Walking in Faith

International Day! This is Burkina Faso which the students holding the flag are in second grade. What an amazing day to celebrate diversity but unity in Christ.

Japan! The girls are beautiful in their traditional outfits.

The two brothers proudly representing Kenya!

A mixture of girls from different ages and cultures performed another traditional Ghanaian dance. We have a lot of talent in our school.

Some of the eighth grade students danced a traditional Ghanaian dance. I wish I had their moves.

All of the Koreans dressed in their gorgeous dresses singing a traditional song. I love how every other culture dresses up and the Americans all wore t-shirts and jeans.

Our Korean music teacher with some of theh boys performing a traditional drumming from Korea.

One of my students on International Day. They were all beautiful especially with their Mexican flowers.

"Therefore, this light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Corinthians 4:17

I have been waiting for this moment a long time and although it did not come as I expected, I am thankful to my Lord who has opened each door for this new chapter in my life. I must back track some so you fully understand how amazing our Lord is and continues to be. I do not want to sound like this is gloating, I just need to express how the Lord provides for each of our needs according to his plan.

I have always wanted to be a missionary and spread the good news to the end of the world. It is something I always dreamed about but was never sure if it would actually happen. The Lord showed me his path by allowing me to come to Ghana as a teacher. Through this experience, I have been able to understand the culture and just deeply love the people, especially the children who attend public schools. The Lord has been stirring my heart in this direction and at times I felt restless but the Lord finally worked out the details.

Last summer through a friend, I was able to meet the director of FIM(Fellowship International Mission) and found out that there were already missionaries in Ghana. Through them, I was able to meet more home office people when they came to visit in November and I had my interview. All of this is not by coincidence as the Lord's way of working out details is so more complete than we could ever imagine. In several months, I was able to find a mission organization but the problem was I did not have a clear direction in where I should go.

After being home for Christmas, I went back early to travel to Togo which is a long, but skinny country to the east of Ghana. My principal who just arrived in November, has been going there for 6 years to help a friend start Christian Schools. I just felt drawn to go with them and loved every moment. I was able to do some teacher training and then help with the kids. After coming back from there, I just felt a peace about going there but I wasn't sure if I wanted to teach at the school another year as it is hard to go and my administration wants me to stay. I do love pleasing people but after talking with FIM and another wise friend, I decided to follow the Lord's command now to go to Togo.

Now Togo, what does this entail? Ah yes, a lot but God is faithful and will make the way clear. I had a friend this Christmas ask me where I originally wanted to be as a missionary and I forgot that it was in a French speaking country. Well, my dream has come true but being in an English speaking country I have gotten spoiled and now have to relearn my French. Along with that, I really need to understand Eve so I can communicate with the small children at school.

I have decided to go back to the states this summer for FIM orientation and then to raise money. Yes, raising support is hard and of course it is not my favorite thing to ask for money but I do believe in what I am doing. Oh yes, what exactly am I doing? That is a really good question! The missionary in Togo has started 14 Christian schools in a 8 hour radius around Togo.(part of the long distance is the awful roads) Each school has K-6th grade but the teachers are still inexperienced and need advice. It will be my job to do teacher workshops with the teachers and disciple them as they grow closer to the Lord. Some of them have a hard time understanding the purpose of a teacher as they see it as a job while we live it as a mission to share Christ with these young children. Ultimately, we would like to train on teacher to oversee the training so we could continue our work in other areas. We would also like to see the students come back and become the teachers for the next generation. I really need to be there by next November as the missionary is leaving for medical reasons. I know this seems impossible to raise the money this quickly but God can work out the impossibility and I know he will do it in His timing as I learn more patience!

Please pray for this endeavor and that I continue to seek the Lord's guidance instead of listening to outside opinions.

In other news, Friday was International Day. This is a day each year where everyone dresses in their countries traditional clothing and we learn about different countries. I got to teach about Brazil which was fun since I have been there. I taught it 7 times and was actually quite tired afterwards although I do teach all day everyday. We then all went out to each lunch which is crazy but kind of fun at the same time. Of course there are all the Ghanaian dishes but also a lot of Korean dishes which make up the main staples of the lunch. After lunch, we had all the Korean kids in their beautiful dresses or suits sing and play different drums. It is just a great time to express our individuality but unity in Christ. We even had a lot of the kids participate in traditional Ghanaian dancing which seemed like they represented Ghana well. I am so thankful for the universal church here at AIS as we have 30 countries with all different backgrounds. Some of them come from 2 or 3 countries but it is just a reminder that they might not belong somewhere specific on earth but they belong to their Heavenly Father.

After school on Friday, I had this amazing conversation with one of our seniors. We just talked about trying to be perfect and how we will never become perfect. I explained that the Lord doesn't want to punish us for what we have done wrong but instead wants to be our loving Father. I pray that this conversation was encouraging to this student as I really felt the Lord present during that time. Please pray that the senior class will leave with a strong foundation of who they are in Christ so they do not fall into temptations out in the world.

Intentional

It is Sunday already? Where do the days go? Thinking of the passing times has made me think that time cannot be wasted with intentionally making relationships and sharing about Christ as time really does fly. We have 4 months of school left but at the same time we only have 4 months of school left. We have students leaving, especially the seniors, and this is the opportunity to impact them the most and make sure they have a strong relationship in Christ before heading to college. I am passionate about this topic at the moment as we just had spiritual renewal last week for the 6-12th grade students. Yes, they complained that is was long and boring at times, but on Friday when they were able to share, a lot of them really spoke out about their faith and the stirring God has put on their hearts.

On Tuesday, the students broke out into small groups and shared with a random group of students and teacher where they were personally with Christ. The teachers then made a list later so we can prayer for each student and help them make a decision to follow Christ. Most of the teachers talked about how the kids were really open during this time and said they had a hard time following believing in Christ and actually following Him. We cannot take this lightly but really be in prayer for our students and take the time to speak to them about where they stand. Even though I do not teach the high schoolers, they are constantly in my room for something or another. Sometimes I only see them for a second, but I really want to be intentional on just encouraging them to read the Bible and seek Christ. Some of them are seniors and it scared me that they are going to the U.S. where they can be attacked openly and be tempted in many ways. They must have a strong foundation now so they can resist.

On Friday, the kids had the chance to share and lucily someone wrote down all the testimonies so we could have a copy who weren't there. Some of the kids shared how they became Christians this week. Others shared how the talk about being kind to their parents made them think differently and they want to make a change to love on their parents and just talk to them. Some of our students are angry with their parents as they had to move to Ghana or other places. Some are angry because their parents are travelling all the time and they never interact with them. These are everyday problems for our students but some of them expressed the need to make amends and forgive their parents. One students said how he is a Muslim but is still searching and wants to know that God is real. God is working on these students and we as teachers need to be discipling these students along to ensure growth. If the students don't go to church or don't have parents who are Christian, it is hard to take the next step of getting closer to God. Some of us are beginning bible study with the high school and middle school students. Please pray that the students will be committed to joining and that we will know how to lead these girls closer to Christ. Pray that we allow the Lord to work in us for His good. We are really excited to encourage these girls in a small group setting.

Well I definitely talked your ear off on that, but I only have one more thing to share. Yesterday, we went with our friend Gomer to the onion market. Just in case you don't know, he is the man who works with the boys from Niger who sell onions so they can send the money back home. We had been in this area once before to do a kids' club in the yam market but this place isn't as crazy. I will do my best to help you envision this quit unique scene. At the front of the market are rows and rows of baskets filled with onions. Behind the people selling those, are large sacks filled with none other but onions. There are then shacks sprawled out in a crooked line containing sleeping quarters for the onion sellers. Some have plywood frames and then are covered with either cardboard, sheets, or plastic. Home Sweet Home. Behind the shacks are the mounds of garbage dumped there that is either smoking or has people going through trying to find something salvageable. This is the typical life to too many of Accra's young people who are just trying to survive. We went there mainly to meet a man who has started a school for the onion boys at night. The area was smaller than my father's church office but 20 guys manage to sit down as the teacher writes letters and sound combinations on the board. It is a plywood frame with cardboard stapled around it to keep out the dust and most of the lighting as it is quite dark in there. They do have one lightbulb overhead and a fan which they only turn on occasionally. There was only an artificial Christmas tree in the corner with a chicken perched on it. I am not sure why the Christmas tree had the privilege of being in the already too small classroom but alas, it contributed to the ambience. The teacher proudfully showed off his best teaching skills to us and we even learned a little Zarma from him. I just have too many languages running through my mind but I do enjoy being able to community with different people group. I loved being in this small schoolhouse as they were making the best of the situation. Here they were just using what they had and giving these boys a chance to learn English. Please pray that I can be diligent in collecting supplies for them to help the English process.

God is working all over the world. Please take the time to thank him that His message is spreading to the ends of the earth. However, Islam is also spreading and we must work towards the Kingdom of God to ensure all people here the redeeming message of Christ.

Focus!

This picture was taken before Christmas but thought you would like to see teh hustle and bustle of busy second graders.

These are some of my boys right before Christmas. I don't think they wanted their picture taken!

I wanted to take a picture of my fairly clean classroom before it gets destroyed soon with projects galore! I put up the butterflies to remind us that we are new creations in Christ.

This is before I left Cincy to back to Ghana. My class did Flat Stanley projects to I took one with my parents. We got some looks but at least had fun with it and it took our minds off me leaving.

Here is the only picture I took of a classroom in Togo as my memory card was full. The kids were sitting patiently before class started. I am praying how I can encourage these teachers and help these students have a personal relationship with Christ and grow academically.

This past weekend when I was on a trotro, I spent time reading this free book about a missionary from India which I received in college. He was talking about the importance of missions and what we should be focusing on as missionaries. He said that too many times Christian missionaries implement humanity efforts such as hospitals, feeding centers, and schools but yet do not preach the importance of Christ as the Savior. People are drawn to have their physical needs met but then are not accepting Christ fully and understand the need to repent and ask Christ to be their Savior. This struck me deeply on the trotro and really put my perspective into my place. As I am transitioning into a new field sometime in the future, I must make sure my priority is telling others about Christ and allowing him to work into their lives instead of just providing for the physical needs. I love to help people but I must be on fire to preach about my Savior and never hesistate to share His Good News. I even think about my interaction with the street kids. I love them by hugging them, talking and playing with them, giving them biscuits and water, reading with them, but am I set on sharing Christ with them? I know they are only children and yes I cannot force it down their throats but I must allow Christ to drive my life and my interactions with others instead of just my heart.

I pray that wherever we are, Christ can be the center of our lives and we never hesistate to share His Redemptive Love to anyone we meet.

I have now taught for three days and to be honest, it wore me out! I am not sure what the problem is but I am praying next week I will have the strength to make it through the week. It has been a blessing to be back and love on my kids. We talking alot about the newness we can experience in having Christ in our lives and they asked some really good questions. I have one boy in particular who will be leaving this year and I just pray that he can see Christ as his true Savior to follow. One boy kept asking when Bible was so he could read from his new Bible. On the first day back, I was missing 5 of my students and now I am still missing 3. Since it was only a 3 day week, some are choosing to come on Monday although they missed out on some fun!

I am glad for the break as it helps remind me of how much I do love them and want to impact them positively through Christ. They say the funniest things and are just so bright. I love second semester as we just know each other by now and can help each other function throughout the day. I have added one student to my class, making the count up to 17. This is the most I have ever had even though I am nowhere close to my sisters 31. He is adjusting well and the other children are helpful as they know the routine. Please pray for the other 3 to arrive safely and to settle in without too much jet lag.

Yesterday, Josiah and I went to our friend's house who works with the onion boys(sell onions in Accra) from Niger. They are minority group in Niger who are use to a life of poverty so they send their boys to Accra for work. They are a Muslim people group and are against Christianity. Yesterday, our friend was sharing with us the struggles that the boys face when they becom Christians. Some of them have accepted in their hearts but they keep it from everyone or they will lose their jobs. This is a struggle they face as in Paul and others lost everything for standing strong for Christ. Christians are martyred daily because of voicing their stance to follow Christ no matter the cost. Is it right for these boys to keep it secret and remain employed or lose everything for Christ? Afterall, Philippians 1:21 says, "For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." However, that is not my judgement call on these young boys lives who are trying to make a living so they can give back to their families in Niger. I do know that I have the responsibility of praying for them as they grow in Christ but only have a few to help them. A Burkinabe(from Burkina Faso) is helping Gomer, our friend, and they seem to tell this man more than Gomer. They figured out that it was best not to tell Gomer directly about their Christianity because then he would have to tell their families back in Niger the truth when they ask him. If he doesn't know directly about their faith, then he doesn't have to lie to their families. Most families are thankful for the love and support that Gomer shows these boys but they have made it clear that they do not want them to be Christians. Thankfully, the Lord is working through Gomer and his friend to bring the truth to these boys who are searching. Please pray that more will come to Christ and not be afraid to stand up for their believes as Christ will take care of them.

Also, things are getting ugly in Nigeria. My church in Ghana supports a native missionary in Nigeria in the capital of Abudja. There have been bombings there and several Christians have been killed. Last week he told his congregation to stay at home and he sent the rest of his family to the south. I forget how so many Christians around the world are suffering for the sake of Christ but I need to be in prayer for them and not to be afraid myself to stand up for the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come. "

No Regrets, No Hesitations!

Here it comes, time for New Year Resolutions and reflections on the past year. Yes, they are numerous around this time of year and probably redundant at times, I thought I might as well add my two sense. Afterall, I don't read newspapers, magazines, or really any type of media so I am not exposed to all the New Year jargon. Just in case you aren't either, you can read mine. In 2011, I leave back no regrets. Did I make mistakes in 2011? Oh yes I did! However, in Christ, when we ask for forgiveness, he washes us clean. He takes away the old and leaves the New Creature that is founded in Christ Jesus. I am so thankful that He loves us for who we are and not what we do and can't do. Yes, there were definitely problems in 2011, but God was of course always good and showed himself in many ways. For example, living 2 1/2 years in Ghana without any major complications other than skinned knees is a huge blessing. I have a loving family who even loves me on my bad days(not easy to do!) and supports my wild adventures. I have friends and a church family who love me for who I am and help challenge me in my faith. MOST importantly, I have a Savior who has redeemed me from my sins and has set me free! I am not sure if it can get much better than that! God is a constant in our lives and as long as we fix our eyes on Him as we walk along the treacherous walkway, we are safe. I pray that during the beginning of this year, you focus on the Blessings from the Lord and how we can walk in His light than focusing on the disappointments, heartaches, and stresses. Christ doesn't want us to live that way really we don't either as long as we throw off the old.

I am currently sitting at my home in Ghana after returning from Togo for 4 days. To be honest, during the time in Togo, I forgot that I had been home, but please do not report this to my parents.

In second though, I should take a rabbit trail and tell you how amazing it was to be home which is honestly the truth. My family was so welcoming and we had a great time celebrating Christ's birth together as a family. We even braved the cold to see maybe a little more accurate interpretation of the Nativity Scene at the Creation Museum although they were quite content with the 40 degree weather. How blessed I am with my family and thank you for the many memories we continue to make even when 6000 miles away. I am even for their mercy when I don't call them for 4 days to let them know I arrived safely back to Ghana.

Alright, I am not back and ready to tell you all the wonders of Togo which is the country to the east of Ghana. The best part about driving from one African country to another is the border! The people were a little drousy as it was New Year's Day but they created fun as always. Some of them were looking for their New Year Presents and others just wanted to give us a hard time but God provided as always. At several border crossings, there are just ropes that are raised which prevent you from going into the next country. All the guards have to do is lower it, and you are good to go! Acquiring the visa in Togo took a little more time but it was definitely a good story. We first had to wait for the man to show up since I guess none of the other guys could put some stamps in our passport. Then, there was some confusion with Sheree's Togo passport which made for a scene. After that, we were just sitting there on hard wooden benches in this wooden hut with a grass roof when a friend came up to the policeman. He plopped down a large bottle of of Scottish Whiskey and then walked away as nothing had happend. Oh I love when there are cherries on the ice cream. Anyways, thankfully we made it to our destination below the mountains of Southern Togo before night.

For a little background information: we went to an ABWE missionary compound where there is a well established church, literary center with a printshop, nice facilities, a large Togolese work force, and many churches throughout the surrounding villages. I went with another teacher and the principal and her daughter. The principal of our school has been going to Togo at least 2 or 3 times a year to help with teacher training. An amazing lady, whose husband helped run the finances of the hospital, started 14 Christian schools within a 3 hour radious of one another. Each year for 6 years, she added a new grade to the school and had a year of teacher training for the teachers at her house before sending them out. Last summer, they graduated their last teachers for the 6th classes. They now have 2500 students in Christian education. She knows her program still has a large way to go, but she accurately brings across the message that at least the Christian schools are better than the public ones. One women's vision to see a multitude of kids know Christ and get a better education than offered in other places, is now enabling a brighter future for these students.

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to teach some math games to the teachers of one school. They seemed eager to learn and were good sports about the games as they got pretty competitive. I tried in my broken French to give directions but a lot of times I allowed the missionary to interpret. I need so much work with my French but this is the first time I really was able to use it so I guess I wasn't horrible. We even had some of the teachers teach the rest of us which really impressed me. We only taught about two hours and I wish I could have shared more but I guess it was a good start. I pray to be more involved in these schools and to find more information to help them as I certainly don't know everything. I know how to teach English phonics but of course do not have a clue of how to teach phonice in Ewe and then in French. For some reason we were never taught that in college! Ha! There are so many degrees I now want to pursue but the Lord will sustain me and help me know the right steps to take.

One of the highlights of my trip was going to the headmaster's house which is tucked away in the village, right underneath the towering mountains. He had a small cement house, with a separate kitchen and was adding on a new little house for his mother and mother-in-law to stay. That should be fun! They have one daughter who is as their son died last year. However, we heard the good news that they are expecting another child so we pray for no complications. My principal, Sheree, always brings the girl, Gracias, some presents. This year she brought Cooties and Trouble, ahhh the classics! This was one of those "Did you ever think?" moments as I never thought I would be sitting outside on the dirt in plastic chairs huddled around a small uneven wooden table playing none other than Cooties and Trouble. Everyone passing by thought we were nuts of course but it was fun to bring some excitement to a culture based upon practicality and surviving.

Another highlight which I forgot to include was getting to the town from the hospitable on a taxi. Yes, I said on and not in which means in Togo...... they have moto taxis instead of car ones. I have never been on a motorcycle and I knew my mother would be jealous of experiencing this without her but it was such a thrill. Yes, I kept praying the whole time as we swerved pothole after pothole but God was good and we arrived safely. On the way back, my moto got a flat tire so I had to ride on the back of Mintas. We fit on very nicely although I was mostly sitting on the luggage rack on the back but it worked for the short trip. I could get use to getting around that way and would like mine own. Alright, close your jaws, as that won't be for awhile or might never happen.

I keep talking about my favorite parts of the trip, but I am finally to the best. Wednesday morning, we went to the school to watch the teachers in action. I stayed in second grade naturally and listened to them say the creeds and recite memory verses. Then, the teacher decided to play a game with the cards. It took him awhile to set up the cards and figure out how to divide the groups evenly according to the numver of decks but he did it. As he got out the cards, I loved watching the kids expressions. They were wide eyed and fixed on the movements of the cards as they were on the edge of their seat just wondering what would be done with them. After awhile of playing, the kids got the hang of it and were doing quite well. I was impressed with the teacher as he walked around and helped each group. I had a great time talking in broken French again and hoping they would understand. One thing about Africans, well at least in Togo and Ghana, they will tell you they understand even if they don't because it is what you want to hear. For the most part, they seemed to take my directions and go with it. My heart was definitely filled with JOY as I watched these beautiful children play a simple game with cards that we take for granite so easily in other parts. I am still not sure about next year, and I feel more confused than ever but I know the Lord is revealing Himself and His plan slowly by slowly and it will happen. On most things, I jump right into them, however, on figuring all of this out, I am really hesitant. It is probably a good thing but at the same time I have to realize that I will not have all the minor details in place and just have to step out in the water before the Lord stops the Jordan River. After hearing countless missionary stories, I know there will be times without money, food, and resources. However, it is through those times that God shows His goodness and mercy which just leave us praising Him even more than we could ever imagine. I know the Lord has His plan and I will continue to be faithful and in his timing, it will work out. This is easier said than done, but God is teaching me this and I am thankful.

Although things might be confusing right now, I am thankful for beautiful Ghana and all of its craziness. As I was riding back in the car, thinking through things I was reminded by the simplicity of things here which just make it so great. Here in Ghana you can ride by and see a man cutting hair underneath a large shade tree. You can see trotro jammed with people, chickens, goats, and fruits. You can see a man lathering himself in the river amongst the bridge and the mountains for his shower. You just never know exactly what you will see but you can be assured that you see life and life in Abundance through Jesus Christ our Lord!