First Week!

Wow.  Definitely not what I expected from my first week in Africa! 

The first night here, two other girls and I got pretty sick.  I totally take for granted having air conditioning when you have a raging fever.  After I had fainted enough times and the other girls couldn’t keep any fluids down, our trip leaders took us to the local hospital the following night.  I had tried my best to keep my expectations to a minimum, but this was far from what I was prepared for.  Now that we have had a couple days to recover we have joined the rest of our team and are slowly but surely regaining our energy, and appetites.  I believe God was just saying to me “Ally, I know you think you’ve got this third world country stuff down and know how to handle it, but oh you are so wrong.”  He carried us through that time, as He always does, and praise Him that we are well enough to go about our ministry now!

We have spent time worshipping at a local school with the kids, teaching lessons in the classroom, and in their free time playing with them.  Part of the school is an orphanage, so based on my past experiences doing ministry abroad, I felt so comfortable there.  That was when I finally felt like I remembered why I am here, after really questioning what I had gotten myself into lying in a Ghanaian hospital bed!  We also walked through a local village meeting and talking with families.  The Ghanaian culture is so welcoming.  Whenever we would show up they’d pull up chairs for us and demand us to sit!  It is also really funny when you introduce yourself, because they clap if you have a biblical name, but a name like “Ally” they just laugh at!  They have trouble saying the “y” so I have reverted back to “Alexandra” to avoid complications. 

We also got to play a soccer game against the local high school team, which was such a fun experience and great way to unwind.  I had very little energy still but did what I could and loved it!  Kait, you would have been a superstar!  I wish you could have been here because whenever someone asked if I played soccer back home I’d say, “I used to, but my sister does and she is amazing!”  

A side note, as I mentioned before, not only do I take AC for granted, but I take water and power for granted too!  We probably have power 50% of the time and getting a full shower in…yeah no we just fill a bucket and make it work.  Prayers for the water and power to keep running are much appreciated! 

Our leaders (they work for Pioneers Africa) are so passionate about their faith and it is a blessing having them as inspirations to our team.  Each of them has their own unique personality and it has been so exciting getting to know them already.  

Again, thank you all for your sweet letters.  I wish I could thank each one of you personally and tell you what they mean to me.  Much love from Ghana!