Lost or Misplaced?

Children from Children of the Light reading during readin month. Aren't they precious?

The building is still making progress! God is bringing money in little by little.

There is a new classroom going on top of part of the bottom level of the building. I must gloat and tell everyone that it was dad's idea! However, they laid the cement and then it rained on it so some of it is sagging and cracking. Imagine that, something need to be fixed in Ghana? I am so excited to see Lord's work being done in this buiding. God keeps providing.

This is the new addition before the cement was laid.

More kids reading during reading month! Through poor education, these children will rise up above thanks to Children of the Light.

Yesterday evening at school, in a time span of 10 minutes, I realized I misplaced progress reports, my cell phone, and my flashdrive. The only one that I was in desperate need of was my flashdrive although I knew all three of them had to be somewhere. As now I am use to misplacing my entire life, I wasn't too worried about them but at the same time I was frustrated that I would have to spend time looking for them as I need every second devoted to getting my room ready. When I entered my classroom this morning, I went about my normal routines by singing praises to the Lord as I finally took the time to look for my lost, or rather misplaced items. Yes, the cell phone was in my soccer bag where I expected it all along; sandy but still working. Then, I took the time to look through mybook bag for the flashdrive. What do you know? I actually found it in a pretty safe place! Granite I really needed it last night but it wasn't a big deal and of course it all worked out with printing everything. Finally, (working on time order words in class so thought I would practice too!) while I was putting away finished papers, I found the art midterms. Is God good or what? Was it in my timing, of course not! However, God's ultimate timing is far more complete and right then my own. Why do I always forget this? That was a minute problem and it didn't bother me too much but it reminded me of how my relationship with Christ can be sometime. I feel like I am lost, there is noone to talk to, I'm wondering around in the dark. However, I need to wake up to the fact what I think is lost is actually just missing from my heart and mind. Jesus Christ will be there now and forever more. His perfect plan is right at my fingertips but instead I look in all the wrong places. That is when it is time for me to stop, take a step back and fall, on my knees to the only true living God. I am not lost nor is my life, I have just chosen to misplace it by putting myself infront of my Savior. At these points of realization, Lord I pray that you are the one I look to for satisfaction, for the truth and for my purpose. There is noone else to worship than you. Lord I thank you for bringing me back to the truth and help me now to not let myself be lost but come running to your arms for in your presence you use me for your Glory.

On a lighter note, Friday night we had Banana Bonanza. Tuesday we had a day off so one of my friends and I decided to have a game night and make chocolate covered bananas. Of course it had to have a catchy name! They made a huge poster advertising it and then put paper bananas in everyone's mailbox. Yes, we have no life! When there isn't much entertainment you tend to go overboard on silly things but we were having fun so that is all that matters! The bananas were delicious and fellowship was even better considering Mr. Crosby, our director came. It was really nice for him to come and hang out with all the girls in their twenties or early thirties! I want to openly express my appreciation for him and all that he does for the school. It is a tough position to be in but he truly cares for these children, Ghana, and for us. Seeing his heart for the school, reminds me of how my focus should be on reaching these children for Christ.

Yesterday, I went to Children of the Light for only the second time. Next week is competition for spelling and knowing a verse and the books of the bible. We tried our best to help them so we will see how it goes. Some of them have no phonemic awareness(recognition of sounds and letters) which is sad considering they have been in school for awhile. I wish I could just put them all in my classroom because we need to start from the basics. There is so much need in Ghana for education. Please pray that I can help in someway with the years to come as I figure out how to put my passion for education to the least in action. The girls down the street have been begging me to take them to the library so hopefully I can do that soon. They are just thirsting for knowledge and I love it! They usually stay after kids club on Tuesday to read books but some of the other kids want to read also. I have three boxes of books on the container that people from church graciously donated so I can't wait to have kids in my courtyard reading on Tuesday. The container is in the port, but now it takes awhile to pass customs especially when they ask for so much bribe money! Got to love Ghana! Please know I am praying for each one of you and miss you all. God has a purpose for us all and I love how He can use us all in different ways for his ultimate goal.

Jehovah-You are the most High

Kids at my house during Kids club with their new school supplies. Thank you for all those who donated supplies from my church. The kids were so happy to get them. Even a pencil and especially pencil sharpeners was a big treat for them.

Are those boys or just bags of supplies? These groups of boys are so funny!

My class enjoying frozen treats after a community walk. Aren't they adorable

My classroom with my amazing castle. The kids are enjoying free reading time.

Kids busy at work. There are so many different places in my classroom to go!

The front of my classroom. Yes, maybe a little too busy but there is a lot to know!

This week proved to be an exciting and jam packed one as the directors from all of the other NICS schools in Asia and Africa came here for a conference. This meant I had to clean my classroom even more than usual which probably was a good thing! Don't worry, it was a mess by Monday, just the way I like it! I can't help it, we just get busy doing things. Having the directors here helped me realize the impact that Christians schools are making throughout the school and how through NICS we have the responsibility to pray for one another as we minister to these precious children. On Wednesdy, we had Alabaster Box come which is a well known accapella music group from Ghana. I have included videos of them below as their voices just sing praises to our Lord. It was such a joyful chapel with all of the school and the directors. I loved that these grown men openly spoke about their relationships with Christ. It is so important for our high schoolers to hear these truths and that it is okay for men to talk about Christ openly. My favorite Ghanaian song, Jehovah was sung as all the kids and teachers danced around! Our God is good!

Jehovah; You are the most High

Jehovah; You are the most High God

Jehovah; You are the most High

Jehovah; You are the Most High God

Jehovah eh, Jehovah aah, Jehovah eh, Jehovah aah

Please pray for my class. I have one little girl whose family is a prevalent Muslim family. During chapel this week, she had her jacket over her head most of the time. I wish she wasn't so turned off as God has so much to offer her. Tuesday was a rough day as far as discipline goes as I must admit that I was not a good example of Christ's love. However, Wednesday was much better and I told the kids that I was so proud of them at the end of the day. One of them asked if it was the best days and I told them that they will never have a perfect day but they really worked hard and that they may continue to make good choices. One of the girls said the best of best days will happen when Christ comes back. I was floored with this truth, of course I know it but to hear it from an eight year old was beautiful. The majority of the kids agreed with this. We then got on the conversation of what heaven will be like and how Christ is coming back. I was going to get the kids out on time but that went down the drain. Of course, God's timing is perfect and more important than the school clock. I was able to share the gospel with my kids and then tell them how important it is to be ready for the Lord to come back. One student asked if anyone who wanted to, could give their life to Christ right then. I said of course and that I always am available for questions. Then one of my students asked if God made Muslims since I have two in the class. I said that God made everyone and one of my Muslims said that Allah made he and not God. Then I had another student say that Allah and God were the same people. It was getting out of control at this point so I had to stop it but the Lord is definitely working in my classroom as some of my students grow in their faith and others want to fight it. For this family to find the truth would be amazing. God has placed them in our school for a reason and through the power of prayer, He can bring this family to the truth.

On Friday, I took my kids on a mini field trip. We are beginning to talk about community so I walked them around the neighborhood, past my house, and to the orphanage so they could see the different dynamics that make up the neighborhood around us. The kids did ver well walking despite the coming heat and noone even got ran over which is always a plus! I think the kids learned from this experience as they were able to see the world beyond their compound and understand how we all must interact in the community together for it to happen. The community in Ghana is very mixed. I have squatters down the road and probably millionaires. There are people selling goods on their heads while others have plenty of people working for them. We have normal families and children without families. The neighborhood is very diverse but I love interacting with the people as they are my neighbors and a vital part of this culture. I am so thankfuful to God for giving me this passion for Ghana and the people here. I pray that wherever we are planted, we continue to seek God for His guidance and see his working hand in every situation.

He's the Only One I will live For

Please read the blog before this one first. Sorry I have not updated in awhile. I will try to cram in three weeks in this blog while attempting to keep you all awake by the end of it!

Full blown life in Ghana has begun as I am teaching, doing kids club, and coaching soccer to name a few. My teaching is going well, I love the kids even though they are testing me and seeing if I will be consistent. Consistency is so hard! I have a castle in my classroom where we read. It is so fun as noone can find us when we are in it! We also do bible time in there which the kids loe since they get to look up verses in their own classroom Bible. This also proves to be an interesting time as my two Muslim students ask me difficult questions. One day I was talking about Christ as our Savior and one of them said, "He's not my savior." I said, "he saved us all from our sins, He is the only true Savior." She wasn't convinced by she is hearing the truth. Then the other day after chapel, she was singing this song with the lyrics below on her own. Anyone believe like me that the Lord is stirring in her heart? I thanked God for his sense of humor as she sang this song which talked about the only one to live for is Christ. Amen!

I lay my life down at Your feet
Cause You're the only one I need
I turn to You and You are always there
In troubled times it's You I seek
I put You first that's all I need
I humble all I am all to You
One way
Jesus
You're the only one that I could live for
One Way
Jesus
You're the only one that I could live for
You are always, always there
Every how and everywhere
Your grace abounds so deeply within me
You will never ever change
Yesterday today the same
Forever till forever meets no end
You are the Way the Truth and the Life
We live by faith and not by sight for You
We're living all for You

My prayer for each student in my class is for them to seek Christ on a deeper level, for them to understand that He is there father as their parents do travel a lot. I also pray that they can also grow as a student and I can meet every one of their needs. I have one student who will be in Korea until November. Don't worry, I gave her a load of work to take with her!

I am a chicken with my head cut off during the day but it gets worse after school on practice days. The kids now must meet in my classroom after school but I am usually getting my kids out the door and then running around trying to pick up. Last Thursday I found some of them in my castle with a soccer ball, hitting it against the walls. It isn't that sturdy! We had a talk about that one! Even though it can be a stressor, I love soccer practice as I get to hang out with the older kids and be sarcastic with them! When I finally passed out the permission slips to play, they almost mulled me to get one! They are desperate to be a part of something as they have nothing to do after school. Right now we are still on the amazing sandy field!(I am being sarcastic now if you didn't notice!) However, there are rumors that I might be able to use a grass field not that far away. Yes, Grass! I heard it is so green and beautiful! Personally, I don't want to go see it until I know that I can actually use it because then it is just a teaze. I am actually coaching by myself right now with a different teacher coming every practice. They are great help but don't know the game so it makes it hard to get to all 22 players and help them with their skills. Also, they are not respecting me right now or listening to me, so we have also talked about this. I want them to have a good time but I also want them to improve their skills!

Kids club at the house finally started two weeks ago! The kids had been showing up every Tuesday even when we weren't back yet. They were so excited when we finally had it as we had around 50 kids. I gave out school supplies that my church's VBS had donated. Thank you to all who donated as the kids oohed and awed over the gift they received! They each got pencils, colord pencils, sticky notes, erasers, markers, pens, and crayons. Oh most importantly, they all got a small sharpener. They loved this as they use razor blades to sharpen their pencils and as you guessed it, can cause cuts! I still have my little friends down the road but I need to find more time to spend with them. Where does each day go? They are asking me to take them to the library, Auntie Jean's house, so I will have to take them soon.

Speaking of Auntie Jeans. She made it back from her Holiday in New Zealand where she is from. It was a relaxing and renewed time for her which was much needed. Two weekends ago we had the reading month banquet where the kids got more rice than they probably eat in a month! The next even is competition for spelling. I will start going regularly to help them prepare for this. It is so sad that they are not making any improvements at the government schools. Thank goodness for Auntie Jean's vision so the children can actually learn the material instead of rote memorizing different book topics. Auntie Jean will continue with the building project on her property which will be amazing to see how the Lord brings in all the funds to make this much needed facility a possibility.

The other night, we were in a taxi when the traffic was stopped behind us so a lady who had no use of her legs could drage herself across the street on the groud. Her little daughts carried the bucket and their other belonging as they made their treck against the usual constant traffic. I couldn't look at this sight but then I started taking the time to think about it. Am I going to turn my back on reality? This is real! A friend last year said that America is good at hiding that we are American with all of our stuff. However, in Ghana and in other parts of Ghana, what you see is reality. You can't hide anything so life is out in the open. Instead of turning my back, I need to face the music that the sick and crippled are not taken care of here. Instead of turning my back, I need to let people know of the injustice occuring and constantly pray about how to decrease this problem. Instead of turning my back, why am I not getting out of the taxi and helping her cross the street. Well, I wouldn't be able to lift her on my own but at least I wouldn't be turning my back on those who are need. It is blatantly obvious of those who have plenty and those who have very little in Ghana. Am I doing everything in my power to get out of my comfort zone and literally be the hand and feet for my brothers and sisters in Ghana. Please pray for those struggling in Ghana to make ends meat and that I will fully invest myself in seeking after Christ's desire in every situation.

I was running this morning and I came to a street where it framed the sunrise perfectly. GOd is good all the time as his beauty if overwhelming. As I was staring at the vast array of orange, red, and yellow streaks filling the skies, I noticed a little higher in the skies the sunshine that was breaking through the clouds. To me, it was a reminder of Christ's promise to take us home at the right time. Those glimpses into the open sky and keep me motivated that the Lord is in control and it is my responsibility to be ready and wiling to go when he calls. This picture in the sky also reminded me of a song that Cathy and I love. It is by Toby Mac who is normally crazy but you can hear each word on this one. The words are below so think of a reggae beat when reading the lyrics. Jesus, break open the sky, we are ready! But for not, I will keep focusing my eyes on You Lord. Somedays I feel like I have not done anything for Christ or for others but I must stay faithful to Him and he will not keep my idle.

From the lips of desperation Different nations,
every man’s cryComes a song of anticipation
As we wait for a crack in the sky
Side by side,
we recognize thatHope has brought us together tonight
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Break open the sky
Won’t You turn off gravity so we can fly?
We wanna see Your face
So tear the roof off this place
Jesus, break open the sky
So we sing
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
We believe, and we imagine
‘Til the dawn of our beautiful dream
Through the noise, I hear the voices
Melodies that are flooding our streets
Not forgotten, are your people
So let a thousand church bells ring
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Come, Jesus, come Come quickly
Come quickly

Find Your Voice Deep Within

I am so sorry! This blog entry is from the first week of school, so three weeks ago. I had it written down, I just didn't have the time to post it. I will be better, I promise!



Nothing much happened this week. I must say it has been quite boring around here. All have done is teach my first week of school, you know, nothing unusual. Alright, enough of this nonsense, as the first week of school brought much anticipation and excitement. After putting together the last few details int he classroom, I was finally ready to welcome in 14 eager second graders. However, going outside to retrieve my class, I only found 8 tired and overwhelmed students. Yes, I only had 8 kids the first day which was created a more laidback atmosphere. This proved to be a disadvantage as I started out easier on them and then had to crack down by the third day. WARNING: THis is not the advised way to begin discipline routines as I am sure all the veteran teachers are cringing right now. Always start harder, don't smile until Thanksgiving, and make a kid cry, that's what they say! Wait, I don't really believe in that but yes I should have been a little more strict but I do love having fun with the kids.



Right now is the holiday of Ramadan in which the Muslims fast from all drink and food during the day and then have a huge feast when the sung goes down. I have a student who is trying to fast which I guess she did successfully the entire week before school. However, when school started, it was a little harder especially during lunch when the rest of the kids were eating. She finally had a lunch from her younger brother and vowed she would fast the next day. Well, she had lunch packed this time so then she vowed to fast the following day. The poor thing, she is only 7 and you can see her wilt before lunch. We have at least 60 Muslims in our school misch means a lof of praying as these students are struggling with their identity. They know Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins, I know this because they will tell you! However, at the same time they know they are a Muslim. God is tugging at their hearts and I pray that they will grab on tightly as He will hold on and never let go.

By lunch, my voice had vanished, just on the first day! I guess I wass yelling at the kids too rigorously! Welcome back to school where your talk all day! By the second day, my voice was hardly audible but I had one new student to add to my kids. The constant smile was the only distraction in the class as it is contagious. The children were very concerned with my voice. I asked one girl where she thought my voice was and she exclaimed, "I know where it is, deep within." They are so funny but there is some truth to that. By the third day, everyone was draggin since they weren't use to getting up early and were still get legged from their travels. I will admist that I was also draggin some although I tried to be as energetic as possible. Where do I find my energy and my desire to give a quality education each and everyday. Is it just on the surgace to pleaseothers and put on a showe or is my purpose deeper than that. I desire that each morning I dig deep within by spending quiet time with the Lord to find my purpose for the day. I desire above all to keep my eyes focused on my creator and Savior for the strength and wisdom to accomplish each day for Him and Him alone. I must admit that over the summer I got into a bad routine and did not start each morning with the Lord. What a difference prayer and Bible reading makes as it gives me and each persons a renewed spirit to live for Him. I must look deep within, examine by own heart and ask the touch question if my actions and thoughts truly bring Gllory to Christ.