I’ve had so many questions recently, so I thought we’d sit down for a little chat while I answer some of the ones I hear most often. So grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s have a catch-up!
Q1: What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day looks a little different, so there’s not really a set routine – but the early mornings have definitely been the hardest to get used to. We start work at 7:30 a.m.! The first few weeks were tiring as I tried to get into the rhythm, but now I’m slowly finding a routine that works. I usually begin the day with either staff devotions or school devotions, which I really enjoy. It’s such a joy to see the kids start their week singing “I’m So Blessed.”
Some days involve teaching classes, attending assemblies, or visiting different areas of The King’s Village. I also spend quite a bit of time on admin, helping with the school sponsorship system and making sure we have accurate records of all the children in the school.
Throughout the week, I visit different villages – and on Sundays, I lead kids’ church. Every now and then, my day even includes hand-washing my own clothes… although we mostly leave that to the professionals now, because my knuckles were starting to pay the price! I have also been trying to perfect making jollof – it’s not gone well. Thankfully I am surrounded by professionals who can make it for me (shout-out to George, here’s a photo of George).
Even with the early mornings and the variety of tasks, I love how each day feels full and busy in the best way. I feel like I haven’t quite figured out what rest looks like yet – I’ll have to try and figure that out next time I come (spoiler: there will be a next time).
Q2: How are you coping with the heat?
Not going to lie – it’s tough! Some days it really gets to you, but I had a moment the other day where I just felt so grateful that the sun is shining every morning when I leave the house. I honestly can’t even imagine what it feels like to be cold anymore. I’ll find out on the 23rd of December at 4 a.m., I guess. I’m definitely not looking forward to getting on a plane in 30-degree heat and stepping off into freezing temperatures back home – that’s going to be a shock!
I’ve managed to avoid getting badly burnt – apart from one day at the pool, oops! – although my arms are tanned and the rest of my body is not. Frozen watermelon, ice cream, and cold water have been lifesavers. And for the first time ever, I actually believe my Granny when she says a cup of tea keeps you cool – I think I drink more tea in Ghana than I do in the UK!
I’m also super grateful for my aircon, even if the power does go off at night (probably five times since I’ve been here…). Despite all this, I’m slowly finding ways to stay cool and even enjoy the heat (occasionally).
Q3: What have you struggled with the most?
Please refer to the previous question, haha – I’d say one of the biggest struggles has been just adjusting to everything, especially the little things I didn’t expect. The insects, the frogs, and the occasional snake can definitely catch you off guard! It’s a learning curve figuring out what’s normal here and what’s worth worrying about – as you’ll know, I can be very good at worrying and getting stressed! I am very grateful that I have people here to help navigate all of these little things.
As I mentioned before, another challenge has been knowing when to stop and rest. There’s always so much to do, but I’m slowly learning that it’s okay to take a break, pace myself, and listen to my body.
And spiritually, there have definitely been moments where I’ve felt under attack. You really do feel like you’re on the front lines here, introducing people to Jesus and stepping into places where light is needed. It’s been stretching, but also such a reminder of why I’m here and how much I have to lean on God.
Even with these struggles, each day teaches me a little more about patience, resilience, and finding the balance between pushing forward and slowing down.
Q4: What kind of food are you eating?
Honestly, finding some cheese was possibly the best day of the entire trip! Other than that, it’s been rice, rice, and more rice. Tuna pasta with cheese has stayed my comfort food, which is a lifesaver when I need a little taste of home.
We get the occasional – okay, more like weekly – trip to our favourite restaurant in town, which is always a treat. And as I mentioned in my last blog (go and read it!), I’ve been enjoying lots of local food too. There are only a couple of dishes I can’t get on board with, but mostly I really enjoy it all.
Q5: How are you and James?
We are doing well! I know some of you are here just for the relationship updates, so here’s the scoop – we’re really enjoying spending time together and creating memories. There’s so much we’re still figuring out and learning about each other, including our different cultures for a start. I think it will be so helpful once James is able to come to the UK.
We’re hoping to start his visa process again when I’m back in the UK and go from there. For now, we’re just taking things really slow and seeing where God leads us. James has been such a blessing to have here, and I love getting to do life with him – plus, he takes the bin out, which is always a win.
Q6: Have you managed to go swimming?
Yes – and it has been flipping fantastic! Even the bugs floating on the water don’t bother me when I’m swimming. I’ve been teaching James how to swim, and he can now swim the length of the pool without stopping – I’m really proud of my teaching skills (and his swimming, of course). I’ve also enjoyed the occasional float on my blow-up chair, just relaxing in the sun (hence the sunburn).
I have definitely eaten a few bugs too – I wasn’t joking when I said it’s like a Bush Tucker Trial. Side note: I’ve been watching I’m a Celeb and actually cried when my Wi-Fi wasn’t working so I couldn’t watch. I think I might have been on my period at the time… (that’s the excuse I’m sticking to anyway).
Q7: What has been the best part so far?
There have been so many special moments, but one of the biggest highlights has definitely been seeing both children and adults making decisions to follow Christ. Being part of that – even in a small way – has been incredible. I have also loved exploring more of Ghana, and I definitely want to explore even more in the future.
Another daily favourite is listening to the children sing “I’m So Blessed” every morning at school. Their joy is so contagious. It has really put ‘blessings’ into perspective and made me re-evaluate all that I am so grateful for in my life.
And one moment that really got me: we were in one of the villages, getting into the car, and I suddenly heard one of the kids singing a line from one of the songs I’ve taught them – “I have decided to follow Jesus.” A tear definitely came to my eye (obviously – nothing has changed there).
Q8: How can people find out more about supporting The King’s Village, supporting me, or even visiting?
Well, if you’re reading my blog, you’re already supporting me – so thank you! It means more than you know.
If you’d like to support me further, you can sponsor me monthly or give a one-off gift by following the link below. I also have a prayer group you can join – the link is at the end of the blog – and honestly, your prayers make such a difference.
The biggest way you can support The King’s Village is through prayer. Truly, that’s what sustains the work here. You can also sponsor a child for £15 a month – just follow the link below to find out more about how that helps their education and wellbeing.
And if you’re interested in being part of a trip out here, please email me at jessatthewell@gmail.com. I’d love to chat with you about what visiting could look like! There are teams that regularly come from the UK, so I can point you in the right direction.
Q9: What is the plan now?
I’m coming home in time for Christmas, and I think the culture shock is going to hit harder than ever! That said, I’m really excited to see my friends and family – I just won’t be looking forward to the cold.
While I’m in the UK, I’ll continue my missionary work for about six months, volunteering with The King’s Village UK charity alongside John and Sarah Fahy. I’ll be doing 21 hours a week with them, which is why I still need your financial support. I’m also hoping to get a part-time job to help save for future trips back to Ghana.
The plan is to return to Ghana for six months towards the end of next year. I want to be in the UK for a while to support one of my best friends as she prepares to get married, and to soak up every moment with my family. To be honest, I’ve kind of put a hold on making big life decisions until I’m back home, but this is the current plan.
This really is a season of the unknown for me, and knowing that I have people supporting and praying for me means the absolute world. I truly believe that God has work for me to do here in Ghana, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
Q10: What has God been speaking to you about?
God has really been teaching me to trust Him more, especially in this season of the unknown. Every day here brings something new, and I’ve had to lean on Him when I don’t have all the answers. He’s been reminding me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and that He’s in control, even when I feel uncertain or stretched.
I’ve also felt His presence in the little moments – in the joy of the children singing, in the people I get to meet, and even in the challenges that push me outside my comfort zone. Spiritually, it’s been intense at times – I’ve definitely felt under attack on the frontlines. Introducing people to Jesus isn’t always easy, but He’s reminded me that I’m not alone and that every small step matters.
This season has been about surrender, patience, and trusting that God’s plan is bigger than I can see. It’s been a mix of highs and lows, but ultimately, it’s been full of His guidance, provision, and reminders of why I’m here.
Thank you for reading and spending time with me. I feel like we have had a little chat. If you have any questions, please send them my way. Every blog I will choose one to answer.
Naawuni ni pahi gom,
Jess
At The Well 
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