A month in Ghana is already over. Tomorrow the 27th, my squad will be leaving Cape Coast and heading to Nepal. Where we will be finishing our last 5 months on The Race in Asia.
Changing each month is hard. It’s really hard, just when I feel like I’m getting comfortable and confident in our ministry we pack up and leave. We sort through our possessions deciding what to leave behind and what we should take with us. We may drop a shirt or pick up a half used bottle of lotion. Debate once again if we really need that sleeping bag or tent we haven’t used in months, but in the end stuff it back in our packs.
The few items that we have, are treasures, and each country we visit we gain more. Some of our treasures cause our pack to weigh more, others make it worth more. As we leave Ghana, my pack is worth more because of the treasures I’m taking it’s me.
Joy is one of the treasures that will be packed up and taken with me for the rest of my life. We have met so many people that have been charged with caring the Lords joy. They live with an aura of thankfulness and love for the people around them. When they smile I see the Lords smile through them. Their laughter makes everyone laugh. That’s what I want!
Flexibility takes on a whole new meaning in Africa. Sometimes you may not leave until 24 hours after it was initially planned. And everyone needs to be ready to pray, preach and worship at the drop of a hat. Each day is different, unexpected and worth every moment. While I’m not going to completely drop my love of organization planning, I do understand a greater need for flexibility in my life.
Service There no way to serve comparable to the African culture. No matter what it was our hosts did all they could to make our time as comfortable as possible. They gave us the very best they had, served us freshly picked fruit from the the farm and washed our clothes and shoes no matter how much we fought them on it. Africa taught me how to serve others as well as be served. It is okay to step back and let yourself be served sometimes.
Faith I wasn’t prepared for church in Africa, first off they are hours long (bring a snack and water), they are loud (earplugs if your sensitive), and they are unexpected. There is no plan other than to worship and preach. If someone becomes overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit in front of your eyes no one loses their focus. People were possessed by demons and we had an immediate healing and casting out of demon time. Ivorians and Ghanaians worship loud, they pray hard and they can never have enough Jesus. Hallelujah, AMEN!
I will also be taking the memory of warmth. Nepal is cold, we have spent a good part of our time and budget so far on clothes for the cold. I have thermal long sleeves and pants, pants, a shirt and jacket, scarf and hat on and I’m still FREEZING. Layers on layers are needed, I have also learned knock off clothes are really warm and a great price!
