Shut the Door

I must say that I was on the most entertaining trotro ride of my life today. I knew I was in trouble the moment thre trotro stopped infront of me as the driver had to get out of the car to open the passenger side. No big deal but the door was falling off and the driver had to put it back on its track for it to open properly. I had to sit in the first row of course closest to the door. A rope was attached to the top of the sliding door which was attached to the front passenger's seat handle found at the top of the door. The lady next to held it taught to help secure the door. The mate(person who take the money) sat behind me and kept his hand outside the window to also hold the door in place. Only in Ghana does this happen! At one point, I heard the lady next to me tell the mate in Twi that she was tired of holding it so I took the string and tried to hold it tight. Eventually the mate told me, sister is okay let go, meaning you aren't helping so it isn't worth it. There was even a moment when the mate was leaning more out the side trying to keep the door on somewhat as the trotro was on an angle and even the back door flew open! Everyone was laughing now at this funny sight! The mate even managed to crawl on the outside of the door since the space was wide enough between the side of the car and where the door should have attached. I love when absurd things like this in Ghana happen because it is just random and would never be allowed in the states. Here, you just have to embrace them for what they are.
During this hilarious time, I thought about the song, Shut the Door, Keep out the Devil, Shut the Door, Keep the Devil in the Night, It is by accapella and worth hearing it.

The mate was trying his best to keep the door shut just as Christians we have to resist the devil. When I was holding the door, I wanted to just stop holding it just as sometimes the Devil seems to be pulling to hard to resist, it is easier to give into temptation then to draw the string hard so the door keeps securely shut from his tempting. My prayer is that I will openly and consciously resist the devil's temptation to make me doubt being here or my teaching or my relationship in Christ. God is doing a might work here and it can only be accomplished if we stay strong in His work and stay focused on the reasons why we are here or anywhere to serve the Lord. There are so many students at school who are questioning who God is or denying His name. Please pray for those students and that the teachers would be willing to love on these kids instead of get frustrated with them.

Yesterday was competition at Children of the Light. The children were tested in spelling and bible questions. I listened to the kids say the dolche(sight words) which I cringed through as these kids still do not know their sounds let alone simple words not to mention that some of them are 12! I am just sick and me coming on the weekends is not enough to help them! They really need help by starting back at the basices. All they learn is rote memorization and never get the phonics they so desperately need. That is why I have to start teacher training programs because I cannot continue to see this happen in the schools. I see the same thing with the kids in my neighborhood. My two girls can sound out words but the majority of the kids just guess randomly. At the competition, there was the word red and I was helping him sound out each letter he said rabbit. There is no rhym or reason! Please pray for the education system that someting will be done and somehow I can help in this matter because these children deserve much more.

This week at school, my kids led chapel which of course I didn't start preparing for until Monday. Chapel isn't until Wednesday so I had plenty of time! At the beginning of the year, we studied the armour of God that God gives us so we can resist the evil in the world. Auntie Jean had this song from a composer in New Zealand who she has met. I had the kids act out the different parts of the armous of God during the song. They did such a great job and I was very proud of them. I have pictures on someone else's camera so I hope to have those up soon. While we were practicing, I was talking about evil being in the dark and my one student who openly denies Jesus, said that sin is like a dark dungeon and Jesus is the only one that can free us from it. Wow! What an amazing analogy especially from someone who said Jesus is not her savior. God is working in these student's lives and I just pray He keeps tugging at their hearts even harder.

On Friday, my kids earned a compliment party for being good in specials and in the class. They wanted to watch a movie which is an easy thing to do in the states but has proved to be much more difficult in Ghana! Well, the DVD player is not set up with the TV in the library since noone knows how to work it so we were going to watch it on the projector. They voted on Toy Story 3 but it turned out to be Sponge Bob and I was not watching Sponge Bob. We tracked down another movie but then it wouldn't show on my computer and the projector at the same time. I ran to get another teacher's computer was you couldn't hook up the projector to her computer. We decided to watch it just on my computer even though they were complaining. Then my computer was dieing so I had to plug it in but I didn't have the right adapter to attach the extention chord so I had to run around trying to find one. I wish you could just plug things into the wall! Then I went to find speakers so the kids could hear better. Then I realized that the kid I put in the hallway for messing around in the bathroom was not there anymore but luckily he was in the bathroom right next to my room. I know, what kind of teacher am I? Then I had to pass out snacks and try to get packed up for the day. I think other things happened but I am trying to block most of it from my memory. All I know is I was running around like a crazy person! Nothing is every easy here and I have learned to accept it but sometimes it is just too much! I just learn to laugh a lot here so I don't cry.

The day ended on a good note as I have started doing prayer runs with two of the high schoolers. I love this time as we strengthen our physical and spritual bodies by focusing on Christ. These two girls had amazing testimonies and prayed directly from the heart. They prayed for each other and the unsaved at school. One prayed that we would be open to our sins and seek forgiveness from Christ so we can be free and follow Christ better. God is working in their lives and I am so privileged to watch them grow. The days get busy but it is important to spend time with these kids as they seek out attention and just an opening ear from somewhat still kind of young but hopefully a little wiser! These two are also soccer kids who help keep me sane when I want to pull out my hair with some of the other kids.

Oh, please pray for my voice. I never have one and this becomes very difficult at soccer as they don't listen as it is. So either pray my voice doesn't give out or they learn to stay quiet.

Friday morning, the elementary chair brought this verse to our attention;
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose"

Even though we might not like every situation we are involved in, I have to realize that I am in every moment for a reason. God has put me there and it is important to love on those surrounding me and to do the purpose God has called me to do. Some days I feel inadequate but God equips the called and I do feel at a peace being here. However, God can use us in wherever where are as long as we are faithful to his calling. I like this verse as it gives me the hope that I am not here doing this on my own but I have my Lord and Savior who orchestrated each moment for a reason. It is a big responsibility but I need to hold on to each situation and use it to bring Glory to God's name as much as possible as I never know how it will work to further God's kingdom. The women at school and I are doing the Esther bible study from Beth Moore. At the end of the last session we watched, she heavily taught on Esther 4:14: For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” For such a time at this. Yes, God has called each one of us for such a time as this. Wow, isn't that powerful? We never know how God is going to use a moment for His ultimate puprose. For us, each day seems mundane and routine but no, God has called to whever for such a time as this. God is so good and sovereign. At this point, I don't even have the words as I am in awe of our Creator. What a might God we Serve!

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.

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.

Absent but present

Cathy and I in Boston! Aren't we beautiful?

Keren and I in Boston harbor going to the islands for a day of nature.

The true Ghanaian family. This was taken after an appreciation Ghanaian dinner for all of my supporters.

A pretzel bigger than my head. Truly! This was taken in Germany with all the delicious bread and fruit you could get!

Running down the paths of tree in Salzburg just like in Sound of Music. I think I could pass for Julia Andrews. Wait till you hear my voice!

An oxymoron? I think not, just a complication in identity and location. After being in Ghana for ten months, I had established a home with friends, critters, and a reason to be there. The unkown became normal and life had a rhythm. Then being back in the states, I saw my other purpose. The purpose of being close to family, friends, and bakeries in the North End. Alright, the third one is a joke but it was nice. So although I was absent from Ghana I wanted to live each moment in the states, to be present in mind and in spirit. I won't lie, there were some difficult parts when I just didn't understand the culture or felt out of the loop but what a joy to see those who have helped prepare me for this chapter in my life. I was able to see professors and mentors and thank them for guiding me through life to get to the point I am at now. Don't worry, I realize I have more growing to go! So although I love the people in the US and hopefully the people love me(smile) Ghana is home right now.

Oh, so a little about the summer! After leaving Ghana, which made me pay 40 ghana cedis to leave the country since my visa had expired, my friend and I went to Germany where Ghana lost my luggage. The country really loves me, what can I say? Anyways, it really was a blessing in disguise because Lufthansa gave me 50 euros to buy clothes and then everything showed up in Munich. Kim's bags were heavy so it was better not to have two more bags. Man, we were a sight at the train station trying to carry all of our luggage! We took the train from Frankfurt to Munich and spent three and a half days touring the city and elsewhere. Probably the highlight of my trip was eating fresh strawberries from the fruit market a block away from our cute little hotel. We were able to see Dachau which is just ruins now but with a nice museum depicting the history. How awful! I am glad to have seen it with mine own eyes so I can somewhat understand the devastation that occurred there. We also went to Slazburg in Austria where Sound of Music was filmed and then went to Neuenschtein(sp?) to see the Disney castle. So we got around but the countryside from gorgeous. It was green and rolling and green, and mountainous, and did I mention green? We even spent the night in the train station because our train left at 3 in the morning.

At home, I started the middle school program for VBS and we had a blast. I had to catch up with that age level as I am use to younger kids. One time I asked them if they needed help tying something and they gave me that look, we can do it. OH yeah, right! Oops! However, I saw the Lord touching their lives as they had to think deeper about God our creator and sustainer in all. I wish I was there all year to minister to these kids and have programs for them.

The fun continued with a two week "Freedom Trip" outeast with Cathy and a good friend. We hit Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City. Boston was my favorite as it is one of the places that began our country and it seems like a small town in the middle of a large city. We stayed in the North End which is the Italian section and were able to smell bakery from our beds. What could be better! In New York, we visited a college friend of ours with two other friends and took the city by storm! It was wonderful to catch up with sisters in Christ who for the past 5 years now have helped challenge me to grow closer in my Lord and Savior. What a blessing to be in their presence as a friend and colleague as we are all teachers. You know, got to stick together.

The rest of the time was spent frantically spending time with the family. So many good memories that we will cherish until my next visit. Thank you for all those who have been prayer warriors for me. I was so fortunate to see a lot of you this summer. I am sorry if I was unable to make it to everyone so please keep in touch.