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.