Day 24 of Ghana

It has been a while since I wrote an update, so this next one is kind of a compilation of journal entries. Hope you enjoy seeing what we’ve been up to!

Last night, Grandma Judy and I enjoyed “the good life” at the home of a nurse who volunteers three days a week at Beacon House. She invited us to spend the night, and we had quite the pampering. The air in her house was AIR CONDITIONED…icily, gloriously cool. Grandma Judy and I each got rooms to ourselves with beds we could spread out on without having various limbs hanging over the side. Incredible. And just think: the steps on her staircase were spaced at even intervals! We were in raptures at the untold luxuries of a swim in the pool, a hot shower, lasagna for dinner and pancakes for breakfast. And the best blessing of all—they let me use their phone to call home when their Internet would not work. So I got to hear my Mommy’s voice for the first time in over 3 weeks! Thank you Lord!

Today, however, I was back to work teaching the children. Discipline has really improved over the weeks and I am hoping that it will continue to get better. Warning to Dailey kids: Rachel is turning into Miss Minchin! (If you don’t know what that is, read “A Little Princess.” And shame on you for not being more literary). I have never been a ‘meaner’ teacher than I am to these stubborn little mischief-makers. It seems like every night at least 3 or 4 of my students (and there are only 9!) are sitting in the corner looking gloomy instead of watching the movie. They glare at me if I walk past them, letting me know on no uncertain terms that they will never ever ever forgive me…until the next morning, of course, when they are back to climbing all over me and messing with my “plenty head” (hair). And I thought Ghana would be so different from home! Not so.

After teaching, we went with Ms. Romana to go and look at the land for their new building project. We also stopped at TK Beads, where they turn recycled bottles into skeins of beautiful, hand-painted beads. Both Grandma Judy and I bought quite a bit to make into necklaces and bracelets when we get home. Very fun.

Day 26 of Ghana

The Blaskes arrived yesterday to bring home their sweet new son/brother, Gabriel! This boy is so excited to go home. Today we all went to a craft bazaar at the Ghana International School. It was very enjoyable. I purchased a few things, which is a big step for me, even outside of Ghana. My personality and training all rebel against ever buying anything which is not almost or totally free. I guess I’m sort of a miser. But I was able to release some of my tightly clenched Cedis to get a few gifts for family members (but SHHH…don’t tell!).

As for future plans and prayer requests, we could really use some prayer for our upcoming trip to the north. We are planning to leave on Thursday and get back on Saturday. Pray for an uneventful drive up (I’d rather be bored than stranded, so do NOT, I tell you, do NOT, by any means, do NOT NOT NOT pray for us to have an adventure) and safety while we are there. Also, please keep in prayer for Baby M. She is doing so much better than before, but has had a fever lately and can only be fed with a syringe. And praise Him that Gabriel is finally going home to his family!

Thought of the Day:

This country is almost too Christian. Everywhere you see signs emblazoned with things like “Abundant Grace Mini Mart” (does that mean food is cheap there?) or “Focus On Jesus Beauty Salon” (because when I focus on Jesus, I immediately feel like I need a facelift) or “God is in Control Taxis” (or even better, “Do Not Fear” across the back of a tro-tro into which people are stuffed like sardines, weaving back and forth across lanes of traffic and swerving around huge potholes) or “In God’s Time Water Supply” (which sounds suspiciously like an excuse to keep the water off as long as they want. “To God a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day”). The list of these could go on and on. I’m not sure whether to laugh, smile, or frown at them, but I’m more inclined to laugh.

On a similar note, today I saw a large, professional looking building with white letters that read “UT Bank: A Unique Bank for Real People.”

As opposed to all those other, run-of-the-mill banks for Unreal People. Good. I was really tired of having to get my imaginary friends to do all my banking for me.

And with that, I end this update.

~Rachel~