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After being back home now for a week, I have had a lot of time to reflect on my trip to Ghana. For just three short weeks, I was able to make incredible memories and form bonds with people from across the world. Before leaving for the trip, I had a lot of doubts about whether I was a good enough Christian to go on a mission trip, or if I would even make an impact on the kids, or if I was going to be safe. I had lots of people tell me that it was a great opportunity, but that I should reconsider other options. I even had people try to scare me out of not going. But looking back at the past three weeks in Ghana, I am so glad that I chose not to listen to anyone telling me not to go, and instead listen to the Lord who was telling me to go. Before I left, I tried not to have any expectations for the trip. I had never gone on a missions trip before, so I had no idea what to expect. But I wanted to keep my mind open to anything that could happen during the trip. I also wanted to keep away any fears or anxieties that I had about the trip. I do admit that this was really hard, and throughout my time in Ghana I prayed that God would give me the words to say to the kids, and would help guide me through my devotional planning. I was really nervous about teaching devotionals to the kids before our sports session. I was afraid that I would not be ready for questions that the kids had about the lesson, or that my lesson would not click with them. In my last blog, I wrote about a verse that gave me comfort as I tried not to worry, and that was Exodus 4:12 which says, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say". He told me to go to Africa, and I did. But He was also giving me the wisdom to share His word. After my first day of teaching devotionals before the sport session, I gathered in a younger boys cottage with another Rafiki Mini-Missionary and the cottage Mama. After the boys led worship with their hymns, they chose a reading from the Bible. The boys chose to read Matthew chapter 25: 14-30, which is the Parable of Talents. The younger boys chose to read the same story that I attempted to teach them about during my lesson. They were able to talk about the parable with such great understanding, and the other missionary was so pleased with their knowledge of the parable. In that moment, I knew that my lesson was working, that the kids understood what I was teaching them, and that they could then teach it to someone else. During those two days of teaching, God gave me the words to say to the kids so that they could learn the most from the lesson. While I was proud of myself for teaching the kids, I know that I was only able to do that with God's help. In our team's Bible study, we talked about how God does not call the equipped but rather equips the called. God equipped me with the words to say even when I did not think I was prepared as a Christian. I would encourage anyone who feels called to go serve the Lord—especially if you are worried about the impact you would have—to take a step of faith and just go. God will help along the way, and give you words of wisdom to make the impact that He wanted you to have. He gave me such a wonderful and eye opening experience in Ghana. I will never forget the passion in the way that they pray, their kindness in their smiles, and their love for our great God. Just remember Exodus 4:12, and take that step of faith. I am incredibly thankful for a great God who helped me, loved me, and led me throughout the trip. Thank you to all of our supporters, Managers On A Mission staff, Rafiki, the Ghanaians, and my wonderful team for making this trip happen. In Christ, Haley Gardner To God Be the Glory! Apply to join a future MOAM Mission Trip! Request a Clean Out For A Cause Donation Collection Box! Make a tax-deductible, online donation to MOAM!  
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