I heard the most wonderful words 6 words spoken one of my precious students. Can you guess what it was? "I love you" isn't long enough and isn't that wonderful. The only expression it could be is " I want to be a Christian." Yes, this is true and I was quite shocked by the news and the students had just returned from art. Two girls came up to me and the one said about the other, "She wants to know how to be a Christian." Oh such unexpected words and beautiful words that are most welcomed. I got the kids started on a math game and then spent time talking to the other. She explained that the other girls were talking about the difference of Muslims and Christians. She said her family was Muslims but she wanted to be a Christian and she told me what that meant. I talked about how Christ died for our sins and by believing in Him we can spend eternity in Heaven. She said she understood this and wanted to accept Christ. I then prayed for her and she then talked to God herself, asking God to come into her heart. She was very excited and shared this news with her parents that night which seemed okay with the decision. I am so joyful for her and thankful to God for her decision. This has reminded me that I must always be willing to listen to my students and talk about God whenever necessary. God is good all the time!
Friday was African Unity Day so there was no school. In the morning we had breakfast with the school for a goodbye celebration. I have been to these two other times but this time I was the one leaving. It was quite a "pinch me this is really happening" moment but I guess I have to live up to the fact. I am leaving and ignoring it won't make it go away. There are so many unknowns but God is in control and will make a way.
During the afternoon, we took our last trip to the onion boys. They were happy to see them and we were able to give each one a paper book of the alphabet. This has been an enjoyable Saturday routine and God has taught me how to love and give my time to others even when I don't think it is making a difference. Some weeks the boys seemed uninterested in us being there and other weeks they were engaged. This past week, Josiah and one of the boys were saying fish in English and in Zarma which is hamissah. At that moment, the boy pointed and said Hamissah, as a man walked by carrying fish in mini aquariums. Oh we laughed so hard as what are the chances of that happening. You got to love random Ghana! Anyways, God doesn't call us to be faithful just because we feel we are making a difference. God calls us to be faithful and follow his commands even when we are uncomfortable or unsure. God called us to faithfully visit the onion boys and sit with them no matter the circumstance. We didn't openly discuss Christ but they knew we cared for them and wanted to take our time to be with them. Only God knows their hearts and ours. I might never know how these men have changed as a result of knowing Gomer and us. However, I do know how the Lord changed my heart by loving on these boys who are normally unloved.
On Friday night, we celebrated the futue weddings of three of our teachers with dinner and then dessert back at my house. Of course we didn't have any electricity and had the celebration with candle light and a lot of sweat. We all made the most of it and enjoyed ourselves. After all, it wouldn't be a memory in Ghana without the lack of electricity. The real kicker came when the electricity came back on immediately after everyone left. Go figure! Losing power didn't spoil the fun as Ghana has taught us to be content no matter what the circumstances may hold. Yes, we do find ourselves complaining but God is working on us to help us be more content. There are many people on my street alone who live withou electricity all the time so I have no right to complain when I lose it for several hours. God is still working on me but I am so thankful for the important lessons learned while in Ghana.
Yes, I should be packing but hanging with friends is so much better. That is why we went to Wli Falls in the Volta region today to hike to a waterfall. This is my fifth time there but I love it everytime. The exotic and overlarge plants envelope me and help me see God's beauty in a whole different light. His uniqueness overwhelms me as I look out into the vast green rolling mountains with small villages placed neatly below. This is my beloved Ghana which I will be leaving soon. This is hard to believe but I know I have taken in the sights and smells that make this place special. God's beauty and majesty is all around, including in waterfalls, bright blue dragonflies, banana leaves, and loose rocks! May you be encouraged to find the beauty of each day that the Lord has made.
No comments:
Post a Comment