Borne by God, Bearer of a Burden

Amos

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Borne by God, Bearer of a Burden

I'm dedicating this post to my good friend Amos. Amos has been following my blog and has even been marking (grading) each of my posts! He is sometimes hard to please when it comes to grading. Let's see what this post will get.....

I met Amos last year when Jordan, Emily and I came to Kumasi for the first time. He works at the Ghana Bible College, attends church at Bomso and lives right near the compound. So, it is easy to say that Amos was always around when we were here last year. He also ended up being our translator most of the time. Amos would accompany us on some of our trips to orphanages, he went with us to bible classes, we visited him in his office and surely there was probably not a day that would go by where we didn't see Amos and spend time talking to him.

Amos quickly became one of our best friends in Kumasi. He has such a good sense of humor and can always make you laugh. Sometimes, I don't even think he knows that he is funny! But he can bring a smile to your face. Another thing that I love about Amos, is the way HE himself laughs! He has a laugh that no matter what, will also make you laugh. It is contagious, and such a great quality.

Last year when I left Kumasi, Amos was someone who I knew I would miss greatly. The talks that we had, the time we spent together, the things that I learned from him were all aspects that I would miss when I went back to the US. Luckily, Amos and I were able to keep in touch while I was in the US and looking back, it was a huge blessing.

As most of you know, when I returned home from Ghana last year, I started to think about more long term possibilities in Ghana for the future. Amos and I talked much about this and he was the one who helped me the most. He was always quick to offer help, to pray for me, to advise me, to support me and to be a brother in Christ for me. I honestly think, that if it wasn't for Amos, I would not be sitting here in Ghana, Africa right now writing this post.

When I knew for sure that I would be coming to Ghana again, I was more than excited to see Amos and continue our friendship. 

In this past year, a lot has changed in Amos' life. Soon after we left last year, Amos got married and not too long after that he announced that he and his wife were expecting a baby. The baby boy is due late October or early November. Throughout the changes in Amos' life, he has remained a faithful friend. I can count on him for anything, I trust him, respect him, cherish him, and I am so thankful for him.

I have noticed that this is just who Amos is. He isn't just a good friend to me...he is a good friend to everyone. I have watched his interactions with others and realize that he is truly a man of God, BORNE BY GOD. His name fits him perfectly...right??

Amos: You truly are an example of how we should all live our lives. You put others before yourself in everything you do. You are quick to help, and to listen. I see Jesus in you. I respect you and look up to you. You have been a good friend to me and I thank God every day for you.

It is my prayer that we all, myself included, can learn to be a little more like Amos.

Blessings and love to you all.

SLC and Birthdays...what a combination!

Of course, it has been quite a while since my last post. I think that every day I become more and more busy. How does that happen?????

Well, it's hard to believe that I am about to be in my 8th week of school. The time has flown by so quickly. I wish it would slow down! In a week we have SLC (Student Led Conferences) and I have been a busy little bee getting everything ready for that...and no, I'm not finished getting ready either. Despite all the work that goes into making SLC a success, I am really excited about SLC. It will be the first time that I get to meet most of the parents. Parent/Teacher relationship is incredibly important to me. Parents and teachers work together to help make the child not only successful in the classroom, but at home and in life. It is my job as a teacher to foster this success. Also, it is just fun getting to meet the parents of your students...it can explain a lot about a student!! Another thing that I am looking forward to is getting feedback from the parents. I am eager to know what they are thinking, the things they like and the things they do not like, things that are going well and things that need to be improved. This is the way that everyone involved can work together to make a successful learning environment. I see parents as my partners in teaching. SLC is on the 18th of October. I have this next week to get everything prepared and ready for it. Please be in prayer about this, that everything will go smoothly and be a success. Although I am excited about this, I have been more than busy and I know as the time gets closer I will be a little nervous too! I would greatly appreciate the prayers!

An update on my students:

Things have been going well, and I think all my students are finally getting use to the fact that obroni (white person) is teaching them. There isn't so much hype anymore and I am really happy about that. On the last Friday of every month we get to celebrate the children's birthdays! So, on the last Friday of September, we were able to celebrate Glen's birthday. He just turned 7 and is one of the brightest students in my class. I couldn't believe he was turning 7....I was certain that he must at least be turning 8! Glen is so calm and collected, does his work neat and well, and what I like best about Glen is he is always ready and willing to help other students learn. After he has finished his work he will come to me and say, "Ms. Johnson, may I please go and help Richard. I promise not to tell him the answers but to help him learn." (I have been really working with my students on not telling each other the answers or copying because that only puts a hindrance on that child, they are only crippling that child, instead, HELP the child learn, help him/her find the answer and work together.) I loved getting to celebrate Glen's birthday in class as did the other students. He brought drinks, candy and biscuits for everyone! Glen is on his way to great things and I am privileged to have him in my class!

 Sorry for the glare on the chalk board!

  Glen with his goodies and friends at the birthday table!

  Me and the Birthday Boy!

Also, it was my assistant's birthday on the 29th of September. She wanted Jordan and I and 2 other teachers from school to go out with her. She took us to Sir Max's hotel. It is owned by some Lebanese people. Anyway, we went and ate at their restaurant. WOW! This is just what I needed. I couldn't stop looking at the menu. EVERYTHING...EVERYTHING AND I MEAN EVERYTHING sounded delicious. It was such a nice change from eating rice rice rice. I got a salad...and if know me in the slightest bit...you know that I LOVE SALAD....SALAD IS MY FAVORITE FOOD! hahaha. Well, I got a mouth watering, to die for in Africa salad and then a pita type thing with steak. It melted in my mouth. Needless to say...I think Jordan and I will be making a few trips back to Sir Max's for some good quality, mouth watering, delectable food!

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I hope and pray that all of you are doing very fine. I think of yall often. Please continue to pray for me and my students.

Blessings and love to you all,

Ms. Johnson