saying goodbye
August was a month of goodbyes. Firstly, I completed six months of Twi language studies with the Telecom Institute of Inter-Cultural & Language Studies. This training has been so helpful during my transition to Ghana, as I not only gained a stronger foundation for communication, but also learned more about the Ghanaian culture.
Secondly, we said goodbye to the Jeung family, who are WEC International workers who also partner with the Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG). They have served in Ghana for 10 years. They have made a tremendous impact through their relationship building, especially with the children, youth and their families. Their absence will surely be missed by all, but we trust that what God has started will be brought to completion. Personally, I am very grateful for the ministry they have poured into here in Nyankpala. Their efforts, love and commitment to sharing the Gospel has paved the way for people like myself and other ECG members reaching out to non-believers in our community. I wouldn't have built the relationships with these children as quickly had it not been through the extension of their love and dedication to the people here.
I also had a very unexpected goodbye in August. My puppy, Shadow, died a few days short of her rabies vaccine at three months. She ended up biting a young boy, who we took immediately to the hospital. He was taken to three hospitals and we searched for the anti-rabies serum at four pharmacies in Tamale before being able to purchase it for his treatment. The child is doing well and will receive a total of five treatments. We thank God for His protection and provision. From the medical process for the boy to watching my puppy inhumanely suffer the last two days of her life... it was all a huge reality check for me, even though I have been working in and out of Ghana for the last 11 years. I have been confronted with the reality of life in a developing country as a foreigner, navigating the fine balance between adapting into the way of life among the local people, but also considering my personal experiences and upbringing which has formed my worldview.
Strangely enough, the decisions I made about Shadow's upbringing (which greatly differs from dog ownership in Canada) parallels the tension of navigating life and ministry cross-culturally. It has made me reflect on questions such as, "How are my decisions & actions influenced by my worldview?" or "How do I fully engage in the culture I'm immersed in, while also recognizing my upbringing, values and beliefs?" I don't have complete answers to these questions, but I know this is something I will be continually learning, stretching and growing in. Ultimately, I submit my dependency on God and rest in His grace, being reminded that I am running a marathon, not a sprint! Although August has been my most emotionally challenging month, I take great comfort in knowing that I am not alone, because Elroi, the God who sees me, is always with me.
All the goodbyes also bring new opportunities. I am very excited to work with Mordecai, a local ECG church member who has been a huge part of the transition phase in preparation for the Jeung's departure. Lawrencia is another young ECG church member who has been faithfully teaching the children bible stories, songs and English reading activities each day, while she has been home due to the COVID-19 school closure since March. The heart of CIM Canada has always been ministry partnership with local churches, and I am encouraged by my brother and sister's heart for sharing the gospel to these precious kids.
Thank you for your support, prayers and encouragement.
