James 3:1

Akwaaba! I am in Ghana and loving every moment. Well easy to say that at the moment as I am forgetting the stressors I have but truly it is a blessing to be back. It is so much easier than last year as I walk down the street and here Sister Christy. Down by where my little friends, Abigail and Monica live, they were dancing and singing, Sister Christy is back, as I walked by down one night. You have to love Ghana! When I was traveling back, a man told me my carry-on bag was too heavy and and noone would ever help me lift it. Little did he know that I would be on a flight to Ghana where everyone is more than willing to help. I love that I can talk to the people and practice more of my twi which thankfully I did not lose too much of it. I was talking to a missionary friend here who has been in Ghana for 16 years. She said, Christy we are so fortunate to have a passion for this foreign land. I loved hearing that. I do have that passion and I need to thank my heavenly Father for giving me that desire to serve here because I love every moment, well most of them! Since I do have the desire, I need to live outwardly with that desire and not lose an opportunity to share Christ's name or offer a smile to someone on the street. One of our guards is a Muslim and this morning I was sharing with him how important it is to me to read my bibl in the morning because God shows His mercies to me and rejuvenates me to live the day for him. This life is not mine own but Christs and I really want it to shine for HIM, the purpose I am here. I admit that recently I have had a hard time reading my Bible regularly but now I need to get into a routine so Christ can quench my thirst. It is hard here on days but as long as I keep focused on Christ, he will continue to sustain. Wow! What a reminder I for sure need to hold onto.

I must inform you that I no longer have a closet for a classroom but a humongous, too much space I don't know what to do with, classroom. How amazing! I even have a castle made out of wood where I will do my read-alouds at. Raise the roof! I think it will take me all week to stand in every space there is. Okay, so can you tell that I am excited about my new classroom? I have worked all week in it trying to get in order. I am a slower worker and it will always be a work in proces but I have made good progress and can almost say I am ready for kids tomorrow. Oh my, did I just say that? Kids are coming tomorrow!(in an overwhelmed voice.) I am ready to teach again and just have a good time with my kids. The first day will definitely be more organized than last year and I am excited for that. Every year will bring new challenges but it is nice to have the first year under my belt. I will miss my kids from last year but I know a lot of my kids already so it will be easier to get to know their personalities.

Oh yeah, back to the title. James 3:1 says "My brethren, be not many masters(teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Yikes, that seemes kind of threatening but know it is a wonderful commandment. Christ has designed me to teacher these precious children and it is a huge responsibility. However, by relying in Christ, this responsibility can be achieved. By remembering James 3:1 constantly, I will be committed to showing my children from mixed backgrounds, the only saving God, who saved us out of grace and not works. It is my goal this year to seek Christ in every situation and fully understand my own faith so I don't miss an opportunity to tell a child or adult about my Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the kids in the school told a teacher this last year. "You know I don't belive in Christ. But do you think He still loves me?" How moving! I have heard that he is now seeking out Christ at a deeper level. We have other kids struggling with the fact that they are a Muslim but they want to be a Christian also. Please pray for these children as they earnestly seek out Christ as they Savior.