The Hardest Day of a Missionary Internship Journey in Ghana
Some moments on the mission field stay with you forever.
Not because of the work accomplished that day, but because of the emotions behind it.
For me, one of the most memorable moments of my missionary internship journey in Ghana happened on a quiet morning at the airport when I said goodbye to my parents and siblings for the next year.
A Morning That Came Too Quickly
That morning started earlier than usual.
Everyone woke up knowing the day would be different. Suitcases were gathered. Luggage was loaded into vehicles. The normal sounds of breakfast filled the house, but there was also a quiet awareness among us that this meal would be our last together for quite some time.
After breakfast we loaded everything into the vehicles and began the short drive to the airport.
Bro. Prince drove Danny, Bonnie, and me.
Bro. Ruckman drove Mom, Dad, and the luggage.
It felt like an ordinary ride at first. We talked a little, but everyone knew what was coming when we reached the airport doors.
Saying Goodbye
Once we arrived, we unloaded the luggage and brought everything to the entrance.
Then came the moment we had all been trying not to think about.
Goodbyes.
I hugged everyone.
Mom.
Dad.
My siblings.
There were smiles, but there were also tears. Missionary work often looks exciting from the outside, but moments like these remind you that following God’s will sometimes requires real sacrifice.
As I walked away, I turned back several times and waved to my dad.
Even now, thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
Leaving family behind is never easy, but it is often part of the calling. My missionary internship journey in Ghana was entering a new stage, and that stage required trusting God with the people I loved most.
Driving Away
After the goodbyes, I climbed back into the vehicle.
The moment the car began to move, reality hit.
We were leaving them behind.
There would now be heavy hearts on two different sides of the world.
One part of our family was flying home.
Another part of the family was staying in Ghana.
Yet even in that moment, one truth brought comfort: God was in control.
The Apostle Paul wrote about pressing toward the mark, and that verse came to mind as we drove away. The Lord gives strength to keep moving forward even when emotions pull you backward.
Settling Into the New Routine
When I arrived back at the house, the emotions were still strong.
I spent a little time crying and thinking about everything that had just happened. Anyone who has spent time on the mission field understands that moments like these are part of the journey.
Eventually, I began moving my belongings into my room.
This would now be home for the next year.
Once everything was in place, I tried to settle into a normal routine again. One of the best ways to adjust to a big emotional moment is simply to keep moving forward with the work God has given you to do.
So I sat down and studied Fante for about twenty minutes.
Language learning is an important part of missionary life in Ghana. Even simple conversations become opportunities to build relationships and show respect to the local culture.
After studying, I watched a movie for a little while to clear my mind before the day continued.
Fante Class and Daily Ministry Life
At ten o’clock we began our Fante class.
Language study is a regular part of this missionary internship journey in Ghana, and it plays a critical role in effective ministry. Being able to communicate clearly opens doors for the gospel.
Our class lasted until noon.
Once class finished, we ran several errands around town.
Mrs. Angie needed to get new glasses.
Bro. Ruckman withdrew money so he could purchase books for the Bible Institute.
And I took care of something simple but necessary — a haircut.
Life on the mission field often consists of these ordinary moments mixed with ministry opportunities. Even the smallest tasks become part of the larger work God is doing.
Lunch and a Needed Nap
For lunch we stopped at Peter Pan’s Pizza.
After eating, we returned home. By this point I had developed a small headache, probably from the emotions of the morning combined with the busy schedule.
I took some ibuprofen and laid down for a nap.
Sometimes the best thing a missionary can do is simply rest. Physical and emotional health are both important when serving overseas.
After the nap I felt much better.
Preparing to Preach
Later that afternoon I began preparing a sermon.
The following evening I would be preaching to the youth along with another young man from the church.
Moments like this remind me why internships like this matter so much. A missionary internship journey in Ghana is not just about travel experiences. It is about learning how to serve, preach, and minister to people.
Every opportunity to teach the Bible is a chance to grow.
Staying Connected
That evening I was able to text Mom and Dad for a while.
It was encouraging to hear how their travels were going and to stay connected even though we were now separated by an ocean.
Technology has made missionary life much easier in some ways. A simple message can help bridge the distance between continents.
Afterward I finished watching the movie I had started earlier in the day.
A Picture Worth Remembering
Throughout the week we had forgotten to take a photo with the Ruckmans.
Finally, the night before everyone left, we remembered.
So we gathered together and took a picture.
It may seem like a small thing, but photos like that capture moments that become memories for a lifetime.
The Travelers’ Side of the Story
While my day continued in Ghana, the travelers had their own adventure.
They spent several hours at the Takoradi airport waiting for a delayed flight. The plane was supposed to leave at 8:30 AM but did not arrive until 10:45.
Even though the flight itself only lasted thirty minutes, the long wait reminded them how unpredictable travel can be in West Africa.
After arriving in Accra, they took taxis to their hotel.
Finding the right souvenir market became another adventure. Their taxi driver took them to three different places before they finally found the correct one.
Bartering for souvenirs is always an experience.
Prices are never listed.
You ask.
They counter.
And eventually both sides agree somewhere in the middle.
Pizza for Breakfast?
Back at the hotel, Bonnie and Mom took a nap.
Joe and Danny ordered pizza delivery.
At least that was the plan.
Joe thought he was ordering two pizzas and one bottle of Coke.
Instead, four pizzas and two bottles arrived.
So apparently pizza would be on the breakfast menu the next morning.
A Family on Two Continents
Even though we were now separated, everyone knew one thing for certain:
We were exactly where God wanted us to be.
My family was heading home.
I was continuing my missionary internship journey in Ghana.
Both paths were part of God’s plan.
And when God is leading, we can move forward with confidence — even when our hearts are full.
If you would like to learn more about how young people can experience missions firsthand, visit our page on missionary internships:
https://consfords.com/missionary-internships/
That tough, I can’t imagine being so far away from home, and away from family. The best advice I can offer is to cling to the Lord and remember everything thing that your Mom and Dad have taught you. You will be fine.
There will be lots of Prayers for you and your Mission.
🙏
Praying for you, Gilbert! Hang in there! Praying you have a great, safe year! I will enjoy reading your updates!