Ahhh…Where to being? Well I guess I will start here…I am 5 weeks. These have been some of the best and worst days of my life. When I say the worst day of my life I am not magnifying the daily struggles I face here, but the life of struggle the Ghanaian people live with. I have seen poverty that makes the poorest parts of America look rich, and I have seen little children in the midst of problem I couldn’t handle. I now understand why God said go unto all the nations. I am here to offer them hope where there was none before and peace that they have never know; I am here to offer them Jesus. Something that really struck home with me was not seeing many kids with disabilities. I learned it’s not because they aren’t born, it’s because they don’t live. Some of the people I love most in the world if born here in Africa would not be alive. That is a life changing realization.

Learning to appreciate the little things is a big part of being happy. I had a Sunday school teach write after I got saved who talked about God’s love notes to us and how he leaves them just when we need them. Every day I find this to be so true. Sometimes all it takes is a little rain to turn your whole day around.

I have however learned to do things I would have never dreamed of doing at home:

Bathe from a bucket. Make spaghetti sauce from tomatoes. Gone over a month without a flat iron. Walked through a forest with monkeys swinging over my head. Met people who actually lived in mud huts.

I can say I have had my share of frustrations so far. I have even I had times of questioning why I ever left America.

In 5 weeks my flesh has been crucified. Things that I thought mattered (AE Jeans, Make-up, Coach Purses) … don’t really matter.

So along came the question....what really matters. Love? Hope? Peace? Joy? Obedience? And as I pondered these thoughts I always come back to obedience.

Obedience- dutiful or submissive behavior

Dutiful behavior. Ahhh. Now we are getting somewhere. I have a duty to fulfill. So every day I’m here I strive to remember that I am here because I have been obedient and lives can only be changed through obedient servants.


”I don't see success as the goal. Obedience is the goal.”

-Jerry B. Jenkins

The grace to be his Beloved

"Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self."

As I sit here in this little room over 5000 miles away from home I realize that I have only gotten through this 3 week by grace. Although some of the things I have seen have been unreal and humbling I have come through with a greater understanding of who I am in Christ.
`Yesterday I got to experience a village in which they actually live in mud huts with grass tops, and the only water they have comes from a well. Although I was in this village to look at monkeys God brought to my attention that this is life for them and it’s not an easy life. I haven’t been here long and I cannot imagine ever being in such a situation it is so heart breaking.
One thing I have figured out in these 3 weeks is why I am here. I know God brought me here to minister and to reach people but I have always had the question of “why me?” Yesterday God revealed that I am here to come to the end of me. He has brought me to Ghana, West Africa to crucify Tesia and walk in the callings he has on my life. To think that he had to bring me so far to do it tells me I must be pretty stubborn, but it also shows me he knows I could handle this. I haven’t experienced any real culture shock at this point, I have actually received compliments on the way I carry myself as a missionary (which is very encouraging). I hiked 2 rather large places yesterday without complaint and went into the jungle where there were wild monkeys. As you all know I don’t do woods, hiking, or wild animals but the grace God has given me to face challenges here is unlike anything I have ever felt.
On another note I taught about 150 kids during 4 services this weekend and I have been asked to do children’s ministry every Sunday. I am teaching in the basement of the church with no supplies just a bible and an Ipod, but these children are so hungry for the word they sit, watch, and follow everything I do or say. Please join me in praying that God would provide finances for me to setup something more for these children. I would like to be able to give them coloring sheets or play games with them; most of them don’t even have a bible. If you want to give to help with this ministry you can give via pay pal or contact me for other ways.
Thank you so much for your continued support and prayer. As I am studying in Romans 10 I would is that you pray that I would continue to grow in Him.

Romans 11

04/02/13 9:53am
On my 12th day in Ghana, West Africa I have come to realize that everything is so different. It’s funny people can tell you how different it will be, but you can never really imagine a world outside of your own until you have experienced for yourself. I consider myself blessed that I am here with a family I am familiar with and they know what I am going through, I couldn’t imagine being in a different country only surrounded by people you don’t really know and that don’t speak your language. I have found out in these 12 days that to me the most difficult part of being a missionary is doing normal task ( like grocery shopping, washing dishes, even eating and cooking), when nothing about your surroundings is normal to you. Everything is an adjustment. My body is constantly adjusting to the smell, taste, and look of everything around me. Not all of my adjustments are bad. I am in my word like never before, so hungry for the voice of God. The culture here has been so humbling; it makes me thankful for everything I have. The people are extremely loving and helpful. And let’s not forget my absolute favorite part of life…kids. I know I am here because it’s the will of God and not out of self or flesh. My flesh is dying every day, but my spirit man is soaring. I know turning back is not an option because the word says in Romans 11 “The gifts of God are irrevocable”.
So as I move forward and continue to embark on this incredibly insane journey God has planned for me I invite you to come with me. Pray for not only me but the people I come in contact with every day. If God put a scripture or a word on your heart for me tell me. If you’re thinking of me let me know. I am so grateful that God picked me for this mission, but when he pick me he also pick you, my family and friends, to be my backbone and support. Thank you so much for you support and prayers.