What we've been up to...

We are well on our way into our second week here in Ghana.  We jumped in with both feet attacking our To Do lists.  Though things move much slower here, we are pleased with the forward progress we are making so far.  Here is an update on what we've been up to...by way of bullet points!

~ The day after we arrived, Don and Ryan attended a dressy event hosted by the Dutch Navy on one of their ships docked at the Tema Port.  They spent the evening rubbing shoulders with Dutch officials and representatives from Ghana.  Although I can't say this is Don's favorite kind of thing, his networking skills got a good workout that night.

Don & Ryan heading out to their event.  Don grabbed Ernestina's bike as a prop for their picture.  I could make several comments about this however I'll leave it to your imaginations.  (Incidentally, we found out this was a suit and tie occasion the day we left for Ghana.  Nothing like buying a suit on your way to the airport!)

 On the navy boat

~ Unpacking, unpacking, unpacking...  Packing and unpacking has sort of been my life for the last 18 months.  At times I kind of feel like I'm stuck in a bad version of Groundhog Day.  Needless to say, we are fairly settled in...at least for now.

~ Started school right away last Monday.  After 4 months off, we were all craving a little routine and structure.  I can't say that we've found our "groove" yet but we're working on it!

Ally was practicing writing all her review spelling words...with her eyes closed!

I may not have found my groove but this little teacher sure had her students in line.  :)

~ The first few days we were here, we had some new young friends stay with us while their parents (missionary family from up north) spent 3 long days at port trying to clear their container and vehicle.  It worked out well as our kids were occupied with playmates while we unpacked and their kids didn't have to sit in the port waiting room for 3 full days.  They had success and we were able to take notes as we will be going through the same process in a few weeks when our container arrives.

Watching Tale Spin episodes after a long day of playing.

~ We now have phones and internet access.  We've also been having amazing consistency in power -- only 15 minutes of power outages this week.  We are SO thankful for that.  On the other hand, our water supply has been quite low.  We have been hauling water in buckets for washing dishes and showering for almost a week now.  We are praying the main water lines open before the Gyolai family of 5 descends on our house tomorrow night.  Although, nothing says welcome to Ghana like a cold bucket shower!  :)

~ The kids creativity has been out in full force.   I love that about watching them play here.  Here they are leading Aunt Josi into a homemade "trap" to catch humans.

Finding plastic spiders that Grandma hid in their suitcases.

Batgirl has returned

~ Toby's been busy working on losing his first tooth.  He had success with a little help from Daddy.  He's been waiting patiently for this day to come as Chloe has lost several teeth already.  He was very matter of fact and business-like about the whole process (unlike his big sis who was overcome with "happy tears" when she lost her first tooth).  So proud of him!

~ Don has spent much of the last week learning to be an accountant...balance sheets, cash flow statements, and the like are now pouring through his fingertips like a pro.

~  Ryan and Josi spent several days this week at the port walking through the process to clear our truck through customs and making some new friends along the way.  

~  We've also been looking for housing for our team the last week.  We've looked at 10-15 houses primarily in 2 neighborhoods we had scoped out last spring.  We have several options we are considering but nothing that is quite the perfect fit.  We are discussing pros and cons and praying for wisdom as God guides us to the right homes for us.  

Pure sweetness!

~We've also become reacquainted with our neighborhood friends and have picked up our walks to the roadside for fruit, to our favorite bread lady's house, to Auntie Vivienne's for water, and to Auntie Linda's for candy.  We also found our friends Kokmel (14 yrs) and Priscilla (12 yrs).  It has been good to see all our Ghanaian friends and see that they are well.

Libby painting Priscilla's nails

Well, I have a few more things to share from our side of the ocean but they deserve their own post.

From the West Wing

Here are a couple pics we received this week from our team still stateside (who Don has lovingly named "The West Wing"!)  

~  Our second container was loaded up and shipped containing tools and business supplies, the Sparling family's household goods, and a truck!

 "The West Wing"  Way to go guys!

The Gyolai family (Jamie & Sarah on left + the 3 girls) is actually on their way as I write to join us here in Ghana.  They will be landing in Accra tomorrow night.  We are thrilled to have them joining us and look forward to the Sparling family joining us early December.  (We miss you guys!  Come soon!)