Chistmas in October

I will give you a warning before you get too far into reading this. This blog might be not be that exciting as but for those who trek through, thank you. Yes, some of the things that happen are a bit out of the ordinary than in America, but now it is life and I don't remember them as well because they just aren't usual anymore. I still feel weird just blogging about my life since everyone has a story to tell about how God is working in their life for his Glory. As my grandpa would say, just say thank you to those who take the time to read and then just get on with it.

I love being infront of kids and making a fool of my stuff. I love planning lessons and helping the children but one aspect of teaching that I have been afraid is talking to parents. Now for those of you who are parents of school aged children, don't get me wrong, I love you to but it can be a tight nerveracking especially when your only 24 and never have had kids before. Monday and Tuesday started as nail biting days as they were only half days followed by parent teacher conferences. I had 7 back to back on Monday and despite none of the copiers working to print out all the needed materials for parents, they went smoothly. I had one parent who had some good constructive suggestions which I appreciated. The rest were just thankful for what I was doing and thankful for the school. One parent told me that as a family they pray specifically for me and the rest of the teachers. This really touched me and helped me realize the body of believers that uphold this school. It truly is the only way to explain why we are still functioning as and growing as satan tries many times to interfere but through the prayers of many, God has sustained us more abundantly than ever. So after facing my fear of parents, I see that they can be my biggest advocates. I truly am blessed with great parents who are involved and want to help their children succeed. In some places, you might be left alone but then the students have no support from their parents. Also, the majority of my parents are well educated people who are capable of helping their students and understant the importance of a good education. Please continue to pray for my kids as they still grasp who God is and as they share with other classmates about Christ. One girl went home and told her mom that the other girl had accepted Christ from my story from last week. I guess the girl was jumping up and down and just ecstatic that this other girl had made a decision for Christ. Pray that this young beautiful lady finds her own personal relationship with Christ and that we would be there to uphold her in her decision.

This week I was reminded how much God is involved in each aspect of life including soccer. I forgot to tell you last week that the uniforms my parents sent for the kids were at the post office but they wanted 200 Ghana Cedis for them which is still over $150. I refused to pay that much since I shouldn't have to pay extra money for something that is already yours. These uniforms are already 7 years old and they aren't even a name brand as we called them K-mart specials in high school. However, they love jerseys here so they were willing to raise the price. How kind of them! Mr. Crosby, the director, showed his grace on my and decided to pay the money to receive them. I told him I would foot the bill but he declined my offer. I must give a shout out to Mr. Crosby because he does care about us and the kids a lot. Fortunately, when William our driver came back with the uniforms, he told me that it only cost 65 Ghana Cedis which is a huge different. Praise the Lord! Mr. Crosby was very excited to show me as he found my class and I upstairs in the hallway looking for land as we were pretending to be Christopher Columbus. Mr. Crosby then swam next to our boat all the way to land and even beat us. Man, he is a fast swimmer! Sorry, I went into second grade mode there, please forgive me. Anyways, after school, I got to show the kids and they were so excited! I have pictures but I don't have my camera at the moment so hopefully on next year. The boys were trying to find their favorite number and were just chilling with them on. I informed them that they are for the matches which they understood but I just got a kick out of how excited they were. Again, these aren't the best uniforms and I wore them myself! It is cool that now the kids I am coaching are wearing my uniforms. I never dreamem this while in high school but it is cool how God designs everything perfectly for His ultimate reason. I must admit that practice is tiring on days as the kids don't have discipline or hard work ethics. However, we are working on it and we now have new motivation as we have uniforms and games to play. Please pray for patience with me and these kids!

Christmas in October continued as the container with all of our books and workbooks on it finally arrived. Before this, we have been all making copies of the workbook pages we needed as we didn't have enough books. You can all say that we were rejoicing with the final arrival of the container. It has been in Tema, the port city for over 6 weeks but for some reason it took this long to arrive here. Who knows? It's Ghana! We spent a long time Thursday night stamping all the books and putting them in their perspective classes. It is exciting to know that our school is making improvements and progress as continue to add more resources and books for the kids. It is hard not being able to pull any book I need from the library but we are getting their slowly but surely. I sent five personal boxes on the container with three of them containing books. Oh happy Day! Thank you to all of you who donated books during VBS at church. Some I am keeping in my classroom but the rest I am taking back to my house to use for reading time after kids club. They kids have been begging me to let them stay and read but I just haven't had the books for them. They keep lingering but unfortunately the container was slow. So to their surprise, on Tuesday, they will be able to stay after kids club and read for awhile until it is too dark. These children really need phonetic practice and I am going to start helping them get the sounds down as all they know is rhote memorization.

Faith downloaded the Amazing Race episodes that were tapes in Ghana. They are hilarious and I recommend watching them as they give you a little taste of crazy life here. I have been to most places that they traveled to so that was exciting. I have such pride for Ghana! There are scandals and corruptions but also genuine people who care.

May God continue to show his light to in each day!

We have a Champion

Here is a lot of random pictures that I have been meaning to put up but haven't yet. Enjoy! The one above is at Pram Pram where we go once a month to lead Sunday School. The kids are making lion masks for Daniel and hte Lion's den.

This beautiful face was captured at Children of the Light. The eyes say it all.

This is at Trashie Bags where they take recycled bags and make purses, bags, or clothing out of them. If there is a small child with the mother, the baby is called a Trashy baby.

These are all the ice cream and water sachets that have been cleaned and are drying before they are made into something. Their slogan, "fantastic in plastic." It is a great way to recycle and give people an opportunity to work.

A rain jacket out of plastic sachet bags that are normally filled with water. How appropriate. This one is a little small but Faith and I might have one made for our size!

The ladies at Trashy bags sewing up a storm of sachets. They are making large grocery bags.

This is a really nice picture of the front of our school. On the left, you see a tall tower. That is the tower for the stairs so kids can get up to our third story. We are growing but there is not much more room for us.

Pin the tail on the donkey during our fiesta. I missed miserably!

I put a blind fold on Mr. Crosby our director during the Fiesta. I think he is scaring one of the small kids even though he can't see. This was a fantastic night with The Boss and many friends.

Oops the same picture is above!

Another picture of our school. This one shows all the flage that surround the complex. We have 30 countries represented here.

I just love Ghana for almost getting run over by trotros all the time, being greeted by men in their underwear on my street, random people being willing to help us, crazy excited ladies selling us pineapple, watching thieves run down the street, and little girls yelling "sister Christy" while there in a tub of water with suds all over their body. Never a dull moment in Ghana!

Last week I shared how a little muslim girl wrote a song about Christ and put herself in it to actually receive Christ's sacrifice(even though she doesn't believe in it Ha!). The amazing stories continue. My one little boy, who is quite the evangelist, asked another muslim girl if she was a Christian and believed in Christ. She told him yes so he quickly proceeded to call out, "Miss Sopcisak, come quick, we have a champion over here. She has accepted Christ!" I asked the girl if this was true and she told me yes then I asked if she knew what that meant and she said no. We then spent time in the hallway together where she told me that she truly did believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for her sins and he rose again so we can spend forever in Heaven. Amen! I don't think she entirely grasps it, but it is a start and God is working in amazing ways. I just have to be faithful in following through and asking this girl about the truth she is beginning to believe in. My little missionary friend learned his first lesson in tactful missions on Friday. We had just finished taking our spelling test and the kids began the scores they received. I told them we don't share each others scores because we all have strengths and weaknesse and it is up to us to help each other in different area. My little boy said, " yeah even though (girl in class) and I don't have the same god, I would never go up to he and say, (girl name) you believe in Allah and not God so you are going to hell." It was one of those moments where you could see it coming but there was nothing to do about it. It was out of the mouth before I could stop it. My first reaction was to laugh which I knew was wrong but I tend to laugh when I there are intense moments like that. I told the boy that we should not say that and it was inappropriate in school. He truly has a pure heart, he just might not go about it in the right way all the time.

Last week we didn't have water again at the house because the city water wasn't on like usual. In the morning, I must have turned on the sink and then forgot to turn it back off since nothing came out of it. Well, I definitely remembered when I got home late that night. You know those TV shows where they actually flood the bathroom and it looks so hilarious that you kind of want it to happen to you? Well my wish finally came true as I got to go wading through the crisp crystal clear creek right in the comforts of my own home. So at 10:00 p.m I had the opportunity to bail out my bathroom with cups from the inch deep water. Luckily Daniel our guard helped me. What a blessing he is even when I do something ridiculous. At least it is a good story!

Last Sunday we had the Fiesta at our house which proved to be a fantastico! We had an amazing

dinner plus we played pathetic but enjoyable games like pin the tale on the donkey, the limbo, and even danced to the hokey pokey. I was laughing hysterically on the last song as even the director and his wife were participating. This is what happens when you are surrounded by the same people all the time and you don't get out much plus the stress of school. I love that we can goof around and have clean fun as the body of Christ.

This past Friday we had a day off since grades were due and we have parent teacher conferences on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Please pray for me with this as it is nerve racking talking to parents as I tend to sugar coat everything. Luckily I wrote everything down so I could stay on the script and be truthful. Honestly, my kids are doing a great and sometimes I worry that I am too easy. Time will tell! We spent the morning going to Trashy Bags which recycles small plastic pouches that hold water, juice and ice cream in to use for purses, bags, and duffel bags. I had never been there before and we were glad we went. It is such a geat opportunity for people to have a job and people on the street can even bring in the trash for a profit. For people to survive in Ghana, there must by equal opportunity for all people. Trashy bags is helping the environment, local street people, and parents to generate an income to support their families. It seems like menial labor and it is but Ghana is all about making ends meet no matter what the cost is.

After being here for over two months, I finally found the time to take the girls down the street to Auntie Jean's house. They have been begging for weeks to go to the library and I finally was able to act on my promise. They were so happy checking out books as they grabbed anything they could put their hands on. They desperately hunger for knowledge and books which seems like ordinary coffee table center pieces in homes all across America. The kids are also working on Christmas dictions for the concert which my two actively paricipated in coloring, cutting, and glueing. At he end when everyone was cleaning up, the girls went to find a broom so they could help just as much. These two girls are definitely precious and it is my desre to continue to work with them so they can aspire to be whatever they want to. They were so well behaved even though Medina(market) was stressful on the way back as the line for trotros was extremely long and the taxis were all taken. We almost got ran over a couple of times but we luckily found one that took us all the way home. God answers prayers even though it took awhile.

I came across a verse this week which has really helped me realize my reason for living and who I desire to please. I usually read NKJV but I had my new living translation version and this particular verse woke me up in a new way in this version.

"Obviously, we are not trying to win the approval of men but of God, if pleasing men were our goal, we would not be Christ's servant." Galatians 1:10 I am a people please but I am realizing that the only one I have to please is Christ and my desire is to walk after his desire.

God in the Details

In America, it is easy to forget that God exists in every detail. We expect electricity, water, and things to work correctly. When they don't work, we take it to someone who can normally fix it and life goes on. However, here electricity and water could be off for days with people always telling you tht it is coming. This can cause frustration or you can learn to trust God with things that seem minor. I would never pray to God for trivial things in the states because it seems as if I can handle it on my own. However, being here I have realized that I will not make it through the next hour without asking him for strength and perseverance. Fr dealing with more minor issues, I have learned to truly put my trust in what God provides instead of fixing the problem on my own. I am so excited that I am able to grow in this way of seeking out the Lord first as it shows my maturity in Christ but I still have a long way to go. You are probably still confused so I will give you some examples. When I run in the morning, there are usually dogs out. They are normally sleeping but sometimes they like to bark or growl at me. Several weeks ago, I prayed while I ran that the dogs would leave me away. During the run, no kidding, every dog around me sprinted away from as quickly as lightning. Some of the dogs I didn't even see until I saw hem bolting away. Weird? No, God! When I experience something like this, I automatically have to give the glory to God as it is not possibl without Him. God is working in evey detail and it is so important to see how He provides in big ways but also in small ways. Two days ago, I was running when one dog was circling me and growling. I kept yelling at it but nothing worked until I said Christ please. At that moment, the dog stopped and just stared at me as I jogged away. Coincidence? I think not! In America, I thought it would have been silly to pray to God for such a small thing but here I realie how important to give every situation over to God.

I have also seen the Lord work in a might way this week. I wrote up the experience for my director to send back to the main office so I am just going to insert that. (sorry, call me lazy!)

In my classroom of 13 students, I have found one student to be opposed to God and the bible. At the beginning of the year, she informed that the Savior I talked about was not her God nor the God who created her as she was created by Allah. During chapel with Alabaster Box, she covered her head with her jacket which was sad to me considering what a joyful time that was with the school and indeed the presence of our Savior. From those events, I have tried to be committed, along with others, to pray for her and the conviction that she was under. Three days ago, I started to see God answers those prayers as she asked during Bible time what would happened if someone didn’t believe in God. I went on to explain the salvation message and the importance of accepting Christ as the only true Savior. You could see the wheels turning as several minutes later she asked her next question. She asked, “What if I half believe Jesus is the Savior in our heart and half not, what then?” I then went on to explain that he wants our whole heart and again He is the only true Savior for the bible says, “I am the way, the truth, and the light.” No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6Then one of the students asked me if we could ask this girl if she wanted to accept Christ right now as her Savior. Even the class recognizes the need for Christ in each life. God started to open her closed heart and what a blessing that was to see. Last week I was talking about the darkness of sin. On her own she said, “sin is like a dungeon and Jesus is the only one that can free us from it.” What a powerful analogy! Today, she was sharpening her pencil on my desk where I have my bible. She turned to me and said, “Why did God write the Bible?” I had the opportunity to tell her that it is a letter written by Him for us to show that He is with us always and will take care of us. She seemed to be okay with that answer but before she walked away I said, “Do you know that Jesus loves you.” “I know,” she says and went back to work. These past couple of days have been a blessing as God has turned a closed heart into a questioning one for the truth. God is working hard in her heart so please pray that God will show her the truth which would impact her entire family. This child is searching as I hear her constantly having conversations about Christ and Allah. The other children also see the importance of winning her for Christ. On Friday, we were picking up when she made up a song. It was actually quite good and I asked her where she had heard it but she really made it up. She wrote it down and the words are powerful as they speak the truth of Christ.

Here they are: Be glad don't cry for the Lord has joy. He gave you Joy. You must think about the Lord. He made you. You must red the bbible becase it is Gods word. He made you. Jesus had to die for our sins to make us.

Isn't that powerful? I asked her about it and she told me she wrote it for all the Christians because she knows this is what they believe. I asked her if she believed in what she wrote and she said no because she believes in Allah more than God. This kind of broke my heart until I really examined what she wrote. At the beginning she uses the pronoun you to refer that she is not included. However when it comes to the most important message from Christ, about Christ dieing on the cross for our sins she switched the pronoun. Instead of saying, for your sins, she used our sins and us. God has a great sense of humor. She might not believe this at least aloud to me but she at least knows the truth and is thinking about it. God is good so please continue to pray that the Lord will open her heart and the heart of her family.

This week I took my class on a field trip to West African Mission which is a clinic and ambulance service for members. It was started by a woman whose children attend our school. I had one of them in class last year. We are learning about community helpers so the childen got to go in an ambulance, test their hearing in a sound proof booth(they all passed so now none of them have an excuse about not being able to hear me!), and learn about water safety around a pool. It was fun to get out with them and enjoy their cuteness in a different place other than school. They are doing well but please pray for their listening ear and for kindness in tone to one another.

Friday night we had our kickoff for Sharpeners which is a mentor program we are starting with the high schoolers. Two high school students are paired with a teacher where they can hang out each week. it gives the kids a chance to have someone to listen to them and it enables us to connect better with the students. We hace 10 signed up right now which is great for a start. We had them all over to our house for food(of course), games, and a time with their mentor. I already know the two girls I have pretty well but I am excited to know them on a more personal level. They want to study the book of Revelation, a book I know so much about(I am being sarcastic) so I will have to google it to find out more information or ask my dad! Please pray that we could be vulnerable with one another and study God's word so we could strengthen our relatinoship in Him.

I am not writing this to scare you but to open your eyes to the reality and for you to pray for this. The police presence has diminished some in our which means crime has gone up. There have been several houses broken into and some people have died. Mr. Crosby has asked us to be more cautious so please pray that I especially will act with care for now. Also, on Mr. Crosby's way home Friday, he saw the police catch two people thought to be robbers and kill them right there. First of all, that was rough to watch but also noone is for sure if they were actually robbers. I am not even sure what to pray about on this but pray the Lord will lead you to pray for the right words. This is reality here. It is not a scary place but death is an open thing. Well on that note, I shall leave you but I hate leaving you on a down note! Oh tomorrow we are having a fiesta just because we can. There, that is more rand0m and happy!

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