Truly truly truly I can't believe I am leaving in just a few days!! What an amazing day today was.  It was my last day of teaching, which was so sad - but it was a great day.  I took a walk after school today with some of the cottage mothers and the younger children.  Normally every Friday they walk to a nearby village called Kotoku, but we just walked to nearby to where some of the boys were playing football and cheered them on.  It was a treat to walk with the girls and sing, hold hands, and be silly, since a majority of my time with them has been in class.  I really enjoyed this.  Tonight at the dining hall was the "activity night" for the teenagers.  I just returned about an hour ago and it was so much fun!! They have this on Friday nights for the kids.  They bring out all sorts of games, crocheting, beads, embroidery, and set up Ping Pong too!  The six gentlemen that are here from TX are a true riot and were quick to get a Ping Pong tournament going.  It was a great time.  We closed the night by singing praise songs while the boys gave us a great drum beat and one of the men from TX had his guitar.  It is amazing to be in a setting like that and feel the presence of God as we sing!  What a great way to spend a Friday night! 

Just finished dinner at the dining hall with the children.  We had traditional African food for dinner - Kenke and tomato stew, with some fish!  Shortly I will be joining the ROS missionaries here and the team of mini-missionary men for a "dessert night" to honor the men that are here from Texas.  They arrived yesterday morning, and this morning started building a new playground for the children!  I hope to get some pictures this weekend as it progressively takes shape!

Teaching can be very challenging.  Today I am uplifted by Romans 8:28, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  I know even though I struggle, even though I don't feel capable, even though I may have no confidence, I can yet put my confidence in Him and in all things he will work for the good in every situation.  

Thought of the day today in Bible study: Our only hope in trials is trusting in the character of God.

Amen. :)

I can't seem to wrap my mind around that Monday is over already. Hm. This weekend was wonderful, I really enjoyed myself. I don't even know where to start - there is so much to take in here that I have been exhausted.  I have come to the conclusion that I am mentally on overload - and my mind is so stimulated, especially by all the things I see when we drive into Accra.  Parts of it are beautiful, but there is so much poverty. It is so different. Seeing these things has been a blessing; it truly solidifies how God has chosen each and every child to be here at Rafiki and to be used to His good purpose.  

Attached is a snapshot of me and a few children.

Teaching this week will be a challenge with the new age groups.  Please pray that the children will be obedient to me as a new teacher, and that God will faithfully equip me with all that I need and confidence to follow through it.  Sometimes I lack a sense of being sure of myself and what I am doing, even though all the while I do love teaching.  I suppose it is something that takes time to acquire. :)  I have been greatly encouraged and touched by closely watching the interaction between the older, teenage boys and younger boys this week.  I have watched with wonder as I realize how endearing the older ones are; they take these young, vulnerable, and sometimes unruly boys and encourage them in godly ways.  They are so helpful to the mothers, and the teachers as well.  It is amazing to see them treat the others as though they are true brothers, and has nearly brought me to tears more than a few times.  

Church yesterday was in Accra, and was a great experience.  The service started at 7:30, so we had to leave at 6:30! Wow, I don't remember waking up for church that early....uh, ever!  It was so nice though.  The service had such beautiful music; the Ghanaian people can TRULY sing.  The message was on the Great Commission laid forth for us in Mark 12.  I wish I could have recorded the service!  I also have become fascinated and fallen in love with the attire the Ghanaian's wear. :) ....Yes, I did buy a skirt and some fabric to bring home!

Please praise God for the way He works here at Rafiki and for how mighty he is.  

Pray for the possibility of three young boys who were orphaned last week and the chance that they might have to come have a home here.

Thought of the Day:  Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and Man, which reminded me of this verse:

1 John 2:1-2 "...But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous one.  He is the atoning sacrafice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

Wow, today was an amazing day!  God is so good and I feel so blessed to be here.  My sister tried to explain to my nephews before I left that I was coming to Africa to teach children about Jesus.  In fact, I think we had it mixed up....because in all reality, the children are teaching me about Jesus.  I am so amazed by the way God works in our lives. 

Thought of the day from Bible study: God's mercy is undeserved favor and grace.  It is not based on man's perfomance.

I went to downtown Accra today with the village director and childcare director.  I had an amazing time!  Seeing Africa firsthand is eye-opening.  There were so many people....We had a chance to do some shopping for African fabrics, look for fabric for the children's new pajamas and bedsheets, and buy some groceries.  This picture is of the childcare director and I - we are drinking a commonly-sold purified water "pouch" - Fun times!

Preschool this morning! Coloring was so much fun....they don't get a chance to do this much. Their smiles, "please madame"'s, and "thank you"'s make you melt. :)