Accra marketplace

Visiting the market place today was such an exhilarating experience. I was grateful for the free day before the crusade begins to enjoy a good night’s sleep and nice (cold) shower and then our large group headed out to the markets. There were many souvenirs to choose from, including African dresses and shirts, handmade jewelry, woven fans, personalized bracelets, etc. I was happy to buy an African dress for myself as well as some necklaces and bracelets for my mom and a few friends back home. We bought mostly from a woman who told us to call her “mama” and who was very sweet and assured us she would attend the crusade. All of the vendors were extremely kind and for the most part it was fun heckling over prices, although a few times it felt overwhelming to have so many people vying for our attention. It was the first time I have ever observed pick-pocketing but thankfully we got back to the hotel with all of our belongings. Today I am thanking God for joy and laughter. We have bonded with so many of our group members and already we feel like one big family, which we are. Even with those in our group who do not speak English we have had fun teaching one another simple phrases, and we have seen that laughter is in fact a universal language. Right now we are waiting to check into our second hotel (for the rest of the week) and I have a true sense of anticipation for the crusade to begin. We invited everyone we met at the markets and it sounds like many people are planning to attend. One gentleman told us that the whole city of Accra has been plastered in posters and that everyone has been talking about it. We passed by the empty crusade grounds today and it looks like it can fit many, many people – so we are really praying that God will fill that place to overflowing with people desperate for healing and salvation.