Bumps in the road

In the last month we have encountered several challenges in the process of adjusting to life in Ghana. It feels a little like we were cruising along a road and then hit some unexpected speed bumps and potholes, and now we are waiting for a flat tire to be fixed.

In July, we moved into a house in Akropong. Soon after arriving, we realized that the running water in that neighborhood is VERY unpredictable. It will work for 3-4 days, and then go out for a week. In the 6 weeks we have been in the house, the running water is working about half of the time. Our neighbor allowed us to use the rainwater in her tank for a week or so, until that ran out. Gradually, we are finding ways to make life work without predictable water. I found another house in the neighborhood that has a well and sells buckets of water to neighbors. And a young woman who stays next door is helping us to fetch water when needed, since we don’t have the strength or skill to carry big buckets of water on our heads. We also bought a barrel to store up water when the running water is flowing, and are looking for a way to harvest rainwater. Progress...but still an adjustment.

Then, after one month of being in the house, we noticed mildew growing on the walls. We are in the midst of rainy season here, and nearly every morning there is a thick mist that blankets the area. Fortunately, we have not encountered mildew in the houses we have lived in before. We talked to neighbors, did our online research, used lots of vinegar in cleaning walls and furniture, and have a professional company from Accra coming this week to address the mildew.

A few weeks ago, Bob also got sick. A visit to the clinic and some lab tests diagnosed him with typhoid. He took the prescribed course of antibiotic but has not yet recovered. He has gone back for more tests, and we plan to see another doctor this week to explore some other options. After a flurry of activity in July for Bob with classes at ACI, it has been hard to not have the energy to do the work he would like to do. When they learned that Bob was sick, a group of women in the neighborhood came one morning to visit and pray. And then the leadership of ACI sent a delegation of the staff along with a big basket of fruit, which was a great encouragement to Bob in the midst of a discouraging week.

 Auntie Julia and some friends from the neighborhood

came to visit Bob while he was sick

These three examples are some of the ‘bumps’ encountered as we try to adjust to life here. But in the midst of the frustration, we also see how these challenges have opened opportunities to learn, to depend on the people around us, and to find our strength and hope in God. We have been encouraged by the concern, the advice, and the experiences shared by colleagues and friends here in Ghana. We also share this with you now, recognizing we need your prayers that God brings healing to Bob and gives answers in some of these other challenges.