Crossing_Cultures's Xanga

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:19:21 GMT

About those land negotiations

A friend told me that when she read our updates of the trip, she was surprised to see that I had casually slipped in the news about a land deal. Where was the fanfare? Where was the celebration?

That's exactly what I was wondering.

After our first year in Ghana, J-M and I began laughing at our expectations to purchase land before the end of our term. We spent the rest of our time getting educated the hard way about the Land Administration System in Ghana, legal procedures, and, well, how God had a different plan.

I wasn't part of the meeting when the team shook hands with the land owner on the land deal. Tonya and I had been meeting with the women in the microfinance program. Actually, I think that meeting was over and we might have even just been playing with the kids in the courtyard, when the guys from the team took us aside to tell us that we had come to an agreement, now we had to figure out details.

It was a bit of a shock to me because I guess I had figured that the whole land purchase part of this would be THE PINNACLE of our mission. I wanted time to pause, reflect, wonder, freak out and send out a whole bunch of We Just Had A Baby! notices.

Tonya Hamilton read a passage of scripture to the team during one of our morning devotions. It was Genesis 41, the story of Joseph, about how he spent two years in prison and then was released QUICKLY. In the same way, we spent years grappling with the steps to give this project footing, the land purchase, only to have it completed QUICKLY.

So there is this resounding insight I've come to terms with through this whole situation. That if I was ever disappointed about the pace of the land project (whether slow or fast) it's because I had put my desires or my priorities before God's. I might have even wanted a piece of the fanfare. Like I mentioned, I didn't get to be a part of the land negotiations. The option was removed from me, and I'm actually considering celebrating the fact.

The details of the land deal:

BFMC has purchased, or rather signed a 100 yr. lease, on behalf of the Ghana Mission, the property that Pastor Charles' school, New Dawn Preparatory, is currently occupying.
Through our partnership with the Ghana Mission, we hope to build a multi-purpose structure that will accommodate both New Dawn Preparatory and the church and ministry activities (i.e. microfinance, vocational school, youth meetings, etc.) of the Ghana Mission.

Now that we're all in the loop, we hope you'll help us see it through to completion!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:12:23 GMT

Highlight 1 of 256,879

We're home safe and sound. I used the 24+ hours in transit to consider what might be the highlight of my trip.

It could have been when Cliff was making the kids laugh by taking pictures of himself instead of them.

Might have been seeing Dave get excited over the potential a piece of property holds.

What about watching Rob eat everything - and seconds - put in front of him.

Then there was when we heard Kassim's vision for ministry...

...or saw Isaac's ministry at work.

It was pretty cool when Tonya met her prayer partner and Henry met Lynn's...

... and when people signed up to become prayer partners themselves.

There was this awesome moment when John-Mark's joke WORKED.

I loved it when I got to show the kids the pictures that BFMC kids drew for them...

... almost as much as when they drew pictures for the BFMC kids.

What about seeing little ones who'd grown a wee bit taller, but still remembered us...

... or meeting new ones we'll never forget.

Sharing a hug...

...or a handshake...

...or a dance...

It isn't a surprise I couldn't pick my favourite part.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:22:53 GMT

Ministry Moments

An Endidado [microfinance] member waiting for the rest of the group

Sunday school class at Korle Gonno

Everyone gets involved with worship!

I'm having a hard time believing that I posted almost daily for the time we lived here. The internet is really frustrating me! When it is available, it is painfully slow (i.e. these pics took over two hours to upload). I'll try to keep writing as I can, but most of my updates will happen when I return. I'm as annoyed as you because I have a TON of stuff to write about and no outlet. I guess I'll just have to talk off poor J-M's ear.

I just heard the the team is safe and sound back home, having spent the night in their own beds. Please continue to pray for them as they now go about adjusting to life back home. Also remember Mark who now has to attend to funeral arrangements for his father. See you in a few days!

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:02:03 GMT

Will you recognize them?

The team is on the second leg of their flight. This is what they looked like when they left.

Just add palm trees and look what you get!

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:40 GMT

Technical difficulties

I know you are all waiting patiently for us to report back on our trip experience. Sadly, the internet has been funky the past couple of days and we haven't been able to get on the blog. Just one of the things you have to be prepared for while in Ghana.

Of course, today is the team's last day. We're spending the morning checking out and then buying last minute souvenirs. But then there's this chunk of time from when the team leaves to when they arrive in Toronto. I have a 24-hour window to write anything I want about them! You'll definitely want to tune in for that.

Meanwhile, I have been going through pictures and want to share this picture of Pastor Charles at New Dawn School. This is the man in his element.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:25:15 GMT

Next up, Dave Quennell

I must be crazy. I let Dave into the blog! I didn't give up my editing rights, though, and since he didn't write anything "funny" about me, it's deemed suitable for public viewing.

Dave was directly involved in the successful land negotiations which were finalized on Friday (read: YIPPEE!).

What an experience so far. We have packed a lot into our days thanks to Loreli and John-Mark. Yesterday's visit to the Cape Coast slave castle was an amazing glimpse into the past, yet a sickening feeling overwhelms you as the thoughts of past atrocities are realized.

Today we had the privilege to attend a service at Potter's Chapel in a small, hot concrete room used as a classroom during the week but is turned into a place of worship on Sundays. It is quite overwhelming to see these Ghanaians who have so little worship with such joy and enthusiasm, each dressed in a wonderful array of colours. The impeccable outfits truly reflect "Sunday Best."

Following this, we moved on to service at Trinity Free Methodist Church where we were once again warmly (physically and figuratively) welcomed. Cliff brought his A game and even had them laughing a few times (trust me, our humour often doesn't travel well). We have told John-Mark not to worry as we are sure he was funny in Ghana. In Canada, well...

As we travelled through town, we were amazed by the hustle and bustle to the point of being overwhelmed. Street vendors travelled up and down busy highways, straddling lanes as they go. Anything can be purchased, from a picture of The Last Supper to bags of water, suitcases, nailclippers, almost anything you can imagine.

The Ghanaian people are the most friendly people I have met (besides BFMC folks, of course). Even the many drivers who are cutoff on a regular occassion, rarely show any signs of frustration despite the many near-accident experiences (we have even had a few of those but our driver, Prince, has prevailed).

My most memorable experience so far occurred during our negotiations for our land purchase. Discussions with Pastor Charles and the Board of Directors was a dialogue of the thoughts and desires of all parties. Although the conversations at no time became heated (as we all knew we were doing God's work) there were moments of very animated conversation. It is extremely fascinating how different cultures, as well as individuals, communicate and negotiate. After two somewhat intense meetings with the board we all came to a unanimous agreement to purchase the land on the site where Pastor Charles New Dawn School currently resides. The landowners were summoned and the local customs commenced.

Unlike Canada where all land negotiations (back and forth) tend to be done in private, these discussions are all done publicly between us as representatives of the Free Methodist Ghana Mission and the land owners. The first step has the land owners presenting the land to us through description and a brief history. At this point, we are requested to make an offer. This, of course, caught us completely off guard and we immediately called a time out as we were out of our element. We appointed Pastor Charles to negotiate on our behalf and for the next ten minutes a negotiation in the local language of Ga took place. Pastor Charles beginning with an offer and the land owner countering with an offer twice as high. A rollling of eyes and scoffing takes place and the game is on. Finally at a point where the BFMC team members were convinced that we would all need to walk away from the table and return at a later date, Pastor Charles rose and stated, "We have a deal," at a price extremely beneficial to our mission.

Although there are many more steps to be taken, the BFMC family can be extremely proud and excited about this partnership. I can tell you that each member of the Trinity Free Methodist of Accra congregation cheered loudly and Pastor Charles was especially overwhelmed and excited about the future. Even now, as we sit and chat, the potential opportunities for our church family to assist our brothers and sisters in Ghana are so exciting.

P.S. Today is my daughter Maggie's 12th birthday- Happy Birthday Maggie! I love you.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:30:43 GMT

A word from our team member, Tonya Hamilton

I wish you were all here with us. I wish you could experience:

the warm welcome we have been given
the zeal and passion for Christ that our fellow sisters and brothers have
the children who are so friendly and their beautiful smiles (don't worry Rob, I won't bring more than a couple of them home with me!)
the laughter we share
the most beautiful colour of fabric and the dresses that are made from them
and much more!

I thank you for your prayers because we can feel them over here. Our team unity is awesome and we have had many, many laughs together. Usually we are laughing amongst ourselves, but Rob told me that I made the Ghanaians chuckle last evening. We were stuck in a traffic jam and I thought I would walk well into the woods to go to the bathroom because I knew there was a long trip ahead to get home. The Ghanians were laughing because the men stood and the women just squatted on the side of the road to relieve themselves. I have experienced many things here in Ghana, but squatting on the side of a road with hundreds of spectators will not be one of my experiences!!

Blessings,
Tonya

Tonya with her prayer partner, Felicia

Tonya chatting with the kids

Tonya on the canopy walk at Kakum National Park

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:45:14 GMT

This blog is a glorified To Do list

We are already halfway through our trip! Things have been going so well except this one thing - I forgot to block off time in our itinerary to write about it. Our days have been so full, we are taking a break from doing ANYTHING tomorrow afternoon. While I expect the team will be napping, I'll be blogging. So remind me to tell you about our land negotiations (awesome), our walk through the communities of Korle Gonno and Chorkor (moving), and our "adventure" on the high-way (not sure whether to call this one worrisome or fun).

Hopefully, a couple of the other team members will contribute something too. I realize that my perspective is a lot different since most of this feels like home, as opposed to a brand new experience. I'm just loving seeing my church family in Barrie meet my church family in Ghana. It seems a long time coming... and yet perfect timing.

This, however, can't wait till tomorrow:

We would appreciate your continued prayers for the team, but specifically for Mark Webb. He received news last night that his father has passed away. He has decided to stay on with the team for the remainder of the trip, but we're praying that Jesus would comfort him through our team during this difficult time.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:05:21 GMT

Making Friends - Part 2

Pastor Charles introducing Pastor Cliff and team to some of his school staff

Pastor Charles and Isaac

Mark sharing his testimony and Pastor Charles enthusiastically translating (note Charles' Man on a Mission t-shirt)

Henry doing his thing

Church courtyard at revival

It's crazy slow trying to upload pictures. I think I'll have to choose a Picture of the Day from now on and wait till I get back to post the rest.

Everyone did a great job at the revival last night. Mark and Tonya got lots of "AMEN-Os!" to their testimonies. Henry really encouraged the crowd and was able to pray over a couple of young women who wanted to receive Jesus. Pastor Isaac (the man sitting at the very front, to the right, in the last picture) came up to Henry when he sat down, gave him a big hug and said, "I love you for that sermon! I really love you!"

Today will be the second day of the crusade and a tour of the sites of one of the church plants with Pastor Kassim. We have a short break midday where I'm going to take the team shopping at Makola Market. Should be fun! Ladies, I'll do my best to keep the men on track with their souvenir buying.

Yesterday the team got to experience some Ghanaian cuisine. Props to Rob for trying Fufu (pounded plantain and cassava, which you eat with your fingers) with light soup and goat meat.

We'd appreciate your prayers for:

continued health - no issues yet
strength in the heat - By the way, my plan worked. All that build up and I'm actually hearing the team say, "It's not as bad as I thought."
wisdom as we make decisions about next steps
open minds to what we see around us
effective words and willing hearts as we share the message of Jesus

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:27:31 GMT

Making friends

More to come...