True Life: this is the Pearl House

On Sunday night, the 28th, we had a dedication of the Pearl House. We had heard rumors of more girls, but had not directly heard anything. As the bus of Maranatha people drove up to the church, along came 10 girls that Pastor Odai had brought us. We had told him a few days earlier that our max was 5 more girls, but of course that means nothing to Pastor Odai. I expected Courtney to be freaking out, but instead she was odly calm. It was inspiring to see her but each one of those girld in God's hands as soon as they entered the house. So, here we are with 21 girls, trying to find beds, mattresses, pillows, toiletries, and so much more. The LORD is good though and has provided abundantly. The transition from 11 girls to 21 girls has been an interested. There are more languages, more sassy personalities, but more hearts to love. God has a plan that is greater than one that I could ever think of and I completely trust His direction. I still don't know a whole lot about these new girls, but I look forward to seeing where they came from. I have gotten to hear the original 11's stories and it just makes me love them more! I want them to see that God can heal their broken families, broken hearts, and broken mind sets. I pray that God will soften their hearts and let them be vulnerable. One of the hardest parts is how to discipline the girls. One, there is a language barrier. Two, there is a cultural barrier. Three, there is a Clara's personality barrier. It's hard to tell them why they are in trouble when I can't communicate with them and it makes me seem less like a leader of the house when I have to go get someone else either older or younger. Then there is the cultural aspect that I haven't been raised to understand. What is accepted? What isn't? Do I let them pee on the front yard? is it okay if they play fight since that is what they do here? I have to learn their customs. I am not here to turn them into American children. I want them to keep their beautiful Africaness. Then there is me. Clara Brown's personality is not one that is strict disciplinarian. I am lenient and tend to let things slide. If I have to discipline than I am calm and have reasoning behind every action. Here, everything is immediate. They don't take the time to tell them why they can't do what they did, they don't give second or third chances to correct themselves. I just have to pray that my fellow leaders are patient with me. I have to learn. I have to dismiss my opinions on cultural actions and learn. I don't want them to fear me. I just want them to respect me. In the past year I have gone from having one sister, to two sisters, to 23 sisters. They are from all over and I love them all differently but in the same way. True Life: my name is Clara Brown and I live in a house with 21 beautiful Ghanian girls.