In Every Place and Every Season — Micaelyn Chedrawee

I shared this on my personal, private Instagram. I contemplated whether or not I wanted to publicly share this, as it was very vulnerable. However, I think that this will be of encouragement to you, and thus, I have decided to share it. May the Lord bless you and keep you, friends.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)

Today marks one week in Ghana. I cannot put the country into a box. For those in developed, Western cultures, I swear, Africa is not what is depicted in the media. Well, in some sense, it is, but in another sense...well, if you get the chance to come to Ghana, do it.

I have had this dream of traveling since I was young. I've said that one day I would come to Africa since I was five years old. I am still processing and writing, and I am sure more posts on my blog will come from this. However, I want to be a little vulnerable and share a little of what I am learning.

I spent my first few days in Accra, the capital city. Sunday, I left the city to spend time in some of the suburban and rural areas. I hadn't cried the entire trip until two nights ago. I cried, and then I left the room so as not to be alone, and I felt a little better. Last night, I cried again. To put things in perspective, Ghana is 5 hours ahead of my hometown, so when I was crying as I laid in bed, my family was sitting down for dinner. No one was available. Here, everyone was asleep. I was alone...or so I thought.

In my tears, I whispered, "Abba, hold me." Like a child resting her head on her daddy's chest, I poured out my heart to the Lord. For much of the time, it was a silent prayer, more tears than words. I cried for feeling alone. It is strange being a minority, especially being a minority with privilege. I cried for those hurt by racism in my home country. I cried for those experiencing poverty around me, for children with disabilities who will grow up to be beggars because there is no system of support for them. I cried for feeling like I can't explain my experiences to my loved ones because it's hard to understand when you haven't felt it yourself. I cried for the hurts experienced by my friends and family. I cried, and through my tears came a prayer so genuine that it brought about restoration. Through my tears, came peace and the reminder that the Lord is always with us.

"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5b)