A Loving Family

I have been home for a week and a day so far and I feel like I belong most of the time. There is that occasion when I don't remember how to turn off the TV or forget to put my seatbelt on, but for the majority of the time, I fit in. Sometimes this is scary because no offense but I don't want to become a typical American game. I pray my view on life has change but again if I am in America unfortunately there are certain things I have to fall back into. However, one aspect of life that I am more than happy to fall back into is "church." What a glorious family of believers I am surrounded with each Sunday and throughout the week. Although I have been gone for 10 months, I am treated like I missed one week as life continues as it was left. I get hugs, conversation continues to the same, and they don't ask me too many questions about Ghana. It has been amazing to watch them grow after being gone in a year and especially to see the younger generatins take an active role in church. This week has been VBS, which I have had anywhere from 6-10 girls in the middle school program. I watched as once shy girls got on stage to lead the singing and motions to the kids. I witness as other girls took charge and took pictures or worked the sound system. These teenagers are not just sitting in the pew, but seeing a need and taking charge. Only God has the power to use these younger Christians for His work. Yes, our church is small, but God is using the individuals for His glory. In a small church, you can't hide but you have to be used by Christ or leave. It has been so exciting to be a part of my beautiful church with a wonderful group of Christians who love the Lord and love others. Watching this play out, especially after not being around this community for awhile, has helped me realize how special this church body is in sharing the message of Christ with one another.

Two days before leaving:

So, I started writing this in June and now I am leaving in two days. Where does the time go? This summer has been filled with laughter, smiles, and sharing of memories. During this time home, I was able to spend quality time with my family playing games and just being us, even playing the piano with Cathy for hours on end. It is the little things in life that we need to cherish. I even spent a night with my grandfather, talking to him and reminding him of my name even though he kept calling me Kevin. I need to hold on to memories now before they are gone forever. I also had the opportunity to spend a week at the beach with 4 of my college friends and Cathy. What a blessing this time was to catch in the lives of my friends who are all teaching in different capacities including a small christian school by Taylor, in the middle of nowhere West Virginia, in Texas, and one heading to Honduras. We were all to the point where we needed to be renewed and Christ gave us that chance by the beautiful rolling ocean to connect again and encourage one another in the work we are doing for the Lord. I did miss time with my parents but I think this time with my beautiful friends was definitely needed. Such a praise! THe rest of the short time was spent going to see other friends, especially at beloved camp, helping with Cathy's soccer, and doing random things with my parents. Again, I am learning the importance of just enjoying each moment with my family and priends, even just talking. Today(Sunday), was spent in church saying goodbye, and then at a Mercy Me concert after the Red's Game. This was a special time of praising our Savior with 20,000 of my closest friends, definitely the body of Christ! We are so blessed to be able to share Christ in public without fear and lift up our voices to the Lord! Trhis is not possible in many places and we need to pray for them. Since we are in a country where we can openly praise God, we need to take advantage of this and not lose an opportunity to share Christ with people who need to hear the message from the Lord.

As I write this, my mind is filled with trying to grasp the concept that I am leaving again and going to my beautiful Ghana. I love Ghana and am looking forward to teaching but it is hard to get up again and go. To be honest, I like the life in Ghana and not all the commercialization of everything, but I dearly miss my family. THere are many challenges in Ghana and at this point I know all of the difficulties I will face so it makes it harder to leave here where I am comfortable but God does not always call us to the comfortable life and thus I must return to Ghana were the Lord has called. I am thankful for where the Lord has placed me and will strive each day to follow Him. Thank you for all of you who have been praying for Ghana and the beautiful people there. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you all. I am truly blessed that you would want to learn more about Ghanaians. I have enjoyed each precious moment with you all. Please keep in contact this year and please know I will be praying for you all.