Dirt Roads, Palaces, and a Meal to Remember . . .

Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. - 1 Thessalonians 2:8b

Good evening!  Boy, was today a long one.  We began our day in Accra with a continental breakfast and a quick devotion.  After packing an overnight back, all our other luggage was gathered together in one room to be stored until our return to Accra tomorrow.  This began our long, bumpy ride to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. 

Imagine 23 people plus a driver packed onto a rather small bus, each person carrying a purse and an overnight bag.  Now add a combination of dirt roads and paved roads with massive potholes.  Needless to say it made for an interesting ride!  Despite the rough terrain, we had an awesome time watching the countryside, seeing the people, and enjoying the company of one another.  It took us over four hours to arrive in Kumasi, but we finally made it!

Our visit here began with a stop at the palace of the Ashanti king.  They were getting ready to close, but we were able to take a quick guided tour.  It was very interesting to learn about the Ashanti people and their customs.  Each Ashanti person is seen as being of the royal family and therefore any woman can serve as the queen mother as long as she shows herself dignified among her people.  This understanding that each person is of royal blood brings pride to the Ashanti people.  It makes me think of how as children of God, of the "royal bloodline," we should be confident of who we are as His children. 

After visiting the palace we checked into the hotel and went to the home of a local friend of Dr. Clarke's.  This gentleman also happens to be the father of a friend of mine from Regent University.  He welcomed our large group into his home and fed us the most amazing meal!  One of our team members, Tanishia, also had a birthday today so they had a cake prepared for her so we could celebrate.  It was such a wonderful night.  We also got to experience and learn a bit more about Ghanaian culture.  As a way of showing appreciation one is expected to bring people with them to say thank you, including a dignitary.  Tonight Dr. Clarke showed this appreciation to our host, Nana Yo Oduro, by having a bishop in our group from New York present gifts and a blessing to Mr. Oduro.  It was an awesome thing to be a part of.  All this excitement for the day ended with a prayer and debriefing, then off to our rooms to ready for bed.

There were some other interesting side notes I wanted to share:  I've noticed over the last few days how common it is to have chickens and goats wondering through the streets of the city. We were at a gas station today and were able to watch a group of about 6 goats wonder back and forth across the street . . . along with their rooster friend!  It was so funny to watch!  :) 


I was also able to observe a lot of children today.  It seemed rather common for children to be placed in charge of their younger siblings.  I saw many children walking hand in hand through the countryside and the city.  Many times the older of the two was only about 6 or 7 while the younger may have been about 3.  We also saw many children playing games and such outside.  Despite the environment they are in, each of them had a smile on their face expressing pure joy.  It made me think of my own childhood and the lives of many children in America.  Where do most children spend a free saturday afternoon?  More than likely sitting in their air conditioned house in front of the tv playing a video game.  And even then they don't seem happy and only ask for more.  This trip has already begun to show me how much we take for granted.  I have a total new appreciation for traffic, paved roads, and fast internet.  Silly things, but things I take for granted and even fuss about when they're not as fast as I would like.

Oh my goodness!  I almost forgot to tell you about the storm!  As we were sitting in the bus driving along the dirt roads, I started looking at the blue skies and actually began to miss rain.  Perhaps I'm strange in this regard, but I love rain.  About that time I happened to glance out the window of the other side of the bus to find a massive storm cloud.  When it came closer the wind picked up a lot and the rain began to pour.  Most of the vendors on the streets, including the children, didn't have anywhere to go so they sat outside trying to protect their goods.  It's obvious the rain was a treat for some.  I saw a group of about 4 boys standing on a building porch dancing in the rain with huge smiles on their faces! 

Praises:
- We made it safely to Kumasi!

Prayer Requests:
- We will all be ministering in various churches tomorrow - pray for the Lord to speak and work through us in powerful ways.
- Pray for safe travels as we head back to Accra on the bus tomorrow evening/night.
- Please also be praying for continued health (physical, emotional, and spiritual).

And as always, thank you for your support and prayers.  Please let me know if you have any questions about anything that we're doing or anything you may just want to hear more about.  There are so many stories, but I simply can't write them all down . . .

God bless!