Lord have Mercy... And Comfort... And Abigail

The day finally came when I was reunited my the precious pearls. The team and I arrived at The Pearl House Thursday afternoon. It took all I had to hold back my tears as we were driving into Winneba. Seeing their school, the familiar stores, and friends houses caused memories to overwhelm my brain. What was only a few hours seemed like days waiting for the girls to come home from school. Finally we heard them running down the road and I went to hide in my room to surprise them. As they settled down from seeing Daddy Steve, he had them close their eyes, and then I walked out. The girls quickly opened their eyes and sprinted off the couch. I was immediately enveloped in a group hug, being tossed back and forth, hugging anyone in arms length. Abigail was next to me, Rita held on to my legs like I would disappear if she let go, and Olyvia was in shock. Their reaction was better than I could have imagined. Within the first 10 minutes we were back dancing and singing together. I was back in The Pearl House groove. It was a relief. As I walked into the house I wasn't quite sure where my place would be. I wasn't really an intern anymore, my room wasn't mine. What was I? As soon as I saw my girls though, I knew. I am their family and they are mine. I am their friend and they are mine. I am a follower of God and will be where He wants me. The day continued on like it would have six months ago with chores, studying, dinner, and devotion. At devotion I told the girls that one of my reasons for coming on this trip was to show them that I will be in their lives and that I will come back. I pray that they can trust me and believe that I will always be a part of their lives. As I read with some of the girls after devotion I felt like a proud mother. The way they have advanced in their reading and sounded out the words amazed me.  So many things have changed and they have all grown physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

Back On the Saddle

     The traffic, the yelling, that smell. That's right, to everyone's surprise I am back in Ghana. I have known about this trip since January, but have kept it a secret because I wanted to surprise everyone here. Mission accomplished. It is funny seeing friends having to do a double take when they see my walk through the door. I cannot even begin to write about how excited I was for this trip. I think about and miss my girls so much, that I jumped at the opportunity to come visit them. The main purpose of this trip is to shoot a documentary featuring The Pearl House, but I just came along for fun. With me is my partner is sarcasm and wit, father of The Pearl House Steve Bullard, the not so witty but equal loved, new friend Madison Smith, my beloved intern replacement Emilie McClanaflanplanbananahands, and a documentary crew of 2. 

     As I walked down the final hallway to exit the airport I see something. Something. Someone. Off in the distance. I see her running towards me. Could it be? Is it really her? It was. My soul was content when I saw the smiling Courtney Garland. In the middle of the airport with tear-filled eyes, we hugged like sisters. You will know the feeling of an overjoyed reunion if there is someone in your life that been a mother, a friend, a sister, and mentor all at the same time. Courtney was the one right by my side as I transitioned to living in a new country and I am so excited to be here to serve and encourage her. This reunion was emotional, I think I might need to get out the tissues for the next one with the girls. I cannot wait to see their improvements, hear their English, see their smiles. They mean everything to me and we are finally back together again! 

     Our film crew and team members got aquatinted with Accra during our first meeting. It was good to see the action of the city. Despite my exhaustion, it was the surprised looks of little Cynthia, Bishop, Junior, Pastor Niimoi, and Kingsley that got me through the day. I am excited to show Emilie all around Winneba and help her become aquatinted with her new home. 

     Please pray for God to protect my thought against Satan. I don't want to be thinking about my departure date and miss out on the time I do get with the girls. I pray for Emilie and Courtney as they figure out their new way of living and this time of transition.