Tomorrow I will have been in Accra for 3 weeks!! I feel like I have been here a lot longer, and that is not a bad thing. I am starting to understand the culture and understand almost everything that is going on all around me. The Lord has given me so much peace and comfort being here even if everything that is going on is not exactly comfortable. I guess it would probably be best just to go through the past 3 weeks almost day by day.
On Monday morning my parents dropped me off and said their goodbyes at JFK. I have to admit that I shed a tear or two when I choked out goodbye to Mom and Dad. I know that I will miss them and the rest of my family so much while I am here, and I hope that they know that I love them and miss them! From Monday while waiting for my plane out of JFK: “I am scared and nervous now. This is definitely a new experience. Now that I am officially leaving I cannot wait to be there. While saying goodbye and while waiting I am definitely questioning my decision. I know that God is in control though and He knows exactly what He is doing. He works all things together for my good.” (anything else in quotes is also my journaling from that day unless otherwise noted)
Tuesday morning at 4:45 am in Accra my plane landed. Too bad my luggage did not! The first place I had to go when I arrived in Ghana was to the lost luggage desk, which had about 50 other people waiting there who also had not received their luggage. Me and my friend Mindy who was on my plane waited in line for over an hour and a half. Finally we got to fill out a form and then hope the luggage came! “It’s amazing how God likes to let me know that I am NOT in control.”
All day Tuesday I hung around AIS meeting many of the teachers and staff. I was so tired from not sleeping very much for 2 days, but it was great to meet everyone. I was also informed that I would be staying by myself in one of the condos right next to the school. I was all of a sudden really nervous about living here in Accra. It is a lot different than living in the U.S.
My prayer for a roommate was quickly answered when I was informed on Wednesday that I would be staying with the Crosby’s (the Director of AIS and his wife) for a few weeks until the new apartments were ready. Random thought: Matthew 18 Jesus talks about cutting off hands, feet and eyes in order to keep from sinning. “Jesus says it is better to lose these things then to go to hell. So I’m thinking this is God’s mindset when it comes to a lot of suffering. Father, do whatever you need to break me down!”
Thursday August 4: “I have a phone that I can use now. I have all my luggage. I will be staying with the other teachers in that complex. I know how to get some places. God is good! Had my first experience on a tro-tro (basically a van that you pay to ride in, but there are about 17 people crammed into it). It wasn’t bad at all compared to what I was expecting. I almost have the Ghanaian handshake down too! Thanks to Fred (one of the guards at the school)! Lord, thank you for your kindness, goodness, and grace.”
Friday and Saturday we had teacher meetings and gatherings and learned a lot about how the school year is going to go. Saturday, with a lot of help from Jane (one of the janitors), I was able to inventory and clean out the PE closet. There isn’t a whole lot to work with! Only 4 of the balls that are in the crate actually hold air!
During several of the first few nights at the Crosby’s there were a lot of mosquitoes in my room. Sunday morning: “First time I have ever prayed about mosquitoes. Especially at 3 am! Lord help me to depend and rely on you! Even when it comes to mosquitoes. Forgive me Lord for acting and thinking like I can control my life!”
Sunday morning I went with the Crosby’s and Willingham’s to Action Chapel International. The voices of those leading worship were amazing, but it was SO LOUD! I don’t think I could hear myself think. The preacher’s message seemed very similar to the prosperity Gospel which is very big in Ghana right now.
The week of August 8th through 12th was spent moving materials around the school and preparing lessons for the school year. During the week I became more and more excited about the upcoming school year, but also more and more nervous about being completely prepared. The first year of teaching definitely is a lot more preparation than I thought. Every day I thought of something else I needed to have ready for the start of the year! I was able to get everything done though, praise the Lord!
On Thursday night I was able to call Mom and wish her a happy birthday! Also got to talk to Dad for a few minutes. It is actually not very expensive to call the U.S. which is a blessing.
On Friday night I attempted to walk to the Palace from the Crosby’s. I evidently did not understand Christy’s directions completely and got really lost. I left around 6:30 and what was supposed to be a 20 minute walk ended up being an hour long walk plus a taxi ride. Even the taxi ride was an adventure! But they were kind enough to wait for me to serve the food so I didn’t miss out!
On Saturday I was able to meet up with Rezi Amiri and the family she was staying with in Tema (just outside Accra). I am grateful that she invited me and for the Drost’s who provided dinner and a great dessert!
I think I will stop there for this blog. I will hopefully be able to give an update about school and how everything is going sometime this week. Now that school is started I am a lot less busy.
Prayer requests for this upcoming week: 1. We’re planning to start soccer practice next Monday. So the prayer request is that everything would be ready for futbol to start Monday. 2. I moved out of the Crosby’s, but am still not at my apartment. Pray that all the work needed to be done on my place will get done so I can finally unpack my bags next weekend. 3. Pray that school will continue to run smoothly and that I will use the opportunities I have to share the Gospel with the students. 4. On Tuesday afternoon I will be helping with a Bible Kid’s Club on a street near my house. Pray that the kids would respond to God’s love and grace! And that we might have the opportunity to speak to their parents too!
