Wubekor Ghana? I am!

Good evening!  Last week we had an awesome training session with a local pastor who was born and raised in the Volta Region of Ghana.  He shared some helpful cultural tips and some language training before we leave in . . . 3 DAYS! :)  Just to give you an idea of what I'm preparing for, I wanted to share some of the information he shared with us:

Ghana was the first African country of the Sahara to gain it's independence in 1957.  Their culture is one of the most peaceful and well-educated cultures in Africa.  (And from my experience with Ghanaian friends so far, they are incredibly hospitable and generous people.)

Their rainy season starts in late June and continues through August.  We'll barely miss this!  March is typically the hottest month of the year so we'll miss the hottest weather as well.  Praise the Lord!  We're expecting approximately 90 degrees each day, but with much lower humidity that Virginia, it hopefully won't feel quite as how as a 90 degree day at the beach here.  Due to the heat, we were advised to bring a handkerchief as the dust will get kicked up and stuck to our sweat . . . what a lovely picture!  :)

We'll also be dealing with a slight time difference during out trip.  Ghana is four hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.  (e.g. If it's 10am here, it's 2pm there.)  Another interesting etiquette lesson - don't use your left hand for anything.  It is incredibly disrespectful.  And if you see are interacting with an adult you immediately remove your hat if you're wearing one.  Finally, we've also been warned about reverse culture shock.  Our awesome trainer said we may deal with some culture shock when we get there, but the biggest hurtle will occur when we return.  He said most people after seeing how people live there and the upbeat attitude and patience they have, it's makes you angry to see how people in America take things for granted and demand immediate response to their wants/needs.  (Please be praying for this on my return.  That I would come back with a healthy perspective, but also able to express my perspective in a kind, gracious manner.)

The main languages of Accra, Ghana (the capital city) are Ga and Twi.  Twi (pronounced Chre) is common in almost all the regions so this is the language we focused on.  The title of the post "Wubekor Ghana?" means - Are you going to Ghana.  We also learned some other very important words and phrases:

insio - water
Wu ca Brofo?  - Do you speak English?
Yesu - Jesus Christ
Nyame - God
derby - no
aiy (nasal) - yes
mipowcheo - please
Casa breo - speak slower
Fre Nyame - call on God

Some of my favorite phrases:
Chre Me - Teach me
Yesu do wu - Jesus loves you

As I mentioned early we leave in 3 days.  Please be praying for safe travels for our team and that all preparations would come together well.  Be praying for any anxiety our team may be feeling as we come down to the time of departure.  Finally, please continue to pray for us while we're there - protection, open hearts and minds, a remembrance of our authority in Christ, and an intense passion for the people we serve.

My intention is to blog approximately every other day while there so please check in for updates!  God bless!