On again, Off again

That is what our power supply (and, as a result, the internet connection) is like on a regular basis here! “That is how you know you are in Africa,” I’m told. Often even when there is power, there is either no internet connection or a very slow one. Last week I was in the middle of composing a blog post that was going to end with prayer for rain when – poof! A blast of wind shook the building, the lights went off, and the rain rain rain came down down down. No matter, we were doing just fine – it’s good my mom can observe that even when I can’t communicate with “the outside world,” I’m A-OK ;). The world here continues nonetheless. They say the internet can be down for up to two weeks sometimes, so if there’s a great gap in communication, I’m sure that “no news is good news.” =)

Thank the Lord that there has been electric power at night thus far, because that’s what keeps the fans running; and after the heat of the day, a little air movement is much appreciated. The ceiling fan in our bedroom broke last week when the cord got caught by the blades and snapped. (All electrical wiring in the house at which I am staying is affixed to the surfaces of walls and ceilings; none of it is threaded through the walls or ceilings!) Fortunately, there was a free-standing fan that we were able to borrow that night, and the ceiling fan was fixed the next day. Although there is no air-conditioning at the house, we have found the indoor temperature very comfortable most of the time.

Gotta go help in the cafeteria now – pray that I will soon have the ability (especially a fast internet connection) to upload some PICTURES. There are a few all ready to go as soon as the opportunity arises. =)

Guest post from my mom =)

Leah has asked me, now that I’m adjusted to the time change and starting to get acclimated, to share a few of my thoughts. I appreciate her willingness to allow me to contribute.

First, I thank God for protecting us on our flights and during our time here. I am so grateful to see for myself the good care the Tirumbus (as Leah introduced them in her letter) are taking of our precious girl (and me), and how friendly everyone is. I am reassured to have Leah in good hands, and pleased to see for myself the good works being done here. Pastor Tirumbu is a very godly man, full of praise and aware of the need for prayer above all else.

We have had the privilege of visiting an orphanage, thus fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine. It was heartwarming to see the good care these children receive, and how they are flourishing. Leah reminded me of James 1:27, “pure religion and undefiled in the sight of God is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”

We also have been able to visit the schools pastor Tirumbu has established, along with their sanitation and water projects. Things like bathrooms and clean, flowing water are such a help to the local people in staying healthy.

Pastor Tirumbu kindly took us to a village with mud huts, where the chief graciously extended greetings to us. As an “older woman,” I was presented with a gift of eggs! I marvel at the generosity of these poor people, but am glad to see the progress they are making with a school and church in a previously unreached area.

The food has been mostly rice, chicken, tomato sauce, yams (which look and taste more like potatoes to me), and plantains (which look like bananas.) I am relieved to have access to filtered water at all times.

While I miss my family, and will miss Leah when I leave, I know God will use her and bless her during the coming year. Now I will be able to pray more specifically for the people she mentions, and I hope to share the photos I took, so others can see as well.

Yesterday was a Good Day

This is what our team kept saying to each other every day last time I was in Ghana, and it’s proving true thus far on this trip as well!

The Tirumbus (remember, I’m continuing to use the name I was requested to use in my letter!) were so kind to us yesterday and let us adjust gradually: we stopped by the office in the morning, but took the afternoon to unpack, nap, take a little walk, and visit, then went to bed early. Tonight a team of eight students is expected to arrive, who will be assisting in the ministry for a few weeks. We’re supposed to spend today with Pastor Tirumbu and a lady from Mexico who’s wrapping up a three-week period of ministry here. Although the schedule that’s been outlined for us in the next few days is fairly slow, we’ve been warned that next week “the honeymoon is over” and the hard work begins!

I’m glad my mom gets to share the “honeymoon” period with me. =)

The Story of a Bag that's gone AWOL – Part 1

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm sittin' pretty in Ghana, where we safely made landfall last night. Praise God, we made it safely with most of our stuff! And thank the Lord that one piece of luggage went missing.

Why "thank the Lord" (beside the fact that He's commanded us to)? Well, here are some benefits that we've identified so far:

1) We were able to encourage - and be encouraged by - another team of missionaries that arrived on the same flight and had three of their bins disappear. They hadn't been to Ghana before, so it was a good chance to remind them that they are going to encounter raw spiritual warfare in this country and need a good prayer covering! (The word "raw" is used just because it's very obvious when you're here...there's spiritual warfare in the US too, but it is generally a little more veiled.) One of the verses prayed by one of their team members last night was praising God for being the Giver of every good and perfect gift, Who does not move with the shifting shadows. He is ALWAYS good, ALWAYS faithful, ALWAYS loving.

2) We didn't have to pay any baggage overage fees to fly north within the country! (Now, of course, we'll probably have to pay for it to come up by ground; but that's not expected to cost quite so much.)

3) I was personally reminded of God's watchfulness and care for me in the midst of every circumstance. =)

4) My mom was able to witness for herself that God is taking care of me even though I've one bag less than I'd anticipated. ;)

5) It reminds all of us to PRAY! So on the heels of my last post...please do pray for us! Of course, we'd be thrilled if the last piece caught up with us, but we know that God is faithful regardless of how it turns out.

Check back in a few days for Part II - I'll let you know either way what happens.

And again, thanks for those prayers!

Do I have the cutest nieces, or what?!

(Hint: “Or What” really isn't an option in this case!)

My mom and I spent last weekend 600 miles from home, visiting my sister's family and getting in some good bonding time with these three precious little girls. We had such fun reading books together, walking to the playground, painting our toenails together, and doting on “Baby.”

This weekend, my mom and I take off on a journey of 6,000 miles (give or take – at least that figure sounds nice and dramatic, right? ;) ) with a destination in West Africa! Please pray for the usual – flights, luggage, health – but most of all for hearts that are right before God and ready to serve however! And of course we'd invite prayers that our week together in Ghana will be a precious time for both of us...and that my dad and brothers would enjoy a precious time together in our absence. ;)

Thanks for all those prayers. =)