Something hit me like a brick wall when I went out at 5:30 a.m. today. It was HUMIDITY! We had not experienced it since getting to Togo because the dry season was getting started. So, the FIRST thing I'm thankful for was the dry weather in Kara. Humidity always makes heat seem even more oppressive. The SECOND thing I'm thankful for is the time spent with Corban and Caden. What a joy! Little ones are work, that's for sure. But, a toothy smile from Corban or a "Help Papa" from Caden is all anyone could ask for. A THIRD thing I'm thankful for is that I am able to write a journal. PD may make that impossible in the future, but for now "it's all good." And for the future, I don't plan to let it cramp my style. Well, I have digressed ...
The FOURTH thing I'm thankful for is Joy (these are most certainly not in order of importance!). I could fill the rest of my journal with reasons I am thankful for her, but that's for another time!!
Breakfast
We were invited to breakfast with some friends of B and A. Besides us, at the table was a German, Swiss, Scot, and a girl from Kansas. She and the German met in Zaire ( Congo). Children were born in Kenya, England, U.S., and Ghana (that would be Corban). It was certainly an international crowd. Most interesting and enlightening.
Random thought:
We are at a Baptist Guest House. Like similar places we have stayed, A/C is optional. If you want it, turn it on -- for 60 cents per hour. Report the number of hours used and add it to your bill. Honor system in use!
10 a.m.
Off to the pool. A very nice private club pool. Brett, Caden and Papa go swimming (instead of watching football). I had opportunity to visit with Roger Stoll, a friend of B and A from Albertville days (language school) and Danny, who is Swiss but now lives in Leeds, England. They are both team members of the same ministry -- Roger in the field and Danny on a "supervisory visit." Great people.
Observation
It is becoming clear to me that churches -- various traditions and denominations -- are far less parochial than in the past. I see it in the Kara team and the cooperative work they engage in with SIL, community development programs, and ministries sponsored by other denominations. My conversations with Roger and Danny reinforced this belief. Instead of focusing on how different our traditions are, more and more faiths are banding together for the cause of Christ. In many ways this spirit of unity is being led by missionaries across the world who recognize the need to work together so the Great Commission can be carried out. Did I digress again? Sorry. I'll get back "on task" after Thanksgiving dinner.
Our dinner was a grand buffet. Lots of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, deviled eggs, etc. -- all the traditional fare.
Tomorrow we are off to Accra. Saturday we fly out for Frankfurt, Chicago, and then HOME. We have enjoyed and been blessed by our visit, but one always looks forward to being home. It seems like we have been here for a lifetime; but, it also feels like we just got here -- it's too soon to leave. What a paradox!
Good night!
P.S. Did I mention is is hot AND humid in Lome?!
Something to be thankful for!!
Gamma and Papa with Caden, Corban, April, and Brett just after Thanksgiving dinner.
A reminder of how much we have to be thankful for. These children were playing in the street (yes, that's a street!) within a block or so of the Baptist Guest House where we were staying.
Thanksgiving Day comes to a close. Tomorrow we're off to Accra.
