From Denise:

 

This is the end of our honeymoon. L  We had some great experiences.  On a scale of 1-10 on romance it has to be about a 3.  On a scale of 1-10 on making our relationship with each other and with God it has to be about a 12.  It is amazing how much closer Ted and I have become because of our honeymoon.  Days without electricity, strange (sometimes good others questionable) food, new friends, a broken bed, and two hours on a pothole filled dirt road has shown us that with God we can do anything together.  Again thank you to everyone for your support and prayers.

The second school we taught at was almost the opposite of the first.  The first was poor in money but rich in spirit.  The second was rich in money (for Ghana) and poor in spirit.  It was definitely more difficult at times.  The headmaster and the school “priest” were not very welcoming.  It was always very awkward when we were around them.  The “priest” does not really have a strong belief.  His signing is not very good either.  This makes it very difficult for the children to learn.  After telling stories to a group (yes there was about 200 kids) a few of the children came up to us and said that they wanted to read about the stories that we told.  They had such a strong desire to learn!!  When I asked about where the Bible that Pastor Reinke had given before, they said they had never seen them.  We learned later that between the headmaster and the teachers taking the Bibles for themselves the children never get them.  Pray for this school so that God’s spirit overcomes the selfishness of the people.  We did also meet some people who love the children and want them to learn. 

On another note- Ted and I did get two days for a little touring.  We went up to the Mole National Park where they protect elephants, antelope, boars, and baboons.  We went on an hour safari to see the animals up close.  The baboons were great.  I loved seeing the babies riding on the mothers.  We were just in time to see the elephants finishing their bath then walk out of the water.  Watching the sun rise over the trees made me really feel like I am in Africa. 

It will be hard going back to Wisconsin (ok the weather does have something to do with that) but mostly because we are changed people. Ted has learned a lot and has really grown to love the people here.  I have renewed my love for mission work and studying God’s word.