News and Pics

Finally, I am able to get my computer working at an Internet cafe so that I can update this and post some pictures.
It is very hard to describe all I am seeing and experiencing here in Yendi. While many at first sight would say that the poverty and dirt in overwhelming, it does not take long to see past that to the heart of the people. They are so friendly and dignified. The women dress beautifully and have their hair done with braids or beautiful scarves. The children run to greet us with cries of Obruniba or Sliminga, which both mean "White Woman". The people are very happy.
We are living in a compound built by Australians for visitors and college students. We each have a bedroom with a toilet and shower (cold), which is all a luxury in Ghana. We share a kitchen which has a refrigerator and stove, also luxuries. We are very safe, behind walls and locks, but Yendi is not a dangerous place. We are able to ride our bikes along the street and shop any time we like.
I have not begun to teach, but have met several of the children. Adamo was a street child who a mission team decided to sponsor at the school. She now lives with the principal, but was on the street with her mother who is mentally ill for the first 3 years of her life. She is precious, and loves to sing praise songs. Winifred is deaf but has made up her own signs, which her family knows. I met a little girl, 4 years old, with Downs Syndrome yesterday. I will be teaching 2nd grade, but I believe I will also be helping with some of these students... I can not help myself. We will have 120 students in the school this year, so it is growing very fast.
Church is like you would picture an African church, complete with drums, dancing, clapping and a joyous spirit. The preaching has been awesome and inspiring. It is amazing how the message is the same even in such a different culture. It is God's word afterall.
Someone asked me the other day how the economy was in Ghana. I laughed at the question and said they are dirt poor, how do you think it is. It amazes me how resourceful they are. Our principal and the home missionary here (Muss) each make very little money (less than $300 a month). Food at the stores here is at least as much as in the US. Many, of course, have gardens and their own chickens, eggs and goats and that is how they survive. Most do not have running water, and I have yet to see a house with hot water. Most houses here in Yendi are small concrete houses with the cooking and the "restroom" outside. The restroom is often just a leanto so you can not see them from the street.
All in all, I love it here. I am much less stressed than ever and do not miss the food or the luxuries at home. I can not explain why, but that it is a very happy and interesting place. I do of course miss my family and friends. The hugs from the children help, but I wish you could all be here also.
I cant seem to add pictures. The internet here is probably too slow. I will keep working on it. I will also try in Facebook so look me up there.

1 week

One week from tonight I will be on a plane headed to Frankfurt and then to Ghana. It gets very interesting and alittle scarey when you start packing for a year. Everyone asks me if I am nervouse. I guess I am alittle. I worry about little things like, "when will I eat" when I get there, do I have sheets and towels, what kind of furniture do I have, what is my roomate like as so on. Then I start looking around and wondering what I will miss; my husband, kids, family, friends and Melvin (the dog). I will probably miss the green in Oregon and the cool breezes, the convienences and snack food.
But I really believe that God has so much waiting for me that even though I miss alot here, I will find plenty to love there too. I am looking forward to the children and to learning what it means to live without all our "necessities" and depending more on God. I am excited about seeing a people that are on fire for God and hopefully children that are excited about learning. I am sure that it will be a growing experience in many ways.
So as I pack my two 50lb bags, continue to pray that God will lead me safely and that I will see and learn all that God wants me to see and learn and that I will be able to share it with all of you in a way that helps us all learn from this.
Thanks for the prayers.