Thanks for the birthday wishes!

 Thanks to so many, I had a great birthday.  I had several Facebook posts, wishing me a happy birthday, and I even got 4 packages of birthday goodies!  It took some time to claim them at the post office, though.  The first three were easy, but one was sent to the ‘parcel service’.  The lady completed some paperwork and charged me 7 GHC, about $5, and then gave my package to another person further down the counter.  When he got around to helping me, I was made to open the package for him to inspect the goods and determine how much to charge me for customs fees.  He saw my trail mix and said, ‘You people’, with a little bit of disgust in his voice, and he questioned me as to what hairspray is.  He was completely bald – kind of a waste. :) Some other lady looked things over and had me give him back the paperwork (despite the fact he was standing right next to her), and I was again told to have a seat.  The whole thing took about an hour, but I finally got my package and it didn’t matter the silly paperwork exercise – I have trail mix!!  And it’s not the store bought kind.  No, this is a special mix created by my pastor’s wife and shared with a dear friend that I’m sure spent an arm and a leg buying the ingredients and then paying the postage.  Every handful reminds me that I’m loved.  Ahhh – happy camper. :)

For those I haven’t told yet, I have relocated for the summer to Kumasi, Ghana.  One of my supporting churches has a team of missionaries here.  I’m helping out in the mornings at their ACE Christian school, and I’m really enjoying it.  Let me tell you about one of the little girls.  Her name is Emmanuella, and she’s about 8 or 9 years old.  I’m not sure exactly how she came to Christ, but when she didn’t show up at her public school her teacher came looking for her.  She just has a very sweet spirit, and I can see why her teacher would take notice that she was missing.  When the teacher found out she was going to a Christian school, Emmanuella invited her to visit the church.  On her first or second visit to the church, the teacher, Felicia, got saved, and now comes to every service, including soul winning.  I have gone out with her a few times on Saturday mornings, and she wants us to stop at each vendor to witness to them!  She translates for me, and I believe she will soon be doing the witnessing on her own.  Both Felicia and Emmanuella are real delights.