Day 43: Cake--Asenemaso

The events today has allowed me to pinpoint he best day of my seven weeks in Ghana: today. Last week, Amanda and I had an idea of giving the women something to show the love we have for them. We are so humbled by their gifts that we wanted to share in the generosity. Even if they hadn't given us anything, our love for them would still be the same. So we thought it through and came to the conclusion that cake would be a great thing to share with them. Originally, we wanted to make them an entire meal but then we decided that something sweet would be a treat.

Yesterday, Amanda, Vida, and I spent most of the day in the kitchen, preparing the cake. It was nothing fancy, just plain vanilla cake, but it took us HOURS to make it. This reaffirmed my ill skill and desire at being a housewife (let's just say it's not my calling). Vida did most of the work and she guided us from making too many mistakes. But we were still worried about the final result. When the cake was finished, it tasted pretty good, even though it was crumbly. We made three mini-cakes and three big cakes in the shape of hearts, yet we were anxious that it wouldn't be enough because we never got a concrete number of the women. But when we got there, all our fears melted away.

Pastor called all the women and their children over and we began slicing the cake. The women were delighted at our gift and said it was delicious! Before serving the cake, I told them that we wanted to give them something because we love them so much. After the feast (we even got around to seconds), one of the women said that even though our gift was small to us, it was big to them. I'm glad we can all see eye to eye. The women were so grateful and you could see a brightness in them. Their smiles were radiant not because of us, but because we were sharing and enjoying Christ's love.

I think today was a reincarnation of Jesus feeding the 5,000. We were discouraged at the amount of food we brought, but we fed everyone twice! And we even had some left over for Pastor and Vida. Talk about a miracle.

Day 42: Storms--Asenemaso

It's quite a sight to witness the sky divided as it is at this moment. To the left, the horizon is let with light gold, sparkling with the sun and its daily setting. But to the immediate right, the sky is gray with an oncoming storm. The dark is devouring the light slowly but forcefully. As I stare deep into the two-faced sky, I am reminded of life and the way this world works. There are times, many times in fact, that the dark is overpowering the light. And the onslaught is so violent, so merciless that we feel there can be no end to its reign. We lose the hope of the light piercing the darkness and the elimination of the wreckage the dark brings. Since we are human, we mourn and wail about the damage being done and how we can do nothing to stop it. And it is true, we cannot stop it. We can hide away, deny the storm's presence, but it will still come unto us. Throughout our entire lives, storms will come and darkness will dominate the skies. Some storms do more damage than others and one person maybe victim to more storms than another.

But it is never forever. No matter how dark, how loud, how long, how windy, how wet, how damaging a storm is, it will always be followed by the sun and the healthiness of light. Even when we scan the horizon and see nothing but darkness, we know there will soon be light. We can rely that we will be relieved of pain, no matter how deep that pain goes. In our lives, most of us see more sun than storms and we testify to the beauty of the light. But we should really be testifying to the storms. We can wail and howl "how can God let me suffer like this?" but we should be thankful of these storms. For it is these storms that transform our souls and spirit. Just as the earth is strong and beautiful after a storm, so are we if we allow God to use that storm for transformation. It is our decision to determine the aftermath of the storm: we can either be refreshed and strong, like a light rain; or scattered and broken like a hurricane. The storms strengthen our relationship with God. So as we can appreciate the new life and trials of storms in nature, let us also appreciate the transformation of the storms in our lives. Let us remember that the sun will shine in our faces again and that life will once again be sweet.

Day 41: Visitors--Asenemaso

Even when the sky is full of clouds, the heat drains away your energy starting in the early morning. Teaching was not easy today, mainly because we missed class on Friday. The kids are never too receptive on Mondays. It reminds me of my days back in high school. The weekends were never long enough and they were packed full of work, time with friends, and last minute homework assignments. By the time Monday rolled around, I was anything but rested. So I feel for my students except they're exhausted because they have to make money for their families.

We visited the women at the well today, but Mike and Matt came along to meet their husbands. Prior to the visitation today, Amanda and I had discussed how the women might react if we brought more people with us. We didn't think their reaction would be super supportive. And there was something different about the women today. They were excited to see us, but they weren't as focused as they usually are. I think the 2 extra visitors might have thrown them off. Not intentionally, of course. We failed to tell them we were bringing other people, so they definitely weren't expecting it. It wasn't even part of the plan for us to be with the women. Amanda and I were supposed to say hi to them while the guys spent time with the men. But with only one translator, you have to compromise even after you thought the day was over.

Mike failed to tell any 3 of us that Pastor invited us all for dinner at his house tonight until we were on our way home. I'm not much of a spontaneous person so I didn't have the best attitude about it until we got there. Once I saw how happy Pastor was because we came, I instantly became grateful for his hospitality. I loved eating with him and discussing the ministry. I have a lot of hope that God will continue to work through Pastor to these marginalized people.

Day 40: Father--Asenemaso

It's Father's Day in America but not here. I wish I could be with my father today to show him how much I love and appreciate him. But at least I can truly appreciate my Father in heaven. Here is my favorite passage about God as our Father:
Romans 8:14-17 "those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

We are God's children and we don't need a specified day to appreciate Him. Why can't God also be our mother? I don't think God is masculine or feminine but that God's characteristics are so divine that we wouldn't even know how to describe them. But what does it matter anyway? We're God's children, regardless.

Day 39: Recharge--Asenemaso

The rain has been coming down ever since 2 this afternoon, trapping us inside the walls of our houses. I guess we aren't really trapped, but it does give us a good excuse to watch Disney movies. It's so fun to relive those stories we loved so much as kids. Elliott brought a ton of Disney movies on VHS to give to the library. We even went as far as to identify a Disney character to each team member: Mike is Peter Pat, Blake is Prince Philip, Alex is Pumba, Pierce is Timon, Matt is Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Laura is Snow White, Elliott is Grandma Willow, Lorna is Pocahontas, Dani is Belle, Diana is Rafiki, Kat is Nala, Kelsey is Cinderella, Kate is Jasmine, Amanda is Ariel, and I am Mulan. So now we have a quest to watch all these movies before the trip is over (we've only watched Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid).

The four of us were going to watch Mulan with the kids tonight, but we are currently watching Secret Crime 2, a Ghanaian film. It's quite hilarious, but I doubt that the kids appreciate our giggles when the intense moments arise. A combination of overly dramatic actors, cheap music, amateur editing, terrible sound quality, and a ridiculous plot make this film quite a laughable piece of entertainment. My brother has taught me what a good film entails and because of that a lot of movies have been spoiled for me. Definitely for the better, though.

Today was the laziest day on this trip. We had absolutely no agenda, which was wonderful. Waking up late (8:30 rather than 7:45), read for hours (Beloved by Toni Morrison), got fabric with Kate and Amanda (the rain started while were were out), The Little Mermaid while drinking black tea, dinner with fried rice, and now a Ghanaian film with the kids and Charles. What a great day off. We just did whatever we pleased while we recharge for the week. I definitely wear myself out with the work we've been dong here.

It takes a lot of effort to live here, even to just walking down the street requires drains your energy. There lives a mob of abruni (Twi for white person) bloody thirsty children on our way home. Everyday we walk home, along with the repetitious chant of "abruni", they surround us in an instant. They come from all angles, like a surprise SWAT attack, everyone of them pulling our lives and throwing their bodies against us. We think it's getting dangerous. At least they're no older than 8 years old!

Day 38: Stelleluna--Asenemaso

Friday the 13th. On a day that is supposed to be haunted and filled with bad luck, today was anything but that. Teaching did not happen today for two reasons: 1. there was an intense storm this morning that prevented many kids from getting to school and 2. the school had our students carrying cement blocks on their heads. What for, I'm not sure. We do know that the schools use the kids for upkeeping the landscape and the school grounds. It seems like a very odd concept to us, but it makes sense here. There's no way the school can afford a landscaper and it also cuts down the expenses a student owes. The frustrating part is that they decide to sacrifice an entire academic day for it. Oh well, TIA.

I was discouraged today. Abigail, one of my students, came to the library today. I had just finished reading a book about Native Americans with Dorothy when Abigail slid into the seat next to me with a book in hand. I didn't recognize her at first (she never participates in class), but I did recognize the book she chose to read: Stelleluna. Memories of childhood flooded my mind: long wet hair after a warm and steamy shower, thin glasses pushed up the highest part of my nose, settling next to my mom or day in the armchair (it is now Strider's self-proclaimed throne) with my brother and sister squashed next to me, ready to hear the words that would guide our dreams that night. It didn't matter what the book was, just that we had a book ready to us before we shut our eyes on the day. Alas, the days when a absence of a story before bed was a torment too unjust to fathom. Be my witness, do not take away my stories! Those stories kept me in childhood and kept me in my world in which reality could not invade. When my eyes fell on Stelleluna, all these thoughts came to me and I thought that even more of my inner child would emerge as the words would be read into the African afternoon. But this nostalgia was interrupted when Abigail could not read a single world on the page. My heart sank not because I could not enjoy the story but because I knew Abigail's life did not have books. It was painful enough to swallow the fact that a fifth grader did not know how to sound out any words presented to her, but the wound went deeper when I realized Abigail's life was probably missing an element of imagination and wonder. Books were, and still are, an outlet to the reality that suffocates us. To be deprived of such a thing is a crime.

Day 37: Wicked--Asenemaso

Another day of love. Today, we visited the women from the North but we also met some of their husbands and their children. We visited two houses they live in. It was definitely the worst poverty I have ever experienced with my own eyes. I never thought that there would be worse poverty than a hut village. The space was smaller, the houses were falling apart, and the sanitation was worse. The village we stayed at last weekend was much better off than the people form the North. But despite their poverty, they gave us yet ANOTHER gift: 7 uncooked eggs. The landlord, Jacob (a Northerner), was asking us not to forget about them and he hoped that we could find them help in America. It was a very light-hearted day, filled with laughter and warmth. Some of the women were even waiting for us to arrive.

They took today to tell us about the prejudice and discrimination they receive from the Ashanti. This region is much more fortunate because of their fertile soil, while the North suffers because of their dry soil that doesn't support crops. This instills an attitude of superiority and hostility from the Ashanti. There are many instance where an Ashanti won't pay the women for their work because they're from the North, even after they've carried the water far distances and poured the water in their customer's bowl. They lie and say things like, "we never told you to bring water, so I'm not paying you." Jacob was telling me that they used to live with the Ashanti, but they drove them further away onto the land they are on now, which is a ten minute walk from the well. When I asked Jacob what he thought of the Ashanti, he said he thought they were wicked because they treat them so badly. Their living conditions are as bad enough as it is, but the harassment and treatment from the Ashanti probably makes life unbearable. It saddens me that the Ashanti treat them this way but also that the Northerners have no love for the Ashanti. It is not my place to tell them to love those who persecute them, but I know Jesus tells us to love our enemies. I pray that the Ashanti show love to the Northerners and that the Northerners find forgiveness in their hearts.

Day 36: Necklace--Asenemaso

I have been captivated by the women from the North. Being with them has enriched my soul and strengthened my relationship with God. Christ is shining through them with the radiance of the African sun rays. The presence of the Spirit was so strong today that I became overwhelmed. We didn't do anything special, just interviewed more of the women. We met three teenage girls today who are here away from their families. They traveled here to make money but have not been back to see their families. My heart broke for them as they told us they were praying for us to help them. God was definitely sparking a fire in the hearts of myself and Amanda. How can we turn these amazing women away? I want to give them all they need and more, especially after the other gifts they gave us. Yes, they gave us more! One women came up to Pastor with a small envelope in her hands. After a short exchange of words, Pastor pulled out a necklace and a pair of earrings. The necklace was very small and simple with black and white beads. As the beads drew nearer to the center, they became bigger. The necklace met at a small sunburst charm with a picture of Jesus. She gave this to me. Immediately, my eyes welled with tears and I was speechless. We could do nothing but embrace her with love and humility. Never before have I felt this humble. Never before have I been so welcomed with warmth and love. Never before have I been among women who I respect so much more than myself. Their strength keeps them alive and I am taken back at their character. I cannot wrap my mind around the love they are showing us. What's also spectacular is that God is equipping me with the words and strength I need. Back to the necklace...Upon reflection yesterday, I decided I would need something to represent my spiritual growth that I have experienced on this trip. I was thinking I would get a necklace or a bracelet. When that woman handed me the necklace, I wanted to fall and weep at the undeniable presence of God. I knew He was speaking to me at that moment, saying "you belong here." I've never been so sure of anything in my life.

Day 35: Interview--Asenemaso

I love being excited about the work I am doing. There's nothing like the joy of serving God by loving others. Amanda, Pastor Wumbe, and I visited the women at the well today. Unlike the first time we met them, Amanda and I felt very comfortable. It took awhile to get over the language barrier so now we speak with smiles and laughter. But we definitely appreciate Pastor Wumbe's presence to translate. After all, he is the one who started this ministry and he's the only who will be here after we're gone. I know that I couldn't do work here if it wasn't alongside a local. I have a hard enough time teaching with Mike because I am not doing it with a Ghanaian. Isaac, the teacher, is sometimes in the room to observe us, but the is usually absent or asleep (sets a great example for the children, doesn't he?).

Teaching went terrible today. Half the class was an hour late because they were buying food and the rest of the class was not paying attention at all. It became so exhausting! It really took a toll on Mike and I. But luckily, they day was saved by the visit to the well. We brought Mike's video camera (he was kind enough to let us borrow it) and we interviewed some of the women. We were able to film about seven of them before the camera ran out of battery, but we are planning on interviewing the rest tomorrow. We asked them simple questions, such as why they're here and what type of help they want. Not surprisingly, most of the women said they wanted money. After all, that is why they left their homes in the first place. There is no money in the North, so they will have to keep returning here. It's quite shocking how much poorer it is in the North than here in the Ashanti region. The soil is not good up there, so they mainly live on livestock; while here, the soil is so fertile that they can live on crops year round, giving them more wealth. The Pastor and the women were describing the discrimination and prejudice they face here simple because they are from the North. It's a classic portrayal of the rich stepping on the poor. It happens everywhere, all the time, even here in Ghana.

Day 34: Worth--Asenemaso

It's great to love again. Looking through the lens of love changes your perception on everything in life, not just in Africa. But I saw love everywhere I looked today. Teaching went well, and many of my students came to the library. Even though we didn't watch a movie like we are supposed to, I was able to read to three of my students. Rather, they read to me. It was such a relief to know that my students can actually read on their own. That sounds like a sad statement, but it's a very good surprise, especially with the education system here. And what a sad system it is. All the problems here stem largely from the government and most of the solutions to those problems lie with that great amount of power. Yet, the real solution is our love from Christ. He is the only one who has the power of redemption and change. So in our work here, either on working with the local or working with the government, we must do it in love.

Even after my time here, I still think I want to work with governments but also empowering the locals. I believe that my real passion is working with girls and women on becoming more independent. It is vital to empower girls around the world by showing them that they are worth more than gold to God. It is through our Father where a woman's worth stems from. In so many cases throughout the world, women give their lives to men because they are searching for love, worth, and belonging. It's a natural human instinct to find constant love and feel worth but so many of us turn to each other to fulfill this desire. While this may last for a short while, there is only one source where we are unconditionally satisfied: Christ. I have had a long and dark struggle in finding worth and real love. But it was only until I gave that desire to God that I realized what true love really is. Christ is the love and in Him I have found all the worth and love I will ever need. The empowerment this has given me has changed my life because I only rely on God for the needs of my soul. I am a woman of strength and I seek justice with the sword of the Spirit. I want girls and women around the world to know this strength and endurance in God. The truth will set them free from the bonds of abusive relationships and a restless and unrelenting search for love. Christ is all we need.

Day 33: Rooster--Asenemaso

The name of this village means 'if you walk, you can eat.' The name was very appropriate since it was a farming village. The villagers showered us with gifts today. Their eagerness to show us love and kindness was incredibly humbling and hit the team very hard. But I didn't feel the impact of these gestures until we had a team meeting. Elliott addressed that there's a very negative aura arising from the team. I myself am in a good place with Ghana and I'm actually enjoying my time here. But the other members of my team are struggling. The hardship of being here in Africa is starting to affect them all at the same time. As a group, we basically vented and got a lot off our chest. We were reminded that we need to look at Asenemaso through the lens of Christ's love and our love for the people here. Success here is not success in America. They are not accomplished goals, but established relationships. It's difficult to abandon our American way of life and our way of thinking. As much as I try to avoid it, I am American and because of that, I see the world differently than other people do. As desperately as I want to abandon the American way of thinking, it's a very difficult task since I have never traveled internationally before. But by viewing the world through the lens of a Christian, I abandon all types of worldly thinking. With this realigned mindset, I reflected back on the gifts the village gave us. Despite their obvious poverty and malnutrition (their children had swollen bellies), they gave us corn, a large bag of orange, and one Muslim man even gave us his rooster. We immediately thought this was hilarious, but upon reflection, we realized how very humbling this act was. The man gave nus his source of constant food and wealth. He had nothing, but he have us the greatest gift he had. This floored me. In a way, it's like the offering of our life to Christ. It's not much and hardly anything at all, but it means the more than the world to Him. He rejoices with His angels and heaven is filled with happiness. What a great little village. They really are the Good Samaritan.

Day 32: Tranquility--Ghanaian village

We are currently in a storage shack of a mud-hut village 40 minutes from our base in Asenemaso. All of us wanted to experience an African village and spend time in one. We got our wish today. We are only staying here for one night; we will leave in the morning. I am already thoroughly appreciating the tranquility of this village. In Asenemaso, silence does not exist. There's always locals hissing for you to talk to them, blasting techno music during the day, or a Pentecost church speaking in tongues through stereo speakers. Even during the late hours of the night, there's always a faint sound of some activity. But here, it is quiet. I value silence so much, but I didn't value it as highly until I got here. Ghanaians just like noise, which is understandable. But I need real peace and quiet every so often. I am getting that peace here in this village. Right now, we are sitting in this large storage shed, reading by candlelight and listening to the continuous and rhythmic sound of the rain falling from above. The chatter of crickets and the occasional shuffle of a foot are the only other sounds in this wilderness. Before the storm came, we were at the river. It was calm and still, hardly a ripple of a current was visible. The country of this village is magnificent. Towering elephant grass, massive and domineering trees, thick and strong vegetation; God's country. It's quite a wonder to be in an authentic African village. This is the stuff Westerners think of when they hear Africa. Sadly, only this thought arises and nothing more. The limitations of our knowledge and perceptions about this continent run as deeply as the earth's core. Until you're here, you only have one vision of Africa. Words cannot describe how incorrect many of the African stereotypes are. It's going to be difficult to place Ghana in words. I just got back from chasing fireflys. It's the first time I've ever seen them! I even got to catch one for awhile. Its was so whimsical and imaginative. I felt like a kid again. I feel like I could chase fireflys all night. It's hilarious how fascinated the people are. As I'm writing and the rest of my team is reading, there are currently two villagers just standing in the doorway, watching us. It's slightly hilarious, but TIA!

Day 31: Eggs--Asenemaso

After a week of frustration, setbacks, and disappointments, I can confidently say that today was a productive day. Teaching went well. We read through three chapters and played a game that they really loved. Plus, they're still learning (that's always good). After lunch, Amanda and I went to Nkawsi with a local pastor to meet some homeless girls from the north. It's such a terribly sad situation. Young girls from the area around Tamale live in horrendous poverty, much worse than the poverty here. To make more money, they travel down here to Kumasi where there are more jobs. But they have run away from their families and their husbands, so no one knows where they are. They don't tell them where they're going because they don't want to be stopped. In a struggle to feed their families, they flee their homes and travel here. The work they do does not give them much money: they carry large bundles from one place to another, wash clothes, and sell water. The most money they receive from a single job is 20 pesweas, but they usually only get ten pesweas. Because of the low pay, most of them never return back home. So they are stuck here. They stay in an unfinished building with each other and their young children. Because of their tribal markings and different language, they are ostracized, marginalized, and ignored. They told us life is a struggle, but they also said we are a gift from God and they know they are important because we came to see them. They even gave us three eggs as a gift and asked us to come back. It was a very humbling experience to have them invite us with open arms, but I still want to do more than just talk with them.

In addition to the homeless girls, I started my girls group today! We didn't do anything official, but I established with them that a group would be starting. I really stressed that I was their friend, so we played games after the movie at the library. Towards evening, many of them took me to visit their houses. It was good insight to see where my students live and what their living conditions are. Esther, the best student in the class, lives half an hour away. It's quite a long walk! And what's even more disheartening is that her house is just concrete walls and dirt floors. There's no electricity and no doors. I am worried for her.

Day 30: Remembering--Asenemaso

Today marks the day of being here for one month. In some ways, it feels longer and in other ways it seems shorter. When I think of how long it has been since I have seen my family, it feels like a year. But when I think about teaching, it feels like I've been here for a week.

Time is strange here. The days inch by but the weeks zoom past. I feel that I could stay here longer than two months if I would have been able to spend more time with my family. Six days with them was not enough, especially after my first year of college. I am slightly disappointed that I leave as soon as I get back, but I still have the rest of the summer with them. That's the hard part: your family isn't just a phone call of email away. It's very expensive to call the States and the Internet is very slow. But I will see them soon. And of course, God is always with them and me.

I was very impressed with my bartering skills. Today, I got a skirt from seven cedis down to three cedis. All by myself! I remember the Mexico days when I would have my dad barter for me. But now, I'm finally learned how to do it solo.

Day 29: Family--Asenemaso

I love this family. We have been so blessed that they have taken us four girls into their home and treating us as apart of their family. Tonight, Amanda and I played with all five kids. It's amazing what a single game of monkey in the middle will do for kids. They really opened up to us afer that. Before we played with them, Koby woudln't say a word to us. He would simply nod his head in response to everything we said. Now, he freely speaks! Afua acts as our best friend, Junior and Senior teach us French, and Kofi is no longer terrified of us! It's a wonderful feeling to become an observer of an African family. The children do everything together, even when their friends are around. When Aunties calls for them do chores, they don't complain at all. It's a miracle! I bet my parents wish we would do things without bickering. After a sweaty and long game of throwing the ball, we settled down and did homework. The kids are very smart, much smarter than my students. They are fortunate enough to have parents who can provide private educaiton for them. They contrast between the twins and my students is heartbreaking. It's grea that some students are lucky enough to receive a good educaiton but it's an injustice when the overwhelming majority of students receive a terrible education. Everyone, everywhere, deserves a quality education. Anyway, when homework was complete, Amanda taught the kids a card game. The evening ended with oranges, a planned trip to watch a movie on Friday, and an invite to play football on Saturday morning.

I still haven't gotten to start my girls group (illness, rain, and Kumasi trip), but maybe God is just preparing me even more. After this night with the kids, I feel much more comfortable with the other kids in the community.

I'm begininng to appreciate some things back in the States (who would have thought!). 1. Our education system. Even though it still needs a ton of work, at least our teachers are college educated (Blake's teacher didn't even know what dinosaurs were). 2. Our concern for the environment. After witnessing a thick smoke from burning tires, I appreciate that the environment is on the agend for the election. 3. Our strictly enforced highway laws. Ghana doesn't even have them. And after seeing 8 semi-trucks tipped over, I appreciate safety.

Day 28: Comfort--Asenemaso

Our God is a god of comfort. Last night, I had a dream that all the flights from Accra to New York were booked until September. I woke up in a panic and anxiety began to take over. But then I realized that I have no control over the situation and that I need to rely solely on God. After prayer and scripture, I felt much more at ease but the stress was still ingering. After all, my flight to Seattle is July 3. That gives me 2 edays from my planned arrival from Ghana! But I do have three days before July 1 to get to Phoenix. Even after praying and meditating, I still feel anxious. It's very difficult to not worry and give up everything for God, but I am trying. God is derfinitely telling me that the situation is not in my control but in His. I know He will take care for me and He will provide me with all that I need. It is only Him I rely on, only Him I trust in, and only Him I seek realy comfor from. But the pressures of the world always get in the way and can steer us from a pasisonate relationship with Christ. Even in Africa, it's difficult ro relase the anxiety and stress brought on by this world. But I have to. God is the only one I serve, no one else. I cannot give into my worries and troubles, for He will take care of me. I am His precious daughter and He loves me eternally. He will give me peace, security, and comfrot. He already started to do this.

My friendship with Amanda has blossomed throughout our time in Africa and we're helping each other grow in the Lord. We've come to the realizaiton that certain people in our lives have served as a substitute for God and that we can't serve 2 masters. We're coming to know what it really means to fall in love with God, the sacrifices that are required, and what our future coud hold. And indirectly, she's helping me heal. It sill astounds me how God equips us to hold each other up and hlep us through the rough times. Without each other, where would we be? Community is so important; I'm realizing that more and more everday. Without these wonderful people here, I would literally go insane. I need them. God knew I would need them, so He sent them down to help me up. So even though God hasn't sent me a dream verifying that I will fly into Phoenix before July 2, He has sent me my sister in Christ who gives me great comfort. After all, why am I complaining? There's a lot worse things that could be happening to me.

Day 27: Vomit--Asenemaso

There's nothing quite like sickness in Africa. It's absolutely miserable. The combination of the heat, sweat, and pain almost makes it completely unbearable. I wasn't the only one who suffered: Alex and Matt were going through the same thing I was. Vomiting all night long, back to back. I haven't thrown up since I was in 8th grade and I had forgotten how unpleasant it is. Alex, Matt, and I had tuna sandwiches at the Kakum Rainforest Cafe yesterday, so we know what the cause of our anguish is. I wish we could have been smarter about what we ate. Looking back on yesterday, it was so obvious that the food was suspicious. Oh well, you live and learn. Vomiting twice, an upset stomach, and exhausation will definitley teach you to be cautious about what youe at. Unlike the first time I got sick in Ghana, I could have prevented this illness (the first time was adjustment to Africa and I was not vomiting). I don't think I would normally beat myself up so much if my illness didn't affect someone else.

I had to skip everything today, including class. I feel so terrible that mike had to teach alone today. Especially since I was supposed to make lesson plans, which I obviously didn't do. So he had to wing it, alone. But Amanda said he was worried, not upset that he had to each alone. That took a huge weight off my chest. To know that the team was concerned for me gave me agreat sense of security. And Kat, Kate, Blake, and Kelsey all visited me this afternoon. Kat even brought me ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) packets! Their love and care made me feel way better, especially after being alone all day. I just makes me that much more excited to see them tomorrow.

I knew God would change me during my time in Africa, but I wasn't sure how. I think I know now. He's showing me how much I need my brothers and sisters in Christ. I desperately need Him and His church. Before Ghana, I prided myself in my independence and my belief that I didn't need anyone, even God. I seriously thought that I could get through life wihtout depending on anyone or anything except myselt. What a by-product of American culture. To only think that I needed God in hard times was rubbish. I need HIm all the time, through the good times and the bad times. I am lost wihtout Him, I am weak without Him, I am nothing without Him. I give all of myself to Him and rely on Him for everything. He is my Father, my strength, my shepherd, my all in all.

Day 26: Rainforest--Asenemaso

We ended our weekend today with a morning trip to Kakum National Park. It was the first time I got to experience a real rain forest. It was amazing how thick and dense the forest actually is. you could get lost so easily. We didn't get to see any exotic wildlife (we're saving that for Mole), but we did get to see a vast assortment of plants and butterflies. They ranged in size, color, and patterns. One even landed on Elliott's foot! As part of the tour, we got to go up in the canopy by walking across six rope bridges. It was very exciting because the threat of falling was very evident. The view was absolutely breathtaking and it was a humbling feelings to be so high in the treetops. I thought that Ko-Sa was gorgeous, but this was a different kind of beauty. Just like the ocean, there was forest as far as the eye could see. I felt like I was right in the middle of a National Geographic show. I learned that half of the world's animal and plant species live in rainforests, which only cover 7% of the earth's surface. Kakum also supplies water to different parts of southern Ghana. Just another reason why rainforests are so important to preserve. Like the ocean, it's a realm of nature that we have no right to take away.

Although the rope walk was such a great experience (I felt like I was Indiana Jones), I really wanted to see wildlife. Our guide said that Kakum has overnight wildlife excursions. What an adventure that would be!

Spending this weekend on the beach and in the rainforest has gotten me very interested in outdoor activities. I remember when we went to Hawaii and our great hiking adventure in Molokai. It was only me and my parents who hiked down into the former leper colony and I remember loving it. We had the option of taking mules, but it was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment after we finished hiking out of the colony. We were exhausted, but the experience and the coffee afterwards was well worth it. I need to start appreciating God's creation by being in it as much as possible. Now I remember one of the many reasons why I love horseback riding so much: it is another connection to God.