Friday, January 28, 2011

Is He Worth It?

I wake up at 4:30 every morning to run and do my devotions before trying to get to work by 6. I zoom around the classroom, trying to get it al the lessons prepared before 14 energetic children enter the room. I hear my name called at least a thousand times a day, I listen to tattle tale stories, clean up messes, repeat myself until I am blue, give children praises while scolding others, and try to remember how to teach 1 plus 1. I then continue the madness by making older kids run, not taking any attitude, and finding ways to make them learn without killing each other. All this ends so I can go home, grade my life away, and begin the process again. Or your story might be similar but it takes place at an office building with colleagues or at your house with all the kids running around destroying things here and there. No matter what our circumstances look like and how the task must be complete, we must face the fact that life is hard and can easily get us down.

Luckily, I was asked a rhetorical question that gave me the time to ponder the answer. The pastor in church asked us if life was worth it. Is it really worth it being in the rat race or and most importantly doing the work of the Lord. He then answered, instead of "Is it worth it?" "Is He worth it?" This hit me as I then had to think about the purpose of doing things and the attitude in which I convery myself. "Is He Worth it?" Of course he is! Yes, the demans are too much at times and I lose patience but I have to keep my focus on the one who counts, the one who I am living for, Jesus Christ. I must keep telling myself, "He is Worth it" thus I must continue to perservere to show the Joy that only comes from him and to give the love that can only flor from the Lord. Easier said than done but it is possible if I continue to remind myself of Christ being worth it. Afterall, what I go through, is nothing compared to what my Savior did for all of us on the cross. Continue in perseverance for someday eternal life praising our Savior will be ours! In Corinthians 15, Paul saw that he was daily risking his life for Christ. He even asked is it worth, and to him it was for the salvation that we receive.

30 And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? 31 For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. This is as certain as my pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done in you. 32 And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus[f]—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!”[g] 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.


In other news, nothing too new to report except that I have a soccer game scheduled for a week from Monday. This is against the other American school here connected with the embassy. Everyone says they are good so we will see but we are playing the JV team. My kids are out of shape but I am excited for them to start playing some games. I also am excited to show off my white polo shirt that says AIS coach on it. Thanks mom and dad! What can I say, I am another vain coach who wants to dress the part but also it helps people identify me away from the kids because lets face, we all know I look like I am 12. Anways, the outcome should be interesting and I would love for us to have our first win ever. I just pray they don't give up and play hard the whole time.

Friday we had International Day at our school. We have 28 different countries represented at school with 209 students. It is such a melting pot and and amazing to be a part of that many cultures on a daily basis. During the day, each teacher presented on a different country to the kids and the kids came dressed up in traditional clothing. Of course, most cultures had very beautiful dresses while the Americans wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap. We have such a rich culture! Then for lunch, all the families bring a dish to share and we enjoy lunch together with over 300 people. We have dishes from French Fries to sushi to Fufu. You name it or some of the things you probably wouldn't be able to name! My favorite part is after everyone eats as they call up one country at a time to get their picture taken on stage. Most people hate going on stage but it is cool to see them represent their country even if they are the only one. The pictures are on a friends camera so I promise to upload them hopefully later today. They are all beautiful students. It just reminds me of the amazing God we serve! He is a part of all these cultures and languages. He has made a way for all these children and parents to end up at AIS for a reason. It is a huge responsibility but exciting that I have an opportunity to share with these kids about Christ who do come from different backgrounds. I have been invited over to one of my students' home who is a Mulsim. Please pray for the interactions and that I will continue to show Christ in all situations.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Oh the Freedom!

Kids hard at work! I love watching them work on projects. They were righting synonyms for overused words that we put to bed.
The boy in the middle isn't sleeping, he just doesn't like his picture taken.

We made ourselves into food chains by dressing up as animals and taking pictures that will be made into the food chains on paper. This is a giraffe. They were very creative while dressing up.


Here we have a ferocious lion!



A beautiful butterfly flapping her wings! I love allowing the kids to be in charge of their own projects and just going with it!




Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.


7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.



13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I had this finished a week ago and had it finished but then lost it all so I wasn't motivated to rewrite it yet. Fortunately, I will try it again! I will try to keep it short but you know how that goes!

Last week during a morning devotion with the elementary teachers, the fifth grade teacher read this passage. It really hit me and gave me joy that only comes from the Lord. What a beautiful word; freedom! I have never appreciated that word enough. Granite, I loved the word when it meant freedom from rules, school, troubles, and sometimes parents(not anymore, when I was younger of course!) However, there is such a deeper meaning to the word, an eternal meaning that is priceless. We have freedom in life because we are set free by our maker, Jesus Christ. He gave us the ultimate sacrifice so we would no longer have to live a life in chains. Why then, do I allow the chains to engulf me to the point of suffication? Well, good question Christ and the answer is, I allow this dark, evil world to get me down by the difficulties I must face. Why though when I have in capital letters FREEDOM in Christ! Obviously, he is the only one that matters and if He has already set me free, then there is nothing to stop me from finishing the race He has set before me. Sorry, I am sure most of you have this realization, but it just hit me in a powerful way this week. How would my life look different if I never allowed myself to be stuck in bondment but continued to throw off the chains by getting my daily fill of God's word and allowing myself to listen to His still small voice.

I will insert the Newsboys Song, I Am Free. It has a catchy tune but catches this message accurately.

Through You the blind will see
Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise
Through You our hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees
Through You my heart screams I am freeI am free
Chorus:I am free to run(I am free to run)
I am free to dance(I am free to dance)
I am free to live for You(I am free to live for You)
I am free(I am free)Yes, I am free(I am free)
Through You the kingdom's come
Through You the battle's won
Through You I'm not afraid
Through You the price is paid
Through You there's victoryBecause of You my heart screams I am freeI am free
Chorus:Who the Son sets free is free indeed.Who the Son sets free is free indeed.


The girl teachers have started a new bible study on the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore. This past week we read Psalm 121
1-3 "I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow you foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber."

Is there really anything else to say about these verses as the messages rings "Hallelujah" choruses. I am afraid to say much as it will ruin the beautiful words the psalmist uses to show us we have the Maker of heaven and Eart on our side so we have no reason to worry. Our deliverer knows us and the universe as it is all His. Although He is the mighty One, He is Mighty enough to care for little you and me.

There are some things roaming over my head that can get me overwhelmed but I know the Lord will interceed when it is time for each one to take place.

First of all, I am helping a junior soccer boy look for scholarships as he wants to play Division 1 soccer in the states. I have now became an novice agent and I am clueless! Luckily my coach from college is helping me and I've been surfing the web alot through our oh so slow internet! It is overwhelming trying to find a place and get everything turned in when we aren't even in the states but I know the Lord will provide so as long as we are on top of things, God will get him where He needs to go. If anyone reading this has connections with D1 soccer(you never know, there could be someone out there!) please let me know! Anyways, his mother actually came to school Wednesday to meet me. She is very protective but not very involved in their lives so this was a huge deal for her to come and give her agreement in allowing me to help her son find an university. Now the easy part, staying true to my part of the bargain and finding a place. I just have to keep telling myself, in God's timing.

Soccer: We are stuck playing at the school until they finish building ours. The dust is unbearable right now as it is dry. I have to cut through it to find my players! It has made it cooler out which is nice. We are probably only 100 degrees from you current temperature now if you are living in the arctic at the moment! I suggest we have dust days instead of snow days but the administration hasn't approved one yet. Please pray we get to the field soon and I can schedule some games. Also, one of my players broke her collar bone outside of soccer practice. She is really down about this but the team which is like a huge family, has really been rallying around her and sending cards of encouragement. I am so thankful to have these kids in my life which really offer good support to one another.

Math month: I am in charge of math month at Children of the Light. This is a huge responsibility and not all the way read yet(shhh don't tell Auntie Jean) but it will get done. Last week I went up there to teach the teachers the math centers. Unfortunately, one of them couldn't finish an AB pattern out of colored blocks nor do multiplication. This was sort of frustration but it is giving me good practice for when I start my centers for teachers.
Speaking of that, most of you probably know I want to start my own teacher training centers so the government teachers will have resources and better methods of teaching. It is overwhelming as I want to start developing this idea more but still don't know the certain direction to go towards. Please pray that I continue to pray about this and I will listen to God's guidance. If anyone has any advice on this, I would be more than willing to listen! I know my job right now is AIS so I must stay focused there.

Sorry this is probably boring but I wanted to just give a testimony of how the Lord works in so many little ways. Anyways, praises!

I went to this seminar on a way to teach phonices called "Phonics Dance" I love it and use it all the time along with the 1st and Kg teachers. I e-mailed the lady who lives in Xenia, Ohio about how we love it here in Africa and I use it some with the street kids. She wrote back excited that we were using it and offered to send me free books! Of course I can't turn that down. What a blessing. You never know until you ask!

My parents and Cathy are coming the last week! Yes, it is true and they have to come as we have already booked it. I am so excited and we are already planning even though we have 5 months. 5 months seems forever but I know it will come fast enough, might as well enjoy each day. THe real reaso I want them to come is all the suitcases they can fill with things for the kids. Just kidding, well it is a great bonus of them coming! I am so excited to see Ghana through their eyes and meet the people that are so dear to me. If you would like to donate anything for the kids on the street, in the village, or for Auntie Jean, contact them. They already know they can only bring one change of clothing! I want to give the kids on the street a book of their own so if you have any suggestions let me know.

We are finally making friends out of AIS as we had a couple over from church who are Dutch. The husband doesn't speak much English but we all did the best we could to communicate. We started realizing though that we talk about school way too much and even when we tried to think of other topics, we couldn't! Just shows that we don't have a life outside of school! Well, we hope this friendship will last with this couple as they are really sweet.

Alright last story before I leave you or maybe you have already left me. THis is a weird one so bare with me. I have a scraper that I use to remove the calluses on the bottom of my feet. I just changed the blade and was really scraping away the dead skin. There is a great object lesson in that! Anyways, I have done this plenty of times and never had a problem but when I moved to the second foot, I hit good sking and cut myself. While this was bleeding over the towel, I continued on the other side of the foot where I did it again and yes then one more time. I cut myself three times on my foot! I promise I wasn't doing it on purpose. I just started laughing as a stream of blood flowed across my foot and I bandaged my foot with Garfield bandaids. Then it reminded me of sin. We do it once, don't think it was too bad so we do it again. The effects of the sin still aren't horrible so we do it again. Alright, by this time, the effects are showing and it is hard to stop the flow of consequences from our actions. Luckily, Christ bandages us up but leaves the pain to remind us of our actions so we don't do it again. Oh man, who knew I could find a lesson in trying to get rid of calluses? God is good!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Endless Waves Endless Waters

This is a picture from the retreat I chaperoned for with high schoolers. They had to dig a hole for their whole team to fit in. Is it weird to see people in bathing suits in January? Welcome to hot Ghana!


The high schoolers worked hard to find pictures in the sand with the ocean in the background. Great fun!




Oh how powerful the waves are. They remind me of God's power and goodness simultaneously.
















I iced cookies with some of the kids on the street! They kind of got addicted to the icing, not use to that much sugar.
















I took three girls whose father works for the school put putting for the first time. If anyone knows me, they know I love miniature golf! This is actually a nice place. Who knew in Ghana?










A typical new years day: watch the Rose Parade on TV while dreaming to be there in person one day, eating kinedle and zelle(bohemian), playing games, catching a few bowl games(not me though), and curling up in a blanket.

A typical new yeard day in Ghana; most people just getting back from church, sweating like usual, eating chicken and rice(always) or fufu, and leaving for a beach with 30 high schoolers for a retreat. What more could you ask for? I had the opportunity of going with the Youth Group from my church to Tills Beach for two nights. A lot of the kids go to AIS so it was fun to get to know them on a deeper level.


I love looking out into the ocean, that stretches forever. It reminds me of God's eternal love and life. I could just stare at it forever! Which I pretty much did when we were not having sessions. We had a youth pastor come from Minnesota who is a friend of a lady from school. He barely made it out before a blizzard hit the area. Praise the Lord. He was really relevant and the kids were listened to what he had to say. The theme was "Emmanuel" God with us. It is such a great reminder as God does seem distant sometimes but no, He really is with us through the ups and downs. I have been reading Hewbrews, and he brought up some scripture that I have been holding on to as well. When you take the time of actually thinking that God is always be our sides, it is such a great relief and comfort. The creator of our world thinks it is important to be with US, US, just lowly humans who know nothing! So many children see themselves as nobodies so it is important that they hold on to the truth that they are someone in Christ who does care about their trivial lives. Verse I find so promising are at the end of Hebrews.


Hebrews 10: 37-39

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come. and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."


Christ is coming back and we have the Faith to hold on to that truth!


Hebrews 9: 28

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many: and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."



We had time to hit the beach and I did get out far into the ocean. It is so majestic, a symbol of our Lord. The waves were huge and it made getting out far difficult as they kept pulling us under. Some people were afraid and wanted to give up but then when it calmed down for a second, you could make it out if you swam quickly out. Then the reward came as it was calm farther out and we could just float in peace. This effort to get to calm waters reminded of our lives. There are so many rough waves in life that keep pullin us under. We allow it to swallow us and it beats us up good enough that we want to give up sometimes. However, if we endure the rough waves long enough, we get to the calm waters to rest. God gets us through the rough waves or circumstances that face us in life. If we persue Him and have Faith, he gets us past the rough times and unto resting in Him. Just like you have to swim fast when the water is calm, we need to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ so we follow Him into His truth and His rest. Amen!


Hebrews 12:1-2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily best us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."


We returned from the retreat on Monday which refreshed me enough to welcome my students back on Wednesday. It was so exciting to see them all. We had such a great three days together even though they were still half asleep most of the time. I seem charged up with energy so I pray this continues. I can't believe a semester has gone by. I need to embrace every moment with them before it is gone.



Praise!!! We have bought land to build a new school as we are busting at the seams. It isn't that far from our location now which is nice. The best part is they are going to clear some land for a soccer field right away so we can start practicing there. Praise the Lord as the people in charge of the field where we play now are being difficult. Please pray that the plans will come through for the land and no complications will come as you never know what could happen here. Also pray for safety as we play on the land considering they have seen green mambas on the land. AKA: poisonous snakes! Yikes! Anyways, it is worth it, spoken by a true football player!


I pray your new year is starting off and you have had time to reflect on the goodness of our Lord and Savior.