Here we are, day four in Ghana, and I think we are beginning to get settled in here in Kumasi. Our house for the month of July is a small two bedroom bungalow, and is also home to two guard dogs, countless geckos (a few chickens are also running around but I am not sure they “live” here or just commute through our yard), and apparently there is a wild bush cat living in the spare room attached to the back porch. It’s nocturnal, but I did startle it (and it me!) while I was looking for a ladder to fix a gushing leak in the pipe that feeds the water heater.
Katie and John Mark have quickly bonded with the YLI coaches they have met and love the attention they are getting! Sleep schedules are completely askew, and it is hard for them to sleep with all of the African nighttime noises; but sleep is a moving target for toddlers anywhere! On Saturday, Carrie took the kids for a short walk to a corner market, and tomorrow we plan to go to the Kumasi Central Market which is the largest open air market in West Africa.
Albert Jatoe and I have spent a lot of time talking and planning the next four months, and also discussing the needs of the coaches here. Yesterday we received Roland Martin’s itinerary for his 30 day visit from Liberia and internship with us in Ghana. Please also be praying for the Coaches Conference in Kumasi (July 17th-20th). Coaches have been facing some religious opposition to they way they freely reach out relationally to non Christians. Pray that we will encourage them, and that they will know that there are many people behind them praying and supporting them.
youngleadersinternational.org 
Ash, it sounds like you are settling in to life in Africa. I am glad to hear that Carrie and the kids are well. I cannot wait to read about how the trip to the Kumasi Central Market went.
Scrapple is doing great at our house. The kids are all home from the various camps they have been going to and are very willing to walk and play with Scrapple. Ansley gave him a bath outside yesterday. He really seems to enjoy it. He has discovered a soccer ball in the yard and loves for us to kick it and he chase and fetch it.
It is awesome that Roland will be spending a month with you and the coaches there in Ghana and even more exciting that he will take the knowledge gained back to Liberia and share it with his country.
We will be praying for you, your family and the coaches. Keep up the good work!
Hi Ashley, Carrie, Katie & John Mark
This is a great site that we can keep up with your travels while in Africa! I was so impressed receiving a note from you all–considering your busy schedule getting ready to travel! You are SO thoughtful. Be safe.
Bev Chaney