Month Later

Jamie above Accra Ghana

Agape Friends Forever!!

This past weekend marked a month since I said goodbye to my Ghanaian family.  If I would have made the decision to go to Ghana on May 9th, I would have said, "You know what, I am comfortable here and I know what to expect, so I think I'll stay right here." 

I thank God for He knows our weaknesses and strengths! I don't like change and God knows that! I like adventure and God knows that! I want to be closer to Him, and God knows that! I want my trust in Him to be without borders, and God knows that! I want my faith to be made stronger, and God also knows that!  

Bella Jamie Sondra

Jamie Rosmond

I wonder how much we miss out on because of fear of the unknown, not liking change, or being comfortable just where we are?  How many blessings have we for fitted because we chose not to answer the call?  How many sweet friends have we lived without ever knowing. Or sweet memories we could have had had we let go and said God send me. Could we be in a deeper sweeter relationship with Him, than we are expecting now?  God asks us to step out every day!  I find when I feel that call it embodies the things of God, and I can't go wrong when I am serving Him.  

 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” -‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:40‬ ‭NKJV‬ 

June Jamie Bella(Bestie)

Emmanuel Jamie

Half way through my time in Ghana I panicked, yes I even began to cry, because I began to see my time there coming to a close!  I never expected that it would be so hard to leave.  I realize, I really did not expect to have such sweet memories.  When your time is coming to a close with the people you have come to love, "out live" those moments you have left with them, don't dwell on the goodbye.  I was me, the same Jamie you know here in the States, was the same Jamie who laughed and walked in Ghana!  I have been asked so many times what my favorite memory is from Ghana....combine a thousand moments and that is my favorite memory!

Emmanuel Solomon Emmanuel Kwasi Kelvin and Rosmound

Jeff Jamie Prince(my "son") Rosmound Emmanuel Solomon Rose

June and Jamie

There were many times that I would encounter something that would normally cause me to be concerned about my safety and then I would be reminded that God had assured me, of my safe return to the States, and I would let go of the fear and trust God and enjoy the experience! One was the traffic, I LOVED it! But if we drove that way in the States it would be a disaster! I told them I would never curl my toes again while driving in the States, LOL! The drivers all seemed to be constantly communicating with each-other. And then there were the merchants who would walk between the stopped cars at the intersections! When I first arrived I was in the backseat of a taxi with my friend June, trying not to make eye contact with anyone out side the car, because I did not want to bring unnecessary trouble for my new friends and myself, a little boy who was selling merchandise noticed me and stood out side my window and said, "an American!!" and waived very excitedly!!! It was so sweet!!! This happens a lot I began to answer to Obroni which is what the white person is called! I had several times when I was out (wether in the bus or walking) and I was seen passing by, I would hear "Obroni, obroni, obroni!" I always enjoyed it and waved! To me it was as if my friends, I had not met yet were calling my name!

Elizabeth Jamie

During my time in Ghana I only experienced fear once and it was so strong.  It was not a physical threat, it was something spiritual. I sat straight up in bed in the middle of the night and screamed, I do not know what caused this, I woke up to my scream.  I immediately laid back down and began to call on Jesus.  I have never screamed in my sleep in my entire life.  I wanted a protector I wanted my earthy father, but he was over 6,000 miles away.... I had God's arms; the arms that have carried me all my life, His arms are the safest place for us all!  It was one of those moments where I had to learn to surrender my life to His unfailing love!  About a week later my room mates said I hummed the entire song "Wonderful Cross" in my sleep!  What a joy to hear I did that!  Ghana felt like home, I loved every moment of my time there!  They took me as one of their family!

air port coming home, trying not to cry

A dear friend told me that after I go to Ghana I would never be the same again. I think I am understanding what she meant now. I am not sure it is noticeable to others but I feel a gentle change inside and I know God is at work. He is revealing to me step by step who He has created me to be. I know I do not want to know where He will have me in 20 years for I am sure it would overwhelm me.  

God has blessed me with many special people who have been able to relate with me and help me process all these emotions I've had over the last month.  Each of them have shared with me some of their experiences which has given me a fresh perspective. And opened up new ideas, making me So excited!

arrived home 2:35 am July 1, 2016

I was rehired back at my old job 17 days after I returned home! I cried at work the first day and on the way to work the next day! For I was afraid to start my normal life here because I did not want to forget the memories I had of Ghana. When I arrived home one of the hardest things would be that everything was completely different from Ghana. There was nothing but what I brought from Ghana to remind me of the memories. It felt like a dream and that is what hurts most! A few days after I returned home and my time in Ghana feeling like a dream I was able to hear the voice of one of the teachers in a voice message to me and my heart was refreshed, she was real and she was still there!

Samuel Jamie

Samuel Jamie Emmanuel

I am so blessed when something I say or do causes a co-worker or someone I interact with to laugh! As if just being able to bring joy to them was worth my being away from my Ghanaian family. As if some how that is part of the call God has on my life.... What a honor.

African Women

Some Gifts from my Ghanaian Family

It seems like I've been home in the States longer than a month.  Every time I get to sit down and share my memories of Ghana something in me comes alive, I have never known that feeling before. 

Your prayers have meant so much to me!