figure out the drums, and he LOVES to dance! What a difference a week has made! We see his smiles more and more, and I believe he is learning to trust and rely on others. Thanks be to God for sending this little one while we are here so we can see the difference we can make in the lives of the little ones who need a loving, safe, and secure place to be. Getting to know the McIntyres and their family is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
The children living in this facility remain there until they are old enough to be on there own. The first group of children are coming to that age, and the director is waiting on the Lord to guide her as to the next steps for their lives. It is their hope to send these adults out into Ghana to be examples to others to live the life God wants for them.
The rest of the day was spent getting to know each other a little and during the evening we sang worship songs. My favorite part of the entire day was watching the McIntyre's little boy dance and play the drums. He is only about 2, but he sure tries to figure out the drums, and he LOVES to dance! What a difference a week has made! We see his smiles more and more, and I believe he is learning to trust and rely on others. Thanks be to God for sending this little one while we are here so we can see the difference we can make in the lives of the little ones who need a loving, safe, and secure place to be. Getting to know the McIntyres and their family is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Second Team Arrived Today!
The last two days have been very interesting here in Ghana. Tuesday we tried to find a place to swim- but all the hotel pools were too dirty- so we came back to the house and ate lunch. The others went to a pool a friend suggested while Debbie and I stayed home with the little ones. It was nice to sit back and relax and talk with Debbie. The babies slept and played nicely giving us a time to relax.
The next day I woke up feeling awful. My stomach hurt and my body ached. I thought- great! I'm going to get sick in Ghana!! I spent the day resting and even took a nap. I wasn't able to eat much at all- and I just didn't feel well. I took some medicine and began to feel better. By the grace of God I woke up feeling great! I was able to help finish preparations for the team that arrived today and I was able to eat! Thank you God!
The team arrived safe and sound, as well as their luggage! Which means all of our luggage from both teams made it to Ghana without a hitch!!!! God is so wonderful.
Now the house if full of people, and the babies are in heaven! There are so many arm just waiting to hold a baby. There are now a total of 9 females and 4 males to hold the 2 babies. We will see who holds the babies the most.
We will see what tomorrow brings. So far the plans we make day to day change in an instant. I am surprised at how well that is going. I'm not one to need a huge plan, but I do like to know what is happening from day to day. But, I have found these schedule changes to be God's work and have not felt stressed at all. I know God has a purpose for my being here, and I trust He will show us where he wants us to be, and when he wants us to be there.
The next day I woke up feeling awful. My stomach hurt and my body ached. I thought- great! I'm going to get sick in Ghana!! I spent the day resting and even took a nap. I wasn't able to eat much at all- and I just didn't feel well. I took some medicine and began to feel better. By the grace of God I woke up feeling great! I was able to help finish preparations for the team that arrived today and I was able to eat! Thank you God!
The team arrived safe and sound, as well as their luggage! Which means all of our luggage from both teams made it to Ghana without a hitch!!!! God is so wonderful.
Now the house if full of people, and the babies are in heaven! There are so many arm just waiting to hold a baby. There are now a total of 9 females and 4 males to hold the 2 babies. We will see who holds the babies the most.
We will see what tomorrow brings. So far the plans we make day to day change in an instant. I am surprised at how well that is going. I'm not one to need a huge plan, but I do like to know what is happening from day to day. But, I have found these schedule changes to be God's work and have not felt stressed at all. I know God has a purpose for my being here, and I trust He will show us where he wants us to be, and when he wants us to be there.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Echoing Hills
Echoing Hills is a home for people with disabilities. Here in Ghana people are cast away when they have a disability- leaving many to fend for themselves. This home gives many of them a safe place to live and become a productive part of society whenever possible. We met one young blind man who was studying to be able to enter a trade school in order to become a teacher. It is his dream to teach in a "regular" school so he can show the children that even people with disabilities can be a part of the "regular world." We prayed with him and will continue to pray that God will use him as an example to others.
There were many more clients at Echoing Hills and we were able to help in their school. Ruth and I helped some students with their writing and provided coloring pages for others. Jim was teaching others how to tell time, and we could hear them sing songs. One gentleman I was working with showed me his Bible- he was very proud that he owned a nice Bible with pictures and maps and asked me to read to him. I read him John 3:16-21 and had a short conversation about Jesus. It was then time for lunch and time for us to go home. However- before we left a young man who we had spoken to earlier was trying his best to get us to stay for lunch. He was deaf, and I was trying my best to understand him and interpret what he was saying and what we wanted to say to him. I was the only one from our team who knew any sign language- and that is limited! He was very funny and took my arm and sat us at a table where we continued to try to convince him we were not staying to eat. There was a lot of laughter and lighthearted conversation. He was enjoying the fact that we could understand him (almost). I enjoyed my time I am excited to go back later when the other team arrives.
The babies continue to do well. They do like to be held A LOT! And I am dong my best not to spoil them. I want to hold them all the time, and it is hard to hear them cry. But, I have to remember that ALL babies cry, and the McIntyres will be on their own once we all leave. And, once the others arrive there will be more people wanting to hold the babies. It is a good thing you cannot love babies too much!!
The McIntyres did take out little baby girl to a clinic, and we are waiting to hear back from the doctor. We continue to pray that God will heal her and make her a happy healthy little one.
We helped fold and sort lots of baby clothes helping Debbie establish a system that will help her be organized. Their baby room is looking pretty good. That will all change once the others arrive with more baby items..... but I am looking forward to helping sort all that stuff as well. It is wonderful to see how much they have received already- but I know there is so much more they will need to care for these adorable little ones.
There were many more clients at Echoing Hills and we were able to help in their school. Ruth and I helped some students with their writing and provided coloring pages for others. Jim was teaching others how to tell time, and we could hear them sing songs. One gentleman I was working with showed me his Bible- he was very proud that he owned a nice Bible with pictures and maps and asked me to read to him. I read him John 3:16-21 and had a short conversation about Jesus. It was then time for lunch and time for us to go home. However- before we left a young man who we had spoken to earlier was trying his best to get us to stay for lunch. He was deaf, and I was trying my best to understand him and interpret what he was saying and what we wanted to say to him. I was the only one from our team who knew any sign language- and that is limited! He was very funny and took my arm and sat us at a table where we continued to try to convince him we were not staying to eat. There was a lot of laughter and lighthearted conversation. He was enjoying the fact that we could understand him (almost). I enjoyed my time I am excited to go back later when the other team arrives.
The babies continue to do well. They do like to be held A LOT! And I am dong my best not to spoil them. I want to hold them all the time, and it is hard to hear them cry. But, I have to remember that ALL babies cry, and the McIntyres will be on their own once we all leave. And, once the others arrive there will be more people wanting to hold the babies. It is a good thing you cannot love babies too much!!
The McIntyres did take out little baby girl to a clinic, and we are waiting to hear back from the doctor. We continue to pray that God will heal her and make her a happy healthy little one.
We helped fold and sort lots of baby clothes helping Debbie establish a system that will help her be organized. Their baby room is looking pretty good. That will all change once the others arrive with more baby items..... but I am looking forward to helping sort all that stuff as well. It is wonderful to see how much they have received already- but I know there is so much more they will need to care for these adorable little ones.
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