Where's Waldo?

I never thought I would feel so comfortable being in a position where I stick out like a neon zebra!

For the past two weeks, I have been singing in the temporary choir (while the regular members get a break) at Calvary Baptist Church, the church that we attend in the city. I am one of two white people in the choir and only one of five in the whole congregation. It has been such an exhilarating and eye opening experience for me. First of all, I love being in a position to watch a congregation of several hundred Ghanaians worshipping in a manner that is more free and uninhibited that I have ever witnessed before. There are so many things that often stand in our way of expressing our worship to God so unreservedly. If any of you are anything like me and even the slightest bit honest with yourself, you may worry about any variety of things: who is standing next to you, what they may think, or what they may say to other people after church? Am I acting too conservative, too charismatic? Do I appear authentic, or will others think I’m faking? Or best of all… how do I look? Sometimes it can be just as hard or harder to focus on God in church than anywhere else. I know that there have got to be concerns of a similar nature here and all over the world, but it is apparent that those superficial concerns are of far less value to the people here. Then, in addition to enjoying the observation of that unrestrained and natural worship, I absolutely love the fact that I can also express myself so freely without fear of being judged. When there is less to hinder our communication with God and less junk fills our minds, the intimacy with Him is unreal! It is not our outward actions or appearance but the condition of our hearts that conveys our adoration. I hate that it has taken me so long to really realize that. Better late than never.

In a powerful song, “Clear the Stage” by Ross King, he describes what true worship looks like and in some cases, what it may take to get there.

“Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze if that’s the measure you must take to crush the idols.
Jerk the pews and all the decorations too until the congregation’s few then have revival.
Tell your friends that this is where the party ends; until you’re broken for your sins you can’t be social.
Then seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store and know that great is your reward so just be hopeful.
‘Cause you can sing all you want to. Yes you can sing all you want to. You can sing all you want to, but don’t get me wrong, worship is more than a song.”

This week, I’d like to introduce you to Attah. While I think that all of our kids here are beautiful in their own way, I think that she is a truly gorgeous girl. She is 11 years old, in P5, and almost too mature for her age. Please keep her in mind and in your prayers as you go through your week!

Security or Service?

Monday through Wednesday of this week provided a much need respite from the daily stresses of working with these needy kids. I joined Elise’s family in traveling west of Accra to a town called Anomabo to enjoy a stay on the beach for a couple of days. The weather was beautiful, the waves were large, the food was great and the company was pleasant. I boogey boarded, read some books, listened to music, walked along the shore line, and watched the locals drag in their fish nets. All in all, it was a wonderful trip.

While I was gone, Carolyn, one of the other women here, offered to take my class for me. I prepared extremely detailed lesson plans for her and did everything short of threatening the kids that if they did not mind Miss Carolyn, they would have to deal with me when I got home. I have dealt with a number of trials with my students, some small and others much larger, but in the end, I love them dearly. The funny thing about my trip to the beach was that in the midst of my relaxation, I couldn’t stop thinking about my kids and how they were doing, whether or not they were obeying, and if they missed me. It was all too clear to me how much I missed them. As I sat on the lounge chairs and stared out at the sea, I realized that no matter how big my class is or how overwhelming it gets, how bratty the kids can be or how much they fight me, I love them and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If they were any better, I'd probably be bored. I know and have known for a long time that I am a person that NEEDS to be challenged. I thrive on the difficulty of my class. Complacency, security, safety, routine, and comfort are not words that excite me. God has placed in me a desire to be tested and stretched and pushed to the limits. It is then, at my breaking point, that I feel most alive. It is then that I am able to be used most effectively. I feel like it is in those situations that my pride is destroyed and my focus is really where it should be. Often times, whether it is intentional or not, I believe the church can stifle the passion in people by emphasizing things like security and comfort. Prayers to prosper us are often more common than the humble prayer to use us, no matter the cost. The places that need the influence of Christ the most are often the places that Christians are afraid to go. It is true that we are God’s children and he will never abandon us, but it is crucial that we understand that he promises us spiritual security, not always physical safety or financial well-being. He has big plans for us if we can put our fears aside and let Him take us where He wants to take us and challenge us like we need to be challenged! He promises us life and life to the fullest but we must make the choice to take advantage of that life. To live a fearless life of reckless abandonment with a full faith in God’s guiding hand is the greatest thing I can ask for!

Abraham is a young boy who demonstrates that fearless attitude in his everyday life! I can’t tell you how many times he fell off the skateboards they got for Christmas, or how many scars adorn his legs from climbing trees, playing football, or creating games of his own. All of the kids really display that zest for life and the passion to live it to the fullest; and it’s contagious. Abraham is a 10 year old in P4 and has been such a joy to get to know! I pray that he, and all of the kids, never lose that fearless passion to get the most out of life!

Breaking Down Walls

Again, we had a busy week! We went on walks, played with water balloons and bows and arrows, killed snakes, practiced our times tables, and welcomed two new kids into the Haven of Hope family! We had a blast, and then to top it off, Elise’s family arrived here in Ghana for a two week visit late Thursday evening.

However, in the midst of all the excitement I found myself extremely homesick for the first time since I have been here. As Elise showed her sister around the compound, I thought about all of the people at home that I would love to be able to experience what I am doing here. I got caught up in the moment and shed my fair share of tears. Visibly upset, I had to pull myself together and head to my classroom for the morning assembly. Because the kids are the most observant and blunt kids in the world, I was suddenly swarmed with attention and questions as to the cause of my tears. Instead of pretending I wasn’t sad, I decided to humble myself and explain to the kids that I was missing my family and friends at home. I believe my answer actually took them by surprise and they asked “Well then do you want to go home?” After I thought about it for a second, I realized it was an easy answer, “No”. While I miss you all very much, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am right where I am supposed to be, following God’s will for my life, whether I can see the purpose in it or not. And just when I thought I couldn’t see the purpose, a small bit was revealed to me. Through our discussions about how I was feeling about home, many of the kids opened up for the first time about their feelings about their home. Particular kids who have been very hard and guarded were able to see my humanity in my emotion and came around to sharing some of their thoughts, even if just for a short time. I am always blessed to see how God can use the moments that try us the most at the times when we question our purposes, to encourage others and in turn encourage us. He is faithful. God is good.

Seeing as though they are new to our home this week and are probably experiencing some homesickness themselves, I ask that you pray for Anna and Douglas, 8 and 11. Pray that their transition into the home and the school will be smooth and that the rest of our kids will be welcoming and supportive of them during this time. Our other child of the week though is Abigail Yawson. She is a 12 year old girl who walks with more sass in her step that anyone I have ever met. She gives great hugs and has a laugh that instantly makes you crack up. Her spunk and joyfulness are contagious, and I just pray that she learns to use them to spur others on!

Harmattan

When I come home, one of the first things that I will do is stand in a blistering hot shower for a very long time. Why, you might ask? Besides the fact that our faucet trickles cold water, the weather here in Ghana has been quite strange recently. In fact, I have never seen anything quite like it. The evenings are cooler and the days are still hot and humid, but there is a constant haze in the sky like the morning fog never lifts. This all started a couple weeks ago, around the same time that Elise and I realized our apartment was getting disgustingly dirty really quickly. Finally, when we asked what was going on, someone explained to us that every year during the dry season when the winds pick up and the weather cools down, sand from the Sahara desert gets blown all the way down here. That being said, I thought I was getting a tan when I realized it’s only a layer of sand from the Sahara. Some things you just don’t get used to.

This week I began teaching my kids about the eye and how it works. We used a spoon to simulate how the lens flips things upside down and made 3D paper-maché diagrams of an eyeball! I gave the Wednesday morning message at chapel and made the kids do the YMCA, but with LOVE. I played a lot of basketball and got a lot of letters from pre-pubescent boys. I read some, cleaned some, and cooked some. I was frustrated and stretched, overjoyed and blessed. I went to the youth chapel at Calvary Baptist, which is outstanding, and now I’m ready for another week. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” ~ Psalms 51:12

Dua is our boy this week. He is 11 years old and is extremely shy but has been really coming out of his shell recently. He’s very smart and is the fastest at the home (which is no surprise considering he has the longest lankiest legs in the world!). He’s also great with the toddlers and has an enormous heart! Please keep him in your prayers this week!