xTHE LEES IN GHANA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What made you decide to go to Africa?

One of the men who first shared the Gospel with Alan was a missionary to the Masai in Tanzaia, East Africa. He shared his love for Afica and missions in one breath and his love for Jesus in the next. Alan felt a call to serve the Lord as a missionary in Africa right along with the call to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior thanks to this man, the Rev. Vincent Donovan.

What kind of house will you live in?

Our house will be a lot like the one pictured on the left (our home in Uganda from 1987 until 1990). It's made of adobe bricks which are covered with mortar. The roof is made of heavy gauge tin.

Will you be able to drink the water without special treatment where you live?

No. The water needs to be boiled for twenty minutes, cooled and then filtered before it's safe to drink. The availability of safe drinking water is a big problem for the Sisaala.

Will you have electricity in your house? What about a toilet?

No to both -- at least as Americans understand electricity and toilets. Electricity for lighting and small appliances will be supplied by solar panels. The "toilet" will be an outdoor latrine about 50 yards from the house.

Where will you shop for food and the things you need?

Big items (like home furnishings) will be purchased in Accra, Ghana's capital, and transported north to where we'll live. Everyday groceries (like canned goods) will be purchased in local shops. Fresh produce and meats are purchased in area open-air markets like the one pictured at left (Mpanga Market in Fort Portal, Uganda).

What kind of food will you eat in Ghana?

We'll major on local foods like rice, green bananas, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes for lunch and dinner. These are supplemented with simple stews or soups made of beans or greens, meat or vegetables. Breakfasts will likely be the most American of meals. We ate lots of eggs, homemade bread, homemade granola and pancakes in Uganda. Coffee and tea are usually a part of every meal.

What are the bugs like?

They're big -- and everywhere! Cockroaches are common. So are fire-ants and termites (which are harvested, fried and eaten when they migrate from termite hill to termite hill). Mosquitoes are a problem during the rainy season. Did we mention all the snakes and rodents which are a part of life in Ghana?

Will you see many wild animals?

Wild animals avoid centers of population, even rural villages, but can be seen in natural habitats like Mole National Park, a pleasant drive only hours from where we'll live.

What will the weather be like?

It'll always be hot -- in the 80s or 90s during the day. It's very dusty during the dry season (October through May) and very humid & wet during the rainy season (June through September). Ghana's northwest district, being just south of the Sahara desert, suffers from frequent and crippling droughts.

How do you think the local people will treat you?

With respect and honor. In fact, their deference to foreigners is sometimes embarrassing, and it's impossible to outdo the hospitality of Ghanaians. They have a well-deserved reputation for being among the friendliest people in all of Africa.

What will you do for entertainment?

We'll read books, play board games and enjoy long, leisurely conversations with each other during daily free times. It will be difficult to just "get away" to be by ourselves since we can't help but be noticed wherever we go. We'll probably visit Ghana's national parks for vacation.

Where will your children go to school?

Tamarah will attend Sahel Academy (pictured at left), a SIM-run boarding school located in Niger, about 700 miles away from where we'll be stationed. Hannah will be a sophmore at Houghton College in New York.

What about sickness and disease?

Malaria is a problem ; meds will be taken weekly to keep us malaria free. We've been vaccinated for Yellow Fever, Cholera, Hepatitus, Polio, Tetanus, Tyhpoid and Rabies. We'll need to be careful about what we drink (boiled water only!) and eat (but then there's Luke 10:8: ""When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you").

Will you be safe in Ghana?

Ghana is, at present one of the more politcally stable countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Instability in neighboring countries like the Ivory Coast is always a concern, however.

What's the religion of Ghana?

As in many West African countries, Christianity is the prevailing religion in the south along the coast and Islam is the prevailing religion in the north. Animism continues to be practiced by both professing Christians and Muslims.

What do you like most about living in Africa?

Africa has captured our hearts! We love the spirit of the people, the pace of life, the vast horizons, the unique sights and smells, the challenges and everything else about life in Africa.

What will you miss most about America?

Alan says he'll miss cappuccions at Starbucks; Sally says she'll miss her local radio station. But likely as not, we'll end up missing meaningful conversations with close friends more than anything else. Our ability to communicate will be juvenile at best during our first few years in Ghana given our need to learn a new language. Things can get a little lonely when your conversations don't go much deeper than, "I would like to buy six eggs. How much do they cost?"

How long will you stay in Ghana before you come back to America?

We're scheduled to be in Ghana for a full four-year term of service after which we'll return to the states for a time of furlough lasting from 6 to 10 months. Furlough is a time for R&R, reporting to our supporters, securing additional training and reconnect ing with family and friends. After furlough we'll return to Ghana for another four years; we're lifers!