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Our family has been blessed to be staying with Godwin and Lenusia until our water pump is fixed. They have been amazing hosts for our family. We thank God for everything they have done for us. We could not do this without them right now. They have helped us with everything here.  Because our vehicle is not here, we have been dependent on Godwin for transportation, and, right now, I'm very thankful that someone else is navigating these roads!

The photo is the view from the front window of our van yesterday.  Our amazing driver, Michael, remained unscathed with cars weaving in and out at every moment.

If you have ever thought there's bad traffic in your city, I can promise it does not compare to Ghana.  Yesterday, we drove twenty miles toward Teshie.  Our trip took over 2 hours before we reached our destination.  If we were not stuck behind turtle-speed traffic, we were waiting for herds of cows to walk down the road.  We've never been delayed frequently by cows before.  This is new.

Today we asked the boys what they thought would be the biggest adjustment for them.  Two of our boys said the long car rides in the traffic.  It is something to get used to.

I love that you can buy plantain chips out the window from the hawkers on the street.  You can also purchase phone cards, batteries, mangoes, bagged water, boiled peanuts, sugar cane sticks, and maps of Ghana.  Who needs a convenience store when all of this is simply one rolled down window away?  For lunch yesterday, we bought bananas out the window.  Wow!  We fed our family of seven plus three other people for 5 cedis!  (About $3.00 American)  That was the deal of the day!  (I did wonder if our boys would have been satisfied with a banana for lunch in America.  Kinda doubt it, but here a warm banana hit the spot for all of us!)

We headed home after dark and needed to stop for gas.  Surprisingly, the electricity went out while we were filling the tank.  Blackness.  The only lights were the cars on the road driving past us.  The attendant would not let us leave until the power came back on, so we sat in the steamy van until the electricity came back on.  Another first in Ghana.

As we drove home on the dark pot-holed road, there were flickers of power in homes.  A few dotted the dark landscape.  There are no streetlights, so the few homes with power stood out against the night.  Dark silhouettes of children with wares on their head came into view as we approached them.  The faces of these kids looked so tired.  Most of them, I'm sure, had been out all day working to help support their families.

As we continued driving, I wondered about their stories.

I suppose our driving time will allow for that - wondering, pondering, and talking with our family.   Pray for our driving time to be productive.  The fact that we can't just drive places quickly is new for us.  But God can teach us in the waiting too.  We pray we will learn.

They that wait upon the Lord

Will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not grow faint.

Hmmm...maybe instead of driving, God wants us to fly, run, or walk...just pondering...

Trees of Transition

Franklin received some sketch books as a gift and he is putting them to good use.

6.12.12 - The tree Franklin drew on our flight from Knoxville. 

On the back, he wrote, "How I felt leaving everything..."

6.13.12 - Franklin's drawing on our first day of arrival in Ghana.

6.14.12 - Franklin's drawing yesterday.

Franklin's heart always pours out of his drawings.  I think the Lord is preparing him to blossom here.  May the Lord help us all to grow and flourish in the new soil of this new land.

He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1:3

 

Broken Dishes, Broken Water Pump and Lizards

We’ve spent our first few days here unpacking suitcases in our home.  Aside from a few broken dishes, we have found everything to be as we packed it.  Nearly everything is now “in it’s place” in our home.  Our house seems very empty – definitely void of anything unnecessary.  There is no clutter.  Closets are more empty than full.  It seems very different than our home in America.  Ahhhh.  Simplicity.

Our home has a broken water pump which must be repaired before we move in.  Otherwise, we have no running water.  A plumber came yesterday and gave Reid an estimate of 626 cedis = approx.  $430 American dollars.  When he told me, all I could think was – “That’s not in the budget!”  (When Reid and I created our monthly budget, we did not include extra for emergencies.  Should have, but didn’t.  We drew up a bare bones budget, and, honestly, a broken water pump was not in our foresight.)

Yesterday, after Reid told me, my heart sank, but I knew somehow God would work it out.  A little while later, I was checking my email and received this message from my sister, Kelly:

Well, you are off on your great adventure! You are now on your way to Washington, or maybe you are already there. I had to share, Zach came home and spent a long time upstairs. I wasn't sure what he was doing, but he finally come down. I asked him if he was ok. He said yes. I asked him what he had been doing. He said counting his Ghana fund money and rolling his coins. I asked how much he had, he said $165. That is his own money, not our family fund. I think he will make it raising his money to come!!

I also had to tell you about a text I received while we were at the airport. John texted to let me know that I had won a drawing at Conference. It was for $500 to be donated to the charity of our choice. John let me know he immediately told them it would go to you all. Isn't it amazing that God was still doing your fundraising while you were at the airport saying "good-bye" for this trip! God is so good and I hope you have many entries to go in your "Beebe Ghana God Sightings" during these first few days. Be sure to write them down so you have something to go back to remember why you are there!

I will cherish the memories of your airport goodbyes. Especially the men of Water Angels praying over you and singing praises to our King in the middle of the airport lobby.

I love you,

Kelly

Can you believe it?  God even knew we would have a broken water pump upon our arrival and already provided for it!!  Oh, we praise Him!  Thank you Lord for your provision!!  I am amazed by how He is meeting us!!

The boys have caught a few lizards in their bedrooms.  It’s been a game to take them outside.  We want them near the house because they do eat mosquitoes which are our biggest enemy here. 

Adjustments abound for our family.  It’s hot and humid here which zaps our energy quickly.  All of us have become lethargic in the afternoon battling jet-lag and the heat.   We do not have a vehicle yet, so we are dependent on others for our travel.  Therefore, today will be our first day going out.  We hope to find a few needed things for our home and make a short visit to GMI orphanage.  We are also hoping to purchase a “cooker” (stove/oven) for our house.  The opening for it is very small so another adjustment will be learning to cook for our family of 7 on a tiny stovetop.    As you have figured out, the Internet here is extremely slow.  Right now, we can not upload photos at all.  Accessing the Gmail website takes 10-15 minutes, then after reading a few emails, I am usually kicked off only to go through the difficulty of signing on again.  Sigh.  Truly, I am not complaining.  I’ve simply been forced to recognize how I have taken all of these things for granted in the past.  So, friends, enjoy the ease of computer communication and give thanks for it.  It is not that easy everywhere in the world.

We have met a few neighbors – Margaret, Sylvia, and Joanna.  There are a few children around and we have met two of them.  Hopefully, we will meet some men at some point. 

Tomorrow is Father’s Day.  It will be the first one in a long time that I have not spent with my Dad.   Give thanks for your Dad.  Give thanks to your Dad.  There are so many children who are without fathers.  Please pray for all the orphans in the world today too.   Though they are without an earthly father, pray they will know their Heavenly Father.     

And Fathers, take your role seriously.  You are given the honor and privilege of leading your home.  You’re the spiritual leader of your home.  Lead well.  Little eyes are watching.  More importantly, little eyes are learning.

“Train up your child in the way he should go, so that when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

As the Plane Descends

This post was written as our plane was landing in Ghana.  This is the first opportunity I've had to upload it.  Wow!  So, so many emotions. 

I am typing this as we begin our descent on the final leg of our flight into Ghana.  I have so many emotions swirling in my head right now.  Visions of hugging my family and friends have captured my thoughts for most of this 10 hour flight.  Sleep has been scarce, partially because Godwin is scrunched in my lap and partially because I can't turn my mind off.

As I’ve remembered the incredible emotion of our send off at the airport, my heart has recognized the cost of this call on people outside of our family.  My sister, Wendy, shared with me that her son, Camden had tears rolling down his cheeks the night after saying goodbye to Braden.  She said that this is the first time he has experienced sadness in his life.  There is a cost to cousins in our family.

My dear friend, Janet, hugged me tight several times.  Finally she said, “This is the last time I’m doing this.”  Then she hugged me tight.  “Oh, at least one more time.”   Then she hugged me tightly again.  It felt like both of us were holding on for dear life.  Honestly, Janet admitted not wanting to come to the airport.  This hurts too much.  Before we left to head to the plane, I saw her walking downstairs to leave.  I started bawling again knowing as she walked away this would be the image that I’d remember for a long time.  For my precious friend, there is a cost.

My dad only said five words to me our entire last day at my parents’ house, “I’m trying to stay busy.”  And he was.   He chose to focus on tasks that, in his mind, needed to be done.  Focusing on us leaving was too much.  Avoiding was easier.

At the airport, when I hugged him, he sobbed into my shoulder like a child.  “I don’t want you to go.  I focusing selfishly on the things that we will miss.  I don’t want you to go.”  I was sobbing too.  This is so painful.  We are taking our sons onto the other side of the world than their grandparents.  It hurts tremendously.  For my dad, there is a cost.

My mom took individual time with each of us on our last day.  She shared things she wanted to say before we left, and it was a tearful time.  She didn’t share what she told my sons or my husband, but she told me she was proud of me.  She said, through tears, that she sees us having our priorities in the right place even if sometimes she tells me they are not.  She said she loves me.  She loves me.  For my mom there is a great cost. 

Now that we are in Ghana, I keep thinking about my family and friends.  Right now, the only words of assurance I can offer are the truths of God’s promises.  He is with them too.  He will comfort them as only He can.  He will be the all sufficient one.  Our Rock and Redeemer will dry their tears…for only He can. 

My heart aches typing these words because it forces me to see how this affects other people.  I don’t ever wish to cause pain for anyone.  Yet, this decision to GO, does inflict pain.  It hurts.  So much.  On all sides. 

If you are reading this and you know my parents, please love on them extra hard for me.  Give them a needed hug every now and then and tell them you are delivering it from Africa.  If you know my sisters and their children, please do the same.  Hug the boys and Colby Grace extra tight for their Aunt Robin.  When Christopher comes home from Ethiopia, someone must CHEER REALLY, REALLY LOUD at the airport for ME.  That’s usually my role whenever I am super excited and I am super excited about this precious one coming home…but I need someone to fill in for me at the airport.  Tears are coming as I think about missing this incredible homecoming!

If you know any of my friends – Janet, Kristie, Paige, Stephanie, Patti, and others – please love on them right now.  I suppose because I am feeling the great void of not being near them that I think they are feeling the same thing.  Will you give them some encouragement for me from Africa?  The cost affects so many.

Many years ago, there was a song.  Some men at our church sang in a quartet and I still remember the words,

“We will abandon it all – For the sake of the call.”

Too often I’ve sung words to songs without really committing myself to the words coming from  my lips.  Today, I commit.  Today, I’ve done it.  Today, I see the vast cost of abandoning it all for the sake of the call.  Though the cost is great, I must say, “Yes, Lord.”

But it does hurt.  Yet, He gave up everything for me.  Everything.

“Though I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me.”

Psalm 139:9-10

God Sightings - Mostly from Michigan

Disclaimer:  It is late.  I am tired.  I have not proofed this well.  If you accept the terms of this disclaimer, read on...

My heart is full of so many emotions.  There are so many things I want to blog about on our first evening in Ghana.  I've started a blog about leaving.  Words are begun for a post about giving.  I could write about all of my crazy emotions.  I could write about so many things.

Actually, I started writing about our departure, but to really explain it well, pictures need to be posted.  I've tried uploading them, but after trying to load one picture for over an hour, I gave up.  We're not in Kansas anymore...

Before we arrived at the airport, my sister, Kelly, gave each of us a journal titled, "Ghana God Sightings."  The special books are for us to chronicle all of the times we see God at work.

It seemed fitting that this be my first post from Ghana.  God sightings!  There have been so many!

1.)  At the airport, we were blown away by everyone who came to see us off.  Family, special friends, some new friends we met just recently, neighbors from our neighborhood, and even one of my high school friends whom I have not seen since we came home with Godwin, chose to spend their afternoon sending us off at the airport!  Wow!  I don't know how many people were there.  (I wish I'd thought to take a group photo with everyone.)  Our boys were surrounded by those who love them and Reid and I have felt sustained by the special hugs from others!  Thank you!

Additionally, in the chaos of checking in, the attendant never charged us for our extra bag!  Oh, thank you Lord!  The kind gifts of money people gave us for travel helped us once we arrived in Ghana.  Thank you!

2.)  The homeless community of Knoxville came to the airport as well.  Women and men from Water Angels showed up as a welcomed surprise to our family!  About 15-20 of our downtown friends surrounded us with love.  Country and Samuel broke out into a loud song, "The Lord is My Shepherd."  Psalm 23 - in the middle of the airport!  Love it!  (Because another friend had sung this same passage over me a few moments earlier, I knew the Lord was reminding me of the precious peace found only in Him.  He is my Shepherd.  Since then, I've even had someone send me these words on Facebook!  He is my Shepherd!  Psalm 23!)

When everyone gathered around us to pray, it was Country, Samuel, and Stephanie who prayed aloud!  The least of these in Knoxville are sending us to the least of these in Ghana.  The irony of it reveals the heart of GOD.  Isn't it like Him to do the unexpected?  When we sat down on the airplane Reid and I looked at each other and said, "What missionaries do you know who have the homeless community sending them out?  Well...us."  Oh we love our downtown friends!  Thank you for coming to send us!

3.)  The encouragement from everyone at the airport helped my heart, but I felt like it was being ripped out of my chest during the goodbyes.  It was so hard.  Still is.  I even said aloud to my parents, "There is a huge part of me that doesn't want to get on the plane.  But I know I must.  God is calling us to GO."  As promised, I hugged my mom last, then we headed toward the gate.  I was a wreck.  Holding my eyes open hurt.  My thoughts were all jumbled.  My suitcase fell over onto a little girl in a stroller - twice.  Even something small as holding onto my suitcase seemed too much.

After handing my passport over, it was time to place everything on the conveyor belt.  Frantically, I was trying to get everything in its place.  I turned to the airport officer and apologized, "I'm so sorry this is taking me so long, but we are moving to Africa and I've just said goodbye to my family."  (As if he needed to know the whole story!)
"I know," the officer replied in a soothing voice.
"How?" I asked.
"I'm friends with the Persingers and I am praying for you."
Looking me in the eye, he continued, "And I will keep praying for you."
This gentleman had heard our story at the Persinger home!  He was praying for us!  He guided us through this portion of our transition toward the plane.  As we walked toward our gate, he again assured us he would be praying for us.

4.)  After we passed through the security area, I kept looking back to be sure my family was still there waiting.  They were still 100 feet near me.  They were still there.   Still there.  Still there.  Still there.  Then once everyone in our family had their shoes on, and our suitcases and backpacks were in order, I looked for them one more time.  They were gone.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" I silently cried out in my heart pleading with God,  "Not yet!  I'm not ready yet.  Please Lord, I still want to know someone near me!!  PLEASE!!  I don't think I can get on that plane."
(While this inner turmoil is happening to me, my boys are keenly taking in everything - including those passing through the security area.)
Franklin, our observant one, notifies me, "Hey mom!  Look, it's Craig Salvador!"
Oh, God heard my prayer!
Don't you wonder sometimes if God sends you to perform specific tasks just for Him?  Well, Craig Salvador, our dear friend from Michigan, was given the role of giving every member in our family our last hug in Knoxville.  The fact that this man was the one to do it is truly a miracle and reflects much of God's Glory!
God sent Craig to be one final piece of comfort and assurance.  Our two families have done that for each other as we've seen each other through some difficult things.  Craig was the ONE God chose to be the last person in Knoxville for our family to say goodbye to, and for us to receive comfort from.  Thank you Craig for standing near to the brokenhearted!

God is in the details!  Every single, itty-bitty, teeny-tiny detail.

5.)  We arrive in Washington Dulles airport completely drained.  Reid and I both letting it sink in that we are flying to Africa with one way tickets.  No longer do we own a car in the USA.  What is left of our belongings are separated from us, and we are taking our five boys to a foreign land!  What are we thinking?  Are we completely crazy?  We have just left our family without any concrete plans of when we will see one another again.  What in the world are we doing?
Oh, Lord, help us.  We feel so alone.  And scared.  Very scared.
Once again, I am in my own little world processing everything in the waiting area at the gate for our final flight.  La, la land.

"Excuse me," this soft voice says, "Can you tell me who you are with?  I noticed your shirts."
(Looking down at my shirt, I bring myself back into reality as I see my brown shirt with the orange GO emblem.)
"We are with Feeding the Orphans going to Ghana to help the children."  I answer.
"Oh my goodness.  Are you the woman with all the boys?  Aren't you moving to Ghana?"
Hesitantly, I answer, "Yes...that's us..."
"Oh!  I can't believe this!  I've read your blog.  I've prayed for you.  In fact, we were praying last night for God to bring us to people who need encouragement.  You see, we were missionaries in Russia for three years with our children and now we are adopting from Ghana.  I read your post about how hard this has been for you, and it's been on my "to do" list to respond.  I guess the Lord wanted me to tell you in person."
(By this time, my face in in my hands, because I am weeping at God's goodness to me!  God's orchestrates everything!  EVERYTHING!)
This kind woman continues, "It is all going to be okay.  It's one of the hardest things we ever did, but it's the best thing we ever did.  Everything you are feeling is normal.  Leaving is harder than you can ever put into words.  But thank you for your obedience.  Your obedience calls others to do the same.  You are faithfully trusting God and it will cause others to see what happens when you trust.  There is a ripple effect for the Kingdom.  Oh my goodness!  I can't believe I am meeting you!"

Our conversation continues for our families to meet.  Our children are near the same age.  This precious family is from Michigan (Michigan, again?) and they are were on their way to Ghana to bring home two boys through the gift of adoption.  (For my waiting friends out there, this precious family has been in process for 2 years 8 months, and finally, this is the trip to bring their boys home!)  We've exchanged numbers and hopefully, we will see them once more before they head back home to the States.

God is whispering..."You are not alone."

6.)  Anytime we board the flight for Ghana, our family skin color is in the minority.  As I walked back to the v-e-r-y b-a-c-k of the plane where my e-c-o-n-o-m-y c-l-a-s-s seat was located, I noticed another family who looked like we do.
After the young girl, Maria, complimented my Ghanaian bag, I asked why they were headed to Ghana.
This vivacious child, Maria, answered confidently, "We're moving there!"
W-h-a-t?!?!
So, on our flight to Ghana, there was another family, like ours, moving across the ocean.  We too exchanged pleasantries and phone numbers.  Wonder where they are from?  Yep.  Michigan.  (What is it with those Michiganites?)

7.)  Our last Ghana God Sighting was UPON OUR ARRIVAL IN GHANA.

As we stepped off the plane, I was praying that none of our bags would be checked as we passed through customs.  (15 suitcases, 7 carry-ons, 7 backpacks, 4 personal items = 33 bags!)  Guess what?  We were waved through without even so much as a pause!  Thank you Lord!

The boys wheeled the luggage carts down the ramps toward the exit gate.  (When I am on a mission, I'm oblivious to the surroundings - once again!)  We walked through a sliding glass door and heard screaming and clapping!  Then I saw a HUGE banner that read, "Welcome BEEBE Family Meaningful Life International."  All of our Ghana friends were waiting for us!!  Cheering for us!!  Welcoming us!!  What a homecoming!!

Lola, my precious friend here, ran over to hug me - we both cried.  (I hugged her once for Stephanie, once for Ethan, then Luke, and Christy, then Moses. Oops! Then I remembered I needed to hug her for Chad too, so I added one more!)

When I looked up again, I saw my boys all hugging Michael Lown.  He is serving here this summer as a volunteer with Feeding the Orphans.  My boys all admire this young man, and were comforted to see a familiar face themselves!  What joy to see these young men standing together!

David Gakson, the pastor of the church where Reid preached last year, was also there to welcome us.  Along with Wahob, Patrick, and Michael from MLI staff.  We had been in the country less than five minutes and felt such a warm welcome for our family!  Oh, God was assuring us that HE is with us!  These are other warriors on the mission field for Christ.

As we walked outside, Godwin arrived.  (Godwin is the Ghanaian missionary our son is named for.)  He had hugs galore.  What a welcome!  We were so excited to see him and he seemed so excited to see us!!  We snapped a few pictures, met Hillary and Olivia (also FTO volunteers), admired the banner a few more times, then headed to load everything into the vehicles.  We parted with the FTO volunteers, and headed to Godwin's house.

All of the MLI staff, Kathy - a woman from NY who is here on a scouting trip, and our family gathered in Godwin's den for a special prayer over us.  Godwin prayed - committing our time here to the Lord, asking for revival among the people, seeking God to use us in a mighty way for His Kingdom, asking for comfort for our hurting, grieving hearts for what we have left behind, asking God to help us begin to make home here as we "labor in the harvest field."

Americans could learn much from Ghanaians about hospitality, because Godwin then showed us the feast that had been prepared for us.  Dish after dish waited on the table.  We sat around his table amazed by God's goodness to us.  Jollof Rice, Beef Sauce, Potatoes, Mango, Fried Plantain, Etc...  Godwin truly provided a feast for us to enjoy upon our arrival in this foreign land.

Seven is the number of completion, so I will stop here.   It is complete.  We are welcome here.  We are not alone.  We have work to do and we will have the honor of working with others who are already doing it.

Country and Samuel sang Psalm 23 in the airport.  Kristin sang Psalm 23 over me before departing.  A friend sent me Psalm 23 as encouragement.  The Lord has kept this passage in front of me throughout the transition of the last 24 hours.  In Psalm 23, it reads,
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me on the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows."


(While our family was battling the enemies of pain, abandonment, fear, uncertainty, and sadness, God was already going before us.  He was preparing a table for us.  A feast.  People in Ghana have prepared for our arrival in generous, beautiful ways.  A feast!  We are in our first few hours here, but we taste His goodness.)

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalm 23


We praise God for all He has done!
We praise God for all He is doing!
We praise God for all He will do!


P.S.  Thanks for the blog idea, Sis!  What a great way to start our stay in Ghana!
P.S.S.  From license plates to songs at the airport, God is still using Psalm 23 to speak to His children about decisions.  Right, Mom?  I love you!
P.S.S.S.  I just found out where the Feeding the Orphans volunteer, Lola Crain is from.  Oh, come on, just guess...  Yes.  Again, Michigan!!!!  (Maybe the state is only full of amazing people or something!  Geez!)

More Goodbyes

We are saying more goodbyes - the really hard ones are coming fast.  

About a month ago, we made  trip to South Carolina to say good-bye to Reid's family.  These were our first goodbyes.  I actually wrote a very long post about us beginning the "Goodbye Road" but now all of my words float somewhere in cyberspace.  The entire post...evaporated...and it was a long one.  Oh well.  Our time with Reid's family was special, but because our departure date was far off, the goodbyes didn't seem as real. 

As I type this post, Reid has been on the phone with his Dad this morning.  Now he is talking to his sister, Margaret, who called to say "goodbye."  Their phone calls mean so much.

Friday, Reid spoke to his 96 year old grandfather on the phone.  Reid's grandfather's words to Reid were, "I just hope I live to see you one more time."  Reid couldn't even say it to me without crying.

This is...

our last Franklin family picture taken two days ago.

Saturday, we said goodbye to our nephews who are headed to camp.  Our boys said goodbye to their cousins they have been living life with.  Many tears for everyone.  I saw each of my boys cry.  Some during the goodbyes and some afterwards.  My heart was crumbling inside because this is so hard.

As we were driving up to the house, I asked Franklin what he was feeling.  Franklin responded, "I'm feeling what everyone else is feeling.  I'm really sad."

Pushing in further knowing Franklin's heart is always revealed through his drawing, I asked him, "If you could draw something to describe how you are feeling, what would you draw?"

After many seconds of silence while he contemplated, he responded, "I'd draw a man on his knees praying."

Oh, yes, son!  Yes!

After saying goodbye to the cousins, I found Weston crying downstairs.  I asked him to tell me what he's feeling.

"A paradox."

"Explain more," I challenged.

"Well, I'm really sad, but I'm also excited.  The thing is, I'm not really sure what I'm excited about because we don't really know what it will be like.  I'm feeling everything at the same time."

Oh, yes, son!  Yes!

Mason said that as he was walking up to the house praying to God after the goodbyes, God met him.  Mason said he was hurting so much.  Why am I having to leave all my friends and family?  All of the sudden he shared that he felt God wrap His arms around him and tell him, "I'm the best friend you will ever have.  I'm with you wherever you go.  I will not leave you.  I am with you."  Mason shared it was the most amazing feeling to KNOW God is with him.

Oh, yes, son!  Yes!

Braden feels things deeply.  Much like his momma.  Braden was wailing Saturday night.  Yes, wailing once he was home.  He loves his cousins.  In fact, on Saturday, he gave them each some of his own money to help them buy a plane ticket to come see us.  He gave his blanket to Wendy, my sister, to wrap up his cousin who will be coming from Ethiopia once we leave.  He loves well and he feels deeply.

To comfort him, we held him.  We spoke truth over him.  We prayed with him.  "But this is so hard.  This is so hard.  This is so hard." he kept saying over and over.

And, it is.

No doubt, this is the hardest thing we have ever seen our sons through.  No doubt, this is the hardest thing God has ever asked of us.

Yesterday, I said goodbye to my 94 year old grandmother.  As I kissed her, we both knew the unsaid truth - this may be the last time I see you.  I told my Mamaw  how much I love her, how much she has impacted my life, how much I will always cherish her.  Then I said the truth aloud through my tears, "Mamaw, we will see one another again.  Whether it is on this earth, or in eternity, we will be together again.  We will see one another again."

"Oh, honey, I believe that," Mamaw choked out.

It's true.  That's our promise.

The photo above was taken at the airport in 2005, when Reid and I helped lead a high school / college team to Ghana.  This was my first trip and the one where God planted seeds in my heart for this country.    In February of 2007, I sat with my precious friend Ansley as her life was drawing to a close after a long battle with breast cancer.  I knew the words we shared that day would be our last.  The same words were spoken.  "We will see one another again.  We will be together again."

Ansley slipped into a coma the next day, and left the earth to be with the Lord a few days later.  I grieved tremendously the loss of her earthly life, but the truth is that we will be together again.  At times, I feel she is really still with me because she had such a tremendous impact on my life.  In fact, in many ways, she is going with us to Ghana.  It was always her dream.

So I carry her with me in my heart.

As I do everyone.  My family, my friends, my elderly grandmother, Reid's grandfather, the boys' cousins - we carry you with us in our hearts.  YOU GO WITH US!

In the back of every goodbye for me is the question - will I see you again?  What if God calls us to serve in Ghana permanently, and it is longer than our two year commitment?  What if the words spoken in the conversation are our last to you?  What if?  What if?

I can rest in the truth that for all of my friends and family who know Jesus as their Savior.  We will be together again.  WILL BE!  It may be in a place not on this earth, but it may be in eternity as we rejoice with our Savior.  Wherever we are, HE binds our hearts together.

Please know that I am not complaining about our "choice to go" as someone recently said to me.  I am sharing from the depths the difficulty of following God's call to GO to the ends of the earth.  The "adventure" our family is beginning has some perilous turns along the path...it's not easy.  But it's good.  It's right.  It's where HE is leading.

In the past three days, I've received three e-mails with these words.  "There is no safer place to be than in the center of God's will."

We choose to stay here...in the center of His will...knowing He is our best friend who goes with us.

We love you.  So much.  Thank you for loving us so well.  We truly do carry you with us in our hearts.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  

Genesis 12:1-2

32 hours from now, we depart.  Right now, I have friends arriving to help clean my parents home and tie up our loose ends to help prepare us to GO.  We are so blessed by so many who are sending us well.

We love you all!

God's Team

Recently a friend asked me, "Who is your team in Ghana?"

Caught off-guard, I answered hesitantly, "Well, our family is our team.  Reid, myself, and our five boys." 

However, the Lord has clearly shown me that this statement is completely incorrect. 

This is a picture of part of "our Team."    

Our Team consists of every single person who is praying for us...  Every person who is financially partnered with us...  Every person who has collected supplies for us...  Every person who is involved with this ministry in any way...

Our Team consists of families who have hearts for desperate orphans.  Our Team is full of believers who mourn over those who have never heard the hope of Jesus.  Our Team is led by His servants who willingly sacrifice for God's beloved people around the world.  Our Team is made up of individuals who live unselfish lives under the mantra, "This life is not about me."

Our Team is multi-racial, multi-generational, and multi-denominational because God knows no boundaries.

Our Team is GOD'S TEAM.  

Our Team is led by two families who live lives sold-out for Jesus.  The O'Learys who run Feeding the Orphans, and The Alijah's who run Meaningful Life International.  These are the two ministries we will represent on the ground in Ghana.  These two families have lived as an example before us.  Through their personal obedience, they have paved the way for us to serve Christ alongside them.  We praise God for their leadership.

Scripture teaches that no one can go unless they are sent.  In fact, the implication is that "sending" is of equal importance to "going."  (Luke 4:18-19, Romans 10:15,16, Isaiah 6:8)

Friends, we are blown away by the Lord's goodness in providing people to accept the role of "sending."  YOU are faithful ones impacting the world for Christ.  We praise God for you.  YOU are the GOD TEAM He has woven together to SEND.  Thank you for your obedience to His call.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

    because he has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

    and recovering of sight to the blind,

     to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

Luke 4:18-19

Are You Excited?

Guest Blogger: Mason Beebe   Age: 15

     Lately, people have been asking me if I am ready or if I am excited about going to Ghana. While yes, I am excited and ready to make this move, no one can quite understand the emotions I am feeling right now. If you have been reading this blog, you have probably read about the mission training we went through in Colorado Springs last December. At this training they talked about a "pair of ducks" (meaning a paradox). One duck was the happy duck, and the other was the sad duck, but they existed together in the same environment. While it seemed silly at the time this was a great way to express the way I am feeling. It seems like I always have two opposite emotions about one reality.
     This has made life hard for me. I want to enjoy the precious time I have left here, but I don't feel like I can really enjoy knowing that my time left is very short. This is the hard part about changing cultures. When my parents first brought up the idea of moving to Ghana, I was very excited. That had been my dream for a long time, but I had no idea the hardships that came with it. It is very hard saying goodbye to all the people you know and love, but what makes it even harder is that there is basically no one close to our family who understands the emotions and can wrestle through them with us. Nobody quite understands all of the work that has to be done in order to move a family of seven across the ocean. If you are reading this and are feeling guilty, please don't because it is not your fault and you haven't done anything wrong. This is just me expressing my "pair of ducks."
     During this time of difficulty, I have found that it is best to look forward to what I will be able to experience in Ghana - what I would not get to experience in America. I will get to play with and love on God's children who have no earthly parents. I will get to experience another culture. I will get to see men and women saved who had never heard of the name of Jesus. I will get to participate in African worship. I will get to meet my brothers and sisters that I have never met before. I have so much to look forward to. So why is it so hard? Truthfully, I don't know. Obviously we are leaving many friends and loved ones behind, but we will get to see them again. Right now, we are not planning on staying in Ghana for the rest of our lives, but it is still hard to let go of relationships for even that short of a time.
      To finish this up, I would like to thank everyone who has encouraged us and prayed for the Beebe family. You have no idea what it means to me and my whole family. Little words of encouragement can make my whole day better. Thank you so much. We love you and will miss all of you.

    "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life" (Psalm 143:8)

   

Go Out Serving

Several months ago, Reid and I were talking about what we wanted our final days here to be like.  Reid and I both decided we wanted to go out serving.


Yes, time with friends and family was going to be important, but we wanted to be sure we prioritized on the things our family was already doing in our community for Christ.  So, on Mother's Day, we worshipped at Water Angels with the homeless community of Knoxville.

"For even the Son of Man 

did not come to be served, 

but to serve, 

and to give His life 

as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45

We want our lives to reflect Christ in every way.

Serving the downtown community flows out of this desire.

The boys led worship.  Mason challenged the congregation through the songs.  The boys played their best while others worshipped alongside them.
The boys played -
Where I Belong
Salvation is Here
Friend of God
The Cry
Turn Around

Braden played the entire set - something he has just recently been able to accomplish.  At 8 years old, it's a blessing to see his heart for worship.

Franklin pounded out the beat.  What a Mother's Day gift to worship with them and hear them play!











All the time, we want our lives to reflect Isaiah 58:6-14:

“Is not this the fast that I choose:
     to loose the bonds of wickedness,
    to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
    and to break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
    and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
     and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
⁸ Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
     and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
     the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

⁹ Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
    you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
     the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
¹⁰ if you pour yourself out for the hungry
    and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be as the noonday.
¹¹ And the Lord will guide you continually
    and satisfy your desire in scorched places
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters do not fail.
¹² And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
    you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
    the restorer of streets to dwell in.

¹³ “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
    from doing your pleasure^[c] on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
    and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
    or seeking your own pleasure,^[d] or talking idly;^[e]
14 then you shall take delight in the Lord,
     and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;^[f]
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
     for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Several friends from downtown spoke blessing over our family.  It's amazing to hear how God has revealed His love to others through our little family.   Humbling is an understatement of what the testimonies from our friends meant to our hearts!

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!"  
Psalm 115:1

We have seen God redeem lives from the streets.  He's taken women who were selling themselves for physical love and bring them to understanding of His true, unending love.  We have seen God break chains of addictions (sin).  We have celebrated children being reunited with parents.  We have witnessed modern day miracles in the streets of downtown Knoxville!

Someone asked me recently what we have done to "train" for missions.  While we have attended an amazing training through Mission Training Institute - our hands-on learning has come through serving the homeless community in our town at Water Angels.  Our family has been willing to get our hands dirty in order to be the hands and feet of Jesus within our community.  Aren't we supposed to minister as Jesus did?

Reid shared God's word, and challenged the homeless community to be faithful.  God is calling them to be lights for Him on this earth.  Reid preached the truth.  Whether they are in church, under a bridge, sleeping at KARM, or in a homeless camp, God calls everyone to be faithful to Him.  Lots of "Amens" and "Yes, Brother!" confirmed the relevance of Reid's teaching.

Mason led the congregation in a call to Turn Around by playing the final song.

My Mother's Day was complete because my mom worshipped with us at Water Angels today.  What JOY to celebrate this day with her!

Our family wanted to give a final gift to Water Angels celebrating some of our memories.  we created these canvases to hang as a reminder of some of the joy we have shared.

It's amazing to see what God has done.  The relationships He has orchestrated.  The lives He has changed.

Stephanie and Jeff Mitchum run Water Angels.  There is no paid staff.  Everything is done by volunteers.  (You can contact them if you are interested in serving!)

Stephanie and Jeff were leaders for our family.  They do all ministry with their two girls, and always have.  They modeled for us how family ministry can be done.  Their family serves together.  Thank you for paving the way for us Mitchum family!  You have taught us well!  We are grateful for your family's obedience to God through your love of the people in need.

Mother's day ended for us serving with some precious friends.  We provided lunch for the homeless community.  Guess what we served as the meal?  Beans and Rice.  It was our way to connect them with Ghana, Africa!  

Below are many pictures from our day.  I don't want to write about each one, but you will see the friends that we have served beside for the past few years here in Knoxville.  Part of our worship together has come through serving together.  Adults and children serving alongside each other.  Families serving with each other.  We've all experienced Jesus together as we have ministered to the least of these within our town.

Serving with my mom and dad has been such a blessing!

The Buds!  The Guys!

I totally cracked up as this friend jumped in the picture, someone stole the cigarette off his ear.  That's life downtown!

Octavia also jumped in for a photo with the boys.  She's so funny.

I first met Octavia about four years ago.  Soon after I met her, I ran into her at the World's Fair Park.  She was in her housekeeping uniform from a local hotel. She was walking to work from the homeless camp where she was living with her boyfriend, Steven.

Octavia has struggled with addictions, but over the past few years, she has been pursuing what is right in the Lord's eyes as she has come to know Him.

She comes to the Tuesday night Bible Study often.

She takes notes and listens intently to the teaching.  God's Word is penetrating her heart.

She and Steven married last year.  They decided to "start living the way God wanted them to."  So, now they are married living in a homeless tent camp downtown.

Steven has also started coming to church.  Hands that previously beat on Octavia are now holding her.  His life too, has turned around.
Octavia and Steven recently learned that they are expecting their first child.

On Mother's Day they shared the story with me about learning they were expecting.  Octavia said she called Steven to tell him she was pregnant.

Steven told me he was standing in a dumpster when the phone rang.  He said he started jumping up and down in the dumpster when he heard they were going to have a baby!  Jumping up and down in a dumpster!

In a life that some would call trash - there is JOY!  Steven was jumping in exuberant JOY inside of a dumpster filled with trash BECAUSE OF GOD'S GOODNESS TO HIM AND OCTAVIA!

Friends, please pray for this little one and please pray for Octavia and Steven to obtain housing before the baby comes.

Righ has held Godwin in Ghana, and now holds him in Knoxville.

Samuel.  Continuing to pursue the Lord.

I handed the camera to a downtown friend hoping for a group shot.

Well, he tried.

The Buds!  The Girls!

Photo bombed!

Lanita, my precious friend, gave me some pictures she had colored for our Wall of Friends in Ghana.  What a priceless gift!  Thank you Lanita!

Stephanie, my friend and mentor.

Loving the homeless community...loving orphans...loving others...

Beautiful.








We are so thankful for our time at Water Angels.  Our family has been so blessed on this training ground.  Thank you, dear friends, for loving us all so well.

In order to transport all of the music equipment, our family drove two cars to the service.  After the meal, I drove my friend, Pam, home.  She has no car.

Pam is a new believer.  Full of hope.  Full of JOY.

This is Pam's home.

And this is nicer than most people went home to today from Water Angels.  Some to homeless shelters.  Some headed under the bridges.  Some to homeless camps.  It's sobering.  In my own community, this is life for so many.  Yet, the needs in Africa are so much greater.

Friends, help is needed downtown to shepherd weary hopeless souls into the love of Jesus.  We are praying for God to continue to raise up people to love the homeless community in our absence.  Your help is needed.  You will be immersed into the reality of this town we call home.  And, you will be blessed beyond measure through the friends you will make.  You will be living Isaiah 58.

If you are interested in serving, please contact Water Angels.

"For even the Son of Man 

did not come to be served, 

but to serve, 

and to give His life 

as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45