Prayer for A College Student

Going off to college is such an exciting time! The unknowns abound, and conjure up feelings of anticipation as well as uneasiness. Even if one isn't moving far from home, there comes with this season new freedoms and responsibility.


In just two weeks 185,000 students will be starting up at the various colleges, tech. schools, and universities in the Milwaukee Metro area. They will find out what they are truly made of-if they can make it to all their classes and balance social life and academics. Many will completely start over and find a new identity. They will all struggle at some point, even if no one ever knows-be it emotionally, financially, socially, or academically. All of them will be seeking a place to fit in, and the hope of a prosperous future. Some will fail and drop out after just a few weeks. It happens every year, and it's a sad fact. Others will transfer from the impatience created by how their expectations measure up to reality. (Making true friends can take so long!)


As these students are having graduation parties and making their final runs to Target and Ikea, I am excited for them. I can't wait to meet as many of them as possible, and welcome them to their new schools. To let them know they matter, and are not just another face in the crowd. I hope they will flourish and find themselves in college. Most of all, I hope they will find God, and let Him in. No matter what their past, or current religious affiliation, I hope college will be for them a time of learning about their Creator, and understanding the beauty and mystery of the gospel. I hope I will be faithful to show it to them.


I came across this prayer this afternoon as I scrolled through recent posts on Twitter. Will you pray it with me, for the incoming students? These two weeks mark such a significant point in so many lives, and our prayers can surely make a tangible difference as we talk to God on their behalf.

Leadership Summit

The past two days I have had the opportunity to be a part of Willow Creek's Annual Global Leadership Summit.  I love this kind of stuff.  I eat up leadership podcasts and books that help people think more strategically and better themselves as leaders.  I am really grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend this conference, via satellite, and be challenged by some of today's top leaders in business and management.

I've heard from former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Renowned Pastor Bill Hybels, and Executive TV Producer Mark Burnett, among others.  I am most looking forward to Andy Stanley's closing session this afternoon!

Some highlights from the summit so far:

Bill Hybels

Joshua 1:9-"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

"Courage correlates to every leadership component."  

"People join organizations.  They leave managers."

"If you lead in an organization long enough, you will have to re-invent the organization, and re-invent yourself."

"Some of the most rewarding experiences in the marathon are reserved until late in the race."       Persevere.  

Colin Powell

"Leadership is about followership"

"Get mad then get over it"-one of his catch phrases. 

"Leaders solve problems.  If people aren't bringing you problems, they either think you don't care, or you won't do anything about it."   Be approchable, and let those you lead know you care. 

Peter Lencioni

3 things that cause job misery:

-Irrelevance-Thinking what you do doesn't matter

-Immeasurement-Not knowing how to gauge progress properly

-Anonymity-People feel anonymous.  

There's a lot to take in, process and pray about.  I have some small steps identified that need be taken to be a more effective and godly leader, so please pray for me to keep walking them out and growing as a leader!

Project Week

This week I have been all about various projects. I can't get enough. I've been changing light bulbs, reading up on how to make a washer toss game, and swapping out storage solutions around our place.  Even today when sniffling and coughing from a surprise cold, I had to put the final touches on my latest endeavor.

Making plastic magazine holders pretty with fabric.  

It started like this:  

four plastic holders

spray glue

fabric (a gift from Ghanaian staff-perfect!)

scissors

box cutter

thin cardboard (for covering spaces and making edges the same)

coffee-optional, but necessary as this was a night project.

Cardboard glued-check. Next went the fabric, and cardstock to cover the seams inside. Ta dah!

I looked online for tips to do this, but everyone either made theirs from cereal boxes (not as sturdy), or designed it from sturdy cardboard (not necessary since I already had the structure. I am very satisfied with the final product!

The Travelling Elephant

We found these beautiful elephant tables at the Art Market in Accra, and after much consideration, decided to make a purchase.  Our boy Constitution even brought it to the airport the following morning wrapped and ready to go.  

    

After spending several hours at the airport the morning of our departure, Ben had to go back "just for five minutes" to fill out some remaining paperwork before the artifact would be shipped as cargo.  So our team waited outside in our buses for him to run in and do this.  And we waited...and finally had to go and check in without him because it was taking so long. No one would tell him anything, but after an hour and a half and a drive to border control, he was notified that the DEA was suspicious drugs were being smuggled in the elephant! A common practice I'm sure, but the fact that it was happening to us was just laughable. 

To Ben's horror (and mine as I later pictured the scene), a hammer was taken to the beautiful piece and inspected for drugs. Guess what they found......nothing. So we are left with no elephant, having paid everything in full, and Ben is hoping he can still make the flight.  

I have to say I was glad to have a good story!

...

This week we were notified that our replacement was being shipped.  We didn't know if it would be sent to our apartment or if we should pick it up at the airport, until we got the call from the airport saying it was in. So Ben went to get it today and she is now in our home! (We were thankfully able to get the other one from Constitution's shop that was almost the same).  

This box has seen better days...

    

Excited to see it!

 And there she is! What a beauty.  At first it looked like the wrong color and finish, but once in dimmer light I could tell it was the right one.

I was really, REALLY nervous to get this thing up three flights of stairs by ourselves. (Thankfully my husband is very strong and muscular :) ) 

Phew. Made it to the top!

Just testing it out.

Isn't she a great fit?!

Welcome home, little one. 

Hindsight: Still not 20/20

I came across this blog post that never made it online while on our trip:

Three weeks ago I read Isaiah 55:8-9 on one of the flights to Ghana. It was a desperate attempt to intake some scripture in the midst of being tired, fighting a cold, and leading 29 students to another continent.    I have read the verses before, and am in full agreement that God is much greater that I am. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.   For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

I caught a glimpse of this truth playing out the first 48 hours in country.  Constant adjustments needed to be made, I had next to nothing for a voice, and I was sweating. Constantly. (That's just not something a girl likes to do). Clearly I could not maintain a positive, let alone Christ-like mindset left to my own devices.  I could not understand why things were playing out the way they were, and why our plans were not sufficient despite all the time we spent working them out.  But I could trust that God knew.  In the coming weeks I would see God use circumstances to reveal flaws in my character, challenge the depth of my faith in Him, and on whom I truly depend to bear fruit for His kingdom.  There were a few days where I really did not want to be in Ghana, leading a team, or working as a missionary.  Despite those feelings and the trials that made those days seem unbearable, I am so glad Ben and I came to Ghana. When I think of what we would have missed had we done something else, I know we would have missed out on some sweet gifts from Him.  I am seeing God’s purpose(s) for us being here unfold as the days go on, and it is really humbling and awesome.  

Today I am reminded of those verses in Isaiah yet again.  As I sat in my room in our hostel this afternoon, planning for Wednesday’s Bible study, I had a sweet encounter with God. I asked the Lord for something specific, and my heart was humbled at the thought of Him listening, and the knowledge that He wants this prayer to be answered as much as I do. (I know because it’s true to His Word.)  The Holy Spirit gave me words to pray, and my heart genuinely thanked God for all He has done here, as I reflected on the past few weeks and the experiences we have had.  I asked Him boldly to not let us come back home the same as when we left.  I could not have planned to connect with God intimately during an afternoon of planning, but am grateful that the truths in Isaiah exist and are causing me to grow and depend more on Jesus, and less on myself.  I am so glad and praise God that He knows what I need, when I need it.  

I still don't know why certain things played out the way they did, but having been home for two weeks now and hearing from students all that they learned during our trip, I have a bit more insight into God's work through every detail.

Culture "Sparks"

When I think of being "shocked" dramatic emotions and images are evoked.  I wouldn't say I experienced reverse culture shock in the least upon returning home Friday night. I really like being home, so naturally it's easy to adapt.  Old habits die hard, for better or worse, so adjusting to life back in the U.S. was pretty easy. 

While on our bike ride to and from the farmer's market Saturday morning, I did have a few "sparks" that made me think about the differences between what I was currently seeing and doing vs. what I experienced for the past 4.5 weeks. 

#1:  Riding up to the path in our neighborhood where person after (white) person jogged or rode bikes, I was keenly aware that I had not seen anything like this in Ghana.  From what I saw, Ghanaians don't typically exercise.  Most people were doing some kind of work-whether school work, running a shop, or selling merchandise on the street.  Who has time to go for a run just for fun?

#2:  Scents.  In our first hour being outside I smelled a couple of scents that I normally would complain about, but as I considered how often I practiced breathing through my mouth in the past weeks, I held my tongue and thanked God for the overall freshness and cleanliness of the air I was breathing.

#3:  Handshakes.  A student's parents drove us home from the airport Friday night, and as I went to shake the dad's hand, I instinctively went to do the finger snap that accompanies handshakes in Ghana. It's really a fun way to greet someone, or celebrate mid-conversation if good news is shared.  It would be great if people picked up on this!

#4:  Shaving in the shower. Every time I did it in Ghana I would have to restrain myself from putting the razor handle in my mouth during the initial lather up like I always do.  Upon my first shower at home, in it went without a second thought.

#5:   Making change. As I handed the vendor at the market a $20 for the basil I purchased, I paused and asked if she had change.  She looked at me a little funny and said "yes". It was common for vendors to be unable to make change for larger bills even at the grocery store in the mall in Ghana. 

#6:  Scenery.  Our bike ride took us through neighborhoods with lush, green grass, immaculate yards not littered with trash, and neatly manicured lawns.

I think if our egg sandwich sales girl, Portia, or her younger brother Albert would come to stay with us and see our life, they would have extreme culture shock.  Ben joked as he imagined us showing her around: "Portia, here's our second car, and this is our office which Katie complains about twice a week because it's not organized enough, and here are all of the bobbleheads..."

Contrasting cultures: not better or worse-just different. 

Kakum Canopy Walk Experience

This gives you an idea of what it's like to walk above the tree tops!

Cape Coast Adventure

Last weekend we had our mid project retreat.  We travelled to Cape Coast, a fishing port and former capital of Ghana.  We had beautiful weather until the very end, and enjoyed the needed retreat.

 Scenic drive...

One of the many Christian-named shops. Praise the Lord for bras & lingerie!

We did one of only 4 canopy walks in the world at Kakum National Park.  On our climb through the jungle we had the opportunity to purchase some beverages.  We passed.

Some of the girls were nervous, but they did great!

That night we had pizza for dinner. Pizza never tasted so good. 

The beach at Coconut Grove Resort served as a fun day off! The rip tide was strong so minimal swimming could be done, but it was still refreshing.

On our drive back to Accra, Ben saves the day by getting out to buy bread and bananas for lunch.  It's amazing what we can get by on.

Obama t-shirt. We also saw many Chicago Bulls hats and jerseys, along with a few Hawkeye shorts. I don't think people realized what teams they were reppin', nor did they care as much as we did.

Donuts? Bread? Fan Ice? Fruit? The options are endless.This is way better than a drive thru.  

When the rain hit, it was the fastest I have seen any Ghanaian move!

Food in Kumasi

There are much better pictures than these, but no time to sort right now! Just wanted to give a snapshot of our daily diet:

Fried Rice & Chicken (meal complete with Pineapple Juice Box)

Uh oh, the rations are getting low! Breakfasts have been a bit measly in our room.  Looks like a fight for the last granola bar.  The tub of chocolate spread isn't bad on the Digestive crackers.

I discovered fresh avocado two weeks in. Mixed with my two fried eggs it was like a delicious omelette!

Unplanned Dependency

Three weeks ago I read Isaiah 55:8-9 on one of the flights to Ghana. It was a desperate attempt to intake some scripture in the midst of being tired, fighting a cold, and leading 29 students to another continent.    I have read the verses before, and am in no doubt in agreement with the fact that God is much greater that I am. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.   For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

I caught a glimpse of this truth playing out the first 48 hours in country.  Constant adjustments needed to be made, I had next to nothing for a voice, and I was sweating. Constantly.  Clearly I could not maintain a positive, let alone Christ-like mindset left to my own devices.  I could not understand why things were playing out the way they were, and why our plans were not sufficient despite all the time we spent working them out.  But I could trust that God knew.  In the coming weeks I would see God use circumstances to reveal flaws in my character, challenge the depth of my faith in Him, and on whom I truly depend to bear fruit for His kingdom.  There were a few days where I really did not want to be in Ghana, leading a team, or working as a missionary.  Despite those feelings and the trials that made those days seem unbearable, I am so glad Ben and I came to Ghana. When I think of what we would have missed had we done something else, I know we would have missed out on some sweet gifts from Him.  I am seeing God’s purpose(s) for us being here unfold as the days go on, and it is really humbling and awesome.  

Today I am reminded of those verses in Isaiah yet again.  As I sat in my room in our hostel this afternoon, planning for Wednesday’s Bible study, I had a sweet encounter with God. I asked the Lord for something specific, and my heart was humbled at the thought of Him listening, and the knowledge that He wants this prayer to be answered as much as I do. (I know because it’s true to His Word.)  The Holy Spirit gave me words to say, and my heart genuinely thanked God for all He has done here, as I reflected on the past few weeks and the experiences we have had.  I asked Him boldly to not let us come back home the same as when we left.  I couldn’t have planned to connect with God intimately during an afternoon of planning, but am grateful that the truths in Isaiah exist and are causing me to grow and depend more on Jesus, and less on myself.  Praise God that He knows what we need, when we need it. 

First Two Weeks in Ghana

It feels like we have been here for a month! Our team of 33 is bonding well and we have had many new and exciting experiences.  Here are a few snapshots into our weeks:

Our flight from Kumasi to Accra. By the time we were up in the air we were almost ready to descend!

We had an outreach outside of a big futbol game that was happening on campus. We played frisbee, volleyball, and basketball, and talked with those sitting around about the gospel. It was a ton of fun!

Here's our room. Pretty much a constant mess :) Lately the power has gone out every day, which we are getting used to.

We are getting used to everything, actually.  Our new normal consists of eating the same foods, sweating through our clothes, hand washing clothes and hoping for the best, and-until today for me-not using any technology besides a poor cell phone.  

Here's a stove in one of the girls' rooms. The guys actually used something like this this morning to cook us pancakes for breakfast! It was SUCH a treat! Fresh pineapple, watermelon, and chocolate spread were available as well.

Laundry time! Some of the guys have hired local women to wash their clothes for them. A mere price of $2.50 USD.

Our usual walk from our hall to where we get food and meet students on campus.

Bag water, bananas, and ground nuts.

This is where we stay: Hall 7.  The layout makes it easy to hear pretty much anyone anywhere in the building :) We have a neighbor who likes to get really loud after 11pm. Thankfully our ceiling fan is obnoxiously loud and my earplugs drown him out.

This week we went into a village called Jokabu to meet people and show the Jesus Film.  Here are some of the locals. 

Comfort is an 18 year old girl who invited us in out of the pouring rain. I got to talk through a picture booklet with her that explained the gospel. She is a Christian, so we talked about ways she can grow in her faith and I gave her some booklets we use in the U.S. to learn more about living a life dependent on the Holy Spirit. 

Her family collected a ton of water that day!

The kids were very excited to see so many Obrunis. (White men).

An Obruni's Time in Ghana: 50 Things I learned in Ghana

Taken from another blogger I came across, to share some truths about Ghana and it's people. I agree with everything on here and would have written the same things!

An Obruni's Time in Ghana: 50 Things I learned in Ghana: During my month-long stay here in Ghana, there are a lot of things that I have learned.  Here is a list of 50 of them. 1.        Awkwa...

Summer Is Here!

I love to get in some good summer activities before travelling to the destination of they year. This year's adventure: Ghana, Africa.  We won't be grilling out there! 

We had a great spread of food and awesome weather. I tried two recipes for the first time: Cheesecake, and Sangria. Both were delish if I must say so.  This neighborhood has blessed us over and over in these 3 years.