The Reluctant Missionary
I was never one who was excited about the possibility of being called as a missionary when I was young. I was always like...there they are Lord send them! But a missionary at 50?
I say reluctant because it's the truth. I fell in love with the Ghanaian people and loved doing ministry here, but living here full time? Nah. Isn't someone younger better suited to this life Lord? How about someplace a little cooler and more amenities? Nope...so I entered into this journey with trepidation and a bit of fear. A third world nation with a 14 year old in tow, not in any plans I had. Having to learn to do everything different, cooking, shopping, laundry and the scary one, driving with Ghanaians!
But God...once He calls, I must answer. I do not like fish very much and had no desire to spend anytime in the belly of one (Jonah reference) so saying no really wasn't an option. So here I am 51 years old, married for 31 years, 4 children ( 2 in Texas and 1 in Germany) I now live in the 3rd largest city in Ghana, Sunyani. The dirt road to get to our house is an off road adventure suitable for any 4X4 enthusiast. Rain makes it even more challenging. Sometimes we have power all day and most of the time, running cold water, no hot unless I heat it and take it with me in a bucket for my shower. I do my laundry by hand in a bucket behind the house and hang it out to dry. I am learning to cook using a propane oven and temperatures in Celsius. I am seriously trying to become adjusted to the heat here...it is similar to camp fire heat or sticking your head in the oven, which I don't recommend.
My circle of friends has gotten smaller over the years. Not everyone understands choosing Jesus first everyday and every time, whether I feel like it or not; my emotions have ruled my life for far too many years. May this blog remind you that we are all a work in progress, we all need Christ and we all fail more times than we want to admit. Walk this adventure with me, laugh with me, cry with me and please pray for me.
