Newest Arrivals

Here are pictures of the two babies the McIntyres welcomed into their home the same day we arrived. Both need your prayers due to various needs. They are the cutest, sweetest little ones and we are blessed to be able to spend this time getting to know them. Please pray for these babies and for the McIntyres as they have a house full (and are welcoming more people next week). We will try to post more pictures as the week progresses. We have already seen changes in both children as they become more comfortable with their new home and have plenty of loving arms to comfort them.

I Made It!!

Praise God we made it!! What an amazing adventure. God has already shown me His love and mercy through these wonderful past few days. To begin with- I made it through the airports and security without a hitch:) I forgot to take my Zanax and thought I would have a problem when the flight took off, but I sat back and said a prayer and I was fine.

Once we landed in DC we had about 6 1/2 hours until our long flight to Accra, Ghana. This was a time we were able to get to know each other, rest, and eat a little before getting on the plane for the LONG flight. I was even able to sleep a little and have not experienced much jet lag.

Once we arrived at the McIntyre's Debbie arrived with two babies to care for. One boy and a girl- they are both the cutest little ones I have ever seen! We have all been enjoying getting to know the little ones.

We were also able to visit an orphanage today. We played with the children and listened to a story with them. My heart goes out to each and every child there. But, I do find comfort in the fact that it is a Christian orphanage and the children are taught about God. It is my prayer that the children can find comfort in knowing Him.

Tomorrow we go to the village market. That should be very interesting!! I can't wait for the experience and to see how the villagers shop for their food. We will see what God has in store for us tomorrow.

Exhausting Week!!

This has been a very hard week for me physically as well as emotionally. I started the week off with what I thought was a cold- but when I wasn't feeling better by Wednesday I called the doctor. I'm very glad I made that call! I am now on three medications to clear up a sinus infection (not something I want for the flight!) This explains why I have been so very tired all week. But, I should be feeling much better in the next couple of days. And, as Jim pointed out- it might be beneficial to have the antibiotics in my system for the trip. God's timing is amazing!

Today I was feeling a little better and decided to call the school to find out if they had made any decisions about interviewing for the two teaching positions open for this up coming school year. I spoke with the principal who apologized for the fact I will not be getting an interview. There were over 240 applications submitted for those two openings, and I simply do not have the experience others have. While I respect their decision, I cannot help but be disappointed. In my mind this was the perfect job for me. But, I realize God is in control and must have other plans for my future. I must admit it will be nice to be able to relax once we return from Ghana and not have to begin setting up a classroom. I will continue to sub until I find a permanent teaching position- or until God shows me another path.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the week was saying good bye to Brianna. She is spending time with her dad in Fennimore until I return. This means I will not see her for about a month. This is the most time we have spent apart and I will miss her greatly. Thank goodness for cell phones and computers!!

Now, with all that behind me, I am able to focus on my trip to Ghana and draw closer to God. I may be exhausted, but I am not giving up. By the grace of God I will be healthy and not distracted while in Ghana. I may not understand the things that are happening, but I understand that God is in control and has better plans than I could ever dream of.

One More Week!

In one week from today we will be leaving for Ghana! I can't believe it is almost time to go!! I have spent time packing, and repacking, and shopping for the things I need. I can't help but feel there is something I am forgetting. But, I am leaving it with the Lord and praying he will help me bring everything I will need.

Tomorrow Ruth and I will be getting together to make sure we have everything packed that we will need. We will see how successful we can be at sharing a suitcase and keeping it under 50 pounds. We are lucky enough to be able to wash our clothing while in Accra, Ghana, which makes it easier to pack. We only need to pack 1/2 the amount of clothing we will need.

I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us! I am excited and anxious at the same time. My biggest fear as of right now is the flight. I have never flown before and cannot help but to worry about the flight(s). I know we are in God's hands, and I do find comfort in that fact; however, I cannot help but let the human emotions come through. I'm sure everything will be just fine and I will be able to laugh at my worries once I'm home.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get this far (financially and prayerfully). I could not have done this without each and every one of you... and could not continue my preparations to go. Thank you all and may God bless you!!!!!

Almost Ready

Whew! Time is sure flying by fast! I am enjoying teaching summer school, and can't believe this is the last week!! Which also means it is getting very close to the time to leave for Ghana. Where did the time go?

I have gotten all the shots I thought I needed, but decided to to get one more "just in case". Ruth and I were recently informed there have been cases of meningitis reported in Ghana. So..... that means one more shot! I do not want to take any chances of getting sick while in Ghana.

Packing is proving to me a lot more difficult that I ever thought it would be. What do I take? What do I leave behind? Do I want to wear more skirts, or capris? I am packing light so Ruth and I can fit all of our clothes into one suitcase which will give us an extra checked bag to fill with supplies for the McIntyres.

In between packing and teaching I have been working on "perfecting" my teaching portfolio in hopes for an interview. The random Lake School District is officially hiring two teachers in which I am licensed!! I am trying to be patient and lean on God, but I cannot help worrying. I have no choice but to wait for the principal to call and schedule an interview- hopefully before I leave!! I welcome all prayers in this matter, as well as for my strength, humility, and not to mention my sanity as I continue to prepare for my interview and my trip.

God is SO Good!

Tuesday was a busy day for me! I started the morning with blood tests at our local clinic to check my blood sugar and cholesterol levels, ate breakfast in the car on my way to work (teaching 4K), then headed to Sheboygan for the rest of my immunizations. Luckily I have not experienced any side effects from the immunizations. (I seem to have the tendency to be part of the 1% of the population who gets all the strange side effects, so I was worried- but God is so good!)

On Wednesday I returned to the clinic to get the results of my blood tests; for the first time in a year everything came back wonderful! The doctor has taken me off of ALL medications! My blood sugar levels are normal and my cholesterol levels came back less than 1/2 of what they were in December. The doctor was amazed and said she didn't know how I did it. I know how it happened; it was not by my power, but God's. he has given me the strength and will power to change my eating habits. It's amazing the effects of eating a few fruits and veggies instead of junk food can have on your body!

The doctor has given me a clean bill of health! For those of you who do not know how amazing this is for me, let me give you a quick review of my health this past year. June 12, 2009- Nick and I were married; June 19, 2009- emergency gall bladder surgery while on vacation in Oconto Falls (allergic reaction to Vicodin); July 6, 2009- blood clots all the way from right wrist to shoulder due to IV from gall bladder surgery (I was on blood thinners and numerous Dr. visits until December- allergic reaction to 1st blood thinner); December 2009- diagnosed as pre-diabetic and high cholesterol (reaction to medication). As you can imagine, I was afraid to go back to the doctor, and was afraid what would be next! Planning this missions trip to Ghana has been a struggle for me! I can't help but wonder what will happen with my health. But, I feel this is God's plan for me and I cannot ignore God.

It is now time to focus on preparing for my trip. We leave in less than 7 weeks and there is so much to do! First on my list (after prayer) is finding luggage. I have been reading books about Ghana, missions, and the binder from SEND, and I feel I am as prepared as possible. Although, I will continue reading as much as possible before leaving (and possibly take a book with me to read on the long flight).