Today is Tuesday. . . there are two baskets of dirty clothes I need to wash. . . water is off. . . the crocheted doilies from all over the house are clean and sorted on the couch, but where do I put them?
The bed in the guestroom is not made - those sheets are some of the dirty clothes in those baskets I mentioned. . . what to do?
I just completed one syllabus report for ACTS-Ghana next term. . . still have one to go. Need to get mail caught up. . . behind on birthdays and anniversaries.
Girls gone to the mall. . . Annie leaves tonight/early tomorrow morning. . . Ashley flew away early this morning.
Boxes and lockers all over the hallways . . . flea market stuff still there from before my trip to Madagascar. . . and what to cook for dinner tomorrow?
Will probably have late breakfast when CC arrives . . . will have to go to airport and hopefully have a nice pathway cleared out for all the luggage she is bringing with goodies inside for us. . . Wednesday morning will be here soon! Company's coming!
Need to get everything done for sub-regional Conference. . . but waiting on French translation of banner wording. . . hope the Adams got my e-mail and will respond soon. . . even though they are in Benin with a large group from their home church. Have to pack. . . but lightly as no room for luggage - lots of people in the vehicles. . . company's coming.
Company's coming. . . Bro. Woodward and his son Matt. . . staying in hotel, but will still be around house some, I am sure. . . Can't put all this stuff in Melinda's room, or just in back of the house. . . have to sort through it all . . . packing for here, there, storage and give-away. . .
Company's coming . . . will they care? We are off to Togo on Monday, so. . . company may be coming, but this house is a MESS!!!
I walk around in a daze. . . where did that go before? How does it look there? What do I do with all these doilies? Maybe I will put them away until AFTER company, as I can't seem to remember where I took them from - ha! . . . and company's coming. . . Oh glory! Hallelujah! ACTS-Ghana . . . graduation's coming too. . . but company's coming first!
Well, I need something to motivate me to get things in order, cleaned up and some of this dirt removed from the house. . . windows. . . ceilings with cobwebs. . . under the beds. . . under the couches. . . COMPANY'S COMING!!!!!
The generator is broken. . . in the shop. . . supposed to come home today. . . we forgot!
Melinda's dog died this morning . . . old and sick too. . . so sorry, but company's coming!
Car needs to be fixed. . . was puttering up the hill on Saturday and Sunday. . . something about fuel injectors. . . bad diesel . . . all of it is dirty. . . so annoying!
Company's coming. . . will we be ready?
Jesus is coming too. . . wonder what I'll be doing when the trumpet sounds? Sure hope and pray I'm ready that day. . . 'cause COMPANY'S COMING SOON!!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Happy Birtyday. . . to our OTHER Daughter. . . Colleen
"Helping hands. . . that's what I want to be," she said. Did God ever hear that prayer! He already heard my prayer . . . "Lord, I need help. . . with the girl's school, with the work of Reaching Africa's Children, . . . with a special friend." God heard that prayer too, and sent me another "daughter."
Sis. Colleen first came to Ghana in February 2000. We had never seen her before she stepped off the plane in Accra. She was scared of this new family, but God took care of all that, and added a member to our family.
Today is her 30th birthday, and we have enjoyed her "helping hands" for more than 8 years now.
She is traveling all over North America to raise her Partners in Missions support, but she has our love and support . . . no matter where in the world she is!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sweetie!
God's BEST, God's REST, and More ZEST!
(Rev's birthday blessing)
We Love YOU!
Your Ghana Family:
Mum, Rev, Melinda & Candra
My Sweetie. . . JIM!
May 13, 1983 - this shy, quiet Canadian stepped off a plane onto African soil, and God's plan was set in motion for a lifetime.
I wasn't there that day, but thankfully I WAS there in April 1984 when he returned to Nigeria again. My life has never been the same.
25 years is a long time to give yourself - heart and soul to a cause (the work of God in West Africa) . . . but it is only just beginning.
Jim is shy - until you get to know him better (or until he knows you a little bit more). But you would never know that from all the things he does for God's kingdom. . . for his leaders. . .or for our family. . . or the missionary/national team who work together in Ghana.
What a joy to know and love him!
What excitement to join with him to raise our daughters!
What a blessing to work alongside him for 24 years (September 29, 2008 is our 24th anniversary)!
What a thrill to see God use and bless him with more and more responsibility in our church around the world!
What a thrill to see God use and bless him with more and more responsibility in our church around the world!
What happiness to call him "husband" . . . my spiritual head and leader!
What fun to call him "friend" . . . and to see the wonderful, creative things he does. . . especially for those he loves!
Oh what a special man he is. . . MY SWEETIE. . . JIM!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
MY GIRLS . . . REALLY!
These are my two girls. . . Melinda and Candra. Melinda finished her 12t
h grade. . . Thank You, Jesus! Here she is holding her diplima from A Beka Academy in Pensacola. When we sent off for transcripts, they sent back her grades . . . all the way through kindergarten! I cried . . . was so thankful to be able to accomplish this with her. Some days, I wasn't sure, but God was good to us, and helped all the way. We praise the Lord for our girls - they are both really special, and have been such a tremendous blessing in our lives.
After a year of working as a teacher's aid/assistant at the AmericanInternational School in Accra, Melinda is off to Bible college in Indianapolis, Indiana - IBC. We appreciate your prayers for her, as God leads in a new area of her life.
The prissy young lady below is our baby - Candra. She is almost finished 11th grade (about a week and a half remains) and she will begin 12th grade in June. Plans to finish that off in six months, and be home with Melinda in Bible school by January. As you can see, she loves clothes . . . especially when she designs them herself . . . like this dress she is wearing in the picture. She designed it for Melinda's "Think Pink" 19th birthday this year.
God is good, and has blessed my girls. . . as He blessed us with both of them. It will be difficult to come back to Ghana and leave them in the US. . . but He is faithful, and will keep them both in the hollow of His hands. I know He will have to keep me and their Dad too . . . as we are more wimpy about their departure than they are - ha!
Yep. . . these are MY GIRLS. . . REALLY!
h grade. . . Thank You, Jesus! Here she is holding her diplima from A Beka Academy in Pensacola. When we sent off for transcripts, they sent back her grades . . . all the way through kindergarten! I cried . . . was so thankful to be able to accomplish this with her. Some days, I wasn't sure, but God was good to us, and helped all the way. We praise the Lord for our girls - they are both really special, and have been such a tremendous blessing in our lives.After a year of working as a teacher's aid/assistant at the AmericanInternational School in Accra, Melinda is off to Bible college in Indianapolis, Indiana - IBC. We appreciate your prayers for her, as God leads in a new area of her life.
The prissy young lady below is our baby - Candra. She is almost finished 11th grade (about a week and a half remains) and she will begin 12th grade in June. Plans to finish that off in six months, and be home with Melinda in Bible school by January. As you can see, she loves clothes . . . especially when she designs them herself . . . like this dress she is wearing in the picture. She designed it for Melinda's "Think Pink" 19th birthday this year.
God is good, and has blessed my girls. . . as He blessed us with both of them. It will be difficult to come back to Ghana and leave them in the US. . . but He is faithful, and will keep them both in the hollow of His hands. I know He will have to keep me and their Dad too . . . as we are more wimpy about their departure than they are - ha!
Yep. . . these are MY GIRLS. . . REALLY!
Getting through it. . . together
How do you say "goodbye?" Why do we have to do that so often?
Over the years, "goodbye" has been a consistent part of the vocabulary of our girls. . . us too, but as you get older, say "goodbye" more often, it gets more common. Notice I didn't say "easier" just something we have to do.
This is a painful time for our teenage daughters. So many of their friends are leaving. . . or they are leaving their friends. Olivia (bottom right with Melinda) has been around since we first came to Ghana 13 years ago. She has already travelled to the US with her missionary family for some needed time out, but that means Melinda will not see them again before she travels in August.
Yva (pictured at top with Melinda) and Annie (bottom left with Candra) are friends made in the past four years. But love goes deep, so goodbyes are difficult. Yva is leaving Ghana with her family - workers for the UN from Serbia and Australia. Annie is moving back to Virginia, US with her missionary family.
These are just a few examples of the many friends Melinda (in August) and Candra (in November) will be telling "goodbye."
I know. . . they will be saying "hello" to a whole new way of life. . . new friends. . . a new church environment. . . basically, in just a few days/weeks, everyone they know and everything they see will be new. . . different. . . and a little bit scary. . . or maybe a LOT.
We will get through this. . . by sticking as close together as possible. There have been lots of hugs, snuggles in the morning and at night before sleep, and plenty of prayer going on around our house.
There have been extra trips to the mall (yep - we DO have one now), more lunches out, extra sleep overs, and anything we can possibly think of to help with this process of letting go. . .
Letting go of life as they know it, and looking ahead to "all things new."
Will you join us in prayer for the transition our girls have to make, as we are SURE that. . . TOGETHER, we will get through this, in Jesus' Name.
Over the years, "goodbye" has been a consistent part of the vocabulary of our girls. . . us too, but as you get older, say "goodbye" more often, it gets more common. Notice I didn't say "easier" just something we have to do.
This is a painful time for our teenage daughters. So many of their friends are leaving. . . or they are leaving their friends. Olivia (bottom right with Melinda) has been around since we first came to Ghana 13 years ago. She has already travelled to the US with her missionary family for some needed time out, but that means Melinda will not see them again before she travels in August.
Yva (pictured at top with Melinda) and Annie (bottom left with Candra) are friends made in the past four years. But love goes deep, so goodbyes are difficult. Yva is leaving Ghana with her family - workers for the UN from Serbia and Australia. Annie is moving back to Virginia, US with her missionary family.
These are just a few examples of the many friends Melinda (in August) and Candra (in November) will be telling "goodbye."
I know. . . they will be saying "hello" to a whole new way of life. . . new friends. . . a new church environment. . . basically, in just a few days/weeks, everyone they know and everything they see will be new. . . different. . . and a little bit scary. . . or maybe a LOT.
We will get through this. . . by sticking as close together as possible. There have been lots of hugs, snuggles in the morning and at night before sleep, and plenty of prayer going on around our house.
There have been extra trips to the mall (yep - we DO have one now), more lunches out, extra sleep overs, and anything we can possibly think of to help with this process of letting go. . .
Letting go of life as they know it, and looking ahead to "all things new."
Will you join us in prayer for the transition our girls have to make, as we are SURE that. . . TOGETHER, we will get through this, in Jesus' Name.
Practicing Grammie
This is Stephen Sisco . . . my "grandson." He is 3 years old until August this year, then will be a great big FOUR. 
He is wearing the outfit we bought him
from northern Ghana (Tamale).
Stephen came to Ghana when he was 11 months old, and we have sure enjoyed watching him grow into the little man you see here.
Allanah was 3 when she arrived here. That is the same age as Candra (our youngest) was when we first came to Ghana. Allanah began
school here, and is doing a great job of learning to read, write, and loves science a lot!This is her First Grade picture. . . isn't she a cutie?!!!
Their Mom & Dad (Nick & Pam Sisco) are very kind to allow us to "pretend" we are their grandparents. It is a real joy to get all those hugs and kisses from these precious little ones.
He is wearing the outfit we bought himfrom northern Ghana (Tamale).
Stephen came to Ghana when he was 11 months old, and we have sure enjoyed watching him grow into the little man you see here.
Allanah was 3 when she arrived here. That is the same age as Candra (our youngest) was when we first came to Ghana. Allanah began
school here, and is doing a great job of learning to read, write, and loves science a lot!This is her First Grade picture. . . isn't she a cutie?!!!Their Mom & Dad (Nick & Pam Sisco) are very kind to allow us to "pretend" we are their grandparents. It is a real joy to get all those hugs and kisses from these precious little ones.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Back again. . . Still "TOGETHER"
Well, I am back . . . were'nt holding your breath were you?
Seems like I get this going once a month . . . maybe - ha!
As I get older, I can't remember stuff like I used to . . . at least not my blog address (had to get Jim to look it up for me today . . . heaven help me!) Melinda at school, so she couldn't guide me along the right path.
Been to Madagascar and back since I wrote here last. What a trip! The church there is awesome, and the people so very sweet and welcoming. A memory we will always treasure. Jim went with me! That was a real treat too, as one or the other of us usually travel alone. This time, the girls insisted they were fine. . . and they WERE!
The second day we were in Madagascar, Candra wrote - should have been a red flag right there, as she usually leaves that to Melinda.
Well, Melinda was sick, and Ashley too, so Candra was nurse and house manager, and school girl, and taker to the clinic for blood lady, and you name it! Bless her heart - she was a trouper.
No need to worry, I couldn't do a thing to help. . . except pray and try to encourage her. She learned a lot and did a great job of taking care of her big sister (Melinda home a whole week in bed, and really feeling rotten). . . Ashley too. Ashley went back to school finally, but not Melinda. . . vomiting, fever, the whole works!
Meanwhile, in Madagascar, Jim and I were enjoying our time with Chris & Paula Richardson and their two little sweeties - Jared and Richae. Richae will be 13 years old (a teenager!) in just a little while, and Jared is a very active little man (about 4 years younger than Richae). They are precious.
As for Chris and Paula . . . seems hard to believe they are in charge of oversight of the Malagasy church now - they are supposed to still be little kids - like they were when I first met them both. (Will try to figure out how to post pictures on here, and give you a few scenes.)
But time passes, children grow up, and . . . there you have my life right now. . .
Just a few more days, and I will fly to US and leave Melinda. . . hard to believe, but true. I am praying for strength, and any way I can help her adjust to life there. . . without me!
Yeah, I know I am not the only person who has ever done this. I am also sure my situation is not the worst one possible, but it is MINE. She is MY FIRST BABY, and I am sure feeling that.
The distance is new for us all, as we have always been a "Together" family.
"Together" in Nigeria at 7 weeks old,
"Together" on Melinda's first deputation (she as 18 months old), and welcoming a new baby sister, then
"Together" as we took Candra to Nigeria at 7 weeks old.
"Together" as we left Nigeria, deputized with a 5-year old Melinda and a 2 1/2-year old Candra.
"Together" as we moved to Ghana, started school with A Beka, and adjusted to a very different church and way of life.
"Together" on deputation with a 9-year old Melinda and a 5 1/2-year old Candra. "Look, we don't have time to be bashful!" was Melinda's famous quote to pastor's children as we moved around North America. Back to Ghana,
"Together" as we moved into a new house, and made new friends.
"Together" on deputation with a 14/15-year old Melinda and a 12/13-year old Candra . . . becoming young ladies together. . . finding it harder than ever to fit in to North American culture and worship.
"Together" back to Ghana as these young girls grew into young ladies, leading their friends, and gaining a wider group of fellowship daily.
"Together" as they finished their school work - Melinda so thankful for 12th grade to be OVER, and Candra working overtime to complete hers soon too (her target is November 2008).
We have always been "TOGETHER," but now it is time for some separation. . . and we are feeling that more than we thought possible.
I believe, and trust God to help us always be "TOGETHER" in heart and love as a family dedicated to HIM!
If your children are still with you, take some time today to be "TOGETHER" because before you know it, "TOGETHER" will be a memory, but thankfully, not the end. . . there will be more "TOGETHER" times, in Jesus Name!
Seems like I get this going once a month . . . maybe - ha!
As I get older, I can't remember stuff like I used to . . . at least not my blog address (had to get Jim to look it up for me today . . . heaven help me!) Melinda at school, so she couldn't guide me along the right path.
Been to Madagascar and back since I wrote here last. What a trip! The church there is awesome, and the people so very sweet and welcoming. A memory we will always treasure. Jim went with me! That was a real treat too, as one or the other of us usually travel alone. This time, the girls insisted they were fine. . . and they WERE!
The second day we were in Madagascar, Candra wrote - should have been a red flag right there, as she usually leaves that to Melinda.
Well, Melinda was sick, and Ashley too, so Candra was nurse and house manager, and school girl, and taker to the clinic for blood lady, and you name it! Bless her heart - she was a trouper.
No need to worry, I couldn't do a thing to help. . . except pray and try to encourage her. She learned a lot and did a great job of taking care of her big sister (Melinda home a whole week in bed, and really feeling rotten). . . Ashley too. Ashley went back to school finally, but not Melinda. . . vomiting, fever, the whole works!
Meanwhile, in Madagascar, Jim and I were enjoying our time with Chris & Paula Richardson and their two little sweeties - Jared and Richae. Richae will be 13 years old (a teenager!) in just a little while, and Jared is a very active little man (about 4 years younger than Richae). They are precious.
As for Chris and Paula . . . seems hard to believe they are in charge of oversight of the Malagasy church now - they are supposed to still be little kids - like they were when I first met them both. (Will try to figure out how to post pictures on here, and give you a few scenes.)
But time passes, children grow up, and . . . there you have my life right now. . .
Just a few more days, and I will fly to US and leave Melinda. . . hard to believe, but true. I am praying for strength, and any way I can help her adjust to life there. . . without me!
Yeah, I know I am not the only person who has ever done this. I am also sure my situation is not the worst one possible, but it is MINE. She is MY FIRST BABY, and I am sure feeling that.
The distance is new for us all, as we have always been a "Together" family.
"Together" in Nigeria at 7 weeks old,
"Together" on Melinda's first deputation (she as 18 months old), and welcoming a new baby sister, then
"Together" as we took Candra to Nigeria at 7 weeks old.
"Together" as we left Nigeria, deputized with a 5-year old Melinda and a 2 1/2-year old Candra.
"Together" as we moved to Ghana, started school with A Beka, and adjusted to a very different church and way of life.
"Together" on deputation with a 9-year old Melinda and a 5 1/2-year old Candra. "Look, we don't have time to be bashful!" was Melinda's famous quote to pastor's children as we moved around North America. Back to Ghana,
"Together" as we moved into a new house, and made new friends.
"Together" on deputation with a 14/15-year old Melinda and a 12/13-year old Candra . . . becoming young ladies together. . . finding it harder than ever to fit in to North American culture and worship.
"Together" back to Ghana as these young girls grew into young ladies, leading their friends, and gaining a wider group of fellowship daily.
"Together" as they finished their school work - Melinda so thankful for 12th grade to be OVER, and Candra working overtime to complete hers soon too (her target is November 2008).
We have always been "TOGETHER," but now it is time for some separation. . . and we are feeling that more than we thought possible.
I believe, and trust God to help us always be "TOGETHER" in heart and love as a family dedicated to HIM!
If your children are still with you, take some time today to be "TOGETHER" because before you know it, "TOGETHER" will be a memory, but thankfully, not the end. . . there will be more "TOGETHER" times, in Jesus Name!
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