Throw it off and run!

It is always a beautiful day for a marathon even in the rain. Actually this is a better day for a marathon in Ghana as it isn't as hot!

Here comes the obruneis amongst the Ghanaians! You can see me head popping out!

We are ready to run after receiving out t-shirts with the thousands of others! It was fun running with our fellow Ghanaians!

The girls having a good time during our game day compliment party.

The boys are playing a serious game of uno! Actually they were struggling but having fun nonetheless.

Here is the beautiful cake we made with beautiful children!

One of my girls reading to the kindergarten students. It is funny as my mannerisms while reading are rubbing off on them!

Here is our chefs busy helping me make the cake!

This past Wednesday was a holiday to mark the birthday of the first president when Ghana became an independent nation. We just celebrate having a random day off at school but this year we decided to be a part of the community and run half of the annual marathon. Let me just tell you that this was definitely a Ghanaian event and worth the 5 cedis to partake in this festivity even though I am still very sore. The day began at 5 when we arrived at a place to get our t-shirts that we had to wear while running. There were many people lined up around this roped off area and we waited there for awhile until they finally began to give away the shirts. A man on the intercom kept saying, remain calm and stay in the premise but once people got shirts, they ran to the start line. I must say we were out numbered with all the Ghanaians but this was okay as I just love being a part of the culture. Once getting our shirts, we were quite the spectical and many tv stations wanted interviews which Josiah partook in one of them. The morning just got even better at the start line as there was many celebrations going on in Ghanaian fashion. Some men were on top of truck beds dancing and singing while others were jumping around and trying to get ready as the rain faithfully came down. The people were a sight to see as some we wearing short shorts as others were wearing pants. Some had normal tennis shoes on while others had flat converse shoes, flip flops with socks and a rope tied around their ankle, holy socks, or nothing on their feet at all. This seemed awful for running conditions but alas we are in Africa and that is just what they do! Of course we were popular and everyone wanted to come up to shake our hands and wish us good luck. Well, they offered that to the two guys with me but fortunately I was asked for my phone number! Never a dull moment being a white girl in Ghana as everyone wants to get to know me even during a marathon! At the least unexpected moment, a gun went off and we all just started running with a mob of green shirts lining the usually crowded streets. We finally settled into a pace and then managed to run for the next 2 1/2 hours. The view was quite scenic as we passed the ocean, towns, outskirt neighborhoods, and even the large Makola market. My time was never dull either as every guy I passed quickly started running since they didn't want to be beat by a girl! It was neat towards the end of my running as more people start to cheer for me as they surprisingly watched a white girl run by them, I guess that doesn't happen every day! They said at one point that I was the 5th girl but we only wanted to run half of it so we stopped with 9 miles to go. I must say that I do not want to run a marathon all the time but the experience was something else, as it was such a Ghana moment with all the celebrating and unorganization of it all. I do love this crazy place and am blessed to be here.





The rest of the week went well at school although the kids were crazy with having Wednesday off. On Tuesday, we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to practice writing out directions in sequential order. They loved this so much as many of the kids had never had a pbj! I know, who knew this was possible but it is true! They were so impressed and loved the taste of it. One of the girls said she went home and tried to make it but they didn't have any of the ingredients so she just made up her own. They just thought it was so cool and the americans in class were like this is a staple food!


Friday was a big day in class as we made a cake in the morning and then had a party in the afternoon for our good behavior in special classes. They were definitely wound up but did such a good job with the cake. I love doing fun activities with them and I promise learning is taking place! During our party, we played board games which was quite amusing to take part in. I was playing the Dutch version of Guess Who with an American boy who was trying to get me to guess his guy, easy for me! At the same time, I was monitoring the little bickerings over the princess items for a girls game, and watched the boys totally botch up the game of Uno. For the most part they were all having fun so that is all that matters.





Lately, I have been feeling like I don't do enough for God while in Ghana and just get caught up in school things or just hangning out with friends. I know I don't have to "do" for God but yet just be in His presence and be led by the Holy Spirit but I just haven't felt like i was doing the Lord's work as much. Today, God faithfully and graciously showed me His truths today as I started my Saturday morning with a usual run. On the way back, I met a lady I use to talk to more often and we are going to get together tomorrow. Then the kids on the street spotted me and I spent time playing "empe" with them which is a clapping and jumping game which I am not very good at all. They love playing it with me because they spend the whole time laughing at me. Later in the day, I played some soccer with the boys at school and just said hi to some kids on the street which lit up their faces. God is constantly reminding me that it is not the large items in life that count for doing something for God. God wants us to be faithful to Him in every situation no matter how great or smalland a smile can go a long way. God provided in such a way that was needed so I can realize how to stay strong and do the normal routines which can result in measurably large things!





Tonight just for fun we had a black and white party! This consisted of us eating pasta and blackened chicken, and plenty of black and white desserts. Of course we had to wear black and white which went well with my red body(oops burnt myself today in the hot African sun!), and we watched Casablanca as our black and white movie. Once again, we are the queens at planning random parties but is sure is fun.

In really random news, they opened a KFC not far from our church. We have been there twice and it actually is pretty good and even real fast food! I mean fast food like it comes within minutes! They sometimes run out of chicken and don't have all the same things like in America but hey it is Ghana!




Running in the race this week reminded me of Hebrews chapter 12.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1 I just pray that we can take away all the hindrances in our way and just run straight to the arms of Jesus and keep on running until he comes back! Amen!

s

I

Rays of Hope and Promises

Here are my kids leading chapel! There are so many of them but they did a great job praising the Lord!

This is just a random picture of my class but you can see them all trying to sit before lunch. Key word: trying! We do have a good time in my bright orange, you need your sunglassess, room.

One of my students reading to a kindergartener during reading buddy time. I think they look quite comfortable in my chair!

Some of the kids are practicing their reader's theatre script. Aren't they so happy looking?

This is random but they are acting out their play with quite the emotion!

As I am writing this, the sun is pouring in through my window, reminding me that life is in full throttle out in beautiful Africa. The squatters have already carried their water buckets from someone's house and trash has been emptied. The majority of Ghnaians are now decked out in their Sunday best(not sure how they stay so clean!) and are on their way to worship Christ for at least 4 hours! Alas, here I am still in bed but will be getting dressed shortly. I think it is important to remember my fellow Ghanaian brothers and sisters who work so desperately hard just for a small meal. It is a rough life and it is easy to take mine for granted even when I am in Africa. I have been reminded this week that in everything we must lift up our voices to the Lord so he may direct our paths and He will. I pray that all of us can find the hope and promises that God gives us each day, the ones as promises as the rays bringing sunshine and heat or of a parent giving comfort and support. Standing in the paths of God's rays must be the place to be.

Soccer officially started this week with only 2 kids last Monday. There is definitely change and some of the boys do not life this but it will get better. We must now run to the field which takes 15 minutes but this is a good workout for the boys even though they dislike it with a passion! I have thoroughly enjoyed practice as I don't have to run the whole thing! Who knew this was possible? I just sit back, let them do all the yelling at the kids, and I just instruct. I do have more of a voice left by the end of the week which is a definite bonus! I am still trying to establish a league which is proving to be more difficult but welcome to Ghana! The plan this week is to get a finalized list of teams but again Ghana time is different than my time! I just want the best for these boys even though they have a hard time seeing it or don't want to work hard for it. It will come, but it is a process in teaching them hard work efforts and how to work as a team.

I received another new student this week and am now up to 16! This is the most I have ever had which is still half than what my sister has so I shouldn't complain. This little one doesn't speak too much English as he is from Benin who speak French. He is very active and I know he will pick up quickly. It has been fun having more French students in the classroom as I have been throwing out words here and there even though I am really rusty! The amazing part is he actually understands me! There are some words that I can say to him in French and then he understands it in English which is a blessing. My brain though is having difficulty as I first want to speak Twi before French and then when someone asks me in English, I want to speak French. It is so confusing but a fun challenge! One of my precious students on Friday prayed for the new student that he would learn English quickly and understand the langugage. It was so cute and they do look after each other fairly well. We also led chapel this week which you can see the pictures above. The sound was working half the time but such is life and you move on. They did a play on the plagues that the Egyptians endured and it was quite humorous as my Pharoah was yelling No into the mike which he probably didn't need in the first place. I had very large frogs hopping by, hungry locust that seem to gobble up the paper hail stones, and very sick animals. This class had never done a play before during chapel but they handled themselves very well. I do love my class as they keep me on my toes but this keeps me young although one of them thought I was 80!

Keep rejoicing in the Lord in all you do!

Blessings at the right moment

Does God know how to love us or what? Yes, I know this but it is so encouraging that the Lord is willing to hear my pety cries when it is just one of those days. On Monday, I started having doubts about my teaching abilities. Who knows why I picked that day but it just occurred to me that maybe I push too much and don't help them understand enough. I asked one of the teachers whose daughter was in my class last year and her third daughter is in my class this year. She just gave me assurance and told me to give it to the Lord. I spent time giving up these worries to the Lord and in return he blessed me with a wonderful day. The kids were well behaved and we got a lot accomplished but enjoyed it at the same time. After school, a parent came up to me and told me thanks. I was wondering why and she said because she was afraid her daughter wouldn't like my class since she loved first grade so much but she loves second grade. Not that I needed a boost of confidence but it does help once in awhile. God was definitely assuring me that He does get me through the rough patches but not only does he get me through, he gives me comfort above of what I expected. Thank you Lord! The parent who I had talked to earlier in the day told me her daughter came home that night and was telling her all she learned that day about mental math and the plagues the Egyptians endured. She was encouraged to share this with me and yes it help. I guess that God constantly needs to remind me that through my inadequacies, He is never failing and brings hope to every situation. What a blessing it is to have Christ on our side, always! Amen!

My little ones are precious and we are learning how to enjoy each other each moment. I wish I could write down all the hilarious things they say but it is hard to do in the moment. At the beginning of the week, we ran out of time one day to do bible and they were upset. "What, no bible?" "I need to hear God's word!" "I need to read it and listen to it." It was such a child-like faith moment and they helped me realize the importance of sharing Christ with them continually. One day we got on the topic of salvation and I shared the gospel with them. Some of them said acted like they were praying right then to Christ but not sure how real it was. I know that God works in all situations. Please pray for my kids as some do not go to church or believe it is more on a works basis than salvation.

In random news, we had a mouse in a house as we appropiately named Ralph, you know from "Ralph and the Motorcycle!"If you haven't read it you can come to second grade! Anyways, I saw it Monday during dinner and didn't say anything as it ran by apparently on a mission. However, on Wednesday when I found a chewed pineapple on the counter, I realized this was a bigger problem! Daniel, our guard set a trap and I jumped to the sound of it going off around 11 p.m that night! He heard it from outside and I let him in the back way as I was not going into the kitchen. Sorry for the details, but apparently there was a lot of blood and Ralph was huge which took away to dispose of him. I tried to put it as nicely as possible! I love that there is never a dull moment in Ghana!

In other random news, one of my soccer girls wants to run in a half marathon in two weeks but she wants my camaraderie. I have never wanted to run before but I figured I am in Ghana and might as well take chances when they come. Two of the guy teachers are running as well and so far we haven't collapsed after two days of running. I am just praying we make it through and will definitely keep you posted.

I pray everyone has enjoyed the weekend and will never forget to Have the Joy of the Lord!

God calls if we listen

We went to Pram Pram today and talked about the parable of the talents. I think this is pretty talented, don't you? We love these kids so much!

Here is one of my kids after we made flowers from edible goodness! They all looked so cute!

Christmas on the last day of August! Can you see the one obrunei trying to be Ghanaian? On our day off we got to unload everything from the container that finally arrived from America. Fortunately, I got tons of soccer balls and math books. What more could you want?

This pictue doesn't capture the full effect but all the workers looked like ants carrying things on top of their heads. They are all so strong and willing to work. We didn't get to do much at this point of the unloading, so it became more of a spectator sport. Speaking of being a spectator, Laurie got us bleachers for the field! Go team!

With the title above, you are expecting me to tell you a huge praise or a revelation that God has revealed to me. Sorry, I have nothing outstanding to share but just the simple truth that our Savior does call us for different services and we must be willing "to clean our ears out" as I tell my second graders, so we can hear, listen, and then act to God's will for our lives. This is an interesting year for me as I feel the Lord tugging me in a different direction after this year but I have to be patient and wait for his direct call as He has not revealed His plan yet. I was reminded of this yesterday when I went to help with Auntie Jean's ministry up on the hill or mountain, depending on the elevation you have seen! I went to help the kids, but I ended up talking to Auntie Jean for a considerable time. Sometimes, I get caught up in the doing and felt guilty for not being out with the kids but then I realized how much we needed each other. She was able to share some personal moments with me and in return I poured out my thoughts through tears and laughter. It felt so good to talk with someone with no hidden agenda. The most important theme to learn in Ghana is just be and be willing to listen to others. All the doing in the world is not as rich as even a 15 minute heartfelt conversation. This was definitely hard for me at first but the Lord has been preparing me for an open heart and it is so good. I do not even know what tomorrow will hold but I know the Lord has it planned out what could be better. He is working in all of our lives and I am so thankful that He has given us the opportunity to be patient, and wait for the right timing to listen.

With the other women teachers, we are studying David's life and right now we are in the middle of David hiding from Saul. This occurs in 1 Samuel in the 20's so you can read it for yourself but I will give you a little background. David awhile back had been anointed as the king but instead of preparing for the throne, he is running for His life from the jealous king. David questions God and I mean wouldn't you also? Well, I shouldn't talk for you but I know I would. Why would God have Samuel anoint him as King and then make him fear for His life? However, God always has a plan and through this time, David has to surrender all to God and trust in Him to find the way out of this mess while hiding in caves. I cry out to the Lord in misery when someone has just said something unkind but I have never been in a situation that I knew someone was trying to kill me. This puts it in perspective that my God can overcome and little pity problem I have as He protected David from being murdered. Oh the hope we can have in our Savior is in incredible and I just pray that I keep that thought at all times. We must go through the difficulties to see God's plan seen out but I promise it is worth every "cave hiding" or crying out the Lord as being in His arms is the comfort we have always dreamed of. Through this time, David writes several Psalms about praising God. It is my prayer for you and myself that even through the darkness God is still there to be praised.

Psalm 52:9 "I will praise you forever for what you have done in your name. I will hope for you name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints."

Psalme 54:6 "I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you. I will praise your name, Oh Lord, for it is good."

Nothing too exciting happened this week except that we had a scavenger hunt for Kim's birthday on Wednesday. This was crazy as the obruneis pretended to be a mate on a trotro(takes the money), pounded fufu, wheelbarrowed across the new land, held a chicken, and pushed a fan ice cart. We definitely will be the talk of the town! When in Ghana find random fun to do, that is my motto! Also on Wednesday, it was the end of Ramadan so we did not have school. Instead, we had Christmas in August as we unloaded everything from the container that came from America. I got new math books, more phonics books, and most importantly, new soccer balls! In 2 1/2 hours, we had everything off, stamped, and into classrooms, not too shabby!

On Friday, we were praying which we do every morning and one of the girls prayed, " Lord, thank you for bringing Miss Sopcisak into my life. Thank you for teaching us and pray that we listen to her." This was so cute and really touched my heart. This was a reminder that I really need to pour into these kids and give them love as a lot of their parents are traveling and there are several who do not have a father in their lives. I know the majority go to church but some do not. Please pray that these students will be open to the Word of God and God will use me to bring them to Christ if it is the right time. There favorite time of the day is bible time and I am so joyful to share the word with them especially since they are so hungry for it. You know my favorite saying is "the Joy of the Lord" and one of my students wrote in his paper that he loved his dad because he taught him how to have the "Joy of the Lord." That made me so happy as I want my kids to understand how joyful we can be in Christ!