The Yendi Notes are coming from the courtesy of Rusty Johnson
This morning Perry woke me up well before our alarm was set. He said they had just gotten word that we would be leaving an hour earlier than originally planned. We still had ample time for a hardy breakfast of oats and toast. Each morning that we have had oats the discussion has been on the proper density of the oats. I personally don’t care and they have been good every morning we have had them. A few days ago I mentioned to Kandie that I’m not accustomed to eating three hot cooked meals a day and I was going to miss that when I got home. She laughed and said Steve wasn’t used to it either.
After breakfast we loaded the last podium in the green truck. I volunteered as tribute and rode in the back of the truck and held the podium. (You Hunger Games fans will get the joke). I actually really enjoy riding in the back. The views are magnificent and you feel like a celebrity as you go through each village and the kids run out yelling, smiling and waving at you.
Today’s plan was to split up so we could do two villages. Once we got to Divine’s village (Kpamang) we all got out to visit the chief. He was out in the field doing some work so we left our small gift with one of his people and then made the small walk back to the church building. Steve, Perry and Timothy then got in the pickup and headed back to Kulkpanga where Perry preached and Timothy served as the interpreter. At Divine’s village I preached and Divine interpreted for me. Jack Reynolds led the children’s Bible class and did a lesson on Samson and Delilah. I wasn’t in the class but my understanding his interpreter struggled a lot. Jack’s a trooper and worked through it.
As soon as we finished we made the 30 minute trip back to the mission house. It is market day in Yendi so a few ladies were very excited that they were able to hitch a ride. I rode in the back of the truck with them and I have no clue what they were saying, but I could tell they were very happy that they didn’t have to walk to the market.
Today’s lunch was a smorgasbord of leftovers. We had hamburgers, spaghetti, chicken and noodles, mash potatoes and I’m sure there were other things. It was all very tasty. As soon as lunch was over we started the preparations for packing, loading the van and shutting down the mission house. Kandie has several checklists (imagine that) and we started working through them. Unfortunately I’m not sure Perry and I were not much help. We don’t know where things are or where they are supposed to go. Perry did get the gas drained out of the motor king and the motorcycle. I think I saw a small tear in Jack’s eye when he realized his motorcycle riding days in Ghana are now over.
Before supper Perry and I had a Cooking with Kandie session. We really love the caramel corn she has been making so she gave us a class tonight on how to make it. I told her I was going to make some during the holiday’s but not to be surprised when I called her because I did something wrong. I’m also going to start a YouTube channel “Cooking with Kandie, How to make a delicious meal with what you have on hand”. We didn’t have the Karo Syrup we needed for the popcorn so she said, just use honey. Also, she doesn’t have a candy thermometer but she showed us how to use a little bowl of water to determine when the caramel was ready.
After dinner we all headed out one last time to Kulkpeni for their evening service. It was bitter sweet saying goodbye to the friends we have met and grown to love there. Hopefully we will be given the opportunity to return.
This is probably our last Yendi notes since we are headed back early in the morning. I would be remiss if I didn’t say something about our hosts Steve and Kandie. They are so dedicated to this work and are doing an amazing job. The stress level is high for them while they are here and they can’t ever really just relax. They are great stewards of the money that their supporters provide. If you give them a dollar I guarantee they get a dollar and a half value out of it. You just have to witness it firsthand.
I also have to say something about Jack Reynolds. We have truly enjoyed getting to know Jack. He has made a tremendous effort to connect with the locals. He has learned as much of their language as he can and there is always a big smile on the locals face when he greets them in their own language. He is also a very good student of the Bible and does a good job when they ask him to preach, teach a class or lead a prayer. There are not many 18 year olds that would take three months off right after high school and spend it in the mission field. The Reynolds family has a lot to be proud of in Jack.
Jack has also made friends with Zorash and the two are constantly picking on each other. A few quotes I heard her say “Your mom is rejoicing because you are away and you are trouble”, “I want you to get married and bring your wife to Ghana so I can ask her is Jack as stupid as he looks”, “Your mom’s heart is pounding because she is afraid you are coming back”. It’s all good nature kidding and I believe Zorash is really going to miss having Jack around. Also Mary’s little girl Nazia really likes Jack. I’m guessing she is about 18 months old but she always smiles and says Jack.
Please remember us in your prayers as we start the long journey from Yendi to Athens via Kumasi, Accra, Amsterdam and Atlanta.
In Christian love,
Steve, Kandie, Jack, Rusty, and Perry
