My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
  It has been awhile since I've reported from Ghana. The reason, my "final" report is stuck in a laptop that no longer works. Technology! I now need to find a way to "extract" the contents so that I can share with you my thoughts of my last days in Ghana. I don't remember what was written, but I do know there were deeper reflections of a country that I have grown to love. It's wasn't only about the sights and smells that I've previously wrote about, but also the experiences and the amazing people I have met along the way.
  Now safely back home in Wisconsin, I have to admit, I am a changed person! Despite the fact that I'm STILL not sleeping well, I just can't experience what I did and not feel "different." Upon entering my home for the first time in 3 weeks, I almost felt claustrophobic. I thought, "Wow, I have a LOT of stuff!" The thing is, I'm not a very materialistic person, but it just felt weird. Oh, the list of things we all take for granted: hot showers, shampoos and scented body washes, a flushing toilet, a soft, warm bed, a flip of a switch and instant light, and yes, even the "technology" that frustrates me, and I realized how just turning on the water faucet is a luxury. Going to the grocery store, ANYTHING is at your disposal, fresh and sanitized; it was hard to shut off all the thoughts running through my head. We have so MANY options and choices here, we are indeed blessed. But what does that say about the people in Ghana? Aren't they not blessed as well? What I have learned about them,
 they are self-sufficient people, just don't call them poor. Only "we" would think that.
  Jean and I have spent the last three weeks teaching deaf children about "ordinary" people of the Bible. We told stories of the birth of Moses, David and Goliath, Noah, and John the Baptist and how God used these ordinary people to serve His purpose. I emphasized the "point" of each story and demonstrated how those stories of old can be applied today. I focused on the "ordinary" person (ex: the Pharaoh's daughter "good heart,") and related stories that they could easily understand. I used them all as examples of God's plan and that we all belonged to the same family, God's family. It didn't matter that they were deaf and I was hearing, that they were black and I was "oburini" (white), we are all God's children. I told them that God knew each one of them before they were even born and He has a plan for everyone. It was inspiring to see how this message played out; I kept asking who in the room was special, who was beautiful? The further I explained it, they finally understood. When I
 handed them a mirror and asked who they saw, one girl signed "beautiful." That was AWESOME! Later, after our teachings, one boy was with 2 younger boys talking about a "good heart." I think they got it!
  In teaching these applications, all I had to do was look to my own faith. When the opportunity to go to Ghana was first presented to me, my first thought was, "I'm not a teacher." But then I prayed and prayed AND prayed about it. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and I trusted God that He knew what He was doing when this trip became a reality. I then asked Him to guide me in my teachings and I felt spiritually led even in the shadows of doubt. I can relate to David. I asked God for help and I trusted Him. I was able to defeat my fears, my worries, my troubles, my GOLIATH by trusting God. It is true, in Tamale, we were surrounded by Muslims, but I felt at peace, even when I felt we were being "scrutinized" by those willing to stay and listen to our stories. Perhaps another seed has been planted. Only time will tell.
  I CLEARLY understand that my life circumstances are different. Those children are still living in an environment that doesn't offer much or even any opportunity for them. But if our time there at both of these schools offered just a little ray of Hope, the seeds that were planted will blossom. If one child was "touched" and in turn, offers up what he learned to another child, and so on and so on, then God's purpose for me to be there was fulfilled. I thank Him still for the opportunity that allowed me to serve Him in this capacity. I know I made a difference. For that I feel truly blessed.
  My daughter asked me upon my return home, "Knowing what you have experienced, would you go back?" I said, "In a heartbeat." I know there is much more work to do in Ghana, in the Deaf schools and for the future Lutheran Deaf High School. I'm also anxious to meet up with the many people that I have learned from while visiting there. But only if it's God's Will and only He knows the plans for me. In the meantime, I will continue to pray for all the Deaf children in the schools and for those in their villages. I will also pray for the many inspiring people I had met in Ghana that have compassion for Deaf people in their hearts.
  In closing, I want to thank EVERYONE for not only your support to help make this mission trip possible, but also for all your prayers and emails that were sent to us while in Ghana. I can't tell you how revitalizing it was to read the encouraging words, thoughts and prayers that helped keep us all going. It wasn't always easy to keep a brave front, but knowing that we had the love and support coming from home (and everywhere else), it truly was inspiring. God Bless you all!
  In His Service,
  Linda Zoiss
  "In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of Will."
  Ephesians 1:11