We've been home for a week. Everyone is sleeping through the night again (more or less). The house, which was sparkling clean when we walked in the door last week is getting cluttered and needs to be cleaned already. We are enjoying having Mimi and Big Daddy right down the street, and plans for the weekend. Everything is basically back to normal. But some how it doesn't feel quite normal. It feels busy and a little hard to manage. If feels like playing the guitar for the first time in a long time. We know how to make all the chords, but our fingers are feeling a little sore and tired. We are adjusting back to life in the US.
The kids started back to preschool and mother's morning out this week. We are all having a little bit of separation anxiety. After four months of hanging out being homebodies, walking to the market and having friends come to us, it is a little hard to get out the door and to school at 9:00 everyday. I am remembering that being rushed has been a part of daily life for most of my life (I tend to be a bit of a procrastinator...) and I am now realizing that I don't much enjoy it.
So my question over the last week has been, How do we maintain the pace of life that I came to enjoy so much in Ghana? How do I maintain the pace of life that allowed lots of time to read books to Katie and lay on the bed and tickle John Mark, the pace of life that allowed Ash and me to walk into the market together every so often or sit over breakfast for an hour. How do we continue to enjoy spending evenings watching movies together and playing Sudoku while taking part in all the things we missed while we were away? How do we enjoy our friends and family, and take advantage of wonderful school opportunities for our kids or enjoy the good roads that make 20 miles not that far to travel for a visit with friends or to go to church AND still enjoy a simple life, that isn't rushed or busy. How do we do all the things we want to do with out adding in all the stress that seems to be a part of doing it?
Well, I obviously have not figured it out. This blog is a case in point. This entry which I started back in November has sat in my drafts for over two months. So I guess I need to keep working on it. I am tempted to say that it isn't possible to meld the two lifestyles. But I don't believe that is true. I just haven't figured out how to do it yet.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Its a Small World....la la la....
From October 3, 2008
I sometimes wonder if the composer of “It’s a Small World” had any idea what that would look like in the year 2008. The world really is getting smaller. Or at least distances don’t feel quite as far. I stopped at the internet café a few weeks ago and found an email from an old friend from Koro. Amagana was my first friend in my village during my Peace Corps days, and a huge help in the work that I did during those two years. It has been some time since he and I have corresponded. When I lived in Koro, it was a one-phone town (when that one phone was working.) Since I left Koro, Amagana has gotten an email address and a cell phone, which make communication a whole lot easier.
When I opened up Amagana’s email I found that he was in
But you know what? I’ll play along with that trick! It feels awfully nice to pick up the phone and pretend for a little while that I am just down the street from the people I love.
Pancakes in Ghana
We spent last week in
The one Abruni thing I really wanted while we were there was a big bottle of Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup. We eat pancakes a lot here (which has been good for the kids, but not as good for the grown up Zooks J). When we moved into the Mozley’s house in
It was nice to return to
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Learning curves...
John Marl learned a new word this week which is causing quite a stir around here. He has been slowly adding words for the last few months. He started with Ball and Mama, then Dada and No. He says 'yes', 'thanks', 'hi' all with varying degrees of clarity. But this week's new word is especially exciting. He has learned to say E ye, which in this particular case is not the same are eye. John Mark has learned his first word in Twi! It is actually a sentence meaning, "It's good." As we walk through our neighborhood, we are greeted with the phrase "Enti Sen?" which roughly translates to "How's it going?" To which John Mark enjoys replying with "It's all good!" in Twi. Well, you can imagine the response this small, very white, very blond boy gets when he responds in Twi to our Ghanaian neighbors. Laughter and clapping follows, which serves as a pretty good reinforcer for John Mark! So it seems that over time John Mark may prove to be the best student of Twi among us.
I have been trying to pick up some basic phrases. I have learned to say basic greetings, and can ask for items I need at the local corner boutiques where I buy sugar and spaghetti. The problem is that the nice shop owners respond to me in Twi. And if they respond with anything other than "It costs..." or "Thank you," I am lost. After a recent trip to the market I came home and learned a few useful phrases. "Me nti Asea. Me Ka Twi kakra kakra." I don't understand. I speak Twi small small. I use that one alot.
The thing is, that even if I only know a few words of Twi, the people are so gracious and excited to teach me more. Making any small effort to learn about their language and culture is very much appreciated by the Ghanaians I have encountered. It makes me wonder if we would be as encouraging and appreciative of visitors in the states. Or have we become so spoiled by the prevalence of English around the world that we forget what a real effort and desire it takes to learn another person's language and culture.
I have been trying to pick up some basic phrases. I have learned to say basic greetings, and can ask for items I need at the local corner boutiques where I buy sugar and spaghetti. The problem is that the nice shop owners respond to me in Twi. And if they respond with anything other than "It costs..." or "Thank you," I am lost. After a recent trip to the market I came home and learned a few useful phrases. "Me nti Asea. Me Ka Twi kakra kakra." I don't understand. I speak Twi small small. I use that one alot.
The thing is, that even if I only know a few words of Twi, the people are so gracious and excited to teach me more. Making any small effort to learn about their language and culture is very much appreciated by the Ghanaians I have encountered. It makes me wonder if we would be as encouraging and appreciative of visitors in the states. Or have we become so spoiled by the prevalence of English around the world that we forget what a real effort and desire it takes to learn another person's language and culture.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The shortest distance between two points...
Rose has become a vital part of our daily life, helping with the cleaning and laundry, watching the children at times and teaching me to cook some wonderful Ghanaian dishes. Although her work day should end at 5:00, it is often 5:30 when she is finally ready to leave for the night. Worrying about her walking home in the evening, I asked if she lived very far from our home in Adiebeba. "Oh no," she said "I live very close." When asked how long the walk would be she told me 45 minutes to 1 hour! Well, in my world, that does not count as close! Now I am really worried about her, knowing she has her own family responsibilities when she arrives home.
I was speaking with Abraham, our "Watchy-man" (translate: day guard) about Rose's walk. I asked where she lived. "Behind the primary school." he said. 'But that can't be,' I thought. 'That is right around the corner.' The school is only about a five minute walk from our house! So I ask Abraham how long he thinks it would take Rose to get home in the evening. 35-40 minutes was his reply. "But I can do it in 10 minutes," he adds.
At this point I realize that there is obviously a communication issue. I ask Abraham to explain the discrepency in times. He tells me that Rose is a woman and she has many friends. She must stop and visit many ladies on the way home.
And it is now becoming clear. The travel time is not based on the number of kilometers one travels, but rather on the number of friends one has along the way. And so the time it takes Rose to get home in the evening is not a burden, but a blessing. The importance of community is so great in Ghanaian culture that it is factored into everything. As an American, I am always thinking in terms of how quickly I can get somewhere or do something. I map out the shortest, most efficient route to finish my errands. I don't have time for any distractions. Life is very different here. Here they feel fortunate if the shortest distance between two points is the longest because it is littered with many friends.
I was speaking with Abraham, our "Watchy-man" (translate: day guard) about Rose's walk. I asked where she lived. "Behind the primary school." he said. 'But that can't be,' I thought. 'That is right around the corner.' The school is only about a five minute walk from our house! So I ask Abraham how long he thinks it would take Rose to get home in the evening. 35-40 minutes was his reply. "But I can do it in 10 minutes," he adds.
At this point I realize that there is obviously a communication issue. I ask Abraham to explain the discrepency in times. He tells me that Rose is a woman and she has many friends. She must stop and visit many ladies on the way home.
And it is now becoming clear. The travel time is not based on the number of kilometers one travels, but rather on the number of friends one has along the way. And so the time it takes Rose to get home in the evening is not a burden, but a blessing. The importance of community is so great in Ghanaian culture that it is factored into everything. As an American, I am always thinking in terms of how quickly I can get somewhere or do something. I map out the shortest, most efficient route to finish my errands. I don't have time for any distractions. Life is very different here. Here they feel fortunate if the shortest distance between two points is the longest because it is littered with many friends.
8/20/08
Breakfast conversation yesterday centered around witches. For our family that isn't all that unusual, with all the Disney movies we watch, conversations about Malificient and the Wicked Queen from Snow White are fairly common. But this conversation was a little different. It wasn't generated by Katie and had nothing to do with a world of fictional characters and talking animals. It stemmed from a visit the night before with a young man being discipled by Albert Churcher, one of our YLI Coaches.
Ash, Jatoe, Roland and Eric joined Churcher in a visit to Yaw. Yaw shared with Ash that during a period of extended illness, he was alone at the local hospital. Despite informing his local church pastors of his illness, it was only Churcher who came to visit him, offering companionship, comfort and a glimpse of God's love for this young man. Those visits had a huge impact on Yaw. Since that time Churcher has become a trusted friend and communicator of truth to Yaw. Having been so impacted by Churcher's friendship and discipleship, Yaw has begun to pour love onto others, sharing Christ's life with them.
During their visit, Yaw came to Churcher and the others for help and advice concerning a situation with a woman being discipled by someone Yaw is discipling ( You see how loving one person can quickly multiply into many?). Yaw shared the story of a young woman who has been tormented for many years by a most unconventional marriage. As a young girl, a relative who is a witch doctor arranged for her to be married to a spirit. Juju, or Voodoo, originated in Ghana and still has a very strong hold on many Ghanaians. This marriage has lead to her feeling bound and restrained physically, emotionally and socially. She has lost friendships, potential husbands and most recently her job do to this union. She has uncontrollable outburst, has been physically unable to move and prevented from saying or doing things that she longs to say and do. This girl came to Yaw and his friend for help, knowing that they have found something special in their relationship with Christ. Yaw approached a local Pastor who is known for his work with evil spirits and exorcisims, but found that the pastor was charging far more than they could afford for the 'service.' So Yaw has approached Ash and the other coaches for help and advice.
Jatoe explaine to Yaw that it is not a single man who will rescue this woman, but Christ. It is not necessary to pay large sums of money. Yaw and his friend will return to her, sharing the love of Jesus and His power over all dominions. It will be the power and presence of Christ that will banish this spirit and break its bond over her.
Returning home from this meeting with Yaw, Ash shared this amazing, hard to believe yet true story with me. He finished by saying, " Jatoe told them to call me if they run into any difficulties, but Carrie, I've never actually performed an exorcism before." We laughed, but the truth of the statement remained before us.
Which brings me back to our breakfast conversations about witches, something that is very much a reality that bears great power here in Ghana. I am struck by the casual way that Americans brush off the idea of witches and the spirit world. I can hear myself easing my children's natural fears of witches and evil with a simple, "Don't be scared, that is just pretend." I realized in that conversation that our children will need to have a different view of life, one that does not turn witch doctors into a fanciful Disney character of a harmless old baboon named Rafiki. One that says, witches do exist, but we know who has the power to overcome, and even redeem, them.
Breakfast conversation yesterday centered around witches. For our family that isn't all that unusual, with all the Disney movies we watch, conversations about Malificient and the Wicked Queen from Snow White are fairly common. But this conversation was a little different. It wasn't generated by Katie and had nothing to do with a world of fictional characters and talking animals. It stemmed from a visit the night before with a young man being discipled by Albert Churcher, one of our YLI Coaches.
Ash, Jatoe, Roland and Eric joined Churcher in a visit to Yaw. Yaw shared with Ash that during a period of extended illness, he was alone at the local hospital. Despite informing his local church pastors of his illness, it was only Churcher who came to visit him, offering companionship, comfort and a glimpse of God's love for this young man. Those visits had a huge impact on Yaw. Since that time Churcher has become a trusted friend and communicator of truth to Yaw. Having been so impacted by Churcher's friendship and discipleship, Yaw has begun to pour love onto others, sharing Christ's life with them.
During their visit, Yaw came to Churcher and the others for help and advice concerning a situation with a woman being discipled by someone Yaw is discipling ( You see how loving one person can quickly multiply into many?). Yaw shared the story of a young woman who has been tormented for many years by a most unconventional marriage. As a young girl, a relative who is a witch doctor arranged for her to be married to a spirit. Juju, or Voodoo, originated in Ghana and still has a very strong hold on many Ghanaians. This marriage has lead to her feeling bound and restrained physically, emotionally and socially. She has lost friendships, potential husbands and most recently her job do to this union. She has uncontrollable outburst, has been physically unable to move and prevented from saying or doing things that she longs to say and do. This girl came to Yaw and his friend for help, knowing that they have found something special in their relationship with Christ. Yaw approached a local Pastor who is known for his work with evil spirits and exorcisims, but found that the pastor was charging far more than they could afford for the 'service.' So Yaw has approached Ash and the other coaches for help and advice.
Jatoe explaine to Yaw that it is not a single man who will rescue this woman, but Christ. It is not necessary to pay large sums of money. Yaw and his friend will return to her, sharing the love of Jesus and His power over all dominions. It will be the power and presence of Christ that will banish this spirit and break its bond over her.
Returning home from this meeting with Yaw, Ash shared this amazing, hard to believe yet true story with me. He finished by saying, " Jatoe told them to call me if they run into any difficulties, but Carrie, I've never actually performed an exorcism before." We laughed, but the truth of the statement remained before us.
Which brings me back to our breakfast conversations about witches, something that is very much a reality that bears great power here in Ghana. I am struck by the casual way that Americans brush off the idea of witches and the spirit world. I can hear myself easing my children's natural fears of witches and evil with a simple, "Don't be scared, that is just pretend." I realized in that conversation that our children will need to have a different view of life, one that does not turn witch doctors into a fanciful Disney character of a harmless old baboon named Rafiki. One that says, witches do exist, but we know who has the power to overcome, and even redeem, them.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Some Observations after 1 Month
August 6, 2008
It is our 1 month Anniversary here in Kumasi. If I had thought of it earlier, I would have baked a cake. (Although, after baking two cakes for Katie’s Birthday last week, I think we have all had our fill of cake.)
On the one hand, I still feel like I am seeing Kumasi for the first time every time I leave the house. On the other hand, we have fallen into a rhythm that is quite comfortable for our family, which makes me feel settled and at home. It is an unusual experience to have such extreme feelings wrapped around a single place and a single experience. But such extremes seem to be common in Africa. Walking through our new neighborhood I was struck by the co-mingling of poverty and prosperity. I saw two flat screen TVs hanging in a large, lovely home a few blocks from us. Next door to them, a family lived with broken down mud brick walls and a scrap metal roof. Suffering and joy, also, seem to walk hand in hand.
As I hear pieces of peoples’ stories, I was struck by how many of our new friends lost one or both of their parents early in life, suffered through wars or draughts or flooding, people ostracized from their family because they left Islam for Christ. For all of them it could have left a mark of sadness or bitterness. And yet there is a joy about them. A happiness that is infectious at times. These extremes of life keep coming to me here in Kumasi. Even the dusty, dirty, messiness of the market is off set by the vibrant colors of the women’s clothing and the care with which the vendors arrange their wares. Kumasi is a city of extremes. It is a city that embraces life in its fullness, completely.
It is our 1 month Anniversary here in Kumasi. If I had thought of it earlier, I would have baked a cake. (Although, after baking two cakes for Katie’s Birthday last week, I think we have all had our fill of cake.)
On the one hand, I still feel like I am seeing Kumasi for the first time every time I leave the house. On the other hand, we have fallen into a rhythm that is quite comfortable for our family, which makes me feel settled and at home. It is an unusual experience to have such extreme feelings wrapped around a single place and a single experience. But such extremes seem to be common in Africa. Walking through our new neighborhood I was struck by the co-mingling of poverty and prosperity. I saw two flat screen TVs hanging in a large, lovely home a few blocks from us. Next door to them, a family lived with broken down mud brick walls and a scrap metal roof. Suffering and joy, also, seem to walk hand in hand.
As I hear pieces of peoples’ stories, I was struck by how many of our new friends lost one or both of their parents early in life, suffered through wars or draughts or flooding, people ostracized from their family because they left Islam for Christ. For all of them it could have left a mark of sadness or bitterness. And yet there is a joy about them. A happiness that is infectious at times. These extremes of life keep coming to me here in Kumasi. Even the dusty, dirty, messiness of the market is off set by the vibrant colors of the women’s clothing and the care with which the vendors arrange their wares. Kumasi is a city of extremes. It is a city that embraces life in its fullness, completely.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A week of activities
We are nearing the end of Ash’s first trip away since we have been here. He left on Tuesday to do a conference about five hours from our home in Kumasi. The kids and I stayed home, since the accommodations were not going to be conducive to housing two little kids for four days. To make the time move faster, I tried to plan an outing for each day. On Tuesday we ventured to the Kumasi Zoo. It was a slightly rainy day, which left the zoo feeling a little bit gloomy, but over all it was a good outing. Kaite was excited to see the crocodile, though a little concerned at just how close she was able to get to it. The Zoo is old: all the animals are in cages, but they appear to be well cared for. And the cages allow you to see the animals up close and personal. There were lots of different types of monkeys and apes, giant turtles, snakes, a camel and some ostriches. There were two Lions, a leopard and some hyenas as well. And of course the crocodile. There was a cage marked “ The Genet Cat,” but we couldn’t find the cat anywhere. Lucky for us we have one living in the spare room so we are already familiar with that particular species.
As we approached one small, circular area I wondered what we would see as we peered over the fence. There in a little pond was a goose. A plain old farm yard Mother Goose. I realized that the term “exotic” really dependent on ones geography!
On Wednesday we spent the afternoon at Sir Max Hotel. They have a very nice pool and restaurant. The pool even has a kiddy pool complete with cement dolphins spewing water. The kids loved it. And I enjoyed the hamburgers and fries that we had for lunch. Sir Max is a nice break. Katie would have us there everyday if she could. Unfortunately, Kumasi is a bit more expensive than we expected it to be, so excursions like those need to be limited!
Thursday we headed to the Cultural Center. There are lots of shops with colorful clothing, jewelry and crafts. We watched some men carving drums. The Cultural Center is also shading and very green. It has a park like feel to it. We enjoyed walking around and talking with people. It was enough to tire out the kids for a nice long afternoon nap when we got home.
Today we will be heading to the home of a Dutch woman I have been in contact with. She is part of a play group every Friday afternoon. There are several families all with kids between 1 and 8 or 9. Katie and I are both really looking forward to having a chance to visit with some of these families. Katie has been missing having friends to play with. And I look forward to getting to know some other mom’s and finding out what people do to keep their kids busy here in Kumasi.
John Mark seems rather content to wonder around the house discovering new things to climb on. I am beginning to wonder if he has a future in rock climbing. I find him on the table, the desk, the couch. Earlier this morning I found him hanging over the back of the leather arm chair. Paulina and Evelyn are amazed at how strong and active he is. I am trying to figure out what makes our kids so much busier than the Ghanaian children around them. I am wondering if carrying your children on your back helps to teach them a little bit about being still.
In some ways we are all learning about being still. I am still adjusting to life being slower. We aren’t rushing around from store to activity to deadline. We aren’t scheduling our days to make sure to fit it all in. I have been able to read four books in the last three weeks, something I haven’t had much time for since the last time I lived in West Africa. Katie is finding she enjoys coloring and drawing more, spending lots of time creating things. Her “staying in the lines” is really improving! She also enjoys sneaking into her room, or our room and cleaning up and making the bed for me. She does a nice job of that, too. John Mark is enjoying having lots of my attention. I had to teach Evelyn the phrase “Mama’s Boy” a few days ago.
There are still times when it feels a little lonely, especially with Ash gone. Finding a way to fit in and build relationships takes time. We have only been here for three weeks and I sometimes need to remind myself that it takes much longer than that to build friendships. When the coaches were in town it felt like we had instant connections, but now that they have returned to their homes and villages it has been a little too quiet for me at times. Which is sort of ironic, since one of my desires over the past four years of motherhood has been more down time, more time for quiet thoughts and prayers. It seems that this time is an answer to pray, if I am ready to accept it.
Update: It is Saturday Morning, I am posting this after Ash returned from a fun, successful conference. We had a great time at the play group and are all looking forward to next week!
As we approached one small, circular area I wondered what we would see as we peered over the fence. There in a little pond was a goose. A plain old farm yard Mother Goose. I realized that the term “exotic” really dependent on ones geography!
On Wednesday we spent the afternoon at Sir Max Hotel. They have a very nice pool and restaurant. The pool even has a kiddy pool complete with cement dolphins spewing water. The kids loved it. And I enjoyed the hamburgers and fries that we had for lunch. Sir Max is a nice break. Katie would have us there everyday if she could. Unfortunately, Kumasi is a bit more expensive than we expected it to be, so excursions like those need to be limited!
Thursday we headed to the Cultural Center. There are lots of shops with colorful clothing, jewelry and crafts. We watched some men carving drums. The Cultural Center is also shading and very green. It has a park like feel to it. We enjoyed walking around and talking with people. It was enough to tire out the kids for a nice long afternoon nap when we got home.
Today we will be heading to the home of a Dutch woman I have been in contact with. She is part of a play group every Friday afternoon. There are several families all with kids between 1 and 8 or 9. Katie and I are both really looking forward to having a chance to visit with some of these families. Katie has been missing having friends to play with. And I look forward to getting to know some other mom’s and finding out what people do to keep their kids busy here in Kumasi.
John Mark seems rather content to wonder around the house discovering new things to climb on. I am beginning to wonder if he has a future in rock climbing. I find him on the table, the desk, the couch. Earlier this morning I found him hanging over the back of the leather arm chair. Paulina and Evelyn are amazed at how strong and active he is. I am trying to figure out what makes our kids so much busier than the Ghanaian children around them. I am wondering if carrying your children on your back helps to teach them a little bit about being still.
In some ways we are all learning about being still. I am still adjusting to life being slower. We aren’t rushing around from store to activity to deadline. We aren’t scheduling our days to make sure to fit it all in. I have been able to read four books in the last three weeks, something I haven’t had much time for since the last time I lived in West Africa. Katie is finding she enjoys coloring and drawing more, spending lots of time creating things. Her “staying in the lines” is really improving! She also enjoys sneaking into her room, or our room and cleaning up and making the bed for me. She does a nice job of that, too. John Mark is enjoying having lots of my attention. I had to teach Evelyn the phrase “Mama’s Boy” a few days ago.
There are still times when it feels a little lonely, especially with Ash gone. Finding a way to fit in and build relationships takes time. We have only been here for three weeks and I sometimes need to remind myself that it takes much longer than that to build friendships. When the coaches were in town it felt like we had instant connections, but now that they have returned to their homes and villages it has been a little too quiet for me at times. Which is sort of ironic, since one of my desires over the past four years of motherhood has been more down time, more time for quiet thoughts and prayers. It seems that this time is an answer to pray, if I am ready to accept it.
Update: It is Saturday Morning, I am posting this after Ash returned from a fun, successful conference. We had a great time at the play group and are all looking forward to next week!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Local hangouts in Nhyseiso
This little shopping center is a 15 min walk from our house. The cafe is on the first floor and the internet cafe is on the second floor. Like many buildings in west Africa the top floor is under construction in a half-built stage. As they get money from the current tennants they will continue to build up.
24 hour internet cafe (ice cream shop below)
Queens Gate Cafe
24 hour internet cafe (ice cream shop below)
Queens Gate Cafe
Some pictures of our life in Ghana
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Our first post from Ghana
So, although my track record with blogging has not be that great, I am hoping that the experiences of living in Ghana with two kids for four months will inspire me to do better. So here it is...our first post from Ghana
7.11.08
(or 11.7.08 depending on where you live)
We have been in Kumasi for one week. We have pretty much adjusted to the day to day quirks of life in an African City: We are brushing our teeth with bottled water, we have learned to sleep through the sounds of dogs, roosters and car alarms (all of which are heard throughout the night, despite the myth about roosters and sun up). We are even getting used to putting our TP in a bucket rather than in the toilet. For a week and a half, I would say we are doing quite well. There are still many adjustments to be made. The bustle of a congested city makes it harder to get around independently than I had thought it would be. I was a little overwhelmed by the Central Market when I ventured in there today. As I shared this with Paulina, the girl who manages the house we are renting, she laughed and told me we hadn’t made it past the market’s front gate. Kumasi is known for its market, the largest in all of West Africa. I was also a little surprised to do some shopping in a Grocery Store, complete with a computerized cash register for easy check out! And we are still hoping to find some children for Katie and John Mark to play with. As of this point, Katie is recruiting our friend and cook Evelyn to play “Doctor Kit” with her and is teaching Albert Churcher, one of the YLI Coaches and our driver, all about Tinkerbell, Aurora and all things Fancy. John Mark is enjoying the outdoors and the dogs (who are a little too wild for my liking.) He is also discovering that the kitchen is a good place to hang out, as he often manages to procure a little taste of dinner ahead of time.
Ash is getting into a groove, as well, working with Albert Jatoe to plan the next few months. We have a Coaches Conference coming up in a week. That will be the first time most of the YLI Coaches get to meet the kids and me. I am very excited to be apart of that and to get to know these people we have been praying for and hearing about for so long. Already we have had the opportunity to meet some new folks and hear some exciting stories of what God is doing. One of the big questions for me has been “what is my role in all of this.” Caring for the kids takes a great deal of time, especially when I find John Mark trying to climb into the toilet for a little water play time. But I also want to be a part of what is going on with YLI and beyond. I am realizing that this is the challenge of mothers with young children all around the world. And it is one that I will continue to work out day by day. For today, I am enjoying the sound of the crickets, and the new relationships we are forming. And I am wondering when I might catch a glimpse of the bush cat that lives in the spare bedroom.
7.11.08
(or 11.7.08 depending on where you live)
We have been in Kumasi for one week. We have pretty much adjusted to the day to day quirks of life in an African City: We are brushing our teeth with bottled water, we have learned to sleep through the sounds of dogs, roosters and car alarms (all of which are heard throughout the night, despite the myth about roosters and sun up). We are even getting used to putting our TP in a bucket rather than in the toilet. For a week and a half, I would say we are doing quite well. There are still many adjustments to be made. The bustle of a congested city makes it harder to get around independently than I had thought it would be. I was a little overwhelmed by the Central Market when I ventured in there today. As I shared this with Paulina, the girl who manages the house we are renting, she laughed and told me we hadn’t made it past the market’s front gate. Kumasi is known for its market, the largest in all of West Africa. I was also a little surprised to do some shopping in a Grocery Store, complete with a computerized cash register for easy check out! And we are still hoping to find some children for Katie and John Mark to play with. As of this point, Katie is recruiting our friend and cook Evelyn to play “Doctor Kit” with her and is teaching Albert Churcher, one of the YLI Coaches and our driver, all about Tinkerbell, Aurora and all things Fancy. John Mark is enjoying the outdoors and the dogs (who are a little too wild for my liking.) He is also discovering that the kitchen is a good place to hang out, as he often manages to procure a little taste of dinner ahead of time.
Ash is getting into a groove, as well, working with Albert Jatoe to plan the next few months. We have a Coaches Conference coming up in a week. That will be the first time most of the YLI Coaches get to meet the kids and me. I am very excited to be apart of that and to get to know these people we have been praying for and hearing about for so long. Already we have had the opportunity to meet some new folks and hear some exciting stories of what God is doing. One of the big questions for me has been “what is my role in all of this.” Caring for the kids takes a great deal of time, especially when I find John Mark trying to climb into the toilet for a little water play time. But I also want to be a part of what is going on with YLI and beyond. I am realizing that this is the challenge of mothers with young children all around the world. And it is one that I will continue to work out day by day. For today, I am enjoying the sound of the crickets, and the new relationships we are forming. And I am wondering when I might catch a glimpse of the bush cat that lives in the spare bedroom.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Farewell Boy
This morning I loaded up Scrapple in the back of the Exploder and drove him out to Bremen GA where his foster family, the Bumgardners live. They have six kids so... he should be pretty tired by October 29th.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Waterboy
John Mark has a complicated relationship with water.
1. You can't keep him out of the bathtub, but
2. he is absolutely petrified of the garden hose or any other flying water!
I'm interested in seeing how both he and Katie do this weekend during our camping trip to Vogel State Park... This family may go from little sleep to none at all for a few days.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Katie's New Haircut
Before last Sunday, 93.6% of Katie's meltdowns were in some way related to the issue of hairbrushing. Hopefully with 50% hair there will be 50% less fits!
As ususal, John Mark is just happy to be here!
As ususal, John Mark is just happy to be here!
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