We got up early this morning and had breakfast with the Ruckmans. Mrs. Ruckman got up before sunrise and made pancakes and eggs for us. She is such a good hostess! Dave and I nicknamed her “The Flash” because she’s always running from one project to the next. I’m so glad we got to come for this visit — it has been refreshing and full of memories.
Leaving Takoradi
We left the house at 6:30 a.m. so we could catch an early bus. Our goal was to leave before 8:00 a.m. to avoid the heavy morning traffic of people heading to work and school.
By 6:45 a.m. we were seated on the bus, but it didn’t leave until 8:10 a.m. In Ghana, these buses don’t leave until every seat is sold. The workers will shout the name of the destination over and over until the bus is full. It’s quite the system — and part of the adventure.
The Long Ride and a Little Adventure
The ride was fairly uneventful, with heavy traffic in the usual places but nothing too exciting. Sammy, however, had the “privilege” of using an African public restroom at one of the stops. That alone could qualify as an adventure!
It rained the entire trip, and the roads were a muddy mess. But as always, God had a plan. When we reached Accra, we found out that the city had been hit by severe flooding. The airport and surrounding roads had been closed earlier in the day due to water damage.
You can actually see a video of the flooding here:
👉 Accra Flood Video on Facebook
Arriving in Accra
We drove through several flooded areas, and by the time we arrived, my bag was dripping water. The flood had filled the bus’s luggage compartment, and my bag must have been on the bottom.
The Accra bus station was its usual state of organized chaos — people everywhere, shouting destinations, selling snacks, and grabbing for attention. Dave and Sammy got to experience that scene for the first time. Gilbert and I knew what to expect, but for them, it was unforgettable.
Dave just shook his head and said, “North Americans are so spoiled!”
He’s not wrong.
Waiting at the Airport
Because of the flooding and all the mud, we decided to stay inside the airport once we arrived. We grabbed a snack in the food court and checked in as soon as possible. After clearing passport control and security, we made our way to the airline lounge — a little oasis of calm.
There’s a coffee bar, super comfortable chairs, and fast Wi-Fi. That’s actually where I’m sitting right now as I write this post. We’re scheduled to board our flight in about an hour and a half.
Looking Ahead
Please pray for us as we travel home. As soon as we land, our missions conference begins, and there’s no time to rest. I’m so excited about what God is doing and can’t wait to raise our support and get back here to continue the work in Ghana.
We have so much to do, and I know the Lord will continue to guide every step.
