Goodbye to Ghana.....

It is not that I do not want to return to Ghana, but as I have explained earlier this year, God is leading me in a different direction.  I still miss all my friends in Ghana so much and talk to many of them every week.  Perhaps God will take my path back that direction one day.  But for now, I am preparing for a new journey in Tanzania.

My new blog is www.cherylinchimala.blogspot.com.  Please join me for this new work in Africa.

Being a "missionary"

Before I decided to move to Ghana, I had prayed for missionaries, enjoyed hearing about their work and sometimes wondered how exciting it would be to be a missionary. I can tell you now that I had absolutely no idea what missionaries experience. When I felt God wanted me to go to Ghana to be a medical missionary, I was excited. I mean I was "All in" so to speak. I went with the decision full throttle and never had second thoughts. Today, I have no doubts that what I did was the right thing. I have no doubt that I will continue to work in Africa. But I will tell you that I have gained a whole new perspective on mission work and will be praying more for those who work in missions.

Over the last 18 months of my life, I have left my home country, family, friends and work to begin a new life in a new country, a poor country, where I had no friends, no family, no home. Over 11 months in this country, I made friends, felt like family in some cases and started a new life to only have to say goodbye to it all in the past week. I blogged about many of my experiences while I prepared for this journey and throughout my time in Ghana. I wanted to share my experiences with those who were interested. I wish I had done a better job of sharing those experiences.

But, as I look back over the writing I did, I find that I didn't always tell you when things weren't going well. I wonder why that was. I did share stories about the poverty and the kids...what work I was doing. But I didn't tell you when I was down or sad or feeling great frustration. Now I am thinking back over the years when I saw the videos about the work of different missionaries and when those missionaries came to speak to us. They shared the "good" stories as well. I didn't share any of the "personal" stuff with you because the mission was NOT about me. It was about the people of Ghana, about God and His Word...about how we were working together to make some small difference. But I will tell you that in my short experience thus far, I have experienced many emotional ups and downs. I am so thankful for all these experiences.

These "ups and downs" in a far away place helped me to learn to lean on God more fully. To remember that he was in control. They also taught me how much we need to support our missionaries. We need to send them encouraging letters while they are in the field, small surprise packages now and again, pray for their strength and well-being. I do not for one minute believe that I am the only one who just shared the stories about the work and did not share what was going on with me personally. There are so many things missionaries go through which we can not imagine and do not know about.

My re-entry to the states was very hard. First of all, I did not want the work in Ghana to end. I loved my work, the people, the country, everything....it was not easy living in Ghana, not at all. The adjustment was difficult, but so worth it. If I showed just one person how to love, taught just one person that they were important, helped just one person through a tough time or an illness...it was worth it. If God's love was seen in anyway by someone who had not experienced it before, it was a success. But the fact of the matter is...I left the states to do God's work in Africa. And now Africa is where I want to be.

As I said goodbye to my friends in Ghana this past week, it was so hard. I have missed their smiles, their love, their love for God. The students (young people) where I worked struggle from day to day. They are so hopeful for a better life. They have so little. Why was I blessed with so much? Why do they have to struggle so hard? God calls us, no...he commands us to help the poor and those in need. I cannot answer the "why" questions, but I can follow God's command. Each of us can follow this command....I want to physically go, others can follow the command by giving of time, money or other items as needed. We are all missionaries. We just all have different roles to play. I am praying for the opportunity to return to Africa soon to continue medical missions.

Two weeks of traveling...

Well the last two weeks have really flown by for me. Before I left Chimala mission, Dr. Ephriam and I made a follow-up visit to Mfumbi. We had given the children there enough medicine for two weeks and now it was time to check on the progress. I was so happy to see so much improvement in all of the patients we had treated. Of course, the treatment for fungus takes 4-6 weeks...so we gave out meds for another two weeks and actually treated another 20 or so patients. In all, we have treated more than 40 people at this village. I made arrangements for Dr. Ephriam to make one final follow-up visit on July 7th. At that time, hopefully we will find most of these patients are ready to finish up with their treatment.  I am sad that I have to leave Chimala and will not be making the visit myself. I am praying for the opportunity to go back to Chimala one day and begin a mobile medical clinic and I know that Mfumbi will the first village on my list!

I left Chimala on June 19th to fly to Dar es Salaam which is the capital of Tanzaniz. I flew in a small single engine plane which had seats for about 10 people. The runway was gravel and dirt. But the view was fantastic. We only flew at about 300 mph, but I don't remember the height. I do know I was able to clearly see the ground most of the time. The only time my view was blocked was when we ran into rain and thankfully, that was for only a brief period of time. I must say you feel the "rock n roll" of the plane much more vividly in a small plane.

My plan from Tanzania was to return to Takoradi, Ghana in order to close up my flat and say goodbye to the many friends I had made while I lived there. In order to fly from Tanzania to Ghana, I had to fly through Istanbul, Turkey!! Crazy, huh?!! Anyway, my flight to Istanbul left Dar at 3:30 am on June 20th. Before I left Istanbul, I had a 4 hour lay over at their airport. Wow, it was a whole different whole from Africa. I guess I really didn't expect such a difference. The airport was like a giant shopping mall and food court. It was extremely busy...planes and people coming and going constantly.

I arrived in Ghana about 24 hours after leaving Tanzania. For the past week, I have been meeting with my landlord, moving furniture, visiting with friends and saying my goodbyes. Most things went very well and without much difficulty. However, I was only able to see about 60 or so of the students from OAVI to say goodbye. I met with a few of the church leaders of the Central Takoradi Church of Christ as well as a few of the OAVI school board memebers. It was very emotional for me.

This work was something I felt very strongly about. I had wanted to stay and work there for many years. I truly believe that many people were helped and taught good information during the one year I was there. I am so thankful for the time I was blessed with to reach out and spend time in this country with these people. I pray that the impact we (me and the people who helped me) made will last.

 Anyway, that part of my trip to Ghana is complete, but my flight home is not scheduled until July 3rd. When I made the reservations I was not sure how long things would take in Takoradi. After 5 days, ia was done both with the business and emotionally. I have tried to get an earlier flight home, but the airlines are not too accommodating in that area....so I guess I will just have to spend a few days at the beach waiting for the 3rd to arrive. It is really a hardship.... :)

Community Health Clinic in Matebete

On Wednesday this week, I traveled to the Masai Village of Matebete with the Community Health Nurse from Chimala Hospital.  The Masai are a specific tribe of people found in Kenya and Tanzania.  They are usually dressed in purple and/or blue.  Although, I do not profess to know a lot about them, I will share with you a little of our clinic day.

The purpose of these outreach clinics is to provide well baby and child check-ups.  However, the Chimala Hospital only visits villages 2-3 times per month and therefore, only a few villages receive this care.  The clinic provides newborn and toddler vaccines, weight records and a little health education for no charge to the people.  I have been priviledged to ride along on the couple of clinics which have been held during my time in Chimala.  (And for those of you who are counting.....no this does not quite add up.  I have been here for 7 weeks and to my knowledge they have only gone out on 2 occassions.  This would be an area in which we could work on improving...)

One nurse from the Chimala Hospital, myself and 4 nursing students were on hand to help with the clinic.  A young lady, Anna, who has just moved to Chimala with her family also came with us to see what we do and take pictures.  (Anna's father, Chad Wagner, is the new mission's coordinator.)  All the children are weighed and have a health record which is updated.  While the weighing is taking place, the Chimala nurse registers and provides a new record for any newborn babies since the last clinic was here.

While everyone waits for the weighing and registration to take place, there is time for playing, eating and visiting.  The nursing students had brought some bubbles with them and so the little children played and learned to blow bubbles.  Most everyone enjoyed the play time.  A few of the young children, however, never did warm up to the white people.

After all the children have been registered and weighed, the vaccination process begins.  The nurse quickly sorts through all the records of those who need vaccines.  She groups ages together and calls them to line up.  Some only receive one or two vaccines, while others may receive 3 or 4.  The Chimala nurse shows the nursing students how to administer each type of vaccine and then she allows them to administer them for experience.  The students really learn a lot this way.

This day was a day for me to watch and learn.  I want to first learn how and what the Tanzanians are currently doing.  This will allow two things to happen.  During this time, I will built relationships and hopefully they will be stronger because of my interest in "their" processes.  Second, it gives me time to evaluate and think about any changes or adjustments which may need to be made and take a little time to evaluate the BEST way to implement these adjustments in a helpful way.  I have seen those who have come into a mission with a "Bull in a china shop" attitude and it has not worked very well. The "American" way does not always work best in places which are NOT American.  I do not want to try to "change" them into the American way, but to work side by side and perhaps help educate them in some easier, better or more productive ways.  But more importantly, I want to show them that we are all one, we are all God's children and as such we can work together for His Glory.  Living every day, showing each person I come into contact with what being a Christian should look like.  To show them love...peace...joy....kindness....compassion...self-control....gentleness and kindness in everything I do. 

Follow up for Mfumbi Village children

Last Monday, we had several of the most severe cases from the Mfumbi Village come into the Chimala hospital clinic for further treatment.  Out of the 13 we instructed to follow-up, we had 10 show up....which in all reality is a good turnout. 

These two albino children are, of course, not treated too good by others.  They also have many skin and eye problems.  And as you can see by this picture, they are all too aware of the differences of their appearance.  This little girl, Elisa, is cross-eyed in one eye, but she is able to see pretty well.  The main skin problems right now are the burns, infection and fungus.  We started both children on antibiotics and fungal shampoos.  They were given sunscreen and a medicated cream to apply at night to help soften the skin.  Mom was educated about these medications as well as the need to keep her children out of the afternoon sun and to wear long sleeves and hats.  I am praying they look much better on our next follow-up at the end of this week.

This is a small boy of about 3 with a skin infection.  Started him on antibiotics and antifungal pills, but by this time, we have run out of antifungal shampoo and there is no more in our area.  We are hoping to find some in Dar Es Salaam this week.

This young girl was brought in because of the cyst you see in the above picture.  However, when we shaved her hair what we found what much fungus among us....

Kind of an instance of "not being able to see the fungus for the hair".  Sorry, poor attempt at a joke.

This young lady has quite a noteable "ring" covering the right side of her face.  If my diagnosis is correct (I used a book with pictures and descriptions of skin diseases), this is a long-time, untreated ringworm/fungal infection.  There is still hope that with treatment and time, her scarring will decrease and/or disappear. 

There is one other story I would like to share with you, but I have no picture of this boy at this time.  I am also embarrased to say that I do not even know his name.  He came to the hospital at my instructions from Mfumbi just as the others did.  However, his problem was a swollen left jaw.  Without an exam, I was thinking tonsils or infected tooth.....Upon exam, we did not find any evidence of these problems.  History was of long time swelling, hot to touch and really not much else.  He was admitted to the hospital for further investigation.  Unfortunately, the investigation led us to a diagnosis of HIV.  The wonderful thing is that we caught it early, treatment has begun and his parents have received counseling.  The bad thing is that often times, an HIV diagnosis can lead to people in this country being isolated from others.  Often the one with the diagnosis is cast out of the family.  This little boy is about 3 years old.  He and his mother stayed at the hospital for one week.  They were discharged today.  I looked in on them every day while they were here and will, of course, follow up on them this next weekend.  Oh, an I paid for the hospital bill.  Want to guess how much it was?  USD $26.00.  Unbelievable!!

These are just the few stories of the children I reached out to in one small village.  This past week was very busy with many, many other stories.  I saw one young man of about 30 - 32 who came in with severe dehydration...so sick that he died within just a few hours.  Many burns have been admitted to the hospital in the last couple of weeks. Some are very severe, third degree burns and most are children.  Another big number of our cases are trauma cases from motorcycle/vehicle accidents.  One young man on a motorbike hit the back of one of our PARKED cars.  He lost a finger and had an open fracture of his lower leg.  Today we had a young man come in with a snake bite to his right hand.  And, let's not forget that in any one day, we deliver around 10 babies with unsually one or two being a C-section.

I love it here!  They are in need of workers with more education.  They are in need of experienced people to help educate them.  Please pray with me that I will be able to accept this challenge and be a part of helping the Chimala Hospital and Mission.

The Children of Mfumbi

Last Sunday, I attended church at a small village located about 15 minutes from Chimala.  As we entered Mfumbi, it was very apparent that this village was very poor.  The houses were all mud and sticks.  The children we saw as we drove in were noteably dirty and under nurished.  I expected the number present at church to be small and it was.  I believe there were 10 adults and 24 children.

The preacher of this small congregation led the singing and I was very surprised at the enthusiasm with which he sang.  As I listened to this small group of people sing, I decided they wanted God to hear their praises loud and clear inspite of their small numbers.  The singing was wonderful.  Everyone sang out with "a joyful noise" unto the Lord.

There is a special way in which all the churches conclude their services in this area and Mfumbi was no different.  At end of the service, as each person exits he/she greets all the those who exited  before him  and then joins the line and greets all those who exit after.  As everyone leaves the building, we are left with a circle of family who have greeted everyone who is there.  This is so great! 

The children always catch my eye in a special way.  They look so innocent and dependant with big eyes and smiles, and dirty faces and clothes.  These children were no different.  Some have never seen a white person before and you can see both their curiousity and fear.  They will timidly reach out, but then quickly retreat.  One girl in particular on this Sunday was both curious and yet afraid.  When she first sat down in front of me, she was continuously turned so she could keep an eye on me.  She just wasn't sure what I might do.  She watched me curiously and occasionally she would slowly reach her hand out toward my foot or leg....a couple of times she quickly brushed my toe or knee.  One of the other girls from our group sat next to her.  The little girl slowly inched a little closer to her......her hand on the seat beside her....then touching her skirt....slowly touching her lap and then by then end of services she had reached out and touched her hand.  She looked up at the white face with a bit of a surprised look on her face, as if to say "Wow, you feel the same as me".

As I watched all these children, it was impossible not to notice that many of them had "tineas capitis" (head fungas, ringworm).  Some of these also had secondary skin infections.  As we left the village, I knew I would have to come back.  Over the last week, I purchased anti-fungal shampoos and medications along with a few antibiotics.  I spoke with one of the Medical Officers at the Chimala Hospital and "volunteered" him to go with me to the village this morning. 

So early this morning, I headed to Mfumbi with a Tanzanian driver and "doctor" to treat what I thought would be about 10 or so children.  Ten was just a small scratch on a BIG problem.  Within about 1.5 hours, we had seen close to 30 patients who had either "tineas capitis", skin infections or both.  We had enough meds with us to treat about 15 for tineas capitis and 3 for skin infections.  Because these people are so poor, traveling the 15 minutes by car to the hospital and getting treatment is not possible.  So we made a deal with about 10 of the worst cases.  If they will find a way to get to the hospital, we would treat them for free.  I am praying they all come on Monday.

Some of these cases were so much worse than what I had seen last Sunday.  It was overwhelming for the 3 of us.  At one point, I noticed the driver standing off to himself looking out a window and wiping tears from his eyes.  This is the work I want to do.  I want to travel daily to these types of villages and help those who cannot afford to seek treatment.  Over the last several weeks as I have spent time at the Chimala hospital, I have seen one recurrent theme......the patients do not come to the hospital until it is often too late.  That is why people here believe the hospital is where you go to die.  We need to reach out to those in need, provide them with early treatment and teach them how to care for themselves when possible.

The trio of us who went to this village today will return there again in two weeks to check on their progress and provide more treatment.  Many of them will have to receive treatment for 6 to 8 weeks.  I will be leaving Chimala after that next visit.  I am praying God will send me back to Chimala in the near future to continue an outreach mobile medical clinic in this area. 

The Chimala Hospital

The Chimala Hospital is a 120 bed facility.  It houses an L&D ward, female ward, male ward and pediatrics ward.  There is an outpatient department with 3 medical officers, a laboratory, surgery room, Community Health Center (which does ante-natal, post natal and well-child exams), central supply, pharmacy, x-ray and laundry.  Once a week HIV patients are seen for follow-up care and counseling.  Over-all a very busy place.

Having listed all the departments makes this hospital sound like any number of facilities in America; however, it is a far cry from the modern and technically advanced facillities you will find in the US.  As I watch the staff and doctors working in this 3rd world hospital, I am reminded of scenes from TV shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Gunsmoke".  Here we are diagnosing and treating with very limited testing and/or modern equipment.  Doctors and nurses rely on their past experiences and basic assesment skills.  The wards will have anywhere from 3-4 patients to 20 or more at any one time.  There is no privacy with the beds only inches apart.

I have spent several hours in the L&D ward because in my 21 years of nursing I had never seen a baby born except on TV or video.  I wasn't even able to see my own child born as I forgot my glasses and being blind as a bat could see nothing!  Let me tell you some of the major differences I observed in this area.  First, the expectant mothers walk themselves into the Labor room where they unpack the "linens" they have brought from home.  Each patient must bring their own cloth to use for bedding and to clean up with as well as for the baby.  The expectant mother must then make her own bed before she can lay down.  Most people do not have "sheets" as we do for bedding.  They bring a bag full of pieces of clothe.  Each one is usually about 6' x 18' in length.  They strip down naked and lay on the guerney awaiting the delivery of their baby. 

No IV's are started for the "what ifs".  You only get one of these for an emergency. Unless there is a problem with the mother and/or baby, the delivery is performed by a mid-wife.  Doctors are rarely present for a routine birth.  We do have the ability to perform C-sections if necessary and have actually performed several in the past couple of weeks.  Once the baby has been delivered (which I might add is quite amazing!) and the mother cleaned up, mom is asked to get off the "labor" guerney and walk to her bed.  The bed is again covered with cloth which the mother has brought with her.  Chimala has been delivering an average of 300 babies per month and this is with an average nursing staff of four.  However, the number of deliveries is really increaseing this month as the government has started a new program where there is no charge for deliveries in the hospital.  This program hopes to improve the mortality rate for newborns.

The pediatric ward averages 475 patients/month; the male ward averages 400+/month; and the female ward averages 500+/month.  If you will remember, when I listed the departments I did not mention a kitchen/cafeteria.  The hospital does NOT provide meals for the patients.  Outside the hospital compound is an area with space for about 20 fires.  Family must come with the patients to the hospital and cook food for them.  These family members stay as long as they have some one in the hospital.  They sleep on the ground or on benches.  They are not provided any "comforts" such as pillows, blankets, sofas to sleep on, etc.

Every weekday morning at 7:30am, patients, families and staff come together at a designated place and begin their morning with praise, prayer and scripture from the Bible.  This devotional is not mandatory and yet the area is full every day.  It is a great way to start the day with the sun just coming up above the buildings and everyone thanking our God for all our blessings and humbly asking for healing for those who are sick as well as for strength, peace, grace and mercy. 

How many Americans would stay at the hospital to cook for their family member who was sick?  How many of us would sleep on the ground with only our arm for a pillow without complaining?  How many of us would work long hours without airconditioning?  I think about the life I have been privileged to live and I think about the times I have complained about really silly things.  If you live in the United States, no matter what your financial status is......you are rich.  Please take time to look at all you have and Thank the Lord your God for blessing you.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18  "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Building Bridges....

In my last post, I mentioned that the OC students were leaving.  Two of the young men who were with the group had worked really hard to build a new, sturdy bridge for the mission.  This bridge was 27 feet in length.  Their goal was to have the bridge up before they left.  Well, they were successful in getting the main structure up!  I so wish I could get my pictures to up-load to this blog so I could show you the pictures.  The bridge is great and the guys were so proud.

Everyone, from the Tanzanians to the American missionaries to the OC students, were working on building a different kind of bridge.  The bridge between cultures, races, languages and strangers.  It is so amazing to watch as people, strangers, come together to work and play.  To watch the bonds as they begin so fragilely and slowly grow in strength. People from two different worlds and languages learning from each other.  I saw such growth during the time the OC students were here. 

One of the students, Stu, was in the village by himself getting some supplies we needed.  During his trip, he took the time to interact with people in the village.  Through this interaction, he made a friend.  He met a young man who asked Stu to teach him about the Bible.  Stu met with this young man on several occasions during the two weeks he was here.  He even brought this young man over to our house and introduced him to everyone and he attended one or two of our devotionals.  It was so exiting to see this bond as it grew.

Over the two weeks, many bridges and relationships were built and grew strong.  So strong that when it was time for the trip to end, many tears were shed and many heart-felt words spoken.  In spite of all the differences, there was one connecting thread which the bridges were built on......Jesus Christ, the son the of living God.   My prayer is that everyone will always remember this time, each other and the strength of the relationships.  I pray that this one thread will always bind us together.

OCU students going home.......

Today is the last day the Oklahoma Christain University students will be here at the mission.  Tomorrow morning, we will leave early for Dar Es Salaam.  The whole day will be traveling.  Then on Wednesday, we are planning a short excursion to the beach before going to the airport for there late flight out of Dar.  I have so enjoyed being a part of their group.  It is amazing how close a group grows when they spend a couple of weeks living together and working for the Lord.

Several of the girls in the group have painted pictures on the walls of the primary school and the Chimala Bible Institute.  They have really done a great job.  The boys tore down a walking bridge which was about to fall down and have been working really hard and long hours to build a new steel bridge.  They are not sure they will have it completed today, but it will be mostly done.  They are so proud. 

However, the event which affected us all the most and drew us together was the fire at the secondary girls' school.  It is very hard to explain to you the intensity of that night and the days/nights following.  When we arrived at the fire, it was huge.  It appeared to be a lost cause.  My thought was we would just have to let it burn itself out.  However, as soon as we were sure no one was still in the building, many people began to work on putting the fire out.  People from the village could hear the fire alarm going off and they came to help.  We worked side by side for hours putting the fire out one bucket of water at a time.  It was amazing.  We actually kept a large part of the building safe!  Everyone's safety was the number one goal and putting out the fire was the second one.  God used man/woman, young/old, christain/non-christain, Tanzanian/American working side by side for the good of the community.  Something which at first glance seemed impossible, became not only possible but a reality.

I am praying that God will direct me in the way he wants me to go in the mission field.  Chimala sure seems like a good place to be.  There are 500 students to reach out to as well as many villages and village churches.  The work here is stable and in need of some additional hands, minds and hearts.  I know that the language would be one of my first challenges here.  I would need to learn Swahili in order to be more effective.  However, there is a good Swahili Language School nearby.

Today is a beautiful day outside with very light breeze and the temps in the mid-80's.  This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Chimala Hospital and Mission

On May 3rd I flew out of Oklahoma City for Tanzania, Africa.  I left Oklahoma at 12 noon, arrived in Amsterdam at 8am on May 4th, then in Kilamanjaro, Tanzania at 6pm and finally at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania at 8pm.  Dar is the capital of Tanzania.  It was around 10:30pm before we made our way through immigration and to our hotel for the night.  Up at 4:30 am, on the road at 5:30 by bus to the Chimala Mission arriving at 6pm.  Wow!  I am really sleepy, but I am also very amazed by the terrain and the amount of open land here.  Not to mention the baboons in the middle of the road!  Totally unexpected.

The Mission is really big....I looked it up on google earth before I came, but it is really big!  There are monkeys playing in the trees!!!  The mission consists of the Chimala Church of Christ, the Chimala Hospital, the Chimala Bible Institute and the Chimala Primary and Secondary schools.  There are approximately 500 children who live on campus and others who live within walking distance attending school here.  What a wonderful work.

Last week, I spent most of my time at the Chimala Bible Institute.  It was the last week of classes before they went on break.  They had a seminar covering the Beatitudes with Tony Parker from Montgomery, Alabama.  The attendance was about 100 all 3 days and the singing was amazing.  Along with my time at the Chimala Bible Institute, I got familiar with all the areas of the mission and met many of the workers and leaders.

This past weekend, we went on a safari.  This was an absolutely amazing experience.  We saw so many animals!  I was surprised....elephants, a male lion, a leopard, hylux, mongoose, giraffes, zebras, baboons, ostriches, lots of different birds, hippos, crocs and I am sure many more.  Gods creation is fantastic.  I wanted to show you pictures, but I am having no luck in getting them to load to this blog.  Maybe soon.

All of this sounds like I am just playing and having fun.  Well, while I won't deny I am enjoying myself, I am learning as much as I can about this mission.  I continue in my desire to work as a medical missionary in Africa.  The administrators of this mission as seeking a full-time nurse to work here and I want to know what role I can fill here.  "I want to be a worker for the Lord."

As one door closes, another one opens......

Tomorrow morning, I will begin a new adventure.  I will be traveling to Chimala, Tanzania.  I am sad to say that I will not be returning to Takoradi, Ghana at this time to continue the work there.  We were very successful in our clinic and education programs which were started, but I now find myself embarking in a new direction.  I am praying daily for God to lead me where he wants me to be and to use me for his Glory.  Chimala is possibly that place.

Before I tell you more about Chimala, I want to post a few of my last pictures from Ghana. 

 Catherine took us through the village of Whindo.  Whindo is one of the villages close to the school where many of the students live.

 This is one families bath houses.  No running water.  You just carry your bucket inside and you have a little privacy for your bath.

 This is where Catherine and three other girls live.  There are no fans, chairs, dressers or tables.  Just a small square room where they sleep on thin mats on the floor.

                                      Here are several of the students.  They are so beautiful!

 This is a picture of a fishing boat.  This was taken at Cape Coast where you are looking out at the Atlantic ocean.

 Here is a picture of the ocean from one of the hotels where I love to sit and relax.  To me the ocean is so soothing....

                                    (Oops...a duplicate and I can't figure out how to delete it!)

 Meet Mr. Lizard...Lizards are running around everywhere.  They will visit you no matter where you are...the bedroom, bathroom, dining at a local restaurant, etc.

 Amidst all the poverty, you will still find hotels which are treasures.  This hotel is close to the Village of Hope.  Many people visit here to enjoy the beach area.

                                                    This is a beautiful Mango tree. 

           Here I am with my Dad and Mike & Jolynn Herndon.  They visited me in Ghana.

If the Lord permits, I will be returning to Ghana for a short visit at the end of June after I have completed my visit to Tanzania. 

I will be spending 7 weeks in Chimala.  Chimala Mission and Hospital has been in existence since the late 1950's.  There is a hospital, primary school, secondary school, Bible college and church.  I want to spend time at each of the facilities as well as go out to the surrounding villages.  I will try to blog from Chimala if I am able to obtain internet access.  I will be returning to the US July 4th.

I pray that during this trip, I will be able to work for the Lord and show his love to those I come in contact with.  I want to be a "worker" for the Lord.  To be molded and used for His Glory.

Luke 10: 2, 8-9   "He told them, "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  ....  When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.  Heal the sick who are there and tell them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.`"

Waiting on the Lord

Well I have not made it to the movie theater yet...but am still hopeful. I keep telling myself that I dont have time to go. I have been watching TV tho. I did not have TV in Ghana and so I have been watching some TV and SPORTS. I have missed golf, basketball, baseball and football. In Ghana the sport is football (soccer). I have never been a soccer fan. But it is what they have. Everyone plays it and everyone watches or listens to it. When a big game was on, people would crowd around whatever TV someone had and all watch together. Someone asked me when I came home, "what did you do for fun?". Well watching soccer was the entertainment of choice. For those who do have TV, watching soap operas was a really big deal as well. The "soaps" were Spanish with English dubbed over and the worst acting I think I have ever seen, but if that is what you have.... then it is what you have. I actually watched them sometimes as well when I was spending time with the family.

I wanted to share some pictures with you from the last few months in Ghana, however, I am having trouble with my computer again. Me and this computer continue to go round and round. Just when I think I am doing good with it, something else goes wrong. I am sure that the problem is mostly of the operator kind. So pictures are still forthcoming.

I have been delayed in my return back to Ghana. This delay is really hard on me and I am sure it is hard on my kids as well. I continue to pray for God's patience and remind myself that his timing is always right and his plan is always perfect. I miss Ghana and all my friends there, but it is God's Will which is to be done. As for me and the right now, I am spending time with my family, enjoying the cold weather (not really), and waiting on God's timing.

Psalm 33:20-22 "We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his Holy Name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Reflections.....

So much has happened over the last year.  Many things I have written about, but many more have happened in the last 3 months.  We had a student with a breast mass, one with a buruli ulcer and various other infections.  My father and a couple of friends from my home church of Memorial Road Church of Christ visited Takoradi and the Village of Hope for a few days.  And I returned to the USA March 5th for furlough.

Leaving Ghana for furlough is something which I will discuss in more detail a little later, but it is definitely difficult to adjust.  It took about one full week for my body to adjust to the time change.  I was very tired all the time.  And going to the grocery store and seeing all the food choices was so fun!  I had forgotten about all the varieties of foods such as cereals, cookies, chips, etc.  And the prices were so much better than what I paid for things in Ghana.  I also enjoyed all the restaurants such as Alfredo's, Freddy's hamburgers, pizza, etc.   I  probably gainied 10 pounds in the first week!!!!

And the hardest thing about being home for furlough is knowing the depth of poverty the young people I was assisting are living in while I am living the "good" life here in America.  I receive phone calls daily from the kids and others who I have formed relationships with.  They call just to make sure I am well and to "greet" me.  I even catch myself referring to Ghana as my home.  I feel that over the last year I have been blessed with a whole new family whom I love and care very much for. 

Changing subjects, I really enjoyed the time when my Dad and my firiends, Jolynn and Mike, visited me.  I was able to show them some pieces of the real Ghanaian life.  I believe it was a very informative trip for them.  I have several pictures which I will share over the next few days.  Right now I am continuing my visit at home with my family and friends.  I am hopeful to go to the movies sometime this week.  It has been over a year since I have been to a theater.  I am looking forward to the full treat.....you know, popcorn, soda and movie.

Verse for today.

Matthew 7:7-8  "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

WELL......Hhmmmmmph!!!!

So much for my New Year's resolution of keeping this blog up to date.  It has been 3 months since I have written anything in here.  I have been writing in a personal journal, but not updating this site.  So now I just have questions for myself.....Why have I not been writing?  Why was I writing in the first place?  Was it for others?  Was it for me?  Was it for both?  Why do people write blogs?  If I don't keep the blog up to date, am I failing?  If so, failing who?  You?  Me?  Both?  Anyone? 

I have read some other blogs recently.  Some of them belong to people I don't even know.  And to tell you the truth, I wish I hadn't read many of them.  However, I have also read some really good blogs.....So why did I enjoy them?  Why do I believe they are worth my time to sit and follow them?  Why would you sit and follow my blog?  I seem to have lots and lots of questions, but I am not sure I have any answers.

I started this blog at a time in my life when I was turning a new page and beginning a whole new direction in my life.  I felt that I was going on a journey which would change not only my life but the lives of others.  I wanted to use the blog to share my new life journey with those I held close to my heart.  I wanted you to share in my journey, so why did I stop writing?  Why did I stop sharing?  Once again, I am back to the questions with no answers.

I need to  reflect and re-evaluate.  I need to share the rest of my journey because it has not finished.  It continues on.  Every day, we are to live our life for the Glory of God.  God should be the focus of all we do.  Unfortunately, we often (or maybe it is just me, but I doubt it) let life get in our way.  Many things have happened in the last three months and now that I am behind in journaling, I question how much do I go back and share?  Just the highlights or should I tell you somethings in detail?

Right now, I still have questions running around in my head.  I also have so many wonderful things to share.  I have seen God in so many places and need to share his Glory and Goodness.  So I will begin writing again.  I pray that God will help me as I search for answers and as I struggle from day to day to serve Him. 

Below is one of my favorite verses.  I try to pray this scripture daily as I know it is difficult for me to do.

Pslam 46:10  "Be still, and know that I am God"

Wedding Day....

No, No, No.....not mine!!!  Two of my new friends here in Ghana were married today.  My first Ghanain Wedding.  Ms. Alberta Yankey and Mr. Collins Forson work with me at OAVI.  Alberta taught ICT (computer skills) and Collins teaches Draughtsmanship.  Alberta has resigned due to the marriage, but she and I worked very closely together.  She is like a new daughter to me.

As you can see, her dress was very beautiful.  I am not sure who made it for her, but they really did an excellent job.  The wedding was at the First Assemblies Church of God.  It was a very nice service even tho many things were very different for me.  Alberta and Collins wanted me to sit up on stage as an honored guest during the wedding so I had a "birds eye view".

This week I have spent most of my time preparing my teaching plan and getting ready for the Herndons and my Dad to visit.  However, I did manage to get some curtains up in my flat.  Curtains really make a difference.  I will show you a couple of pic with them up.

I believe that God is in control of our days and each event which occurs if only we allow him.  He has blessed me with a group of neighbors who are wonderful and are looking after me.  One of my neighbors is putting in a water pump to her unit.  She has offered to connect my unit to her pump so that I will not have to carry water from the well to the house.  I am not able to pay her anything for this offer and yet she wishes to help me in this way.  This is such a great blessing.

Next week should be a busy week with school and the clinic reopening.  All the students/staff will need to receive deworming medications and about 35 will need Hepatitis B vaccines.  And, we plan to start our WBS classes back up as well.  Please pray for safe journeys for the students as they come back to school and for God's blessings as we take one day at a time to glorify him in all we do..

Matt 6:31,33-34  So do not worry, saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?"  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Happy New Year!

Wow.  I hope your New Year has started out as good as mine.  God richly blesses me day to day.  I have been here in Ghana for 8 months.  I have found many things to be rewarding and challenging.  One of the things which has been difficult has been living with another family.  I am ever so grateful that the Asiamah family welcomed me into their home and gave me a place to live, loved me as family and watched over me.  However, I have been used to living on my own for so long that I longed for a place of my own.

As I have informed you before, there are many things here which are very expensive.  Renting a place to live is one of those things.  First of all, the per month rental amounts are sometimes just totally unbelievable.  For instance, I looked a one house with 4 br/2 bath and the rent was $3,500 USD/month!!!!  I wouldn't pay that in the US.  And then on top of that, you are required to pay 2 YEARS in advance!!  Well, as you might imagine, it has been difficult to find a place I could afford.  HOWEVER, God led me to a wonderful place just before Christmas and I moved in just after Christmas!

This is a picture of the outside of the building.  It is a 2 story building with 4 flats in a completely enclosed compound.  There are 2 flats upstairs and 2 down.  I occupy one of the downstairs flats.  It has 3 bedrooms/2bathrooms.  Realitively nice place.  And I could afford it.

I even managed to purchase a little furniture for my move.  I will furnish it a little at a time.  But there are so many great things about having this place to live.  Now when I have visitors, whether American or Ghanaian, they will have a place to stay.  My first visitor will be MY DAD!!!

The two pictures above are of my living/dining room.  Currently it is my living/office room.  In case you are wondering, yes, those are bars on the windows.  Out those double doors in the far corner, I have a private little patio to sit and enjoy the outdoors.  And even with 4 tenants in this building, it is a pretty quite area.

This is a picture of the master bedroom.  I have a 3/4 size bed which is just right for me.  Right now my curtains are a bedsheet, but I am planning curtains for my next purchase.

Kitchen.....I have a frig., electric skillet, hot plate, microwave and a cupcake maker!  I think this will be adequate to cook many meals!  And let me tell you, the cupcake maker is my favorite.  I found this little jewel about a month ago.  I can make biscuits, muffins, brownies and cookies in less than 10 minutes!  Lovely!!

This is a picture of the master bathroom.  I am very happy to tell you that I have electricity and on a rare occasion running water.  Now before you gasp, let me tell you that if I had a choice, I would pick having electricity over running water any day!  There is a water well just outside my unit and so I can bring water inside and at least I have plumbing!  So no worries here.  It is much better than many have it. 

I know that I have not been keeping you informed the way I had originally planned, but my New Year's resolution is to do much better in this area.  Now, before you go laughing at the face that it has taken me so long to post this first entry, please let me explain.  On my computer, the "n" key quit working.  Just look at all the "n"s in this update.  It was very difficult to type without that one letter.  However, I finally was able to purchase a new keyboard, so we are back in business.

School has been on break since December 22nd, but restarts January 17th.  I have decided that the next health subject I will teach will cover "Sexually Transmitted Diseases" and have just finished writing my teaching plan.  I am not sure at this time whether I will be teaching this term or not.  If you will recall, I took my nursing exams here in Ghana on December 5th.  To date, we have not received our results.  If I passed, I will be working at one of the Regional Hospitals for about 4 months and so will not be at the school.

Along with school, clinic and possible hospital duty, I am also praying for a trip home.  I would like to come in late March or early April.  My international drivers' license, Ok drivers' license and taxes are due in April, so it would really be a good time for me to visit.  And along with my Dad visiting at the end of January, Dr. and Mrs. Herndon will also be coming.  So my plate is definitely full.  Many blessings and many opportunities. 

Please keep this work in your prayers.  I miss you all very much, but I know that God has a plan.  If he grants me the opportunity to visit you I will.  And if he grants you the opportunity to come to Ghana, please accept it.  You will be greatly blessed.

Psalm 118:1  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.