Amen.

Religion is a big deal here. If you are a missionary and want to come here and preach the word of God, there really is no point because everyone (essentially) already knows it and would rather be doing the heathen-converting/saving (aka, me). There are evangelical vans that drive around neighborhoods with the sole purpose of blasting sermons. Most CDs for sale are some sort of christian pop or gospel.

I've found that along with the normal getting to know you questions such as, "What is your name?", "Where are you from?" "Where are you staying in Ghana?" etc, also comes "So what church do you belong to?"

Now I personally am not religious. I've never been and I really don't know if I ever will be. But here, when someone finds out that you do not belong to a church, it is quite the shock. Several members of my host family asked me, and actually had me repeat my answer because they were in disbelief.

My family goes to church every Sunday (for the most part) and they even hold a Saturday morning devotion where they gather together in the living room while my host dad reads passages from the bible for them to discuss or they'll sing hymns. Many a Saturday I have been awoken by the basso profondo of my siblings.

Because I'm not a Christian I have been wondering if my family will try and convert me. I've even tried the whole "I'm Jewish" thing. I know it's lying, but many people have told me I totally look the part. Not to mention my name is Leah Glass. Very Jewish.

Anyways, one day when I was walking home from school, I was confronted by a nice, tall man named Joeseph. He was telling me about the Agape Gospel Church that meets on Wednesdays, some Thursdays, and Sundays. That particular day was solely for adoration. They would be dancing and singing to praise the lord. In order to get out of that situation quickly I told him I was Jewish.
"OH! Shalom! That is great! What is your name?" (he appeared to be even more shocked that if I had told him I was a heathen)
"I'm Leah....very Jewish name."
"Oh yes! Leah, from the Bible! Wife of Jacob, sister of Rachel! How great!"
"Mhmm, yeah...right...wife..sister...I know..." I had no idea.
"Well everyone is still invited to our church. You are more than welcome."
Okay, thanks Joeseph...

So I thought the Jewish thing worked. Nope. The next week I was confronted by that same Joseph again.

"Hello, hello...it's Leah right?"
"Uhh, yes..."
"I am Joseph. From the Agape Gospel Church. Remember? Now now, I know you are Jewish, but you could still come to our service. I know you do not believe in Jesus Christ, that he has not come again, but we both worship the same God. You could still come and participate."

Damn it. I really thought I was home free. This time I just made up some excuse about lots of homework and being really busy because I am a student. I think it would be wise for me to find a new route home. Joeseph is probably tracking me.