Next on the agenda was cookie decoration and gifts! What an awesome time! Each child is given a couple of cookies, their choice of frosting, and sprinkles. We did groups of about five or six at a time and rotated from outside to cookies followed by presents. I’ll have more pictures tomorrow of all this! Present time was incredible. They were blessed with awesome gifts. Their faces said it all! The excitement was palpable and the smiles contagious. After a few rounds, we were finished and on to a quick game of volleyball outside. As I was sitting watching and taking photos of the game one of the kids came up and asked me to play checkers. I must admit…he whooped me the first game.

After that it was time for what I can only describe as some of the best food on earth (aka Christmas Dinner). It’s called Papaye. It’s fried rice (trust me it’s not your typical fried rice….It’s way better…somehow I must find a way to bring it to the U.S.) and either grilled chicken or fried chicken. I went with the former. Each child receives their own meal and their choice of Fanta, Coke or Water. It’s so touching to see some of the children eat about half or less and save the rest for later. They were packing it back up and putting it in their backpacks or their gift bags they received earlier. A truly awesome meal. I feel blessed to be able to provide funds for that through many of my sponsors for this trip. If you gave towards this, thank you.

Finally, it was time for them to leave. But, just before their departure, Reverend Whitcomb announced that it was my birthday. Singing of happy birthday swiftly followed and then a group hug. I must tell you that I am forever touched by these kids. They all crunched in and gave me the biggest hug ever. My heart melted. I feel so blessed to be in Ghana and to participate in all of this. God is doing amazing things through AGM and ACH. If ever there was a ministry that does things well, AGM and ACH are it. All the glory goes to God for everything. This mentality is something that I think in the US we often forget. Give God the glory, in all things. I know I am forever grateful for God’s provision for this trip and that everything that has happened and will happen for the rest of this trip is a result of God and all the credit goes to Him.

Day 1 – Arrival

The first thing that you notice when disembarking the plane is…the heat! I didn’t mind it so much though because I was so excited to land and be in Africa! After finding our luggage and making our way through customs we met with the Whitcomb family and made our way through traffic (yes there is traffic here too) to their home. The Whitcombs have been so incredibly nice and have made me feel right at home. I must admit that ten hour plane ride took it’s toll! I was really tired but I was able to stay up late enough to get acclimated to the time change. It’s so amazing to think I am in Africa and that I have the privilege to do this! God has surely blessed me with wonder friends, family and supporters to make this trip happen. I am eternally greatful.

Day 2 – ACH (Agape Children’s Home)

So blessed today to go to ACH and see all the kids for the first time. I took so many photos my index finger was hurting! These are some the most well behaved children I have ever met in my life. Seriously, these kids are something special. We started photos with each of the different class levels while they were in class working. Then we took them outside to take a full class photo and then individual photos. Such incredible smiles on all these faces! If you’ve ever thought about sponsoring a child, consider sponsoring one of the ACH kids. They have wonderful facilities and receive a great education. After our formal photos were finished it was time for some playground time! Yay! Soccer, volleyball, swing sets and a jungle gym were on hand to provide some incredible photos. So exciting to see these young kids so happy! Finally we ended our time that day with lunch. Rice and eggs never tasted so good! This is some awesome food! So thankful! More updates coming soon!

1. “If we believe in Hell, shouldn’t we be talking to more people [about Christ]?” – This one hit me kind of hard. So often I find myself focusing on just good things and how I can serve. Not that it’s a bad thing to do that, it just may not be the most beneficial thing. I often pass by people forgetting about their eternal destination. It’s so easy to do. My prayer is that God stirs my heart to speak when His Holy Spirit prompts me.

2. “Get alone with this Book [The Bible] and read it.” – It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Spending time in God’s Word is one of the best ways (if not the best way) to get closer to God. Chan said, “You need to take ownership of your walk with the Lord.” I couldn’t agree more. Growing up in the church one would think I would never forget this. However, life has a way of distracting me. So often I’ve seen people expect to get everything they need from God on a Sunday morning. This creates a needy, fat, and lazy Christian. I’m just as guilty as anyone when it comes to this. However, the one skill I learned from my time in college is one that sticks with me. That skill is to be a “self-feeder.” I learned how to do word studies, dig deep into scripture, and pull out the meaning (with God’s help and a few commentaries). It’s just a matter of being disciplined and dedicated to spending time with God.

3. Living in the Spirit. – This was another thing that hit me pretty hard. So often we find ourselves asking for forgiveness for the same thing over and over again. I know we all fail. I know that we all have a “thorn in our flesh” so to speak. However, Chan suggested that when you live in the Spirit that the desires of the flesh dwindle. I agree. When we are living in the Spirit, we have more of a desire to please God than to please ourselves. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is key.

There was so much more to the message that he brought today but these are the things that stood out to me.

On Wednesday morning I’ll be getting my yellow fever vaccine. Some people say needles bother them. They don’t bother me. Not sure why. This is a requirement though in order to get my visa to Ghana. As soon as I get that shot, I’ll be heading to the post office to mail off my forms and await their swift return. Once that’s done, there’s not much else to do but pack! I’ll be continually raising money for AGM. Any monies that are received above and beyond the cost of the trip will be used for their ministry. Thanks to all of you who have given already!

Last but not least, I still need your continued prayers. Pray that God uses me to my full potential while I am there. Pray for the orphans of Ghana. Pray for travel safety. Pray for the Holy Spirit to anoint this trip. Thank you so much for your support and prayers!

One last thing…check out this video: CLICK HERE

2. I need financial support. I am willing to go, I am excited to go and I am trusting God to provide!

I need to raise around $1300 to make this trip happen. Any amount that you can donate is much appreciated! Thanks in advance for your prayers and your support!