When I first arrived, I decided I would post a blog each week. I originally thought I would do it on Sunday evenings (or honestly, whenever I could find WiFi). Spoiler alert: that didn’t quite happen. I needed some time… a little later on I realised that getting settled this time was more difficult than my previous trips. I needed to spend time processing and figuring out where my head was at before I started sharing my thoughts with you all. Otherwise, it would have been a lot of verbal diarrhoea. Thankfully, there hasn’t been much of that, if you get what I mean.
This space became a bit of a journal for me – a mix of what I had been up to, what God had been saying, and a few stories about how scared I was of the various animals I encountered. (For example, on the way to church I met a humongous centipede-esque creature and a frog that landed on my foot… but let’s not dwell on that).
Settling In
I got my little house set up – I still needed a few extra things – but years of moving (and lots of top tips from Joanne on how to create “home”) had already helped me make it exactly that. Home.
At first, I didn’t have WiFi (praise the Lord, it eventually came). Those first few days were harder than I expected. I couldn’t contact people in the UK, or even friends in Ghana. Let’s not talk about the fact that it was only day two when I already had a good old cry.
But in that quiet – no TV, laptop, or phone – I found myself simply chatting with God, reading my Bible, praying, and even playing random games on my phone that I hadn’t touched in five years. It became a new normal, and it took some getting used to. But I was in it for the long haul.
In life, there are so many distractions – even when we think we’re focused. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t wait to get WiFi back. I had always done life surrounded by my people, so it felt strange not to have them just a phone call away.
I’ve also been grateful for the trips into town, enjoying a pizza, stroganoff, or even a curry from the Indian restaurant I’ve found. I have had some clothes made locally, which has been really fun, and I’m loving eating the local food – boflot is my absolute favourite. These little experiences have made the transition so much easier and given me something to look forward to.
What God Was Teaching Me
During those quieter times, I was reading the book of Joshua (I was – and still am – an Old Testament girly if you didn’t know already). It inspired me so much – especially thinking about the next generation, and the promises and legacy that it’s our responsibility to pass on. Even if we haven’t seen the fulfilment yet, it’s on us to keep trusting and teaching faithfully – right where God has placed us.
The Early Days
The first few days were mostly about settling in – doing some shopping, catching up with friends, and adjusting to life there. I took things slowly (and tried my best to resist the temptation to eat all the Dairy Milk I brought in one go).
I also went to Yogu to teach Sunday School. It was such a blessing to spend time with the community there. At first, only a few children showed up, but by the end of the session the room was full. We also had the opportunity to pray for a man in the village who had recently had a stroke. His faith inspired me – he believed his healing was coming.
Yogu Update: We now have between 30-50 children coming to church every week – and 12 children decided to follow Jesus.
Finding My Rhythm
As time went on, I began to settle into the rhythm of what my weeks looked like – teaching classes, doing assemblies, leading kids’ church, playing games with the children, visiting the assessment centre and nutrition centre, and so much more. I took things one step at a time and figured out what the future might look like as I went.
I also took a trip to Kintampo Waterfall, which was absolutely beautiful. The views were incredible, and the atmosphere was so peaceful, even with the 50 children we took there on a school trip. My bum was numb after the eight hours on the coach!
Halfway Point
Fast-forward to now… I can’t quite believe I’m already halfway through my time here. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, God has been present.
I truly feel like I’m exactly where God wants me to be. It’s the greatest privilege to be here – serving this community and introducing Jesus to so many people.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far – thank you for journeying (there I go again with the J word) with me. I’m excited to keep sharing what God is doing here in Ghana, and in me too.
Naawuni ni pahi gom,
Jess
At The Well 
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