Processing my Summer Part 1

It is hard to believe that a little over a week ago I was in Ghana. I was serving, living, loving and learning. It is hard to believe how much I have changed in these last eight weeks. When I boarded the plane to Florida eight weeks ago, I had no idea my heart could grow so much or my life be changed so clearly. I left America so unsure of what God was doing and I have returned still unsure but not scared. I know in whom I have believed and I am sure that He will be faithful to me. I have trusted in Him and He will make my path straight. I have seen Him clearly work in my life and I will continue to surrender to Him and let Him lead me.

I have been in America almost a week and I am still processing everything that happened during my time in Ghana. It is going to take me a very long time to reconcile all of the contrasts that I experienced during time. However, I thought I would do my best at recapping part of my time so you have a better idea of what I did everyday.

We started out as a team of nine in the capital city of Accra. The team consisted of 5 pre-med students, two nursing students, a future marine, and a future pastor. After a few days transitioning in Accra, we left for a small village about 9 hours away. The village was located at the foot of the mountains right on the border with Ivory Coast.

Everyday we would walk to the local clinic and work there for the morning. It was a small clinic and the only one for miles. The staff was two nurses, a midwife, pharmacist, lab tech, office workers and a few assistants. For the resources they had, they did an incredible job. It was such a pleasure to learn from them and to be able to assist in multiple different ways.

Throughout our time at the village clinic, I was able to assist with multiple births, draw blood, give IV's, stitches, etc. It was an incredible time of learning as well us understanding how to improvise when the resources are not sufficient. I enjoyed the pace and the people at the clinic so much. I loved being able to actively help the people physically, but then also following up and helping them spiritually as well. You can help people physically all you want, but if you do not share the gospel with them, it means nothing. On the other hand, how can you tell someone about God's love if they have never experienced love before. While on this trip, I learned the beauty of Matthew 25. I have seen the importance of clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, healing the sick and then sharing with them about the only Creator, our Loving Father, the Great Physician.

I have so much more to share but I've said alot already. I will update more tomorrow! Thanks again for all the prayers and support! There were days where I could literally feel the prayers and they were so needed.