We have
planted a small garden! We thought that we would broaden our selections and try
to grow a few things. People have kindly bought us seeds to plant and we're so
excited to see if anything will grow. A local man helped us find some composted
leaves to add to our sandy soil and till the small plot of land. We have
planted sweet corn, okra, cantaloupe, green beans, squash/zucchini, and
cucumbers. If nothing else, this has been a fun experiment for Rebekah and me. Hopefully,
we will have some food to eat and possibly some to share. Our friend, Abena,
did inform us that we could drive to the country above us to get most of the
things we are growing in our garden. I don't think that purchasing visas and
driving 6 hrs in the car one way with 2 little girls would be worth it right
now.
As we have been watching things grow ever so slowly, I am reminded of the growth that God has been doing in us. This growth has been slow at times, but more recently rapid and a little painful. Our moving to a new country and finding a new way to live has been gently molding us to rely on God as He takes us out of our comfort zone. Tim has been growing as a physician ever since starting work here. He has learned so much since being here, like how to do skin grafts and improving his ultrasound skills. Tim is having to trust God to reveal to him what is wrong with some of the patients and how to treat them. At times he is having to rely on God to give him the words to say to a patient with a grim diagnosis, especially those who are not Christians. Rebekah has been growing into a good big sister, a pretty good singer, and quite the little helper. She is having to learn that the world does not revolve around her and all her wants, as she now has a little sister that also needs attention. She is also struggling with having fears, and we are working on giving those to God. Abigail is not only growing physically, but she is reaching milestones, becoming more independent (sleeping through the night in her and Rebekah's room), and has been eating solid foods (pureed baby food). Tim and I are both growing as parents as we face the 'terrible twos' with temper tantrums and lots of defiance. I have had to learn to make yogurt and baby food, how to care for a garden, and how to trust God with my daily fears. All of our growth comes with a certain amount of pain, but I am grateful for growth, knowing that it is from God (1 Corinthians 3:7).
Recently, we have had to watch helplessly from afar as our friend Kent became sick with Ebola and how his family was unable to help him. This reminded us how fragile our life is and that our lives here are but a vapor. Watching Kent and Amber going through this reminded us that God is the Great Physician and He is worthy to be fully trusted. We have also had to face the reality that Ebola may come to Ghana. We are praying and trusting God to show us what we are to do. It is not to say that we have no concerns, but our faith in our God is growing daily. I am also having to trust God daily even with letting Rebekah go outside to play. Snakes are not infrequent here on the hospital compound, and Rebekah has no understanding of avoiding them. To make it more concerning for me, Ghana has been out of snake antivenin for almost 2 months. God is teaching me to be careful but to trust Him. He wants this little girl to be able to get out and run around just as much as she and I do, and He will be the One to protect her. Even if Ebola comes to BMC, or someone is bitten by a snake, or some other calamity comes, we have a promise from God onto which we can hold. Romans 8:28 says that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God who are called according to His purpose." When I am willing to look to Him, I am constantly reminded of how much God loves us. I was reminded just last night of God's immeasurable love for us and his ability to do anything (Ephesians 3:18-20). I pray that we are able to do just as Abraham did and "not waiver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was also able to perform" (Romans 4:20-21).
